U.S. Navy takes action in Olympic Security Concerns

U.S. Navy Warships set to sail Black Sea during the Olympic Games.

By: Spencer Emmerson, Staff Writer
 

With the Sochi Winter Olympics less than two-weeks away, the debate over security continues to rise.

In a video recently posted online, two Russian-speaking men from an Islamic militant group in Russia claimed responsibility for the suicide bombings that killed 34 people in early January, and issued a warning to President Vladimir Putin. According to TIME, the men warned Putin that if he didn’t cancel the games, more violence was to come.

“If you hold these Olympics, we will give you a present for the innocent Muslim blood being spilled around the world: in Afghanistan, in Somalia, in Syria…For the tourists who come, there will be a present, too.”

This recent threat, coupled with the location of the games in Sochi, Russia—situated near an area of long-standing militant unrest—has many countries making plans for the off-chance that safety does become an issue.

As first reported by CNN on Monday, a Pentagon official has confirmed that American military’s European Command is set to—if required—position two Navy warships in the Black Sea for the duration of the Sochi Winter Olympics. At this time plans are simply precautionary and will only be put into effect in the event of a terrorist attack or any other emergency.

If plans do eventually receive a green light—which could occur in the coming days—any evacuation of Americans during the games will occur with the coordination and permission of Russia.

The Opening Ceremonies of the Sochi Winter Olympics will take place on February 7.

Spencer is entering his final semester of corporate communications at Seneca College. In October of 2012, he obtained his Honours degree in English from the University of Guelph. To learn more please view his twitter account: @TheSpinner24.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.