Sochi Winter Olympic Games "present" threat.

[TaraF]

In the last few weeks there seems to have been more violence than usual near wear the Winter games will be held. And now a message has been posted on a Jihadi website claiming that a "present" will befall tourists and athletes that attend the games.

Now it's a big event, it's the Olympics so it's no surprise someone is planning to do something stupid, but what I found interesting is that the US is taking it so serious that they are putting together a rescue plan to get US citizens out of Russia if something should happen.

US studying possible rescue plans incase of Crisis at Sochi Olympics

The US Ski team has an evac plan in place

The US State Dept has issued travel warnings for US travelers attending

Hopefully nothing happens but I can't imagine being there as an athlete will this on your mind and it not having an impact on your performance.

[Patty Smyth]

They are in a really isolated place too. I think this is the first time in a while I actually think something awful could happen. These bloody idiots don't value this life because they think paradise awaits them. So why not blow yourself up and take a few infidels with you. So sad to be that effed up by religion.

[Natalka]

Very true, Patty.

Hoping they at least find the black widow.

I do believe the Russians will do everything possible to protect everyone - as much as any other country could, and probably more.

[Lynn49]

Let's not forget those virgins all waiting for those idiots who blow themselves up!

I just heard on CNN that two US warships and aircraft are on stand-by in case thay're required for evacuation of US citizens. Three terrorists including a "Black Widow" may be ready to meet their maker and take others with them. Russian authorities may be doing all they can, and I pray it's enough.

Tara, I came on here just now to start an Olympic thread...great minds think alike....

[Natalka]

Lynn, there's a general Olympics thread
http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/367916-...pics-canada-2/

[Lynn49]

Missed that! Thanks, Natalka!!

[TaraF]

Patty I know what you mean about feeling something could actually happen. I mean it can at any of the games but with the violence happeening so much there right now it is certainly worrriesome.


Natalka I was reading today about the black widow. Scary stuff to be thinking of and it must weigh heavily on the althetes.


Lynn, I was wondering if they (US) had come to a decision on the warships or not. This is what I was just reading:


"The plan calls for warships with helicopters to sail to the Black Sea this week and for C-17 transport planes to be placed on standby in Germany, an American official told CNN Monday.


The German site is about two hours by air from Sochi.
The ships and planes are “just in case the Russians ask for help” and “if something happens, like a major terrorist attack, and we need to get Americans out,” the unnamed official said."


Full article HERE


Natalka, when I started this thread is that I didn't see the general Olympics one. The interesting thing however us when I was titling the thread the original one didn't pop up in the "similar" threads spot either.

*Edit: I just read that Russia claims to have killed one of the black widows.

[Natalka]

That's okay, the other will just focus on the games/sports/athletes.

[Patty Smyth]

Well, I am getting worried.

[TaraF]

I was reading an article today that said a rescue operation within Russia of Americans would have to be approved by Putin, which is highly unlikely. I truly hope nothing happens but if it does countries are going to be left with a President known for control and who in my opinion would be too proud to accept help from the US or any other country in getting people to safety.

[Patty Smyth]

I was reading an article today that said a rescue operation within Russia of Americans would have to be approved by Putin, which is highly unlikely. I truly hope nothing happens but if it does countries are going to be left with a President known for control and who in my opinion would be too proud to accept help from the US or any other country in getting people to safety.

I don't know, I think the U.S. would not be so quick to accept help either. Big egos are not exclusive to Putin , Obama is pretty egotistical as well.

[TaraF]

I definitely agree with you on that point Patty. CTV News tonight was talking about the Olympics security concerns and several of the Canadian athletes have told their families to stay home saying that it just isn't worth it. Good for them. It's better to play it safe.

[TaraF]

Not only has there been another Militant threat against the Olympics, but US athletes have been warned to not wear their colours outside the Olympic venue.

This is just sad for the athletes to even have to worry about something happening to them as thy partake of the games.

[Patty Smyth]

Canada issues warning also

http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/01...terror-threat/

[TaraF]

So it was the first real threat the games have potentially had to deal with. Yesterday a Ukrainian man, on a Turkey bound flight, tried to hijack a plan to Sochi to demand release of prisoners.