RUSSIAN RESORT IS AWARDED '14 GAMES
Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi was awarded the 2014 Olympics on Wednesday, rewarding President Vladimir Putin and taking the Winter Games to his country for the first time.
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2014 Winter Olympic Games
A private crisis response firm assisting the U.S. Ski and snowboard teams for the Winter Olympic Games in Russia has up to five aircraft on standby in the event that medical or security emergencies require an evacuation from Sochi, USA TODAY has learned. Security concerns have intensified after two suicide bombings 500 miles from Sochi. Ref. USAToday
The U.S. Military will have up to two warships and several large transport aircraft on standby under a contingency plan to help evacuate American officials and athletes during the Sochi Olympics if ordered, a U.S. Official with direct knowledge of the plan told CNN Pentagon correspondent Barbara Starr.
The official said the State Department would take the lead in organizing and evacuating Americans. The official declined to be identified because of the sensitive nature of the information.
The official emphasized the Russian government would have to give its approval for U.S. Assets to enter Russia.
The ships and planes are "Just in case the Russians ask for help," The official said. But the assets, he said, are clearly there "If something happens like a major terrorist attack and we need to get Americans out."
The plan calls for the warships to enter the Black Sea in the next few days. In a crisis the ships' helicopters could fly quickly to Sochi and begin evacuating American officials. C-17 aircraft being put on standby in Germany could be on the scene in about two hours for additional evacuations. Other aircraft contracted to the State Department would also play a role. Ref. CNN
U.S. Will Help With Olympics Security If Needed Hagel Says
US Military News
Top Defense Department officials have offered the Russian government U.S. help with security during the Feb. 7-23 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, but have received no requests, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said.
Source
Terrorists may try to hide explosives in toothpaste or cosmetics tubes, U.S. Warns airlines flying into Russia.
A law enforcement source said the warning is based on new information and added that there is no known threat to the United States.
The warning comes two days before the Winter Olympics open in Sochi. More than half of Americans think a terrorist attack on the Olympic Games is likely, CNN/ORC poll shows. Ref. CNN