The US State Department has issued a warning to Americans planning to attend the Sochi 2014 Olympics.<\/p>\n
The US State Department has issued a warning to Americans planning to attend the winter Olympics in Russia next month to “remain attentive regarding their personal security at all times.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The travel alert comes after two separate bombings occurred in December in the southern city of Volgograd, 400 miles from Sochi in which at least 34 people were killed. <\/p>\n
\u00c5\u201cThere is no indication of a specific threat to US institutions or citizens, but US citizens should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices,\u201d the department said on Friday. <\/p>\n
\u00c5\u201cUS citizens are urged to remain vigilant and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation. When traveling, US citizens may wish to provide a friend, family member, or coworker a copy of their itinerary.\u201d <\/p>\n
The alert also warns Americans to avoid public demonstrations.<\/p>\n
“US citizens should avoid large crowds in areas that lack enhanced security measures,” the alert reads. “Use caution in any areas where protests, demonstrations, or other public disturbances are taking place.”<\/p>\n
FBI director James Comey has also said that the bureau will be cooperating with Russian law enforcement agencies to enhance security at the games.<\/p>\n
\u00c5\u201cSecuring any Olympics is an enormous task. I think it\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s particularly challenging in Sochi because of its proximity to areas of unrest and sources of a terrorist threat,\u201d Comey said. Russian authorities are putting \u00c5\u201cenormous resources and effort\u201d into securing the games, he added, as quoted by the Wall Street Journal.<\/p>\n
Russian authorities are deploying tens of thousands of police and interior ministry troops at Sochi. The games will start on February 7 and last two weeks.<\/p>\n
US President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will not participate in the opening or closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games, the White House said last month.<\/p>\n
HJ\/HJ<\/p>\n<\/div>\n