Safety of Sochi

The 2014 Winter Olympic Games will be held in Sochi, Russia from February 7th through the 23rd.  The famous games held every four years usually brings excitement and amusement, but these games have brought upon an unwelcoming terror. On December 29th, a suicide bombing in the Russian city Volgograd left 34 dead and many injured. The incident occurred just a few hundred miles from the city where the games are to take place. Recent disputes between the Muslims of Caucasus and Russia are what most likely prompted the bombing and therefore questioned the safety of the people inhabiting the Olympic Games.  A video surfaced less than a month later of two men who claimed credit for the Volgograd attack. In the video a threat to the games was made for the safety of the Olympian goers.

“We’ve prepared a present for you and all tourists who’ll come over,” the video says. “If you will hold the Olympics, you’ll get a present from us for the Muslim blood that’s been spilled.”

The man’s words in the video are a haunting warning to the citizens involved and in attending.  The most recent threat to the safety comes from the women who call themselves the “Black Widows”.  These are the women who jihadist husbands died in fights with the Russians.  While this does scare many people Russian President Vladimir Putin has ensured the safety of the citizens.

“We’ll do whatever it takes to protect athletes and visitors.” Putin said.

To ensure as much security protection as possible Russia has already put in millions of dollars to go toward the games. Putin has arranged for 40,000 cops in a 1,500 mile radius. They also plan to give fans a visitor passport that will be able to identify all the visitors. Along with the cops, special drones and boats will also be set up. Russia is creating added security; however some are still not comfortable going to the Olympics.

“I would not want to go see the Olympics now, not when my life could possibly be threatened,” Junior Valeria Verastegui said.

The U.S. has even offered to help with security measures. President Obama has C-17 transport planes on standby at a U.S. base in Germany in an event that evacuation is necessary. The threats have shown some effect as ticket sales have declined and have not reached the expected value.

“If I had tickets to the games I would be conflicted whether or not to actually go or just stay home,” Junior Lindsey Kelly said.

With the increase in number of security measures the 2014 Winter Olympic Games are still set to go in motion. Visitors are urged to be aware of the patrolling forces and possible exits if anything were to arouse. For the most part Russia is hoping to look past these threats and hold the games in peace.