Kidnapping threats against Austrian team raise security concerns in Sochi
Reuters
2014-02-04
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As Olympic athletes arrive in Sochi, security remains a top concern... especially for the Austrian team.
Two members of their team recieved kidnap threats, triggering an investigation by counter-terrorism experts.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRIAN IOC CHIEF PETER MENNEL SAYING:
"I talked to both athletes, one on the phone and one personally, before we left . She said I'm not afraid and I know we're in good hands with the NOC (National Olympic Committee).
It is unknown who made the threats, but it's the latest incident in ongoing security concerns.
A pair of suicide bombings in December in Volgograd increased safety worries.
A video later followed in which an Islamist militant group claimed responsibility and threatened more violence.
Back in the U.S., Matthew Olsen, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told a House Intelligence Committee Sochi security is their number one priority.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MATTHEW G. OLSEN, DIRECTO
Two members of their team recieved kidnap threats, triggering an investigation by counter-terrorism experts.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRIAN IOC CHIEF PETER MENNEL SAYING:
"I talked to both athletes, one on the phone and one personally, before we left . She said I'm not afraid and I know we're in good hands with the NOC (National Olympic Committee).
It is unknown who made the threats, but it's the latest incident in ongoing security concerns.
A pair of suicide bombings in December in Volgograd increased safety worries.
A video later followed in which an Islamist militant group claimed responsibility and threatened more violence.
Back in the U.S., Matthew Olsen, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told a House Intelligence Committee Sochi security is their number one priority.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) MATTHEW G. OLSEN, DIRECTO
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