Sochi Warning: U.S. issue travel Alert, Will Canada Follow?

United States Issues Travel Alert for Winter Olympics

Due to the recent terrorists attacks in Russia, the US government has decided to issue a travel alert like they so often do for many countries. This past Friday, the state department told Americans that they needed to be sure to stay on their toes in relation to their security, as well as the extreme uncertainty surrounding medical care.

Most specifically, a terrorist group known as the “Caucasus Emirate” has sent out a call for people to attack the Olympic Games, scheduled to start on February 7th and go through to March 16. There will of course be people from all over the world at this event, including many foreign dignitaries and world leaders, making the games a very appealing target for terrorist organizations.

Of course, this is not to say that the Russians are doing nothing in order to try and secure the games. After the recent terrorist attacks, Russia has beefed up already extremely strong security measures at the games, and the United States has also committed a number of federal agents to the game in order to assist. Nevertheless, there is always the chance of danger, and the State Department has decided to make that apparent.

The Canadian government has not issued a travel alert for Russia, but has created a page advising Canadians on possible dangers during the Olympics.

A message on the website reads:

There is no nationwide advisory for Russia. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to crime.

Special security arrangements will be in place at Olympic venues, airports, border crossings and other sensitive areas. Any high profile international event is vulnerable to the risk of a terrorist attack. If you are planning to travel to the Games, take sensible precautions. Maintain a high level of personal security awareness at all times and in all places. Avoid demonstrations, monitor local developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

http://espn.go.com/olympics/story/_/id/10275324/us-issues-travel-alert-sochi-olympics