Sochi Heightens Security with One Month until Winter Games

With only one month to go before Sochi holds the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, Russia has implemented one of the tightest and biggest security operations in Olympic history.

This comes after growing concerns after two suicide bombings in December in the nearby city of Volgograd and the threat of attack by Islamist militants from the restive North Caucasus region.

A number of extreme measures will be implemented in order to ensure the protection of the Games and the people surrounding it.

Emergency Situations Minister Vladimir Puchkov said: “All divisions responsible for ensuring the guests’ security at the Games are being put on combat alert.” He added: “Every facility will be put under protection and a space-based monitoring system will be launched.”

Other measures include Russian officials creating two security zones to maximise safety. One will be a “controlled zone” whereby only ticket holders who are able to show identification will be allowed through.  Another will be a “forbidden zone” which will be in place in large areas around Sochi.

Only registered vehicles registered locally or with special accreditation will be permitted in the city and the sale of fire arms and ammunition will be banned.

However despite the concerns, Sochi 2014 Organising Committee President Dmitry Chernyshenko reassured that these measures will not affect the games.

“Every sport venue is fully prepared and has been thoroughly tested, new road and rail routes are ready to transport visitors and rehearsals for the opening ceremony are well under way,” said Chernyshenko. He promised that “Sochi will be truly memorable Games… That will amaze audiences across the world forming part of the legacy of the Games that will transform the region for generations.”