US Issues Travel Alert For Sochi Olympics

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department is advising Americans going to the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia to be vigilant about their security due to potential terrorist threats, crime and uncertain medical care.

In a travel alert issued on Friday, the department said it was not aware of specific threats to U.S. interests related to the Games that begin next month. But it said large events like the Olympics are “an attractive target for terrorists” and Americans should be aware of their surroundings and “exercise good judgment and discretion” if they use public transportation.

It noted that Russia has vowed to take appropriate security steps. But it also pointed out several recent terrorist attacks on public transport in the city of Volgograd while also making clear those occurred 600 miles from Sochi.

Source: Associated Press