BBC Sochi US warns airlines of Russia 'toothpaste' bomb

Started by drunkenshoe, February 06, 2014, 10:40:18 AM

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drunkenshoe

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-26061903

Sochi 2014: US warns airlines of Russia 'toothpaste' bomb threat

QuoteThe US has warned airlines with direct flights to Russia that explosives hidden in toothpaste tubes could be smuggled onto planes.

The Department of Homeland Security's warning comes ahead of the Winter Olympics' opening ceremony in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi.

It said it was not aware of any specific danger to the US at this time.

Russia banned all liquids, pastes and gels from its airports and internal flights last month.

The move was part of a significant tightening of security in the country ahead of the Olympic Games, the BBC's Daniel Sandford reports from Sochi.

The Russian authorities have not yet commented on the US warning, but Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak said the level of security at Sochi "is similar to that of any other safe city in the world".

Although the Games do not officially start until Friday, some qualifying events are now being held.

'Abundance of caution'

Unnamed US security officials were quoted as saying there were fears toothpaste tubes could be used to smuggle explosives which could then be used to assemble a bomb either in flight or upon arrival at the Olympics.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that "out of an abundance of caution" it "regularly shares relevant information with domestic and international partners".....

Here we go. :(