A New Threat to the Olympics

Russia has been dealt a blow by its people. Since 2002, a group of female suicide bombers known as “Black Widows” have been terrorizing public areas in Russia by downing airliners, blowing up subways and causing fatal explosions during rock concerts. It is believed that the motive behind these bombing were to avenge husbands or dead male relatives, killed in Russia’s fight against Islamic militants in the Caucasus region.

The first event by the “Black Widows”, was in 2002 during a mass-hostage situation in a Moscow theater by Chechen militants. It was said 19 of the 41 attackers were women. Russian forces responded by pumping narcotic gas into the theater, killing all of the attackers and 118 of the estimated 850 hostages. Police footage after the attack showed many dead women attackers sitting in the theater seats with bombs strapped to their chests. Later in 2003 two bombers blew themselves up in the entrance gate to an outdoor rock concert in Moscow.

These attacks are a major concern since reports have shown a recent plot to attack this years Winter Olympics, which are being held in Sochi, Russia.

These attacks do not always succeed though, five days after the beforementioned rock concert incident, a woman sitting in a Moscow cafe lost her nerve and later told police she was carrying bombs. This type of terrorism can be a huge concern, especially around the Olympics, these terrorists can blend in with the estimated 500,000 people who on average attend the Games. This is also an issue for public safety, more people mean more potential hostages and a higher number of potential fatalities from any attacks.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin was recently interviewed on how he was going to protect the Winter Olympics. He responded by saying that 40,000 police and special forces officer will be stationed around the Games and be headed by an around-the-clock headquarters. He was quoted saying, “Our task as organizers is to ensure the security of athletes and guests at this major sports event, and we will do our best.”

For those sitting at home watching the Games this year such an issue may not be as prominent, but the U.S team will have to take extra care with security and focus if they want to take home the gold.