FAM International Security Weekly Intelligence Update Sochi, Russia 2014

Transcription

1 DATE: Sunday, November 24, Winter Olympics Welcomes All Nationalities, Races and Sexual Orientations: Russia's adoption of a law banning homosexual "propaganda" among minors has provoked a wave of criticism from gay rights groups wanting a boycott of the Games. Russian President Putin moved to defuse the criticism saying that participants and guests would feel comfortable in Sochi regardless of nationality, race or sexual orientation and Russia is very comfortable with both situations and particularly the gay rights issue. Page 1 of 6

2 DATE: Monday, November 25, 2013 The Coastal Cluster Update: The opening ceremonies and half of the 2014 Winter Olympic events; ice skating, hockey and curling will be held at the Coastal Cluster, which sits beside the Black Sea, about 20 miles south of the center of Sochi, an urban sprawl that s home to nearly 400,000 people. The main 40,000 seat stadium, called Fisht, features a translucent egg-shaped shell through which spectators will be able to see the snowy Caucasus. Security will be very tight, so go early and be prepared for long lines. Figure 1 Coastal Cluster Page 2 of 6

3 DATE: Tuesday, November 26, 2013 The Mountain Cluster Update: The Mountain Cluster is about an hour away from the Coastal Cluster and traffic will be heavy, so be prepared. The Mountain Cluster is the location of the Biathlon and Ski Complexes, a Bobsleigh Track, a Ski Center, a Ski Jump Complex, as well as a Snowboard Park and Freestyle Center. The Mountain Cluster also has Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center, Alpine Center, Jumping Center, Sliding Center and Extreme Park. It is recommended that you take the Sochi Light Metro to avoid the dangerous road conditions. Figure 2 Mountain Cluster Page 3 of 6

4 DATE: Wednesday November 27, 2013 Security Update: The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics is vulnerable to the political insecurity and terrorism within the North Caucasus this is one of the major threats to the security of the Olympic Games. In recent years, the North Caucasus has experienced an upsurge of violence and terrorist acts; with radical forms of Islam/religious extremism. The terrorist in the region have pledged to put a stop to the satanic games. Figure 3 Sochi and the North Caucasus Page 4 of 6

5 DATE: Thursday November 28, 2013 Sochi International (URSS) Airport Security: Security has been tightened at Sochi International Airport. Everyone without exception will be screened as they enter the terminal building. The airport has introduced Israeli-style "passenger profiling" to help identify potential terrorists at the airport. We recommend that you utilize FAM secure transportation or use the Sochi Light Metro (Airport Express) between the airport and Adler to avoid the treacherous traffic conditions. Figure 4 Sochi International Airport Page 5 of 6

6 DATE: Friday, November 29, 2013 FAM International Security 14 suspected members of the At Takfir Wal-Hijra Islamist terrorist group were arrested on 27 November in Moscow. The police confiscated firearms, grenades, explosives, and bomb-making equipment during the operation. These arrests display the police forces greater level of vigilance ahead of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games, which will be held from February 7-23, Figure 5 Takfir Wal-Hijra Islamist Terror Group Contact a FAM International Security Advisor for more details at Page 6 of 6