he U.S has warned airlines with direct flights serving Russia to be aware of possibilities of explosive materials being smuggled on board, hidden in toothpaste or any cosmetic tubes, an official of the Department of Homeland Security reportedly said Wednesday night.
According to reports, the warning issued in a bulletin to airlines flying into Russia reveals a potential bomb threat. It indicated that officials believe that explosives might be assembled in flight or smuggled to the city of Sochi, where the 2014 Winter Olympics will be held. The opening ceremony will take place on Friday.
“While we are not aware of a specific threat to the homeland at this time, this routine communication is an important part of our commitment to making sure we meet that priority,” an official told ABC News. “As always, our security apparatus includes a number of measures, both seen and unseen, and DHS will continue to adjust security measures to fit an ever evolving threat environment.”
According to reports, the security at the host city has been increased and they are also confidant about their security measures for the Olympics.
According to BBC, the U.S. has also assigned two warships in the Black Sea in case of a security breach during the Olympic Games, scheduled from Feb. 7 to Feb. 23.
The fear has also reportedly increased since the Russian security is also combating against threat of militants operating in the Caucasus.
“Out of an abundance of caution, [the Department of Homeland Security] regularly shares relevant information with domestic and international partners, including those associated with international events such as the Sochi Olympics,” the department reportedly said in a statement.
A former airline security chief reportedly anticipates that the threat will prompt the airline authorities in the U.S. and Europe to remove toothpastes and cosmetics from the passengers’ hand carried items as well as the checked luggage.
“Odds are nothing is going to happen, but the odds are higher than for any Olympics, I believe, that something could happen,” Peter King, a U.S. representative and chairman of the House subcommittee on counterterrorism and intelligence, told CNN in an interview.
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