United States to station warships in Black Sea in case of Winter Olympics terror

The United States will reportedly send two Navy warships into the Black Sea as a “prudent precaution” against terrorist attacks at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the Pentagon announced Thursday via NBC News. Admiral John Kirby said that the United States will be ready to assist the Russians. Russia has not requested help from the United States.

The ships could be used to evacuate Americans if need be, according to military officials.

Concern over security at the Sochi games has been elevated in recent weeks after vows from Islamist militants in the Caucasus region to attack the Olympics, and reports that the Russian security services are looking for “black widow” suicide bombers who may have already made their way past security measures.

Kirby said he did not envision Russia asking for the help of the United States should it need it in Sochi. Nonetheless, the United States appears to be takings its own measures to ensure safety for the Games, set to begin Feb. 7.

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