Russian Cossacks patrol Sochi prior to Olympics

2014-01-10 200

The Countdown to the Sochi Winter Olympics is on - and with it comes increased security in the city.

Russian cossacks patrol the streets in their traditional uniforms. They join an already inflated police presence.

Enhanced security measures are in place, heightened since the deadly suicide bombings in Volgograd, just before the New Year.

One resident says the increased security makes her feel safe.

(SOUNDBITE) (Russian) SOCHI RESIDENT EVGENIYA PROKOPENKO, SAYING:

"We have patrols of two policemen and two cossacks walking along the streets. And you can see those patrols almost every 150 meters (164 yd). When you drive through the center, there is a policeman at every stop. And it is good, but it is generally quiet here."

Russia imposed a security clampdown in Sochi to try to ensure the safety of the Games - a sworn target of the Chechen insurgent leader, Doku Umarov.

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