Kidnapping threats against Austrian team raise security concerns in Sochi

2014-02-04 155

As Olympic athletes arrive in Sochi, security remains a top concern... especially for the Austrian team.

Two members of their team recieved kidnap threats, triggering an investigation by counter-terrorism experts.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) AUSTRIAN IOC CHIEF PETER MENNEL SAYING:

"I talked to both athletes, one on the phone and one personally, before we left . She said I'm not afraid and I know we're in good hands with the NOC (National Olympic Committee).

It is unknown who made the threats, but it's the latest incident in ongoing security concerns.

A pair of suicide bombings in December in Volgograd increased safety worries.

A video later followed in which an Islamist militant group claimed responsibility and threatened more violence.

Back in the U.S., Matthew Olsen, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told a House Intelligence Committee Sochi security is their number one priority.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) MATTHEW G. OLSEN, DIRECTO

Free Traffic Exchange