Two US warships headed to Black Sea ahead of Olympics
Iran Press TV
Sat Feb 1, 2014 4:6PM GMT
Two American warships are headed into the Black Sea in advance of the Winter Olympics in Russia, reflecting concerns about the security of the games.
The USS Mount Whitney, the first of the two warships, left Gaeta, Italy on Friday and the Navy frigate USS Taylor is expected to leave from Naples, Italy, on Saturday, the Associated Press reports.
The Pentagon has said the warships are deploying to the Black Sea to perform any required missions, including communications or evacuations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also dispatching at least two dozen agents to Sochi where the games will kick off next week.
FBI Director James Comey said Friday that the FBI is in constant contact with Russian authorities to help secure the games. He added that Russian authorities face a serious threat.
The US State Department has issued a warning to Americans planning to attend the event. The alert calls on Americans to 'remain attentive regarding their personal security at all times.'
President Barack Obama said Friday that there was "some risk involved" in attending the Olympics, but added that fans who wanted to attend the games "should go."
An estimated 15,000 Americans are traveling to Sochi, according to the Hill.
Earlier this month, the White House said it had seen an 'uptick in threat reporting' ahead of the Sochi Olympics, and had offered its 'full support' to Russia in security preparations.
US intelligence officials complain that Moscow has not been forthcoming in sharing information on specific threats.
HJ/HJ
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