Sochi security being questioned after plane hijack attempt

After an attempted hijacking of a plane headed to Sochi, Russia, many are questioning the security at the Olympic Games. A man tried to hijack a Turkish plane on Friday, stating he had a bomb on board

News 12 Staff

Feb 8, 2014, 7:30 AM

Updated 3,723 days ago

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Sochi security being questioned after plane hijack attempt
After an attempted hijacking of a plane headed to Sochi, Russia, many are questioning the security at the Olympic Games.
A man tried to hijack a Turkish plane on Friday, stating he had a bomb on board and demanded to land in Sochi. More than 100 people on board were evacuated and the plane landed safely.
Rep. Peter King has been vocal about the dangers at the games. He said the area is rife with terrorists, and the Russians aren't doing enough to keep athletes and fans safe from attacks. Congressman King says Russian refusal to share intelligence on local terror groups is increasing danger.
The Department of Homeland Security has also issued a terror bulletin. It warned about the possibility that explosive materials could be concealed in toothpaste or cosmetic tubes in flights headed to Sochi.
Russia is protecting the athletes with a so-called "ring of steel," where thousands of officers, dogs and other security measures are surrounding Olympic facilites. But, Congressman King says terrorists could attack soft targets elsewhere, including airports.
Rep. King said, "If they do try it and Russia has this ring of steel and they're able to penetrate it, that makes them even more powerful in their eyes."
The motive of the would-be hijacker is still unclear. Authorities have not said if he has any connection with any known terror organization.


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