The winter Olympics in Sochi are a “prestige project” and symbol of “Russia’s rise”. Despite President Putin’s enthusiasm and optimism, western media have reported the likelihood of a terrorist attack from the Caucasus Emirate.

THE WINTER Olympics in Sochi, Russia, face the threat of an imminent terrorist attack by Islamist militants based in the North Caucasus; they have been the subject of online warnings of chemical attacks and suicide bombings. The United States has issued a warning that explosives could be smuggled in toothpaste or cosmetic tubes.

The security at Sochi has been strengthened after US warning that terrorists might be planning to target flights to Russia. Russian president Vladimir Putin however exuded confidence about Russia’s ability to host a safe Olympics. At the same time, Islamist militants have vowed to stop the games by any means. The government has imposed a special security zone called a “ring of steel” to protect the games.

… Krishna Khanal is a Research Analyst with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at S Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University.