Airlines warned of ‘toothpaste’ threat from terrorists
Airlines flying to Russia for the Winter Olympics have been warned that terrorists might attempt to smuggle explosives onboard in tubes of toothpaste.
The US Department of Homeland Security said bombs could be assembled in flight or upon arrival at Sochi, where the Olympics will be held from February 7 to 23.
However the Department said in a statement that the US "isn’t aware of a specific threat to the homeland at this time".
In a statement to the BBC it said it "regularly shares information with domestic and international partners, including those associated with international events such as the Sochi Olympics".
The White House National Security Council said the latest threat had not altered existing travel guidelines for Sochi.
The US has placed two warships in the Black Sea in case of a security breach during the Games.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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