IOC backing Russian security for 2014 Games

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is backing Russia to deliver a safe Winter Games in Sochi in 2014 despite security concerns raised by the suicide bombing attack at Moscow's main airport.



The IOC says unfortunately, terrorism is a global phenomenon and no region is exempt, but it has no doubt that the Russian authorities will be up to the task.



The bombing, which took place yesterday at Domodedovo Airport, killed 35 people and left 180 people injured.



No claims of responsibility were made, but suspicion is likely to fall on Islamist separatist insurgents from Chechnya or elsewhere in Russia's restive Caucasus region.



Chechen insurgents have claimed responsibility for an array of attacks in Moscow and elsewhere in Russia, including a double suicide bombing on the capital's subway system in March 2010 that killed 40 people.



Many athletes, officials and foreign spectators travelling to Sochi in 2014 will need to take connecting flights in Moscow.



The first test events for the games will be held next month, with lower-tier Europa Cup Alpine ski races scheduled from February 15 to 18 and February 22 to 26 in the Krasnaya Polyana Mountains outside Sochi.