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American athletes attending Sochi Winter Olympics have been told that their Team USA uniforms pose potential security risk if worn outside designated security zones. Security is reported to be tightest ever for any Olympics. It includes "Ring of Steel" – heavily fortified zone that stretches for 90 kilometres along coast and 40 kilometres inland. There are checkpoints everywhere and everyone will be X-rayed as they enter zone. US State Department official advised that: "If you are American Olympic athlete, you don't want to advertise that far outside Olympic venues." It added: "Wearing conspicuous Team USA clothing in non-accredited areas may put your personal safety at greater risk."

There are fears that games may be targeted by militants from Russian states that want to break away from Russia. One group from Dagestan recently posted video claiming responsibility for two suicide bombings in southern city of Volgograd which killed 34 people and injured dozens more. President Vladimir Putin has given his personal assurance that games will be safe and successful. Russian security officials are currently hunting for three potential female suicide bombers, one of whom is suspected to be in Sochi area. US officials have warned there will be more threats to come as time for the opening ceremony draws nearer. games will be held between February 7 and 23.