Shootout with Militants in Russia before Olympics

[Scott]

Shootout with militants in Russia kills seven before Olympics

17 hours ago

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By Maria Kiselyova

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Three members of the Russian security forces and four gunmen were killed in a shootout on Wednesday during a sweep for Islamist militants who have threatened to attack the Winter Olympics that begin in Sochi next month.

After two suicide bombings in southern Russia last month, Moscow is on high security alert. President Vladimir Putin has staked much personal and political prestige on the success of the Games, and put security forces on combat footing in Sochi.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee (NAC) said the dead militants included a man accused of carrying out a car bomb attack in the city of Pyatigorsk late last year which killed three people.

http://news.yahoo.com/three-russian-forces-two-militants-killed-shootout-interfax-065326637.html

[Chicog]

For once it's Putin on the back foot.

I wonder if it will influence his thinking on Syria, even if only in the short term?

[Steely Dan]

For once it's Putin on the back foot.

I wonder if it will influence his thinking on Syria, even if only in the short term?

Perhaps so, maybe best to retreat from Syria, support the so called Rebels and wait for Hezbollah to disrupt the Olympics instead.

[Chicog]

I don't think they would dare.

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