Russia engages 40,000 security personnel to guard Sochi Olympics

About 40,000 agents of special services and law enforcement agencies are responsible for security during the Sochi Winter Olympics, representative of the Federal Security Service (FSB) said Thursday. "There are no real threats for the visitors and participants of the Games. Still, all potential threats have been taken into consideration, we are ready to respond to any challenge," Alexei Lavrishchev told reporters. According to Lavrishchev, heads of over 30 federal and regional structures comprise Sochi Games' security situation committee as over 100 foreign security experts from 40 countries and regions cooperate with the body. "In general, the security measures don't violate citizens' rights and have been aimed at creating comfortable environment for the Olympics' participants and guests," he said. Earlier Thursday, U.S. Defense Ministry said it has been ready to assist Russian authorities in providing security during the Games. The 22nd Winter Olympics are to be held on Feb. 7-23.