South Korean authorities today started security checks on Olympic facilities in preparation for the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Games.
In all 740 officials from 19 Government agencies, including the military, police and fire departments, will conduct safety and security operations on 18 Olympic venues over the next two weeks.
As reported by Yonhap, this will include stadiums, the Athletes’ Villages and the press center.
Following the conclusion of the checks on February 5, the Olympic facilities will be placed under tight control through the use of roadblocks, security screens and CCTV.
This is the latest in a series of anti-terrorism measures taking place before the Games.
Last month it was reported that South Korean police officers had conducted a number of security drills to prepare for events including hostage situations, vehicles ramming a stadium and bombs attached to drones.
Additionally, South Korean authorities deported 17 foreign nationals who were deemed a security threat for the Games.
Fears of a terrorist attack at the Games had been heightened due to increased tensions on the Korean Peninsula toward the end of last year.
However, Saturday’s (January 20) announcement that both North and South Korean athletes will march under a unified flag at the Opening Ceremony and compete on the same women’s ice hockey team has resulted in a slight easing of fears.
The Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics will take place from February 9 to 25.
The Paralympics will follow between March 8 and 18.
By Thomas Giles
Republished with permission from insidethegames.biz.