Russian security chief expecting terrorist threats to Sochi 2014

TERRORISTS will look to attack the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, according to the head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB).

UNDER THREAT: Russian security chief expects terrorism threats at Sochi 2014 (Getty Images)

Aleksandr Bortnikov, chief of the FSB - the main successor to the Soviet-era KGB believes that Islamist groups will try to force the cancellation of the Games and highlighted the 2008 Dakar Rally, cancelled for fears of terrorist attacks, as a prior example.

The Black Sea resort city of Sochi is close to Russia's North Caucasus region, scene of a long-running Islamist insurgency and Bortnikov believes the Games will be targeted.

"Threats from al-Qaida were the reason for the cancellation of the Dakar 2008 road race," he said. "Militant leaders and several warlords have clearly expressed their intention to play out a similar scenario on the eve of the 2014 Olympics.

"The threat of terrorist acts is turning into a factor which exerts substantial influence on political decision-making.

"Following on from the analysis of today's terrorism, the terror threats will increase, becoming a serious menace for the majority of countries, irrespective of the level of their economic development, military potential and government system."