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Toothpaste alert: US warns of hidden bombs ahead of Sochi Olympics

Toothpaste alert: Bombs may be disguised by toothpaste tubes, the US alerted airlines with routes to Russia on Wednesday. The warning includes devices that could be put together on-board or upon arrival. 

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AP Photo/Gero Breloer
Russian security forces stand guard as the Olympic torch makes it's way through the streets in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. The U.S. issued an alert warning of toothpaste tube bombs on Russia-bound flights on Wednesday.

| WASHINGTON

The U.S. Homeland Security Department is warning airlines flying to Russia that terrorists may try to smuggle explosives on board hidden in toothpaste tubes.

The threat was passed onto airlines that have direct flights to Russia, including some that originate in the United States, according to a law enforcement official speaking Wednesday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss details of the warning.

The official said the airlines were warned that explosive devices could be assembled in flight or upon arrival at the Olympics.

The department said in a statement that the U.S. "isn't aware of a specific threat to the homeland at this time." It said the department "regularly shares information with domestic and international partners, including those associated with international events such as the Sochi Olympics."

Delta Airlines is the only U.S. carrier with a direct flight from the United States to Moscow. Russian airlines Aeroflot and Transaero both operate several nonstop flights from the U.S.

United Airlines, the official airline of the U.S. Olympic team, does not have scheduled service to Russia but is operating some charter flights to Sochi.

The warning became public on the eve of the Winter Olympics.

Despite the warning, some air travelers heading to the Sochi Olympics through Moscow have brought toothpaste and other toiletries past security checkpoints without any problems.

Six Associated Press employees arriving in Moscow from across the world or beginning their journey there passed through security without having to remove toothpaste, hand lotion or water bottles from their carry-on luggage.

Moscow airport officials didn't immediately return calls Thursday seeking comment about the ban, which runs from January to April, well after the Olympics and Paralympics end.

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