US says willing to provide security assistance Winter Olympics

WASHINGTON (Xinhua) - US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel on Saturday called his Russian counterpart Sergey Shoygu to discuss the recent terror attacks in Russia, promising to provide security assistance for the Winter Olympics in Sochi.

"Secretary Hagel offered his condolences for the recent terrorist attacks in Volgograd. The secretary condemned the attacks and said the United States stands with the Russian people against terrorism," said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby in a statement.

They also discussed the need to remain vigilant against terror threats and "considered additional opportunities to deepen bilateral counterterrorism cooperation," Kirby said.

"Secretary Hagel also assured Minister Shoygu that the United States stands ready to provide security assistance to Russia for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, if requested," he said.

At the same time, the two defense chiefs discussed the international efforts to remove Syria's chemical weapons stockpile, and the importance of Syria fulfilling its obligations under the agreed plan, the spokesman added.

Two suicide bombings hit Volgograd, the first at a railway station last Sunday and the other aboard a trolley bus on Monday, leaving at least 34 people dead and scores of others wounded. The attacks have raised questions about security of the upcoming Winter Olympics to be held on Feb. 6-23 in Sochi, Russia.