MI6 and MI5 believe that Russian agents could be planning “an assassination or a nerve agent attack in Birmingham” during the Commonwealth Games and the SAS are “leaving nothing to chance.”
British intelligence have also warned that Russia could even try a cyber-attack on the games in revenge for the UK arming the Ukraine.
British Special Forces have already been deployed in Birmingham and have been testing high-tech drones with UAVs to intercept any enemy air vehicles during the upcoming Commonwealth Games.
Up to 30 Special Forces will be deployed including snipers who will be strategically placed around the event along with armed undercover specialists from the Reconnaissance Regiment will also be mingling amongst the crowds.
Speaking of the role specialist forces will be taking, a source told The Star, “The SAS are leaving nothing to chance and there is a risk that Russia may try and disrupt the Games.
“That includes everything from a cyber-attack to an assassination or the use of a nerve agent.
“The Commonwealth Games are a high-profile event and could easily be exploited by the Kremlin.
“All of the attacks we are preparing for have already been carried out by the Russians, either in the UK or in other western countries.
“It is easy to see how President Putin would want to punish the UK for supplying weapons to Ukraine.”
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that up to 1,000 armed forces personnel will be taking part at the games over the summer including “explosive ordnance disposal capabilities.”
The MoD said in statement, “Defence will provide a range of assistance to support the delivery of the Commonwealth Games.
“This includes the provision of ceremonial assets, advisory teams, explosive ordnance disposal capabilities and counter-unmanned aerial systems.
“In addition, the team has worked constructively with West Midlands Police and will be readying several hundred service personnel to support venue security.”
A source speaking to The Mirror said, “The Commonwealth Games is a high profile event with a global audience and could easily be exploited by the Kremlin.
“It is easy to see how Putin would want to punish the UK for supplying weapons to Ukraine.”
Lt Col Philip Ingram, an ex-military intelligence officer and NATO planner, said,s “The Commonwealth Games gives a potential opportunity for Russia to try and disrupt what is happening due to the UK’s support for Ukraine.
“A potential threat is the use of drones either by Russia, terrorists or misguided members of the public.
“The Russians have a history, using the covert elements of the Russian military intelligence, of doing this but it is distinctly possible that they could utilise cyber and disinformation attacks to try and disrupt the games.
“Lockdown through the pandemic has resulted in very little visible terror activity but that doesn’t mean it went away.
“Terror groups have continued to recruit, groom, encourage and resource potential attackers and the publicly accessible locations at the Games provide a perfect target opportunity.”
