USA TODAY Sports

Threats of terrorism are already looming over the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The 2014 Winter Olympics are set to take place next February in Sochi, Russia, but a notorious Chechen rebel warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that he would use "maximum force" to prevent the Games.

According to Sky News, Islamic extremist Doku Umarov posted a video message online at Kavkaz Center, an independent Chechen news agency, claiming that it is the duty of Muslims in the North Caucasus region to disrupt the Sochi Olympics.

They (Russia) plan to hold the Olympics on the bones of our ancestors, on the bones of many, many dead Muslims, buried on the territory of our land on the Black Sea. We as mujahideen are obliged to not permit that, using any methods allowed us by the almighty Allah.

Umarov had previously banned the Islamist guerrilla fighters known as mujahideen from attacking Russian targets outside of the North Caucasus, according to Sky News. However, he lifted the ban in the video, which means that his followers have been given clearance to attack in Sochi.

Umarov is among the most wanted terrorists in the world as he has already used lethal force in the past. According to Sky News, Umarov is wanted for a suicide attack at a Moscow airport back in 2011, which ultimately killed 37 people.

He has also claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in the Moscow subway system in 2010—an attack that took the lives of 40 people.

Per the report, Umarov's motivation is to break away from Russia so that the North Caucasus can become an Islamic state that is independent from Russia.

Putin reportedly said that there will be heightened security at the Sochi Games, so organizers figure to be prepared if Umarov or anyone else attempts to stage an attack. Neighboring nation Georgia also pledged to help keep the Games safe for all involved.

Regardless, threats like this one need to be taken extremely seriously, particularly in the current landscape of the world. Look for everyone involved with the Olympics to take measures to ensure that the athletes and spectators are safe next February in Sochi.

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