OLYMPICS: US security team flags drone threat at Milano Cortina Games

U.S. officials said Italian police and military forces are preparing restrictions and monitoring systems around outdoor mountain venues for the Milano Cortina Games. In these areas, drones are harder to detect and easier to conceal.

While legitimate drone use—such as for television broadcasts—can be approved through a credentialing system, security planners expect fans to attempt unauthorized flights regardless.

As part of their preparations, U.S. officials recently held a high-level drone symposium in Italy. American specialists briefed their Italian counterparts and established direct communication channels to quickly resolve issues during the Games.

“The Italians have primacy; it’s their country,” Ayers said. “We’re there as a backstop to share information and expertise as needed.”

Security officials pointed to the Paris Olympics as a recent example. While authorities planned for the possibility of drones delivering harmful devices, most incidents involved spectators attempting to record unauthorized footage or conduct activities resembling surveillance.

In those situations, officials said host-nation forces focus on identifying and apprehending operators, enforcing no-drone zones, and deploying counter-unmanned aircraft systems to force drones down, take control of them, or block them electronically.

Advanced Planning and Coordination

The American effort is coordinated by the DSS through an interagency body that plans security support for major events outside the United States.

The group receives support from agencies including the FBI, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and the intelligence community.

U.S. officials said planning for an Olympics usually begins years in advance, with agents embedded on the ground.

Becky McKnight, a DSS special agent based in Milan for nearly two years, said her daily work has focused on building relationships with Italian law enforcement and venue security teams. She has repeatedly visited Olympic clusters across northern Italy to understand terrain, travel choke points, and command structures.

“Some of these venues, when we first visited two years ago, had not even been built,” she said.

Cyber Threats and Other Security Concerns

Beyond drones, officials identified cyber incidents as a major concern. Scenarios include disruptions to payment systems or ticketing access.

Officials also expect protests—both issue-driven demonstrations and routine anti-Olympics activity—along with opportunistic crime targeting tourists.

Organizers have said they are taking every precaution to ensure a safe Games for athletes and fans.

Advice for U.S. Travelers

U.S. citizens traveling to Italy are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This program sends safety messages about significant disruptions such as protests or transit issues.

Officials also advised travelers to avoid flashy jewelry, stay aware of their surroundings, and expect delays.

“Patience is going to be required,” Ayers said. -Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters