U.S. sets up round-the-clock Olympic threat monitoring

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. intelligence community has set up a 24/7 center to analyze all threat information coming in during the Olympic Games in London, according to a senior American counterterrorism official.

Matthew Olsen, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, told the House Homeland Security Committee Wednesday, July 25th that the upcoming Olympics "present a potential target for terrorists and other disruptive groups."

In response, the counterterrorism center and its partners in the intelligence community set up the Threat Integration Center "to operate around the clock providing real-time situational awareness and threat analysis," Olsen said.

He said the United States is working closely with its British counterparts to collect, analyze and share potential threat information with the goal of making sure they can "respond quickly to prevent any possible plotting tied to the Games."

The U.S. military has also provided what one military source told CNN's Barbara Starr was "classified" military assistance for the Olympics. The source would not elaborate on what that entailed.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said last week Washington has offered "whatever assistance" the UK needs "in order to ensure that proper security is provided."

The Opening Ceremonies for the Olympic Games will be held Friday, July 27th with competition going through August 12. More than 500 American athletes will participate in the Games.

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