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Monday, April 6, 2009

Turkey security on high alert for Obama visit

ANKARA Ñ Turkey prepared thousands of military and security troops for deployment during the visit by U.S. President Barack Obama.   

Officials said the government assigned 4,000 police to protect Obama throughout his two-day visit, which began on April 5. They said the police included commando and special forces equipped with systems to foil bombings.

"We have deployed our best forces provided with the best equipment," an official said.

Obama, who supports Turkish membership in the European Union, planned to visit Ankara and Istanbul during his 48-hour visit. Officials said the U.S. president has been escorted by Turkish convoys equipped with systems to detect and jam bombs.

Also In This Edition

On April 6, major roads in Ankara and Istanbul were off-limits to motorists.

Turkish intelligence were also cooperating with teams from the U.S. Secret Service and CIA. Officials said the U.S. intelligence teams have been conducting security sweeps in Ankara and Istanbul.

Officials said the Turkish military was on heightened alert along the nation's borders. The Turkish Air Force also increased patrols to protect air space.

Obama was accompanied by two identical cars and assigned to leave in different directions in an effort to foil any assassination plot. Officials said Turkish and U.S. teams were conducting air reconnaissance in the area of Obama's entourage.



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