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.
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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.