US on high alert for terrorist attacks during Trump's inauguration.
US President Barack Obama, in a meeting on Tuesday (17), asked his country's homeland security and counterterrorism authorities to remain on high alert during the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump, against possible terrorist attacks, according to a White House press release.
US President Barack Obama, in a meeting on Tuesday (17), asked his country's homeland security and counterterrorism authorities to remain on high alert during the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump, against possible terrorist attacks, according to a White House press release.
On January 20, Trump will be sworn in as the 45th president of the United States during a ceremony in front of the Capitol building, where he will also deliver his inaugural address.
"President [Obama] (...) has ordered all agencies to maintain their heightened state of vigilance to ensure that we are better prepared to protect the homeland against terrorist threats and individuals radicalized to violence," the statement said.
In addition to reviewing security plans for the inauguration, the statement said, Obama was briefed on ongoing counterterrorism operations in Syria and Iraq.
Obama said the U.S.-led effort to accelerate counterterrorism operations has put Daesh (the self-proclaimed Islamic State) on "the path to lasting defeat," the statement added.
In recent days, Iraqi security forces have made significant gains in Mosul, while in northern Syria, US local partners continue to restrict Daesh movement in the vicinity of Raqqa, according to the statement.