Malaysia: Security tightened ahead of Obama visit to ASEAN summit
Malaysia deployed soldiers in its capital city on November 20, taking extra security precautions amid unconfirmed reports of an “imminent terrorist threat” ahead of US President Barack Obama’s arrival for an ASEAN summit currently held in Kuala Lumpur until November 22.
“There have been reports of imminent terrorist threats in Malaysia,” Malaysia’s police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement. “At this point, I would like to underline that they have yet to be confirmed.”
Malaysia tightened security already following terrorist attacks in France, Egypt and Lebanon, Khalid said. This time, it deployed the army in the capital.
This comes after reports leaked indicating there were as as many as eight suicide bombers in Sabah and ten Kuala Lumpur from the Abu Sayyaf and Islamic State militant groups.
Security forces are taking all possible precautions and there is no room for complacency. There is no greater priority than the safety of the Malaysian people and all our guests,” said Khalid.
“Terrorism and violent extremism have no place in Malaysia, and we will not cease to hunt down and deal with anyone who seeks to undermine the peace and stability of our country,” he added.
Obama is joining ASEAN leaders for the weekend summit. Heads from seven other countries with close partnerships with the grouping – Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia and South Korea – also attend the meeting.
Malaysia deployed soldiers in its capital city on November 20, taking extra security precautions amid unconfirmed reports of an "imminent terrorist threat" ahead of US President Barack Obama's arrival for an ASEAN summit currently held in Kuala Lumpur until November 22. "There have been reports of imminent terrorist threats in Malaysia," Malaysia's police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement. "At this point, I would like to underline that they have yet to be confirmed." Malaysia tightened security already following terrorist attacks in France, Egypt and Lebanon, Khalid said. This time, it deployed the army in the capital. This...
Malaysia deployed soldiers in its capital city on November 20, taking extra security precautions amid unconfirmed reports of an “imminent terrorist threat” ahead of US President Barack Obama’s arrival for an ASEAN summit currently held in Kuala Lumpur until November 22.
“There have been reports of imminent terrorist threats in Malaysia,” Malaysia’s police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said in a statement. “At this point, I would like to underline that they have yet to be confirmed.”
Malaysia tightened security already following terrorist attacks in France, Egypt and Lebanon, Khalid said. This time, it deployed the army in the capital.
This comes after reports leaked indicating there were as as many as eight suicide bombers in Sabah and ten Kuala Lumpur from the Abu Sayyaf and Islamic State militant groups.
Security forces are taking all possible precautions and there is no room for complacency. There is no greater priority than the safety of the Malaysian people and all our guests,” said Khalid.
“Terrorism and violent extremism have no place in Malaysia, and we will not cease to hunt down and deal with anyone who seeks to undermine the peace and stability of our country,” he added.
Obama is joining ASEAN leaders for the weekend summit. Heads from seven other countries with close partnerships with the grouping – Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, Russia and South Korea – also attend the meeting.
