news Turkey boosts security before U.S. President Barack Obama's visit

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Turkey boosts security before U.S. President Barack Obama's visit



Sun Apr 5, 11:45 AM





By The Associated Press


ANKARA, Turkey - Turkey has begun an extensive security operation to make sure that U.S. President Barack Obama's first visit to a predominantly Muslim country passes without a hitch.

An official says military jets and police helicopters will patrol a no-fly zone over the skies of the capital Ankara when Obama arrives late today.

Hours before his arrival, security officials closed a street to traffic that leads to his hotel.

Police, some with sniffer dogs, were setting up barricades around the building.

Newspaper reports say police snipers, riot police and anti-terrorist officials will be deployed while Istanbul's governor said nearly 9,000 policemen will be on duty there.

Obama is due to visit Istanbul on Monday and Tuesday.