Major US cities on high alert after airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities
Major United States cities, including New York and Washington, have been placed on high alert after American airstrikes hit three Iranian nuclear sites — a dramatic turn in the rapidly escalating Middle East conflict.Law enforcement agencies have stated there are no specific or credible threats so far, but additional patrols and precautions are being taken around religious, diplomatic, and cultural sites.advertisementThe New York Police Department (NYPD), in a post on X, said it is "tracking the situation unfolding in Iran, and has deployed additional resources across the city out of an abundance of caution". The department also said it was working in coordination with federal partners and would continue monitoring for any potential impact to New York City.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, DC, released a similar advisory, noting increased coordination with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to share intelligence and ensure the safety of residents, visitors, and businesses. While MPD reported no known threats, it confirmed an increased police presence around religious institutions.In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass also weighed in, stating that city authorities are 'closely monitoring any threats to public safety' in the aftermath of the US military operation.advertisement"There are no known credible threats at this time and out of an abundance of caution, LAPD is stepping up patrols near places of worship, community gathering spaces and other sensitive sites. We will remain vigilant in protecting our communities," Bass wrote in a post.Paul Mauro, a former NYPD Inspector, told Fox News that law enforcement is likely giving "special attention" to locations tied to communities potentially impacted by the strike. "You never know what's going to develop," he said, referring to patrols at both Israeli-linked sites and Shia mosques, given Iran's Shia identity.AIRLINES AVOID MIDDLE EASTSeveral international airlines diverted flights away from large swathes of the Middle East on Sunday, following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Data from tracking platform FlightRadar24 showed a notable shift in flight paths, with aircraft rerouting to avoid Iranian and nearby airspace."Following US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities, commercial traffic in the region is operating as it has since new airspace restrictions were put into place last week," FlightRadar24 said on social media platform X.Flight tracking data showed a near-total absence of commercial air traffic over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel, as airlines opted for alternate routes — either north via the Caspian Sea or south through Egypt and Saudi Arabia.In a televised address from the White House, US President Donald Trump announced that the American air force struck Iran's three main nuclear sites: Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow."Iran, the bully of the Middle East, must now make peace. If they do not, future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier. Remember, there are many targets left. Tonight's was the most difficult of them all by far, and perhaps the most lethal," the President said.Speaking to Fox News, Trump said that six bunker-buster bombs were dropped on Fordow, while 30 Tomahawk missiles were fired against other nuclear sites. US B-2 bombers were involved in the strikes, an official told news agency Reuters.Must Watch
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