BOSTON (WHDH) - Cities across the country are increasing security after Iran vowed “harsh retaliation” for a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad’s airport that killed a top Iranian general.
Boston police announced that there is no credible threat to the city or statewide but they will continue monitoring events around the world following the death of Gen. Qassem Soleimani.
“We will increase patrols to protect the city and the people that live in and visit our great city,” Boston police said in a statement. “We continue to work with other law enforcement partners to keep our city safe. As always, we remind people to say something if they see something suspicious.”
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said he is watching the events overseas very closely.
“We’re stepping up patrols at different venues. We are going to be covering churches, synagogues and temples next week and this weekend moving forward,” he said. “Don’t know what to expect yet but there is no credible threat — no threat to Boston at all right now.”
As residents go about their daily routines there is an undeniable underlying nervousness for some.
“It’s extremely scary,” Carlene Lewis said while walking with her daughter. “Ask my daughter. She’s even scared of what’s going on. You know? This is not America.”
Behind the scenes, officers say they are coordinating with federal law enforcement agencies to ensure everyone is safe.
“The FBI Boston Division is always on guard for potential threats to our community and we are working with our law enforcement partners and staying in close contact with FBI Headquarters to assess any threats to our area.” according to a statement released by an FBI spokesperson. “While there is no specific and credible threat to this area at this time, we urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
New York Police Commissioner Dermot Shea added that their department is also closely monitoring events in Iran and across the region.
“While there are no specific/credible threats to #NYC, we’ve deployed additional resources to key locations,” he tweeted.
Los Angeles police are also keeping an eye on the area.
“While there is no credible threat to Los Angeles, the LAPD is monitoring the events developing in Iran,” the department said in a statement. “We will continue to communicate with state, local, federal and international law enforcement partners regarding any significant intel that may develop.”
The United States has urged American citizens to leave Iraq “immediately” following the airstrike that killed Soleimani and nine others.
The State Department said the embassy in Baghdad, which was attacked by Iran-backed militiamen and their supporters earlier this week, is closed and all consular services have been suspended.
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