U.S. Secret Service intensifies preparations to secure United Nations General Assembly meetings
New York, 17 Sep (KUNA) -- The U.S. Secret Service announced it is intensifying security preparations in New York City to secure the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, as leaders and delegations from around the world begin arriving in the city.
American news network CBS News reported on Wednesday evening that the Secret Service is leading a large-scale security operation in coordination with approximately 20 security agencies and partners through a multi-agency center to monitor developments and field operations in real time. More than 150 high-ranking foreign dignitaries are expected to arrive in New York in the coming days.
The network quoted Matthew McColl, the special agent in charge of the Secret Service’s New York Field Office, as confirming that there are currently no specific, known threats targeting the General Assembly meetings. However, he noted that security agencies are operating under a “high threat environment” given global developments.
CBS News added that the Secret Service is monitoring at least 20 anticipated protests during the meetings and intends to increase the use of drones to monitor the airspace in coordination with the New York City Police Department, while addressing any unauthorized aircraft.
Authorities are set to impose security restrictions on the airspace over New York, establish security perimeters, and close several streets in the borough of Manhattan, particularly around the United Nations headquarters and areas in midtown and east Manhattan.
City authorities warned of significant traffic congestion during the meetings, urging residents and visitors to rely on public transportation, as repeated road closures and traffic diversions are expected in conjunction with the movements of leaders’ motorcades and delegations.
The High-Level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly is scheduled to begin on September 22, with the participation of heads of state and government and senior officials from member states.
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