Counterterrorism squad ready to protect Obama

  Gegana bomb squad (JP/Arief Suhardiman)

Bali police has fielded its counterterrorism squad to take precaution measures ahead of the visit of US President Barack Obama to the resort island in the middle of the month.

The antiterror squad is standing guard at Bali’s major seaports in Gilimanuk and Padang Bai to prevent suspected terrorists entering Bali.

“We have involved intelligence and counterterrorism personnel in the security operation at seaports to detect any terror threat as early as possible before the US president’s visit,” Bali Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Gede Sugianyar Dwi Putra was quoted by Antara state news agency Thursday.

Bali Police chief Insp. Gen. Sutisna held a meeting on Thursday with all regional police chiefs from across the province to discuss security arrangements for Obama’s much-anticipated visit.

Terrorists have struck Bali twice in 2002 and 2005, killing more that 200 people.