US raises security for ships arriving from Syria
Authorities fearing alleged Syrian links with terrorism are increasing security for ships sailing into US ports after making calls in Syria, an official said, as Washington raised pressure on Damascus.
The new measures come after Washington deployed warships near Syria in the eastern Mediterranean, stepped up sanctions on Syria and blacklisted men who allegedly used Syria to aid Al-Qaeda operations in Iraq.
State Department deputy spokesman Tom Casey said Syria was placed on a so-called "Port Security Advisory List" because of "concerns about the connections between Syria and international terrorist organizations."
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