Athens locked down as police focus on terror concerns during Obama visit

Police have been placed on high alert in the Greek capital in anticipation of Barack Obama's visit. During the two-day visit of the outgoing US president, which will start Tuesday, access to some parts of central Athens will be restricted and there will be a ban on public gatherings, as authorities are concerned about the prospect of a terrorist attack.

About 4,000 police officers will be deployed as major avenues and roads in downtown Athens will be closed to cars and in some cases pedestrian traffic. In addition to Greek security services, some 300 American agents will be deployed in the capital to protect the president.

Police announced Monday a ban on public gatherings in central Athens as well as the wider Vouliagmeni area, south of the capital, where the luxury hotel that the US president will be staying at is located.

Speaking to Kathimerini, a...