Two Avenger surface-to-air missile systems have been deployed near US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. They were installed on a floating platform.
The Telegraph reports this, citing the US Secret Service and photographs published by the local outlet Palm Beach Daily News.
The Avenger is a short-range air-defence system based on a Humvee military vehicle. It is designed to intercept aerial targets, including low-flying aircraft and drones.
The US Secret Service told journalists it is operating under an elevated threat environment and is continually improving security measures to protect officials. Similar systems were spotted in August on the grounds of Trump’s golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
At the Secret Service’s request, airspace over Mar-a-Lago is restricted while the President is there. The agency is also seeking permanent restrictions in light of intelligence on threats, including those of a terrorist nature.
In court documents, Secret Service Deputy Director Matthew Quinn said aerial threats to the residence are constant and significant. According to the agency, the number of threats against the people it protects has risen by 40% over the past year.
Mar-a-Lago is one of Trump’s main residences, where he regularly holds meetings and conducts state business. Because the estate is located close to civilian aviation infrastructure, the military must monitor the airspace around it.
The Telegraph notes that one possible factor behind the heightened security is the US war with Iran. At the same time, US officials have not confirmed that the deployment of air-defence systems is linked to any specific threat.
- In recent years, Trump has faced several assassination attempts. The first took place at a rally in Pennsylvania during the election campaign. The then presidential candidate was shot at and suffered an ear injury. The gunman was killed.
- A second attack was being prepared last year in Palm Beach, where Trump plays golf. Security officers detained a man who, according to law enforcement, was preparing to shoot Trump.
- In early October, an F-16 fighter jet intercepted a civilian aircraft over Trump’s residence in Florida. The aircraft entered the temporary flight restriction zone over the Mar-a-Lago estate without authorisation.