US beefing up security at embassies over fears of unrest: report

The U.S. is ramping up its security at several Middle Eastern embassies due to concerns of potential violence amid the opening of the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, according to NBC News.

The network reported on Monday that the U.S. has added dozens of Marines to the security details at U.S. embassies in Turkey, Jordan and Israel. 

{mosads}Sources also told the network that the Pentagon is contemplating beefing up security at embassies in a half dozen other Middle Eastern nations. 

The report comes shortly after the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem officially opened its doors, fulfilling one of President Trump’s campaign promises. 

With the move to formally recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the U.S. broke with the international community, which has traditionally recognized Tel Aviv as the country’s capital. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lauded the move, saying Israelis are in Jerusalem and “here to stay.”

Trump also praised the opening in pre-recorded remarks, telling attendees at a ceremony marking the event that the U.S. will always be a great friend of Israel. 

“We extend a hand in friendship to Israel, to Palestinians and to all of their neighbors. May there be peace. May God bless this embassy. May God bless all who serve there, and may God bless the United States of America,” Trump said.

However, the move sparked violence on the Gaza border. 

More than 50 Palestinian protesters were killed by Israeli gunfire at the border, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, as waves of Palestinians attempted to cross the Israeli border. 

Palestinians view east Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state.