Biden: Terror attack 'highly likely' in next 24-36 hours

President instructs troops in Afghanistan to maximize protection

U.S. Marines assist with security at an Evacuation Control Checkpoint during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, Kabul, Afghanistan on August 26. (U.S. Marine Corps handout via Reuters -- Parts of this image have been blurred)

KEN MORIYASU, Nikkei Asia chief desk editor

August 29, 2021 03:56 JST

Updated on August 29, 2021 06:55 JST

NEW YORK -- U.S. President Joe Biden said on Saturday that a terrorist attack in Afghanistan was highly likely in the next day and a half and that he had given orders to prioritize force protection.

"This morning, I met with my national security team in Washington and my commanders in the field," the president said in a statement.