Trump underscores travel ban in view of London terror attacks

US President Donald Trump has underscored his controversial travel ban on citizens from six Muslim-majority countries in view of Sunday’s terror attacks in central London in which six people were killed and 20 others injured.

“We need to be smart, vigilant and tough. We need the courts to give us back our rights. We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!” Trump said in a tweet.

Trump also retweeted a tweet from Drudge Report which said that there were fears of new terror attack after a van ploughed into pedestrians on London Bridge in a terror attack followed by stabbing incidents in the area.

At least six people were killed and 20 others injured on Sunday in two terror attacks at central London landmarks in which police shot dead three suspects.

The attack that took place at London Bridge and Borough Market came just days ahead of the general election on June 8.

“Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the UK, we will be there — we are with you. God bless!” Trump said.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert in a statement condemned “the cowardly attacks” targeting innocent civilians in London.

“We understand UK police are currently treating these as terrorist incidents. The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request,” she said.

“Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom,” Nauert said.

The US Department of Homeland Security said it was closely monitoring the ongoing situation in the United Kingdom.

“We are working with our interagency partners and foreign counterparts to gain further insight into reported attacks against civilians on London Bridge and in the surrounding area,” it said.

“US citizens in the area should heed direction from local authorities and maintain security awareness. We encourage any affected US citizens who need assistance to contact the US Embassy in London and follow Department of State guidance,” the statement said.

The Homeland Security Secretary has been fully briefed on the incidents and the ongoing response.