US takes precautions over CIA interrogation report

WASHINGTON - The White House said Monday that precautions have been taken at US facilities around the world to confront emergencies expected with the release of a report on the interrogation practices by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

"The administration has taken the necessary precautions, because of the potential that exists, that the release of the report could have an impact on the security situation at US facilities around the globe," spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters at a daily news briefing.

The 480-page report, compiled by the Senate Intelligence Committee from a classified 6,200-page study, covers CIA's alleged use of torture on al-Qaida detainees held in secret facilities in Europe and Asia over the years after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the US mainland.

Earnest said "prudent steps" had been taken over the past months to ensure that "proper security precautions" are in place at US facilities around the world, as the report could lead to a violent backlash against American targets when it comes out Tuesday.

The Pentagon said Monday that it sent "general guidance" last week to combatant commanders around the world, authorizing them to take appropriate measures to increase security and force protection.

Earnest said the White House supports the release of the report, adding things like the use of torture "should never happen again."

House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers said Sunday on CNN that foreign leaders and US intelligence officials had warned of "violence and deaths" likely to come with the report's publication.