New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio held a press conference this afternoon to tamp down comments made by Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.
De Blasio said American authorities had found no "specific, credible threat" against the New York City subway system.
Earlier today, al-Abadi caused concern when he said his government had uncovered a plot targeting the mass transit system. The Chicago Tribune adds:
"The attacks, he said, were plotted from inside Iraq by 'networks' of the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL.
"'They plan to have attacks in the metros of Paris and the U.S.,' Abadi told a small group of U.S. reporters while in New York for the annual meeting of the U.N. General Assembly. 'I asked for more credible information. I asked for names. I asked for details, for cities, you know, dates. And from the details I have received, yes, it looks credible.'"
American officials went quickly on the offensive.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said: "The New York City subway system is safe. Go about your business — be prudent, everyone can be helpful, the expression 'if you see something, say something,' is truer now more than ever."
National Security Council spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said: "We have not confirmed such a plot and would have to review any information from our Iraqi partners before making further determinations."
Reuters reports that despite that, New York City Police Commissioner William Bratton said the department added police on the subway system.
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