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Obama: No Specific, Credible Threat To Homeland Ahead Of Thanksgiving

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, President Barack Obama spoke about the status of our national security voicing what many travelers and families are worried about.

"Given the shocking images Americans have been asking each other whether it's safe to fly or gather," said Obama, referring to the deadly Paris terror attacks. "It's understandable that people worry. Something like that could happen here."

But the president had reassuring words for those traveling or simply gathering with family.

"We're taking every possible step to keep our homeland safe," said Obama.

The president said they are going after ISIL militarily and they are also continuing to work to choke the group's financing.

"We re stepping up the pressure on ISIL," the president said.

Secondly, he said, security forces are working overtime to prevent attacks at home and abroad.

"Right now, we know of no specific and credible intelligence indicating a plot on the homeland," said Obama. "In the event of a specific credible threat, the public will be informed."

Despite that, security has been beefed up at airports nationwide including Miami International and Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International.

"We work with our federal partners. We make sure everyone that comes through here is not a threat to the U.S.," said MIA Director Emilio Gonzalez on Tuesday.

MIA officials are predicting close to one million travelerrs will pass through the airport during the Thanksgiving holiday period that runs from Monday of this week to this upcoming Monday.

Some passengers have noticed the heavy volume.

"A lot of crowds, a lot of people traveling during the holidays in general," said Tom Alderson, who was flying home to Dallas for the holiday.

But despite the higher amount of people, some passengers came prepared for longer wait times.

"The day before Thanksgiving, I expected it to be super busy but, yeah, it's not," said traveler Sandra Cottam.

MIA officials said the busiest travel day was last Saturday when more than 131,000 passengers came through the airport, though the crowds have been dwindling since. However, they're expecting a big surge again Saturday and Sunday.

"Keep in mind that not only do you have the holiday travel but you also have the cruise travel that we get every Saturday and Sunday," said Miami International Airport media relations manager Marc Henderson.

For those out on Thanksgiving, the president had some advice.

"If you see something suspicious, say something," said the president.

Click on the following links to view real-time flight information for MIA or FLL.

See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide CautionTravel Warnings & Alerts and Country Specific Information.

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