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Barack Obama
World

Obama's armoured limousine breaks down in Israel

The US Secret Service had to fly another vehicle in from Jordan where it was waiting for Obama, who will travel to the neighbouring country today after wrapping up his visit to the Jewish state.

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Obama's armoured limousine is taken away. Photo: SCMP Pictures

US President Barack Obama lost his first choice of wheels, after one of his hulking armoured limousines broke down in Israel.

The US Secret Service had to fly another vehicle in from Jordan where it was waiting for Obama, who will travel to the neighbouring country today after wrapping up his visit to the Jewish state.

"One of our protective vehicles experienced mechanical problems in Israel earlier today," said Edwin Donovan, a secret service spokesman. "This is why we bring multiple vehicles and a mechanic on all trips."

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Donovan said that the president's itinerary was not affected by the breakdown, which happened before he arrived in Israel.

Some Israeli media reports suggested the car conked out after it was filled with diesel fuel rather than petrol.

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Obama uses a variety of bulletproof vehicles, including "The Beast" which is built by GM and is a heavily remodelled Cadillac.

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