Kathmandu. The International Crisis Group (ICG) had sounded the alarm bells earlier on that the 2020 Election Day in the United States of America could witness a surge in violence. The National Guard, a unique part of the US military that responds to domestic threats amongst many other specified duties, has now been deployed to around 16 states in the nation to combat any such eruption of conflict.

The National Guard will support the institutions and work towards maintaining the peace in the concerned states by aiding the “cyber defense, working the polls, and standing-by in case of post-election civil unrest.” More than three thousand troops have been deployed, throughout the regions, to handle the tense situation.

On Monday a rapid deployment of troops was noted in several states, including Florida, Illinois and Oregon, where the number is yet to be disclosed. Additionally, 300 troops were activated in both Arizona and Alabama.

Massachusetts Governor Charles Duane Baker Jr has dispatched around 1,000 National Guard troops to “maintain public safety following Tuesday’s election,” and ” assist in any situations that arise in order to protect public safety and the rights of all our citizens.”

The Election results are projected to be contested with an incredibly narrow margin of victory for either of the Presidential candidates. Walmart has also removed its displays of the firearms, as well as ammunitions, from various stores due to fear of “civil unrest.”

A report from the Associated Press had previously recorded a statement from the American retail corporation, whereby it was mentioned, “We have seen some isolated civil unrest and as we have done on several occasions over the last few years, we have moved our firearms and ammunition off the sales floor as a precaution for the safety of our associates and customers.”

The deployment is a reminder for the states to maintain extra caution, as voters are predicted to be swarming to the ballots. The post-election climate will be tense regardless of the winner, and the escalation of violence is a probable outcome.