State Department issues three-month worldwide travel alert
The alert is due to “increased terrorist threats’’ following attacks in Paris and the downing of a Russian passenger plane in Egypt.
The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide travel alert Monday to U.S. citizens due to “increased terrorist threats’’ during the next three months.
“Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions,’’ officials said. “These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests.’’
The alert, in effect until February 24, 2016, comes after the groups also known as ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks in Paris, which killed 130 people, and for the downing of a Russian plane in Egypt, which killed 224 people.
According to CBS News foreign policy reporter Margaret Brennan, it’s the first time the alert has been issued since December 2014.
From the alert:
Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis. Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services.
The State Department advised that people exercise vigilance while in public spaces or using transportation and to avoid large crowds, particularly during the holiday season. U.S. citizens should also be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions, officials said.
Related: Photos from the Paris terrorist attacks:
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