WASHINGTON: The United States has issued an extraordinary global travel warning to American citizens about the threat of al-Qaida attacks.
The State Department warning urged American travelers to take extra precautions overseas, citing potential dangers involved with public transportation systems and other prime sites for tourists.
The statement said that al-Qaeda or its allies might target either US government or private American interests. The alert expires on August 31.
The State Department said the potential for terrorism was particularly acute in the Middle East and North Africa, with a possible attack occurring on or coming from the Arabian Peninsula.
“Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August,” a department statement said.
The warning came one day after the US announced it would close a number embassies and consulates around the world on Sunday.
The US Deputy Spokesperson Marie Harf said the department acted out of an “abundance of caution” and that some missions may stay closed for longer than a day.
