US issues global travel alert due to 'terrorist threats'

Washington, Nov 24: The United States has issued a worldwide travel alert warning American citizens of "increased terrorist threats" in the wake of the Paris attacks.

A massive manhunt is underway in France and Belgium for Belgian-born Salah Abdeslam, suspected of playing a role in the coordinated shooting and suicide bombings of November 13 claimed by the Islamic State group.

The United States has been on heightened alert in the wake of the attacks, which killed 130 people. "Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Daesh), Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions," said a State Department travel advisory yesterday.

"US citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation," it said, advising Americans to avoid large crowds or crowded places and to "exercise particular caution during the holiday season."

Citing recent attacks in Denmark, France, Mali, Nigeria and Turkey, it also noted the threat of "lone wolf" attacks by unaffiliated persons inspired by terror groups.

The alert, which expires February 24, warned that "the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Daesh return from Syria and Iraq."

It was referring to foreign fighters who return home after having fought alongside IS extremists. "Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theaters, open markets and aviation services," the alert added.

The State Department often issues individual country travel alerts, but this notice was a rare "worldwide travel alert" that comes in the wake of a series of attacks.

New "attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests," it said.

PTI