US Issues Global Travel Alert over Al-Qaeda Attack Threat
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Washington has issued a worldwide travel alert, warning US nationals about the "continued potential for terrorist attacks" in the Middle East and North Africa.
The announcement comes as the anniversary of the US consulate attack in Benghazi approaches, RT reported.
Officials said that travel alert is applicable to all Americans until August 31.
“The Department of State alerts US citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa and possibly occurring and emanating from the Arabian Peninsula," the statement read.
“Current information suggests that al-Qaeda and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorists attacks booth in the region and beyond and they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August.”
The State Department urged American travelers to take extra precautions when traveling abroad and suggested they should sign up for State Department alerts and register with US consulates in the countries they are visiting.
Earlier, the State Department said an unspecified number of US embassies and consulates in Muslim countries will be closed for a day or more due to a “specific threat”.
At least 21 embassies and consulate services have been affected including those in the UAE, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and other countries.
Among the embassies suspending their operations are several large US diplomatic facilities which house substantial American military contingents.
