AFP, Washington :
An estimated 46.9 million Americans will travel this Thanksgiving, after the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide alert.
Millions of Americans have been cautioned about terror threats as the country prepares for the busiest holiday travel period of the year.
The United States warned its citizens to exercise caution this season because the Islamic State (ISIS), al-Qaida, Boko Haram and similar groups are still plotting attacks across the globe.
Authorities fear that members of ISIS, also known as ISIL or Daesh, may return to the U.S. or Europe from Syria and Iraq to strike during the busiest travel times of the year; they also believe that lone-wolf terrorists – i.e. those who are unaffiliated with any group but are inspired by major terrorist organization – may target innocent civilians.
The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide travel alert, which expires on February 24, 2016, urging Americans to avoid large crowds or crowded places and stay vigilant while traveling or in public spaces.
“Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events,” the warning reads in part. “U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.”
The suspected attackers may use a “wide variety of tactics” against “both official and private interests.”
Drew Bailey, a press officer for the State Department, says that the warning is not meant to advise U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Europe, or any region in particular.
“The safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas is one of the department’s highest priorities, and we provide U.S. citizens with as much information as possible so they can make well-informed decisions before they travel,” Bailey told Yahoo News via email. “The Department of State issued a travel alert to inform U.S. citizens of the current threat level, and to remind travelers to be especially vigilant during the holiday season and at sites frequented by tourists.”
A travel alert, he continued, is used for situations that are expected to be finite or only affect part of a given country or region of the world.
Counterterrorism efforts have been front and center since jihadists murdered 130 and injured hundreds more in at a concert venue, a soccer stadium and bars and cafes in Paris on November 13.
ISIS, who claimed responsibility for the attacks, has since released an unsettling video that juxtaposes busy scenes of New York City with a terrorist preparing for a suicide bombing.
An estimated 46.9 million Americans will travel this Thanksgiving, after the U.S. State Department issued a worldwide alert.
Millions of Americans have been cautioned about terror threats as the country prepares for the busiest holiday travel period of the year.
The United States warned its citizens to exercise caution this season because the Islamic State (ISIS), al-Qaida, Boko Haram and similar groups are still plotting attacks across the globe.
Authorities fear that members of ISIS, also known as ISIL or Daesh, may return to the U.S. or Europe from Syria and Iraq to strike during the busiest travel times of the year; they also believe that lone-wolf terrorists – i.e. those who are unaffiliated with any group but are inspired by major terrorist organization – may target innocent civilians.
The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide travel alert, which expires on February 24, 2016, urging Americans to avoid large crowds or crowded places and stay vigilant while traveling or in public spaces.
“Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events,” the warning reads in part. “U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.”
The suspected attackers may use a “wide variety of tactics” against “both official and private interests.”
Drew Bailey, a press officer for the State Department, says that the warning is not meant to advise U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Europe, or any region in particular.
“The safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas is one of the department’s highest priorities, and we provide U.S. citizens with as much information as possible so they can make well-informed decisions before they travel,” Bailey told Yahoo News via email. “The Department of State issued a travel alert to inform U.S. citizens of the current threat level, and to remind travelers to be especially vigilant during the holiday season and at sites frequented by tourists.”
A travel alert, he continued, is used for situations that are expected to be finite or only affect part of a given country or region of the world.
Counterterrorism efforts have been front and center since jihadists murdered 130 and injured hundreds more in at a concert venue, a soccer stadium and bars and cafes in Paris on November 13.
ISIS, who claimed responsibility for the attacks, has since released an unsettling video that juxtaposes busy scenes of New York City with a terrorist preparing for a suicide bombing.
