US State Dept Urges Americans to Be on High Alert

The US State Department on Thursday issued a worldwide caution alert advising US citizens worldwide “to exercise increased caution” citing potential terrorist attacks.

“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, (and) demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” said the advisory.

It goes on to add that American citizens should remain alert in locations frequented by tourists; enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts, and to make it easier to be located in an emergency overseas; and to follow the State Department on social media.

Source: US State Department

The worldwide caution alert comes in the midst of the Israel-Hamas war, which has spurred protests and demonstrations in the Middle East and elsewhere.

“We take a number of factors into consideration when making that determination” to issue a worldwide alert, said State Department spokesperson Matt Miller, adding that “it’s not necessarily any one thing but everything that we’re watching around the world”.

Last week, the State Department also issued a travel advisory for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, and raised the warning for Lebanon and Israel to the highest level.

CNN reported on Wednesday, that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a cable to diplomatic posts worldwide ordering them to undertake emergency security reviews.

The last time the US State Department issued a global caution alert was in August 2022 after al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed.