The State Department on Monday issued a global travel warning for all U.S. citizens due to risks from “increased terrorist threats.”
State said the warning would last for three months, until Feb. 24, 2016.
“Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions,” State said. “These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests.”
“Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq,” State said. “Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis.”
The travel alert seems to go against the message being delivered by President Obama himself. Over the weekend, Obama encouraged Americans not to be afraid the terrorist group, and specifically said one of the key tools the U.S. should use to fight the group is not to fear it.
“[I]n addition to hunting down terrorists, in addition to effective intelligence, and in addition to missile strikes, and in addition to cutting off financing and all the other things that we’re doing, the most powerful tool we have to fight ISIL is to say that we’re not afraid; to not elevate them; to somehow buy into their fantasy that they’re doing something important,” Obama said.
The warning came less than two weeks after the Islamic State took credit for attacks in Paris that killed 130 people, and left much of Europe on high alert for more attacks. On Monday, Brussels was orchestrating police raids after receiving information that a terrorist attack was imminent.
Monday in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister David Cameron said it was time to take the fight directly to the terrorist group, and said the goal of like-minded countries should be to root out the “poisonous ideology of Islamic extremism.”
In light of these events, State noted that terrorist groups are threatening people around the world now.
“Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services,” State added. “In the past year, there have been multiple attacks in France, Nigeria, Denmark, Turkey, and Mali.”
The warning said Americans should “exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation.” It also encouraged people to follow the instructions of local authorities when abroad, monitor media reports, and be prepared for additional screening.
“Foreign governments have taken action to guard against terrorist attacks, and some have made official declarations regarding heightened threat conditions,” the warning said. “Authorities continue to conduct raids and disrupt terror plots. We continue to work closely with our allies on the threat from international terrorism.”
