Washington: The United States issued a worldwide travel alert on Monday 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.
"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.
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.
"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."
Advertisement
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."
Advertisement
"Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theaters, open markets and aviation services," the alert added.
Advertisement
New "attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests," it said.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Soldier Injured In Paris Knife Attack, Suspect Arrested: Cops Russian Prison Siege By ISIS Inmates Ends, Hostages Safe Islamic State Claims Attack In Afghanistan That Killed 3 Spanish Tourists Amid Huge Row, Karnataka Pauses Bill For Reservation In Private Sector Firms BJP Subtly Asking Ajit Pawar To Quit "Mahayuti": Sharad Pawar's NCP Travel Influencer Aanvi Kamdar Dies After Falling Off A Waterfall Near Mumbai UK Covid-19 Inquiry To Issue First Report On Preparedness Secret Service Head To Testify To US House Panel On Trump Shooting Florida Man Arrested For Making Threats Against Biden Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.