Washington: The Paris attacks haven’t just scared people, they’ve also set the alarm bells ringing as far as traveling goes. In the wake of the deadly 13/11 Paris attacks and the following world-wide threat, the U.S. State Department has released a global travel alert for Americans who are on their holiday travels, asking them to maintain caution and avoid large crowds.
“U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation. Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. U.S. citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities,” the State Department said in a statement.
This travel alert is effective for three months and expires on February 24, 2016.
Further asking Americans to be vigilant in their travels, the alert said that ‘extremists’ have been targeting large sporting events, theatres, open markets, and aviation services.
“Authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Da’esh return from Syria and Iraq. Additionally, there is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis,” the alert read.
The alert comes after the ISIS killed 130 people in several Paris locations and while Brussels, the capital of neighbouring Belgium, is on lockdown and a massive manhunt in on for the main Paris suspect- Salah Abdeslam.
(with inputs from ANI)