US issues global travel alert

Washington: The US on Tuesday issued a global travel advisory for its citizens alerting them of possible risks due to increased terror threats from the dreaded IS and other terror groups in the aftermath of the attacks in Paris and Mali.

“Current information suggests that the IS, al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions,” the State Department said in its latest travel advisory.

Noting that these attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics using conventional and non-conventional weapons and could target both official and private interests, the State Department said authorities believe the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of IS return from Syria and Iraq. “There is a continuing threat from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organisations but conducted on an individual basis,” the State Department said.

As such, US citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation, the State Department said. “Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowed places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events. US citizens should monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities,” it said.

The alert, which expires on February 24, comes as a massive manhunt is underway in France and Belgium for Belgian-born Salah Abdeslam, suspected of playing a role in the horrific shooting in Paris in which 130 people were killed.

Meanwhile, the Belgium said on Tuesday that it will stay at the highest security threat level for another week over fears of an imminent terror attack. France will also install security gates at stations in Paris and Lille for Thalys cross-Europe rail services by December 20 in one of a raft of measures introduced after the attacks.