The U.S. State Department issued a “worldwide caution” travel advisory on Thursday.
“Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution,” the advisory states.
The State Department urged Americans to:
- Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas.
- Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
The advisory comes nearly two weeks after Hamas terrorists attacked Israel, killing 1,300 people, including Americans, and wounding thousands more. The terrorist attacks triggered a declaration of war from Israel.
The director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Christopher Wray, also warned there is a rising number of terrorist threats in the United States in the wake of the Hamas terrorist attacks.
“In this heightened environment, there’s no question we’re seeing an increase in reported threats and we’ve got to be on the lookout, especially for lone actors who make take inspiration from recent events to commit violence of their own,” Wray said during a speech at the International Association of Chiefs of Police annual conference last weekend.
“So I’d encourage you to stay vigilant, because as the first line of defense protecting our communities, you’re often the first to see the signs that someone may be mobilizing to violence. I’d also ask you to continue sharing any intelligence or observations you may have, and on our end, we’re committed to doing the same so that together we can safeguard our communities,” Wray added.
Wray’s warning came one day after a former leader and founding member of Hamas urged Muslims around the world to engage in a global day of Jihad.
