U.S. Issues World-Wide Travel Alert As 9/11 Anniversary Nears
CHICAGO (CBS) -- As the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11 approaches, a world-wide alert has been issued for Americans traveling.
People flying overseas -- or living abroad -- have a new reason to be on their guard.
For the anniversary of the terrorist attacks, the government is reminding travelers of the continued threat from groups like al Qaeda.
Tom Mockaitis, who has written books on counter-terrorism, call the alert very generic, in contrast to others he's seen.
"This one does not seem to be accompanied even by a hint that hey, we have increased intelligence intercepts, we have evidence that something's afoot," he tells CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman.
Passport-holders she interviewed at O'Hare International Airport weren't worried.
Deborah Morelli recalled travel in 2001.
"We had no problems, and I feel the same way today, too," she said.
The government alert directs world travelers to get in on the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program, so that an embassy can contact you in the event of an emergency.
"You have a far more likely chance of dying over the Labor Day weekend in a car accident than you do of being killed in terrorist attack," Mockaitis said.
