State Department Issues Global Travel Alert Warning Of Potential For Terrorist Attacks

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The State Department Friday issued a global travel alert in light of threats against American embassies.

The department said in a statement posted online that the potential for terrorism is particularly heightened in the Middle East and North Africa.

The statement also said that an attack could occur or come from the Arabian Peninsula, KNX 1070's Jon Baird reported.

But many travelers departing from Tom Bradley International Terminal at LAX weren't fazed by the alert.

"If we were to fear every warning of a possible terrorist attack, we would probably have to stay in our homes," one traveler said.

"This kind of news [occurs] all the time so you kind of don't know to take what serious, what not," another traveler said.

Destinations for those waiting in line included: Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Africa, and Pakistan, CBS2's Dave Lopez reported. Emirates Airline, Turkish Air, and other carriers headed to the region said they had very few cancellations.

Meantime, the State Department urged U.S. citizens to be aware of their surroundings and to stay away from unattended luggage. Also, travelers were cautioned not to hang around large hotel lobbies.

"Because of the travel alert, people will be a little more alert. A little more attentive. People checking in to their bags and people will watch their bags and won't leave them unattended," said another traveler.

The alert comes in the wake of information of an alleged al Qaeda plot, according to intelligence agents. The alert is set to expire at the end of this month.