State Dept. Issues Worldwide Travel Alert For Terrorist Threat
MIAMI (CBS4) – The United States State Department issued a rare worldwide travel alert to U.S. citizen about a potential terrorist attack, "particularly in the Middle East and North Africa."
The travel alert came just one day after the State Department announced it was closing embassies across the Middle East and North Africa for at least Sunday, and possibly longer.
According to the State Department alert, al-Qaida and affiliated organizations are continuing to "plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August."
The threat apparently comes from Yemen where the group called al Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula is considered the most dangerous terrorist organization in the world.
Intelligence doesn't reveal where a potential attack could occur or what kind of attack might be planned, but the State Department said it's exercising an abundance of caution.
The State Department told citizens abroad to pay special attention to public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure and attractions including subway, rail systems, and aviation and maritime services.
MiamiInternationalAirport does not have direct flights to the Middle East or North Africa, but the airport officials said employees are exercising caution and some travelers say they'll be on alert.
"We're looking around constantly just being secure and safe," said Albert Barrios who was heading to Spain for a 10 day vacation with his family. He said he wasn't too concerned about the warning. "Just a few extra precautions, got to keep on with our vacation plans," he said.
Travelers weren't changing plans due to the alert.
"I believe all travel has some element of risk, and this is just some of the risk you take if you want to travel internationally," said Louie Suarez.
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