US Warns Citizens About Traveling to Other Countries

On Monday, November 23, the US Department of State warned its citizens about the "increased terrorist threats" worldwide, advising them to be cautious and vigilant while traveling to other countries, especially in public places and when using public transportation. According to the Associated Press, this warning will remain in effect until February 24 of next year (early Esfand). The State Department stated that available information indicates that militants affiliated with groups like ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and other terrorist organizations intend to attack various regions around the world. The statement added that with the return of militia forces from Iraq and Syria to their home countries, as well as the presence of other related forces, the likelihood of attacks by extremist groups remains. In the past two months, forces linked to groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda have carried out attacks on civilians in Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, France, and Mali. ISIS has claimed responsibility for attacks such as the bombing of a Russian passenger plane over Egypt, which left at least 224 dead. The State Department advises American citizens to be cautious in public places and to avoid crowded areas as much as possible. The statement also noted that the US and its allied countries are exchanging information regarding international "terrorist" threats. While the US State Department has issued this warning about "terrorist threats," on the same day, the Belgian Prime Minister announced that due to imminent threats, the security alert level in the capital of Belgium will remain at its highest level for the next week. The decision to increase security measures in Belgium followed the November 13 attacks in Paris, where attackers targeted six locations, resulting in at least 130 deaths. ISIS claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks.