No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimeUS issues global travel alert due to 'increased terrorist threats'

US issues global travel alert due to ‘increased terrorist threats’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States issued a worldwide travel alert on Monday warning U.S. citizens of “increased terrorist threats” in the wake of the Paris attacks. And a massive manhunt is underway in France and Belgium for Belgian-born Salah Abdeslam, suspected of playing a role in the coordinated shooting and suicide bombings of Nov. 13 claimed by the Islamic State group.

The United States has been on heightened alert in the wake of the attacks, which killed 130 people.

“Current information suggests that ISIL, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions,” a State Department travel advisory said.

“U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation,” it said, advising people to avoid large crowds or crowded places and to “exercise particular caution during the holiday season.”

Citing recent attacks in Denmark, France, Mali, Nigeria and Turkey, it also noted the threat of “lone wolf” attacks by unaffiliated persons inspired by terror groups.

The alert, which expires Feb. 24, warned that “the likelihood of terror attacks will continue as members of ISIL/Daesh return from Syria and Iraq.”

It was referring to foreign fighters who return home after having fought alongside IS extremists.

“Extremists have targeted large sporting events, theaters, open markets and aviation services,” the alert added.

The State Department often issues individual country travel alerts, but this notice was a rare “worldwide travel alert” that comes in the wake of a series of attacks.

New “attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests,” it said.

Trending Now

Rising Seas Threaten Costa Rica’s Beaches and Communities by 2030

Costa Rica’s iconic coastlines, from Limón’s Caribbean shores to Guanacaste’s Pacific beaches, face growing threats from rising sea levels driven by climate change. The...

Gold Cup 2025: Costa Rica, Mexico and Canada Aim for Glory

While other CONCACAF teams have their sights set on the 2026 World Cup, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Canada are raising the stakes by targeting...

Costa Rica’s Tortuga Island Hits Coral Milestone in Marine Restoration Push

Costa Rica’s Tortuga Island is making waves in marine conservation. On World Oceans Day the National Learning Institute (INA), State Distance University (UNED), and...

Guatemala and U.S. Strengthen Cooperation on Migration and Transnational Crime

Migration and drug trafficking dominated a meeting on Friday between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, according to...

Costa Rica’s New Extradition Law Faces Limits in Tackling Organized Crime

Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly passed a constitutional amendment in May, allowing the extradition of nationals for international drug trafficking and terrorism. With 44 of...

Costa Rica Expat’s Bus Journey to the Border: A Ride Like No Other

I can’t say what compelled me to buy a ticket to the border on a collectivo bus. I got to the station too early....
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica