State Department issues ‘worldwide’ travel warning for Americans
The last time a ‘worldwide’ advisory was issued was August 2022
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
The US State Department has issued a "worldwide" travel advisory, warning Americans to exercise increased caution to avoid becoming victims of possible terror attacks.
"Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution," the agency warned.
The move came in the wake of Joe Biden's visit to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the IDF continues its military response in Gaza. On 7 October, Hamas launched an attack that killed approximately 2,000 Israelis. The IDF launched a response attack shortly after that has displaced more than a million Palestinians and killed more than 3,785 Gazans, according to the Gaza health ministry's data.
Protests broke out around the region after an explosion ripped through the hospital, killing hundreds and injuring more. Hamas blamed the IDF, claiming the Israeli military intentionally targeted the hospital. Israeli officials insisted they had evidence to pin the attack on Hamas. The IDF has targeted healthcare facilities in the past, even as recently as just days before the hospital attack. Hamas has also attacked civilians and healthcare facilities in its fight against Israel.
US officials, including Joe Biden, have sided with the IDF, and publicly stated that they believe Hamas was responsible for the attack.
That public display of solidarity may have influenced the travel warning.
The US State Department recommends that US citizens "stay alert in locations frequented by tourists."
The agency raised the travel advisory for Lebanon and Israel to its highest level, and has authorized non-emergency US government workers and their families to leave.
The last time the State Department issued a “worldwide” advisory was in August 2022 after the US military killed al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.
In addition to the travel advisory, the State Department has been instructing embassies and consulates around the world to review their emergency security protocols, according to ABC News.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments