Travel News

U.S Issues New Worldwide Travel Alert After High Profile al Qaeda Deaths

Locations in this article:  Detroit, MI

Following the killing of two top al Qaeda members on Friday, the U.S. Department of State has issued a worldwide travel alert. The warning, which took effect October 1 and expires November 30, alerts “U.S. citizens to the potential retaliation against U.S. citizens and interests.”

The CIA-led drone strike that killed American-born external operations leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Anwar al-Awlaki, and editor for al Qaeda magazine (Inspire), Samir Khan, has set the terror alert on high for potential retaliation against United States’ citizens and interests.

Anwar al-Awlaki was believed to be behind the attempted attack on a Northwest Airlines flight to Detroit in Christmas 2009 and also sought to use weapons of mass destruction on westerners.

A travel warning issued in Yemen goes hand-in-hand with the latest State Department warning. The warning issued on September 2 urges: “U.S. citizens not to travel to Yemen; U.S. citizens currently in Yemen should depart while commercial transportation is available.”

One way travelers can respond to these new travel alerts is through the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens traveling outside the U.S. or living in a foreign country. The purpose of STEP is to keep travelers informed of any emergencies relevant to their country and safety. Travelers can enroll in STEP at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or online.  The latest security information can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the United States and Canada and at 1-202-501-4444 for travelers outside the U.S from 8am-8pm EST, Monday through Friday.

By Tatiana Rodriguez for PeterGreenberg.com 

Sources: US Department of State, MSNBC, FOX News

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