By Lalit K JhaWashington, Dec 7 (PTI) The US today issued a "worldwidecaution" to its citizens travelling overseas, urging them toexercise caution in the wake of President Donald Trump'sdecision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel as itmay trigger violent protests.
The travel advisory includes South Asia in particularAfghanistan and Pakistan in addition to the Muslim-majoritycountries.
"As terrorist attacks, political upheaval, and violenceoften take place without any warning, US citizens are stronglyencouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and takeappropriate steps to increase their security awareness whentravelling," the State Department said.
The latest worldwide caution replaces the previous alertissued on September 14 this year.
The US government facilities worldwide remain in aheightened state of alert, the advisory said, adding thatthese facilities may temporarily close or periodically suspendpublic services to assess their security posture.
Terrorist groups including ISIS, al-Qaeda, theirassociates, and those inspired by such groups, are intent onattacking US citizens wherever they are, the department said.
Extremists may use conventional or non-conventionalweapons to target US government and private interests, itsaid.
Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticatedmethods of attack to more effectively target crowds, includingthe use of edged weapons, pistols, and vehicles as weapons,the alert said.
There are terrorists, guerrilla, and insurgent groups insome parts of Sub-Saharan Africa, and the potential for al-Qaeda or ISIS-inspired attacks is high in several West Africancountries and countries bordering Somalia.
Armed terrorist and criminal groups are operating in theEast Asian and Pacific region and may attempt to target UScitizens, particularly for kidnapping in the coastal areas andoutlying islands of the eastern part of the Malaysian state ofSabah and the southern Philippines, the State Department said.
Further terrorist groups continue to plot attacks inEurope as foreign fighters return home from Syria and Iraq,while other individuals may be radicalised or inspired by ISISpropaganda, it said.
Noting that terrorist groups are very active in theMiddle East and North Africa, it said the US governmentremains highly concerned about possible attacks against UScitizens, facilities, businesses, and perceived US and Westerninterests in the region.
Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Libya are considered violent andunpredictable war zones, and there is no official USdiplomatic presence in the latter three countries, it said.
The US government assesses terrorist groups in South Asiamay be planning attacks in the region, possibly against USfacilities, citizens, and interests, it said, adding thatcitizens should avoid travel to Afghanistan, as no region inthe country is immune from violence.
"A number of established terrorist organisations,indigenous sectarian groups, and other militants pose a dangerto US citizens in Pakistan. Extremist elements are also activein India, as outlined in a recent emergency message.
Terrorists have hit a wide variety of targets and institutionsin Bangladesh," the State Department said. PTI LKJZH.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.