US issues worldwide travel alert to citizens over ‘potential terrorist attacks’

The United States has advised all its citizens worldwide to exercise restraint in travelling to various locations around the world.

The US state department made the announcement in a statement on Thursday.

The issuance of the rare worldwide caution alert comes as protests and casualties continue to rise in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

“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 statement reads.

Countries such as Russia, China, North Korea, Israel, and Lebanon have their travel advisories raised to the highest level.

The state department also authorised non-emergency US government personnel and family members to depart the named countries.

African countries with the highest levels of travel alerts (Level 4: Do not travel) include Niger, Libya, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Central African Republic.

Nigeria was listed under the third tier of caution alert (Reconsider to travel).

The US highlighted Bauchi, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Yobe, Kogi, and northern Adamawa as states to avoid due to terrorism and kidnapping

Abia, Anambra, Bayelsa, Delta, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers states (with the exception of Port Harcourt), on the other hand, were blacklisted due to crime, kidnapping, and armed gangs.

Although the whole country was listed under the third tier of travel advisory, the aforementioned states were marked with the highest alerts.