Terror Alert Issued Ahead of Thanksgiving Holiday

The State Department issued a worldwide travel alert Monday evening for U.S. citizens. Amidst numerous terrorist threats, all U.S. citizens have been reminded to remain vigilant when in public places or using transportation. In addition to the United States, numerous countries throughout Europe have issued similar warnings.

“Current information suggests that ISIL (aka Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions,” a statement from the department read. “These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests,” the warning read.

While such broad warnings have been criticized in the past – mostly for being of little practical use and for creating a climate of fear – the millions of Americans traveling this week to celebrate Thursday’s Thanksgiving holiday motivated US offials to provide the alert.

Officials said there’s no credible threat to the U.S., but there will be increased security at the nation’s 500 airports this upcoming week.In addition, police presance is expected to increase througout America’s major cities.

The alert expires on February 24, 2016.