Americans Traveling Abroad Should Be on Alert for Terror Attacks and Violence as Israel War Rages on, US Says

The State Department issued a rare worldwide alert for United States citizens Thursday, warning of the potential for terror attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against them.

It urged Americans to stay alert in highly trafficked tourist locations when outside of the U.S. and also said anyone traveling should enroll in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive relevant alerts when abroad.

Much of the focus is on U.S. citizens currently in Israel and the West Bank, where at least 31 Americans have been confirmed dead following the initial attacks by Hamas.

The U.S. government is facilitating charter flights to bring people back home. The State Department said those flights would run until at least Sunday, October 22, but that those wishing to get on a plane may be forced to wait.

Operations have been underway to bring back American diplomats and their families from Lebanon. On Tuesday, protestors surrounded the United States embassy there, following the bombing of a hospital in Gaza.

Tensions have spilled out of the Middle East into Europe, with demonstrations and terror attack threats bringing tightened security in London, Paris, Madrid and Rome. Protestors also targeted various U.S. sites in Turkey, including a military base.

While the advisory message from the State Department is aimed at Americans away from home, the FBI warned at the weekend of an increase in threats on U.S. soil.

Travel advisories are usually issued for each individual country and are reviewed every six to twelve months. A worldwide alert isn't common, with CNN saying the last time an alert like this happened was in August 2022, following the killing of al-Quaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

Warnings are also in place for other countries around the world, with recently updated listings including Bangladesh, Malawi and Gabon due to unrest and increased crime in the countries.