August 2, 2013

The U.S. Department of State will close a number of embassies and consulates through the weekend–August 3 and 4–primarily in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. The closing are in response to an al-Qa’ida threat “emanating from the Arabian Peninsula.”

The State Department has also ordered a worldwide travel alert for the entire month of August, particularly significant in the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. “Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August,” the State Department announced today in a bulletin issued to travelers and expatriates. “Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services. U.S. citizens should take every precaution to be aware of their surroundings and to adopt appropriate safety measures to protect themselves when traveling.”

The U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide travel alert, citing threats from al-Qa’ida affiliated organizations. (World Book illustration)

Additional World Book articles:

• Diplomacy
• September 11 terrorist attacks
• The Middle East: From Fall to Spring (a special report)