US Issues Worldwide Alert For Citizens After The Killing Of Al Qaeda Leader

Following the killing of Al-Qaeda leader; Ayman al-Zawahiri who was killed in a US drone strike, the US has issued a worldwide alert asking its citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance when traveling abroad as al-Qaeda supporters may target American facilities, personnel, or nationals.

President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced that most wanted terrorist Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in a drone strike in Kabul and added that “Justice has been delivered.”

Zawahiri, who played a key role in the 9/11 attacks and later formed the group’s regional affiliate in the Indian subcontinent, died in a drone strike carried out by the CIA on Saturday at a house in a posh locality in the Afghan capital where he was sheltering to reunite with his family.

Following al-Zawahiri’s death, supporters of al-Qaeda, or its affiliated terrorist organizations, may seek to attack US facilities, personnel, or citizens,” the alert issued by the Department of State said.

As terrorist attacks often occur without warning, US citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad, it added.

Worldwide cautions provide US citizens with general information regarding terrorist activities, political violence, and criminal activity that occur abroad, as well as specific recommendations on how to prepare for possible contingencies.

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against US citizens and interests overseas, it said.

“The Department of State believes there is a higher potential for anti-American violence given the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri on July 31, 2022,” it warned.

Current information suggests that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against US interests in multiple regions across the globe. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings, the advisory added.

It asked US citizens abroad to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. It also asked travelers to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and to make it easier to locate them in an emergency.

The department uses these security messages to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc. It said that private US citizens should not travel to any country to participate in armed conflict.

US citizens are reminded that fighting on behalf of or providing other forms of support to, designated terrorist organizations can constitute the provision of material support for terrorism, which is a serious crime that can result in penalties, including prison time and large fines, it added.