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Global Travel Alert Issued by U.S. State Dept.

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Global Travel Alert Issued by U.S. State Dept.
Saturday, September 3, 2011

(Dive Travel Business News - Sept 3, 2011) -- With the approaching 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington, D.C., the U.S. government not surprisingly is alerting the public to the potential for another attack timed around the anniversary. On Sept. 2, the U.S. Department of State issued a travel alert informing U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad of the continued threat posed by al-Qaeda and its affiliates.

“While we have not identified any specific threats from al-Qaeda affiliates and allies to attack the United States or our interests on the 9/11 anniversary,” the State Department said, “U.S. citizens should be aware that al-Qaeda affiliates and allies have demonstrated the intent and capability to carry out attacks against the United States and our interests around the world.”

In issuing a worldwide travel alert, The State Department said in the past, terrorist organizations have on occasion planned their attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar. U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Travelers Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://travelregistration.state.gov. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. For more information, call 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 or visit http://travel.state.gov.

Meanwhile, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano issued a similar message. “As we approach the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the safety and security of the American public remains our highest priority,” Napolitano said. “While threats remain, our nation is stronger than it was on 9/11, more prepared to confront evolving threats, and more resilient than ever before.

Napolitano reiterated that while there is no specific or credible intelligence that al-Qaeda or its affiliates are plotting attacks in the United States to coincide with the 10-year anniversary of 9/11, the U.S. remains at a heightened state of vigilance and security measures are in place to detect and prevent plots against the country should they emerge. For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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