The United States State Department has been instructing its embassies and consulates around the world to conduct emergency security reviews amid ongoing protests sparked by the Israel-Hamas fighting.
That’s according to sources familiar with the matter and documents which have been seen by American news channel ABC News.
The State Department said in a new worldwide travel advisory this week: "Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”
The department also told Americans overseas to "stay alert in locations frequented by tourists."
The State Department announced at the time that it had raised its rating of Nigeria to a “3rd Tier” travel alert to Americans if undertaking business or tourism travel to the country.
It warned that American businesses in Nigeria and even Nigerian clients of US companies could be targeted by extremists.
“3rd Tier” calls on all categories of business and tourism travellers to “review” the need to visit at this stage.
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has instructed diplomatic personnel to evaluate whether embassies should issue alerts to Americans in their respective countries.
African countries with the highest travel alert (do not travel) are Niger, Libya, South Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Central Africa Republic.
