U.S. State Department Issues Global Travel Alert for 9/11 Anniversary

U.S. State Department Issues Global Travel Alert for 9/11 Anniversary
By James Shillinglaw

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.