Citing last week's lone wolf assault in Sydney, Australia, that left three people dead, including the gunman, the U.S. State Department has issued a worldwide travel alert to warn American travelers of "unpredictable threats" around the globe.
"An analysis of past attacks and threat reporting strongly suggests a focus by terrorists not only on the targeting of U.S. government facilities but also on hotels, shopping areas, places of worship, and schools, among other targets, during or coinciding with this holiday period," the State Department said in a statement.
"U.S. citizens abroad should be mindful that terrorist groups and those inspired by them can pose unpredictable threats in public venues. U.S. citizens should remain alert to local conditions and for signs of danger."
The warning, which was issued late last week, expires on March 19, 2015.
In addition to maintaining "extra caution" and "a very high level of vigilance," the State Department recommends that U.S. citizens planning to travel to foreign countries sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
STEP enrollees will receive up-to-date security warnings as well as easier access of information from the nearest American embassy or consulate in case of an emergency.
This month's travel alert comes amid an extremely busy travel period in the U.S. as millions of Americans are making arrangements ahead of the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Last week, AAA released its 2014-15 year-end holiday travel forecast, which predicts a record number of holiday travelers (98.6 million Americans) between Dec. 23 through Jan. 4.
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