In the wake of the Paris terror attacks and European manhunt, the US State Department has issued a global travel alert to US citizens.
The US government says terror attacks around the world are likely to continue as the battle with Islamic State expands beyond Iraq and Syria. The alert advises Americans to avoid large crowds or crowded places and to "exercise particular caution during the holiday season."
Citing recent attacks in Denmark, France, Mali, Nigeria and Turkey, it also noted the threat of "lone wolf" attacks by unaffiliated persons inspired by terror groups.
The alert expires February 24 next year. The US State Department often issues individual country travel alerts, but this notice was a rare "worldwide travel alert" that comes in the wake of a series of attacks.