Following the death of Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in a US drone strike, the US issued a worldwide alert on Tuesday, urging its citizens to take extreme caution when traveling abroad, as al-Qaeda supporters may target American facilities, personnel, or nationals.
Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of Al-Qaeda and a known terrorist, was killed in a US airstrike in Kabul, Afghanistan, over the weekend, at a house in a posh locality in the Afghan capital Kabul where he was sheltering to reunite with his family, marking a significant victory for the US. The 9/11 terrorist strikes in the country, which resulted in hundreds of fatalities, were planned by Zawahir the leader of Al-Qaeda and was also Osama Bin Laden’s trusted advisor.
The attack was carried out by an Air Force drone under the direction of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Al-Zawahiri was allegedly the only victim of the attack, and none of his family members were hurt, according to an official.
The US State Department alert on Tuesday stated, noting to strongly maintain a high level of attention and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad because terrorist strikes frequently happen without warning, “On July 31, 2022, the United States conducted a precision counter terrorism strike in Afghanistan that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s deputy and successor as leader of Al-Qa’ida. Al- Zawahiri was one of the masterminds of the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and had continued to urge his followers to attack the United States”
“As terrorist attacks often occur without warning, U.S citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad”, it added.
Current information suggests that terrorist groups are still preparing terrorist acts against US interests in a number of different parts of the world. The advice also stated that a wide range of tactics, such as suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings, could be used in these attacks.
It urged Americans traveling abroad to keep up with local news and stay in touch with the US Embassy or Consulate nearest them. Additionally, it urged visitors to sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which would enable them to receive security alerts and make it simpler to find them in an emergency.
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Sources: Dailywire, Hindustantimes, Msn