The US State Department has issued a ‘worldwide caution’ warning of an increased potential for violence against US citizens.

The US government said: “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State advises US citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.”

It added that travellers should:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by tourists
• Enrol in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive information and alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency overseas
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter

The last worldwide advisory issued by the US State Department was in August 2022, following the killing of al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri by US drone strike in Afghanistan.

The announcement comes in the wake of the war between Israel and the Gaza-based Hamas, and just days after the State Department updated its travel advisory for the country of Lebanon to nationwide ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’ status.