The U.S. State Department is urging U.S. citizens to be on the alert while traveling anywhere in the world. The reportedly rare advisory comes amid escalating global tensions due to the Israel-Hamas war and ongoing fighting in Ukraine.
This brief “Worldwide Caution” advisory states, “Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens overseas to exercise increased caution.” Travelers are encouraged to “stay alert in locations frequented by tourists.”
RELATED: Check out the latest news on Israel here.
This latest update follows a recent warning by the FBI of increased threats against the U.S. since the Israel-Hamas war broke out.
“The threat is very much ongoing and in fact, the threat picture continues to evolve,” FBI Director Christopher Wray and FBI officials reportedly told the media in an Oct. 15 briefing. “Here in the U.S., we cannot and do not discount the possibility that Hamas or other foreign terrorist organizations could exploit the conflict to call on their supporters to conduct attacks on our own soil.”
Missionaries on the field
The International Mission Board also issued a statement to The Baptist Paper following the latest advisory from the State Department.
“Due to security considerations for our personnel and the national believers with whom we work, we usually don’t discuss their locations. However, we want to assure you that with any event in international news that could affect someone’s security, leadership is in contact with anyone who might be affected — even due to travel or other reasons — to confirm their safety and security,” IMB said in the statement.
Other ways to help
For more information on related relief efforts from the IMB and Send relief, click here and here. Or, check with your church, association or state Baptist convention to find out how they are contributing to ongoing relief efforts around the globe.
