Global Post; WASHINGTON — The United States said it would close 21 embassies around the world on Sunday and issued a travel alert over security concerns linked to Al Qaeda.
The State Department listed the embassies on Friday, which range from Algeria to Yemen and beyond.
Spokeswoman Marie Harf on Thursday called the step “precautionary.” A travel alert issued Friday said department information suggests there might be an increased risk of attacks by Al Qaeda or affiliates for the month of August.
“The Department of State has instructed certain US embassies and consulates to remain closed or to suspend operations on Sunday, Aug. 4,” Harf told reporters.
The decision was taken “out of an abundance of caution and care for our employees and others who may be visiting our installations,” she said.
According to CBS News, US intelligence has picked up on “signs of an Al Qaeda plot against American diplomatic posts in the Middle East and other Muslim countries.”
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Harf said that the embassies would be closed specifically on Sunday, with an assessment afterwards on whether to reopen them.
“It is possible we may have additional days of closing as well,” she said.
Harf declined to specify from which part of the world the threat was detected.
Shortly after making the announcement, the State Department issued a travel alert that extends to Aug. 31.
Categories: Americas
Could it be that the US just wants to justify their surveillance program that has angered governments and individuals all over the world? (by claiming ‘you see we stopped an attack due to our surveillance?)