Following the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, the US State Department has issued a “global caution” advisory, cautioning Americans traveling abroad to be mindful of potential reprisal for the successful assassination.
The travel warning, which was released Tuesday night, said that after [Zawahri’s] death as a consequence of a US drone attack on the acting al-Qaeda leader’s safehouse in Kabul over the weekend, there is a “greater possibility for anti-American violence.”
In the wake of the drone strike death, officials urged people not to travel, citing “current evidence” that “suggests terrorist groups are organizing operations against US interests in many places across the globe.”
The warning did not mention a higher likelihood of assaults on American territory or mention any specific threats from abroad, but it did alert citizens to the possibility of kidnappings, hijackings, bombings, suicide strikes, and assassinations.
![Issued Tuesday night, the travel advisory asserted there is a 'higher potential for anti-American violence after [Zawahri's] death,' and 'that current information suggests terrorist groups are plotting attacks against US interests in multiple regions across the globe'](https://i0.wp.com/i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/08/03/04/61008801-11075425-image-a-12_1659497688184.jpg?w=640&ssl=1)
Just over 24 hours had passed since President Joe Biden had announced the assassination to the public in light of the terrorist leader’s important part in the planning of the September 11 terrorist attacks.
After Bin Laden was killed in 2011, he took over as the leader of al-Qaeda. Up until now, he had eluded US soldiers. Al-Qaeda has not yet made a formal statement on the murder, which undoubtedly dealt the organization’s leadership a fatal blow.
The State Department’s strongly worded notice, which urged visitors to exercise extra caution as the full effects of the long-planned strike begin to become apparent, seems to have been written with that in mind.
‘The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas,’ the agency’s warning began.
‘The Department of State believes there is a higher potential for anti-American violence given the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri on July 31, 2022.
‘Current information suggests that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions across the globe,’ it went on.
‘These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.’
When going abroad, US citizens are urged to exercise extreme caution and situational awareness, it stated.
The message continued by advising Americans abroad to keep an eye on local news and stay in touch with their nearest embassy or consulate since the assassination’s effects had not yet been fully felt.
The department advised anybody considering an international trip to review the country-specific travel advice and information sections on the agency’s website.
The State Department has so far refrained from commenting on the warning, but it does uphold a “no double standard” policy with regard to significant threats, which states that information shared with US authorities is identical to that made public.
The US government claims that the terrorist organization continues to pose one of the largest risks to Americans and US interests abroad.
When he announced that the CIA drone strike killed the al Qaeda commander, who befriended Bin Laden as a militant in Afghanistan in the late 1980s, on Monday, President Joe Biden frequently referred to the September 11 terrorist attacks.
‘Now, justice has been delivered, and this terrorist leader is no more,’ he said. ‘We made it clear again tonight that no matter how long it takes, no matter where you hide, if you are a threat to our people, the United States will find you and take you out.’
The address, aside from serving as a victory lap for the embattled president, saw Biden lay out al-Zawahiri’s role in the terrorist organization, noting that, in addition to the 9/11 attacks, he was behind other attacks on US embassies in Africa and Europe as well.
‘He carved a trail of murder and violence against American citizens, American service members, American diplomats, and American interests,’ Biden said.
“To those across the world who continue to strive to damage the United States, hear me now,” Biden said as he put an end to his speech. To guarantee the safety and security of Americans at home and abroad, we will constantly be watchful, take appropriate action, and follow through on our commitments.
Since the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011, it was the US’s most major attack against al Qaeda. Bin Laden was succeeded by al-Zawahiri as the terrorist group’s chief commander.
Biden delivered his speech from the first-floor balcony off the Blue Room of the White House while still in seclusion due to a COVID relapse.