US issues 'worldwide' alert for citizens amid Israel-Hamas war

Elizabeth Hagedorn

Oct 19, 2023

Lebanese security forces use water cannons as they clash with protesters outside the US Embassy in Awkar east of Beirut, during a demonstration in solidarity with the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip, on October 18, 2023. Thousands rallied across the Arab and Muslim world on October 18 to protest the deaths of hundreds of people in a strike on a Gaza hospital that they blame on Israel, despite its denials. (Photo by Ibrahim AMRO / AFP) (Photo by IBRAHIM AMRO/AFP via Getty Images) — Lebanese security forces use water cannons as they clash with protesters outside the US Embassy in Awkar east of Beirut, during a demonstration in solidarity with the Palestinians of the Gaza Strip, on Oct. 18, 2023. — IBRAHIM AMRO/AFP via Getty Images

WASHINGTON — US citizens abroad are advised “to exercise increased caution,” the US State Department said in a new bulletin Thursday, as the intensifying war between Israel and Hamas has sparked protests and fears of hate crimes worldwide.

The rare "Worldwide Caution Security Alert" cited “increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, [and] demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests.”

The bulletin warned that Americans overseas should stay alert, enroll in its Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for security updates and follow the State Department on social media.

The last time the State Department issued a worldwide caution to US citizens was in August 2022 following the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri, warning that the group's supporters could target Americans.