US issues ‘Worldwide Caution’ to Americans after al-Qaeda leader killed

The US State Department issued a “Worldwide Caution” to Americans overseas on Tuesday advising them to be on high alert following the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri over the weekend. 

According to a statement issued by the State Department, “US citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and practice good situational awareness when traveling abroad.” 

“The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against US citizens and interests overseas,” a statement read. 

“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.”

According to the State Department, “current information suggests that terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against US interests in multiple regions across the globe.”

This comes after the US reportedly killed al-Zawahri in a drone strike in Kabul over the weekend. 

Al-Zawahri is reported to have helped Osama bin Laden plot the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States and helped al-Qaeda survive in the years after.