US warns of global ‘terror’ threat after French attacks

WASHINGTON DC, USA – The United States on Friday, January 9, warned Americans to beware of “terrorist actions and violence” all over the world, following the attacks on the Charlie Hebdo magazine and a Jewish supermarket in Paris.

“Recent terrorist attacks, whether by those affiliated with terrorist entities, copycats, or individual perpetrators, serve as a reminder that US citizens need to maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness,” the State Department said. (READ: Obama condemns ‘horrific’ attack on French newspaper)

The advisory is an update to its “Worldwide Caution” from October 10, 2014 and comes after three days of bloodshed in France that started on Wednesday, January 7, when heavily armed Islamist gunmen burst into the offices of Charlie Hebdo and killed 12 people.

Four people were then killed Friday at a Jewish supermarket in Paris. (READ: Global condemnation after ‘barbaric’ Paris attack)

The State Department statement said that US-led coalition bombing raids on the radical Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria made US nationals and interests a target for reprisals, “especially in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe and Asia.” – Rappler.com