WASHINGTON
Americans are being urged to use caution when traveling abroad, following an exhortation by ISIL for its supports to kill any foreigner, anywhere, the U.S. State Department said Friday.
"Authorities believe there is an increased likelihood of reprisal attacks against U.S., Western and coalition partner interests throughout the world, especially in the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, and Asia," read a State Department statement.
A "worldwide caution" paper that provides information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions targeting U.S. citizens, was updated from April, following the call by ISIL.
Kidnappings of U.S. citizens and other westerners have become prevalent in the Middle East and ISIL recently killed two Americans and two British citizens in response to those countries military actions in Syria and Iraq.
Kidnappings have also been used as a means to finance the group through ransom.
"ISIL, al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula and al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb are particularly effective with kidnapping for ransom and are using ransom money to fund the range of their activities," according to the statement.
The U.S. also cautioned that extremists may target events and locations such as "high-profile sporting events, residential areas, business offices, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, public areas, shopping malls, and other tourist destinations both in the United States and abroad."
The State Department warned citizens about potential attacks on public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure and urged those living overseas or planning to travel, to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) that keeps citizens up to date with important safety and security announcements.
"Enrolling will also make it easier for the embassy to contact you in the event of an emergency," said the statement.
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