The State Department has issued a worldwide travel alert Friday to all Americans through Aug. 31 because of an unspecified al-Qaida threat.
“The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula,” it said.
Sign up for State Department travel alerts at this link.
The alert was issued after the U.S. said that all Americans embassies and consulates in the Middle East that normally open on a Sunday would close on Aug. 4 because of a possible al Qaeda-related threat. A senior State Department official told NBC News they could remain shut for an extended period.
Locally, WMATA Spokesman Dan Stessel said there is no "specific or credible threat" against the transit system. But in an abundance of caution, all Metro employees were encouraged to remain vigilant. Riders are also reminded to reported any suspicious activity they may see.
U.S. Capitol Hill Police could not go into detail about any heightened security but say they are always at a heightened state of vigilance. A Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson echoed the same sentiment, adding police in the District are always prepared in the event of an attack.
