On 15 occasions this week AlertsUSA subscribers were notified via SMS messages to their mobile devices regarding safety and security matters. Beginning last Sunday, AlertsUSA began warning subscribers that US embassies & consulates worldwide were on heightened alert in anticipation of President Trump's formal announcement of U.S. policy recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and the directive to begin the process of relocating the U.S. Embassy to the city from Tel Aviv.

The President's announcement was made on Wednesday

From Sunday to the present, Islamic State and Al Qaeda-linked social media accounts have been on fire with threats of attacks on U.S. citizens and interests at home and abroad. US Embassies across Europe are warning American citizens of need for caution & personal security awareness noting that recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel will likely result in protests, many of which have already begun.

On Wednesday, the State Department issued a new Worldwide Caution warning of the continued threat of terrorism, violence, and criminal activity against US citizens & interests globally.

According to the warning statement:

"Terrorist groups including ISIS, al-Qa’ida, their associates, and those inspired by such organizations, are intent on attacking U.S. citizens wherever they are."

"Extremists may use conventional or non-conventional weapons to target U.S. government and private interests. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack to more effectively target crowds, including the use of edged weapons, pistols, and vehicles as weapons. Extremists increasingly aim to assault “soft” [ lightly protected ], targets, such as:"

• high-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies
  demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• places of worship
• schools
• parks
• shopping malls and markets
• tourism infrastructure
• public transportation systems
• airports

"In multiple regions, terrorists, guerrilla groups, and criminals seek to kidnap U.S. citizens to finance their operations or for political purposes. The Department also remains concerned that terrorists could again seek to down aircraft using concealed explosives or hijack commercial flights."

On Thursday, AlertsUSA subscribers were also informed of a formal call by al Qaeda for followers to carry out attacks on America, Israel and "Crusader allies everywhere" (see this and this).

"The surest and shortest way to confront the aggression and arrogance of the Pharaoh of the age - America - is Jihad in the Way of Allah, by targeting its vital interests and the interests of its Zionist and Crusader allies everywhere. This is a simple equation; just as you kill us, you shall be killed; just as you bomb us, you too shall be bombed, and the one who initiates hostilities shoulders the blame."

Also this week, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of new Islamic State propaganda poster widely circulated on social media platforms threatening New Year's Day attack(s) in Paris, France.

Islamic State Propaganda / Threat Poster for Paris ( Issued 12/05/2017 )

Readers are reminded that last week, AlertsUSA subscribers were informed of new propaganda / threat posters published by pro-Islamic State media groups for Times Square in New York City, a busy shopping street in Amsterdam, the Mormon Temple in San Diego, as well as London.

It is important to bear in mind that many, but not all, attacks by the Islamic State in Western countries have been preceded by the release of propaganda posters and other public threats. Thus, notification of the release of such posters should be duly noted and kept in mind if you live in or are traveling to those locations.

If you are traveling this holiday season, you would do well to familiarize yourself with latest State Department travel alerts and warnings, as well as maintain a high level of vigilance and situational awareness when in lightly secured public gathering places and events.

AlertsUSA continues to monitor the overall domestic and international threat environment, and will immediately notify service subscribers via SMS messages of new alerts, warnings and advisories or any developments which signal a change the overall threat picture for American citizens as events warrant.