US warns of Islamic State reprisal attacks

State Department updates its global terrorism alert, issues 'worldwide caution' amid plots to attack Americans

Still from the video 'Flames of War,' which was released on Friday, September 19, 2014, presumably by members of the Islamic State. (screen capture: YouTube)

The State Department on Friday renewed its global terrorism alert for Americans traveling abroad, saying it sees a heightened risk of reprisal attacks from the Islamic State group and its supporters.

In a new “worldwide caution” issued on Friday, the department said terrorist groups continue to plot strikes against Americans and US interests in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

It said authorities believe there is “an increased likelihood” of reprisal attacks from Islamic State militants since the US and its coalition partners launched military action against the group in Iraq and Syria.

The alert replaces an existing warning issued in April and also notes the growing threat of kidnapping perpetrated by terrorists.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.

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