US gives global travel alert ahead of 9/11 anniversary

The US has issued a worldwide travel alert for its citizens ahead of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, even though it insisted that there was no specific or credible intelligence about an eminent terrorist attack.

"As we mark the 10th Anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Department of State informs US citizens traveling and residing abroad of the continued threat posed by al-Qaeda and its affiliates," the State Department said.

"While we have not identified any specific threats from al-Qaeda affiliates and allies to attack the United States or our interests on the 9/11 anniversary, US citizens should be aware that al-Qaeda affiliates and allies have demonstrated the intent and capability to carry out attacks against the United States and our interests around the world," it said in a travel alert issued yesterday.

In the past, terrorist organisations have on occasion planned their attacks to coincide with significant dates on the calendar, the State Department pointed out.