San Francisco police are on heightened alert after the U.S. State Department advised them of a serious al Qaeda threat that shut down 19 U.S. embassies and consulates around the world, local media reported.
There was no direct threat to San Francisco, but police are monitoring airports, train stations and other transportation hubs, and will deploy more resources if needed, SFPD Officer Gordon Shyy said Sunday, CBS San Francisco reported.
“I want to remind citizens if they see something, say something,” Mr. Shyy said. “We want to be proactive given the State Department’s warnings in order to protect our citizens and infrastructure in San Francisco.”
Western embassies in Yemen and 19 U.S. diplomatic posts across the Arab world and Africa remained closed Monday following reports that al Qaeda might strike Western targets around the end of Ramadan this week.
“Current information suggests that al Qaeda and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August,” the State Department said in the alert.
Travelers and U.S. citizens living abroad were first warned Friday that terrorist attacks were being planned, the CBS report said.
SEE ALSO: Western embassies remain closed in Yemen; 19 U.S. posts shuttered amid al Qaeda threat
The bulletin sent by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security urging local law enforcement to be vigilant was classified, “which reflects the sensitivity and seriousness of the situation,” KGO-TV reported.
• Jessica Chasmar can be reached at jchasmar@washingtontimes.com.
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