U.S. issues world wide alert, warns citizens living and traveling abroad

Less than 24 hours after announcing the breakup of an Iranian plot (see my post just below) to assassinate one or more foreign ambassadors in Washington, D.C., the United States has issued a world wide alert for its diplomatic personnel and for citizens living or traveling abroad.

The U.S. State Department issued the alert Tuesday evening (October 11). It will remain in force until Jan. 11, 2012.

"Citizens should be aware of the possibility of actions against the United States, following the dismantling of an Iranian plan to commit terrorist acts within the U.S.," said the State Department. "The United States government believes that the Iranian backed plan to assassinate the Saudi Arabian ambassador to the U.S. may indicate a more aggressive focus by the Iranian government, with the possibility of terrorist attacks against diplomatic officials in several countries, including the United States."

The notice added that U.S. nationals living abroad should take "precautionary measures” which will be established by the State Department.