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State Dept. warns American travelers to be extra cautious overseas

WASHINGTON -- The State Department is warning Americans traveling abroad to be extra cautious over the holidays.

In a worldwide travel alert issued Friday, the department says an attack this week in Australia highlights the need to be vigilant.

"An analysis of past attacks and threat reporting strongly suggests a focus by terrorists not only on the targeting of U.S. government facilities but also on hotels, shopping areas, places of worship and schools, among other targets during or coinciding with this holiday period," the alert said.

"U.S. citizens abroad should be mindful that terrorists groups and those inspired by them can pose unpredictable threats in public venues," the statement continued. "U.S. citizens should remain alert to local condition and for signs of danger. "

A gunman in Sydney took 17 people hostage at a café on Monday. The siege ended 16 hours later in a barrage of gunfire that left two hostages and the Iranian-born gunman dead.

The travel alert lasts until mid-March.

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