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Denver Professor Urges Travelers Not To Give In To Fear

By Kelly Werthmann

DENVER (CBS4) - The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide travel alert Monday, warning U.S. citizens of possible travel risks due to terrorist threats.

In the alert, which expires Feb. 24, authorities suggest that militants with the Islamic State, al Qa'ida, Boko Haram and other terrorist groups continue to plan attacks in multiple regions.

U.S. authorities said the attacks may be carried out using "conventional and non-conventional weapons." Extremists have already targeted large sporting events as well as theaters, open markets and aviation services. The State Department pointed out that terrorists attacked on Nov. 13 in Paris and last week in Mali, as well as in Nigeria, Denmark and Turkey.

"It's pretty clear that our intelligence services have now realized that we've completely underestimated the reach and the ability of ISIS to strike targets outside of their so-called Islamic state," Nader Hashemi, Director and Associate Professor of Middle East and Islamic Politics at the University of Denver, told CBS4. "There is now a strategic plan and policy on behalf of ISIS to attack targets in Europe, in Africa, wherever they can get access."

Nader Hashemi
CBS4's Kelly Werthmann interviews Professor Nader Hashemi (credit: CBS)

As millions of Americans prepare to travel for the holiday season, the alert urges citizens to be extra vigilant as holiday gatherings may be among targets of terrorism.

"U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation," the alert said. "Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds or crowded places. Exercise particular caution during the holiday season and at holiday festivals or events."

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(credit: CBS)

Though there is no credible threat to the U.S., there will be more security at the nation's 500 airports this Thanksgiving travel week, CBS News reported.

"This is actually a very good reason to buy travel insurance," Sherri Teter, a travel agent with Washington Park Travel in Denver, told CBS4.

Teter said she doesn't expect too many people will cancel any upcoming trips in light of the alert, but it may cause some fear and prevent others from making future travel plans.

"Our busiest time for bookings in January, February, and March," Teter said. "We're overwhelmed usually, so that's when we'll be able to tell if it made a difference."

Hashemi said giving into fear is exactly what the terrorists want.

"One of the challenges of defeating them is to not give them that type of victory by allowing them to instill fear in people," Hashemi said. "We have to sort of be cautious, but we shouldn't give them the type of victory that they're trying to extract from us."

Here are some travel and safety tips from the U.S. Department of State:

• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor media and local information sources and factor updated information into personal travel plans and activities.
• Be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.
• Stay in touch with your family members and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency.
• Register in our Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

Kelly Werthmann joined the CBS4 team in 2012 as the morning reporter, covering national stories like the Aurora Theater Shooting and devastating Colorado wildfires. She now reports for CBS4 News at 10 and is always open to story ideas. Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter @KellyCBS4.

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