The State Department issues a “global caution” warning for Americans abroad

FILE – The State Department seal is seen at the lectern in the State Department briefing room in Washington, Jan. 31, 2022. Everyday Americans can help refugees adjust to life in the U.S. through a program launched by the State Department. The goal is to give private citizens a role in resettling the thousands of refugees who come to America each year. The State Department calls the new program “Welcome Corps.” (Mandel Ngan, pool via AP, file)

WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department on Friday renewed a global security alert for Americans abroad, adding that LGBTQ people and events in particular face “increased potential for violence inspired by foreign terrorist organizations.”

The warning is a standard renewal of travel advisories urging Americans to exercise increased caution abroad against possible attacks by violent extremist groups. However, the latest warning – issued in October – made no mention of the increasing threats to the LGBTQ community.

The global announcement came three days after the FBI and Department of Homeland Security issued a similar public warning that armed foreign extremist groups or their followers may target events and venues related to Pride Month in June.

U.S. officials did not release details about the threats underlying the warnings. However, some countries have recently passed anti-LGBTQ laws, including one passed by the Iraqi parliament late last month that imposes harsh prison sentences for gays and transgender people.

A Ugandan court last month upheld a law that imposes the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality” and up to 14 years in prison for a suspect convicted of “attempted aggravated homosexuality.”

Both have drawn sharp criticism in the United States and other countries around the world.

The State Department says U.S. citizens abroad should remain vigilant in places frequented by tourists, including at Pride events, and pay attention to the agency’s updates on social media.

Pride Month, which takes place in June in the United States and some parts of the world, is intended to celebrate LGBTQ+ communities and protest attacks on their achievements.