After ordering the closure of all its embassies in the Muslim world, the US state department has issued a travel warning to its citizens worldwide, alerting them to potential “terrorist attacks”, particularly in the Middle East, North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

In a statement released on Friday, Washington said it possessed information that al-Qaeda armed group and its affiliates may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August.

“Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests”, the statement read.

“US citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services.”

The state department said that the travel alert expires on August 31, 2013.

The statement came a day after state department announced it would close an unspecified number of embassies around the world on Sunday over security concerns.

State department spokeswoman Marie Harf called the step “precautionary” but declined to specify the threat or list which missions would be closed.

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