Al-Qaeda Threat Leads to Some U.S. Embassy Closings, Egypt Included

The U.S. closed 21 embassies and consulates from Egypt and Libya to Yemen and Afghanistan today after issuing a worldwide travel warning of potential terror attacks by groups linked to al-Qaeda.

“The Department of State has instructed certain U.S. embassies and consulates to remain closed or to suspend operations on Sunday,” as a “precautionary” step, department spokeswoman Marie Harf said last week. Embassies are open on Sunday in some predominantly Muslim countries, where it’s part of the workweek.

The United States issued a worldwide travel alert on Friday warning Americans that al Qaeda may be planning attacks in August, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.