U.S. issues travel warning, sees 'increased terrorist threats'

People wait in line as U.S. flags fly at half-staff at the Washington Monument on the National Mall in Washington, November 16, 2015. President Barack Obama issued a proclamation ordering U.S. flags to be lowered as a mark of respect for victims of Friday's coordinated attacks across Paris. REUTERS/Carlos Barria

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. State Department issued a worldwide travel alert on Monday warning U.S. citizens of the risks of travelling because of what it described as "increased terrorist threats." "Current information suggests that (Islamic State), al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions," the department said in a warning posted on its website. A State Department official noted that the agency has issued worldwide travel alerts in the past and said this latest alert effectively updated past warnings. (Reporting by Arshad Mohammed; Editing by Eric Walsh)