A global travel alert has been issued by the United States Department of state following the terrorist attack at a mall in Kenya. The alert was released by the State Department after a shooter killed many people.

American citizens are advised to be on guard against actions and violence against them. Officials have concern about violence coming from al-Qaeda as well as other militant groups.

The state Department has warned that al-Qaeda and other terrorist groups may be planning additional attacks against U.S. interests abroad.

"The department of state remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations, and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas," read a statement released by the U.S. State Department.

"Current information suggests that al-Qaeda, its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East," the statement continued. "These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings and bombings."

The warning also included a list of specific dangers that travelers may face.

The State Department also included a reminder for U.S. citizens of past attempted attacks on public transportation systems and tourist infrastructure in cities including Moscow, London and New York.

Recently, in August 2013, the Department of State directed U.S. embassies and consulates to remain closed or suspend their operations from August 4 through August 10 due to security information that was received and provided warnings of possible attacks.

Prior to that, the U.S. Department of State had issued a travel warning in the beginning of September to warn travelers going to or near Syria and Lebanon. There is concern about violence resulting from the current unrest in Syria. Other countries in the vicinity that have been issued travel warnings are Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Israel.