The State Department has issued a worldwide Travel Alert in response to media reports of planned Qur'an burnings in Florida. The alert urges U.S. citizens to be cautious of "the potential for anti-U.S. demonstrations in many countries in response to stated plans by a church in Florida to burn Qur'ans on the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks."

The alert continues by saying that "demonstrations, some violent, have already taken place in several countries, including Afghanistan and Indonesia, in response to media reports of the church's plans. The potential for further protests and demonstrations, some of which may turn violent, remains high. We urge you to pay attention to local reaction to the situation, and to avoid areas where demonstrations may take place."

Guardian reported yesterday that the Gainsville, Fla.-based church and Rev Terry Jones plan to move forward with the burning despite condemnation by Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and other religious and political figures.

This Travel Alert expires on September 30, 2010.

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Filed under: Afghanistan, United States, News, Travel Security