The Hill News

The State Department issued a worldwide warning Thursday to all U.S. citizens traveling and living abroad in an attempt to guard against possible attacks over a Florida pastor’s plan to burn copies of the Quran on Saturday's anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Protests have already been held in Afghanistan and Indonesia, which have included the burning of American flags and an effigy of the pastor, Terry Jones.

"The potential for further protests and demonstrations, some of which may turn violent, remains high," said the State Department’s travel warning. "We urge you to pay attention to local reaction to the situation, and to avoid areas where demonstrations may take place."

The warning said that U.S. government facilities abroad remained at a "heightened state of alert" and warned they might temporarily close or suspend their services “to assess their security posture.”