US issues travel warning following terror attacks

WASHINGTON (AP/KTVU) -- The State Department is warning that Americans should be alert to possible travel risks, especially during the holidays, following increased threats from militant groups around the world.

A travel alert will be in effect until Feb. 24.

Officials say current information suggests that militants with the Islamic State, al-Qaida, Boko Haram and other groups continue to plan attacks in multiple regions.

The state department alert says people should be particularly cautious at holiday events.

In San Francisco's union square, decorations are in place in preparation for Friday's holiday tree-lighting.

San Francisco police say they already had planned to have extra security at the event.

“We want to make sure that everyone's safe and everyone can enjoy the tree-lighting, but we're also going to keep in mind the recent attacks in Paris as well as any threats that come through our intelligence,” said San Francisco police spokeswoman Grace Gatpandan.

Police say more security cameras have been installed for the holiday season.

“We have one of the best video retrieval units in the entire nation and we will be using that in order to find criminals and bring them to justice,” said Gatpandan.