Washington, Nov 24 (IANS): The US State Department issued a "worldwide travel alert" for American citizens owing to an increase in terrorist threats by jihadi groups, the media reported on Tuesday.

"Current information suggests Islamaic State, Al Qaeda, Boko Haram (Nigerian Islamist militant group), and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks in multiple regions," the Department in a statement on Monday.

"These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics, using conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests," it added.

The statement urged US citizens "to exercise vigilance when in public places or using transportation" and "avoid large crowds or crowded places" during their trips, EFE news reported.

It emphasised on exercising "particular caution during the holiday season".

The travel alert will expire on February 24, 2016.

The alert was issued in the wake of the gruesome attacks in Paris on November 13 that killed 130 people and injured over 350 others.