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SFPD On Heightened Alert After State Dept. Terror Advisory

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP/BCN) -- San Francisco police said they were on heightened alert following a U.S. State Department terror alert over the weekend that also shut down 19 U.S. embassies and consulates around the world.

There was no direct threat to San Francisco, but police were monitoring various areas around the city and would deploy more resources if needed, SFPD Officer Gordon Shyy said Sunday evening.

"I want to remind citizens if they 'see something, say something,'" Shyy said. "We want to be proactive given the State Department's warnings in order to protect our citizens and infrastructure in San Francisco."

Nineteen embassies and consulates closed Sunday in response to the security alert and were to remain closed through this coming Saturday.

Travelers and U.S. citizens living abroad were first warned Friday that terrorist attacks were being planned this month against U.S. and Western targets, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa.

"Current information suggests that al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August," the State Department said in the advisory.

U.S. citizens were especially warned to remain aware of the potential for attacks on public transportation systems and other infrastructure.

Travelers should stay aware of their surroundings and adopt appropriate safety precautions, the advisory said.

Officials said international travelers should also register their travel plans with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, either online or at the nearest embassy or consulate.

The program provides travelers with security updates and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact them in the event of an emergency.

(Copyright 2013 CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved. Bay City News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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