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22 U.S embassies and consultates in the Middle East and North Africa are closed today amid a global terror threat from al Qaeda.

The move came after officials picked up increasing chatter from al Qaeda in Yemen, where multiple sources told CNNan attack plan could be in its final stages.

The threat is considered credible though ambiguous, it could target us or western targets all across the region, though Yemen is getting particular attention.

The U.S. State Department also issued a travel alert to Americans traveling overseas through the end of the August because of the threat.

The alert urged travelers to register with the U.S. State Department online, and stay alert in tourist areas and on mass transit abroad.

The closing of the embassies and consulates could extend beyond Sunday, if the threat remains, officials said.

According to CNN, Britain, France and Germany have said they, too, will close their embassies in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa, on Sunday and Monday for security reasons.