Interpol issues global security alert

Interpol has issued a global security alert linked to suspected al-Qaeda involvement in recent prison breakouts. The issuing of the alert follows a US global travel alert being issued and the closure of over 20 US embassies around the world on Sunday due to security fears. Interpol cited prison escapes in Iraq, Libya and Pakistan, and asked its members countries to investigate wheteher the breakouts were linked, also asking for them to "swiftly process any information linked to these events". The French-based police agency said: "With suspected al-Qaeda involvement in several of the breakouts which led to the escape of hundreds of terrorists and other criminals, the Interpol alert requests the organization's 190 member countries' assistance in order to determine whether any of these events are coordinated or linked". The agency also called for increased vigilance, and asked to be informed "if any escaped terrorist is located". In recent weeks, prisoners have been aided in escaping from prisons in Libya, Iraq and Pakistan - a total of around 1,500 inmates.