U.S. on alert for potential terror attacks around Independence Day

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security are asking for high alert for potential terror attacks on July 4, the Independence Day, amid growing threats from the Islamic State (IS), said local media Monday.

The warning didn't mention any specific known plots, but especially urged local law enforcement departments to be on the lookout over the federal holiday weekend, telling them to be " vigilant and prepared," according to an ABC news report.

U.S. officials are working hard to stymie any possible attacks from happening. The FBI is scrambling to track the IS followers here with hundreds of investigations underway, making seven arrests in the last two weeks alone, said the ABC news report.

Meanwhile, Michael McCaul, chairman of the House of Representatives' Homeland Security Committee, was quoted by Fox News as saying that there had been increased chatter on social media that indicates terrorists could try to target the Independence Day that falls on Saturday.

The lawmaker said that Americans should beware of the threat of a terrorist attack in the lead-up to the Independence Day celebrations.

The FBI has warned of the ongoing threats posed by homegrown extremists in an intelligence bulletin, though it failed to cite any specific or credible threat of an attack.

Such warnings are often issued in advance of major American holidays out of an abundance of caution. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said law enforcement should be "vigilant and prepared'' for the Fourth of July celebrations. Endite