U.S. Texas governor warns of possible terror attack

The governor of the U.S. state of Texas on Friday warned of a possible terrorist threat against the state, urging the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious over the coming days.

Greg Abbott's warning came following a statement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), in which the agency said that they had received a possible al-Qaida terror threat against the United States on the eve of Election Day on Nov. 8.

Texas, along with New York and Virginia, was listed as a possible target of the attack.

In a statement, Abbott said that his office was monitoring the situation and working closely with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

"Texans should go about their daily lives as usual, but remain vigilant over the next several days and report any suspicious activity to state or local law enforcement," Abbott said, vowing the state will continue "to do everything it can to ensure the safety and security of its citizens."

The FBI is working to assess relative intelligence so as to disrupt any potential threats.

Shauna Dunlap, spokeswoman for the FBI's Houston Division, said that "the counter-terrorism and homeland security communities remain vigilant and well-postured to defend against attacks here in the United States."

Meanwhile, Jodi Silva, spokeswoman for the Houston police, said that anti-terror efforts are ongoing.

"We don't confirm any specific threats, however we are always monitoring and assessing the environment and take actions accordingly," she said.

Last month in Texas's largest city of Houston, a 24-year-old man who had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) and plotted to detonate home-made bombs in local shopping malls pleaded guilty on a terrorism-related charge.

Omar Faraj Saeed Al Hardan stockpiled circuitry components, wireless remotes and other bomb-making implements in his west Houston apartment, according to court documents. He faces up to 20 years in prison. Endi