AUSTRALIANS travelling to France and Belgium are being warned to exercise a high degree of caution as authorities warn of fresh terrorist attacks. 
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the Belgian capital Brussels was yesterday in lockdown in fear of a Paris-style attack.
She said Brussels had recently upgraded its threat alert to its highest possible level, indicating a threat could be imminent. Ms Bishop urged any Australians travelling overseas, in particular to France and Belgium, to be mindful of the advice from authorities.
She said the siege at a luxury hotel in the west African nation of Mali that left 19 people dead was a reminder of the extent of the threat of terrorism across the globe.
"While an al-Qaeda affiliate has claimed responsibility, it does underscore the fact we are dealing with a significant regional and global terror threat that can come in a number of forms and through a number of organisations," she said. Brussels in terror lockdown: World, Page 16