US State Department Issues Europe Travel Alert, Names Possible Terror Targets

The US State Department on Tuesday issued a travel alert for American citizens referring to the risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe, targeting major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation.

“The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events”, the travel alert warns.

The State Department specifically names two different events as possible targets: the European Soccer Championship to be held in France from June 10 until July 10 and the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day event that will run July 26-31 in Krakow, Poland.

In regards to the European Soccer Championship, the State Department underlines that Euro Cup stadiums, fan zones, and unaffiliated entertainment venues broadcasting the tournaments in France and across Europe represent potential targets for terrorists, as do other large-scale sporting events and public gathering places throughout Europe.

“France has extended its state of emergency through July 26 to cover the period of the soccer championship, as well as the Tour de France cycling race which will be held from July 2- 24”, the State Department notes.

The Catholic Church’s World Youth Day event is expected to draw up to 2.5 million visitors to Krakow, Poland, and the State Department underlines that U.S. citizens should be aware that local infrastructure may be strained due to the large number of visitors.

“Poland will impose border controls at all of its national borders from July 4 to August 2, and visitors to Poland during this period should be prepared to show their passport and undergo stricter security screening throughout Poland”, the travel alert mentions.

The State Department advise U.S. citizens to also exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation, avoid crowded places and be prepared for additional security screening and unexpected disruptions.

“Stay in touch with your family, have a plan if you are separated and ensure they know how to reach you in the event of an emergency”, the State Department adds and underlines that European authorities continue to take steps to assure public safety and disrupt terrorist plots.

“We work closely with our allies and will continue to share information with our European partners that will help identify and counter terrorist threats.”

The travel alert expires August 31, 2016.