US issues fresh travel alert for whole of Europe
The US State Department has warned Americans of the threat of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe this summer.
Issuing a travel alert for the whole of the continent, it said the influx of summer tourists and a series of high-profile events, including the Euro 2016 football championship in France, present targets for terrorists planning attacks in public places.
However, the US said it did not know of any specific threat to any sporting event or any European country in particular, and it is not advising Americans not to travel to Europe.
It said: "We are alerting US citizens to the risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe, targeting major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation."
A spokesman said the alert was issued following ‘an accumulation of information’.
It was announced shortly after French president Francois Hollande said terrorism was the biggest threat to the UEFA championship, which starts in France later this month.
As a consequence, France has extended the state of emergency announced after the recent Paris terror attacks until July 26 to cover both the football tournament and the Tour de France.
The State Department said: "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."
The State Department also mentioned the Catholic church’s World Youth Day, beginning 26 July in Krakow, which it said is expected to draw 2.5 million visitors.
Its travel alert is due to expire on August 31. The State Department said it effectively replaced an earlier alert issued following the terrorist attacks in the Brussels in March.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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