US issues new Europe travel warning
Monday, 01 Jun, 2016
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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 UEFA 2016 soccer championship in France, present targets for terrorists planning attacks in public places.
However, the US said it did not know of any specific threat 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 July 26 in Krakow, which 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 the earlier alert issued following the terrorist attacks in Brussels.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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