Europe: latest travel alert warns U.S. citizens about potential terror attacks

The U.S. State Department has recently issued new travel alert for the entire European continent, as terrorism is considered imminent during this year’s holidays.

 

"While local governments continue counter-terrorism operations, the Department remains concerned about the potential for future terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens should always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning," the statement quotes.

The alert is valid until January 31, and it was released due to last year's violent incidents in Berlin and Istanbul, as well as the numerous attacks in 2017.

"Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets. In addition, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, high-profile events, educational institutions, airports, and other soft targets remain priority locations for possible attacks. U.S. citizens should exercise additional vigilance in these and similar locations,” the State Department warns.

After the attack in Paris in 2015, leaving 130 people dead, Europe has experienced a significant decline in visitor numbers. Nevertheless, this year’s summer season the tourism registered a 30 per cent increase again, with most U.S. citizens preferring France, UK and Sweden for spending their holidays.

Americans are advised to enroll in the U.S. government's Safe Traveler Enrollment Program as a precaution when deciding to visit European countries, as well as spot the official U.S. buildings and keep themselves updated on the information provided by the authorities.

 
Source: nydailynews.com