State Dept issues alert for summer travel to Europe

The State Department on Tuesday issued a summer travel alert for Europe, warning that major soccer contests and public events could be prime targets for terror attacks.

The department is “alerting U.S. citizens to the risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe, targeting major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation,” the department said in its alert.

{mosads}“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.”

In particular, the U.S. pointed to the European Soccer Championship and the Tour de France, which will be held in June and July, as well as the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day in late July in Poland as possible points of concern.

The Tuesday alert amounted to a formal escalation of the Obama administration’s worries about the potential of a terrorist attack striking the heart of Europe this summer, on the heels of violence in Paris and Brussels over the last seven months.

Those attacks were traced back to Europe-based followers of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), who had reportedly been eyeing the Euro 2016 soccer championships before the Brussels violence. European officials have ramped up their security efforts in advance of the international matches, which kick off on June 10.

“European authorities continue to take steps to assure public safety and disrupt terrorist plots,” the State Department said. “We work closely with our allies and will continue to share information with our European partners that will help identify and counter terrorist threats.”

In response to the possibility of an attack, the State Department urged Americans traveling abroad to be mindful of their surroundings, avoid large crowds and have a plan in case of an emergency.

A travel alert is less severe than travel warnings issued by the department for more pressing security matters, but signify some level of concern for short-term events.

Tuesday’s alert expires on Aug. 31.