The U.S. State Department has issued a travel warning alerting U.S. citizens to the to the risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe, targeting major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation.
The Travel Alert that expires on August 31, 2016 states that "the large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months presents greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events."
In particular, the warning draws attention to the European Soccer Championship from June 10 – July 10 and the Tour de France cycling race which will be held from July 2 – 24 in France, as well as the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day event in Krakow, Poland, between July 26 and July 31, which is expected to attract up to 2.5 million visitors.
Although European authorities continue to take steps to assure public safety and disrupt terrorist plots, the State Department urged U.S. citizens to exercise vigilance when in public places or using mass transportation.
Brussels was targeted by Islamic State terrorists in March, with 32 people killed in bombings that hit the city's airport and metro. IS also attacked Paris in November of last year, killing 130 people.
State Department correspondent Pamela Dockins contributed to this report.
