Europe terrorism warning

The US Department of State released a Travel Alert on May 1 warning of the continued threat of terrorist attacks throughout Europe. 

While European governments continue counterterrorism operations, the Department of State remains concerned about the potential for future terrorist attacks. Travelers should be aware that terrorist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning. 

Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls and 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. Travelers should exercise additional vigilance in these and similar locations, particularly during the summer travel season when large crowds may be common.

Terrorists persist in employing different tactics, such as using vehicles as ramming devices, as well as a variety of weapons, including explosives, firearms and sharp-edged weapons that are difficult to detect prior to an attack. The alert expires Sept. 1, 2017.