US issues travel alert for Europe ahead of holidays

The US State Department has warned Americans traveling to Europe of an increased risk of terrorist attacks during the holiday season, saying that there was credible information that the Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group and its affiliates continued to plan attacks in the continent.

"US citizens should exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.," the travel advisory read.

The State Department warned of the potential for attacks throughout the European continent. Terrorists have already carried out attacks in France, Belgium, Germany, and Turkey this year.

Extremist groups "continue to plan terrorist attacks in Europe, with a focus on the upcoming holiday season and associated events," the advisory added.

"US citizens should also be alert to the possibility that extremist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks during this period with little or no warning."

State Department officials said the new warning was not triggered by any one specific threat. The travel alert expires on February 20, 2017, it said.

According to new figures released last week, there were 731 deaths from terrorist attacks last year in the 34 countries that make up the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), which includes the US, UK, Germany, France, and Turkey.

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