- Title: U.S. State Department warns about possible attacks in Europe
- Date: 22nd November 2016
- Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (NOVEMBER 22, 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF UNITED STATES STATE DEPARTMENT WEBSITE WARNING ITS CITIZENS ABOUT POSSIBLE ATTACKS
- Embargoed: 7th December 2016 10:15
- Keywords: attacks France Bernard Cazeneuve markets Christmas Paris alert U.S. State Department
- Location: PARIS & STRASBOURG, FRANCE
- City: PARIS & STRASBOURG, FRANCE
- Country: France
- Topics: Diplomacy/Foreign Policy,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA00159J0U9Z
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: The U.S. State Department on Monday (November 21) issued an alert to its citizens about a heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season.
"U.S. citizens should exercise caution at holiday festivals, events, and outdoor markets," it said in a statement, adding that there was credible information that Islamic State, al Qaeda and their affiliates continued to plan attacks in Europe.
The department noted extremists had carried out attacks in Belgium, France, Germany and Turkey in the past year, and said it remains concerned about the potential for attacks throughout Europe.
"U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.," the statement said.
The travel alert expires on February 20, 2017, it said.
French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said on Monday there was a complete mobilisation of the country's anti-terrorism service.
"Never has the terrorist threat been so high in our territory," Cazeneuve said, adding:
"The challenge of fighting terrorism is immense. And I will say it too because it is the truth - we have deployed considerable measures, but zero-risk can never be guaranteed, and those who guarantee it are lying to the French people. But speaking as interior minister, in close coordination with the justice ministry, I have told my compatriots - everything is being implemented, at each minute, at each instant, to avert this terrorist threat and protect the French people."
In Strasbourg, where some men were arrested in an anti-terrorist operation over the weekend, the annual Christmas market is set to open on Friday (November 25). Some of the stalls that had opened in advance were already attracting tourists. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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