Washington issues new Europe travel alert
WASHINGTON - The US State Department on Monday issued a travel alert to US citizens concerning continued threat of terrorist attacks throughout Europe.
In the alert, the department cited recent incidents in France, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom to demonstrate that extremist groups, including the Islamic State, al-Qaida and their affiliates, "have the ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks in Europe".
"Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets," said the alert, adding that other public venues, such as hotels, restaurants and high-profile events could also be the targets.
"Terrorists persist in employing a variety of tactics, including firearms, explosives, using vehicles as ramming devices, and sharp-edged weapons that are difficult to detect before an attack," said the alert, which is valid till Sep 1.
State Department's last travel alert for Europe was issued in November after French authorities foiled a terror attack plot ahead of the winter holiday season. The old travel alert expired in February.
Meanwhile, the Swiss spy agency said on Tuesday that the risk of extremist attacks in Switzerland remains elevated, and more attacks by the IS group and its sympathizers were expected across Europe.
"In Switzerland, the terrorist threat remains at a heightened level," the Federal Intelligence Service said in its annual assessment of risks faced by the country.
"The most likely terrorist threat in Europe and thus also in Switzerland will continue to come from jihad-motivated terrorism," it said. "Further attacks must be expected."
The FIS said the greatest danger was that individuals or small groups inspired by the IS group would carry out attacks in Switzerland or use it as a base to plot other attacks.
FIS said it had identified more than 500 internet users with Swiss connections who were using social media to spread jihadist ideas.
(China Daily 05/03/2017 page12)
