Terror threat

U.S. WARNS OF ISIS HOLIDAY SEASON ATTACKS AT EUROPEAN 'FESTIVALS, OUTDOOR MARKETS'

The U.S. State Department warned on Monday that Americans traveling in Europe should remain alert because of a “heightened risk of terrorist attacks” in the holiday season.

In a travel advisory, the department cited “credible information” that the Islamic State (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda militant groups are still planning attacks on the continent.

Both extremist factions have launched successful attacks on France since January 2015, and ISIS members or sympathizers have attacked Belgium, Germany and Turkey in the same period.

“U.S. citizens should exercise caution at holiday festivals, events, and outdoor markets,” it said in a statement, adding that the advisory would expire on February 20 next year. “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.”

It praised the work of European intelligence services in trying to preventing attacks but said that it remains concerned about the possibility of extremist acts in Europe.