Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

US warns citizens of 'continued threat' of terror attacks in UK and Europe

'While local governments continue counter-terrorism operations, the Department remains concerned about the potential for future terrorist attacks'

Lucy Pasha-Robinson
Sunday 03 September 2017 18:46 BST
Comments
It comes just weeks after extremists launched a deadly attack on one of Barcelona's most famous tourist areas
It comes just weeks after extremists launched a deadly attack on one of Barcelona's most famous tourist areas (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

The US Government has issued a warning to its citizens of a "continued threat" of terrorist attacks throughout Europe.

The Department of State urged US travellers to be "alert" to the possibility that extremists could conduct attacks with "little or no warning".

The advice, published on the department's website, cited recent incidents in France, Russia, Sweden, the UK, Spain and Finland as evidence of Isis's intent to conduct attacks throughout the continent.

"While local governments continue counter-terrorism operations, the Department remains concerned about the potential for future terrorist attacks," the statement said.

"US citizens should always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathisers or self-radicalised extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning."

It listed several places deemed to be higher risk, such as tourist hotspots, transport hubs, markets, shopping centres and local government facilities.

"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," it said.

US citizens should "exercise additional vigilance" in these locations, the statement added.

The updated guidance detailed a variety of tactics that could be used in any potential attack, including firearms, explosives, using vehicles as ramming devices, and sharp-edged weapons.

The advice reflects Isis' new favoured modus operandi of using vans, lorries and cars to plough into pedestrians, used in recent Isis-linked attacks in Barcelona, London, Nice, Berlin, Stockholm and Paris.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in