In an update issued on Monday, the US State Department warned its citizens that ISIS and al-Qaeda “have the ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks in Europe.” It also told American travellers to be prepared with “an emergency plan of action” if they visit Britain. Valid for the entire summer holiday season, until it expires on September 1, the advisory said, “Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets.”
“In addition, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parka, high-profile events, educational institutions, airports, and other soft targets remain priority locations for possible attacks. US citizens should exercise additional vigilance in these and similar locations, in particular during the upcoming summer travel season when large crowds may be common. 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 prior to an attack,” it said.
The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has too issued a similar warning to British travellers to the US, saying, “The main threat comes from individuals who may have been inspired by terrorist groups, including Daesh (ISIS) and al Qaeda, to carry out so-called 'lone actor' attacks targeting public events or places. Attacks could take place with little or no notice.”
