The US State Department issued a new travel advisory for Europe, warning US citizens of a continued threat of terrorist attacks.
Citing recent incidents in France, Russia, Sweden and the UK, it said IS and al Qaeda ‘have the ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks in Europe.’
The previous travel advisory for European travel expired in February.
"Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets," the warning said.
Major hotels, restaurants and public events could also be targeted.
Officials said the latest advisory was not the result of a specific threat but fears a continuation of similar attempts from organized and ‘lone wolf’ attackers.
"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 added.
"US citizens should always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathisers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning."
