US Warns Citizens About Potential Terrorist Attacks in Europe

Following the discovery and neutralization of a plot by the Islamic State group for a new terrorist act in France, the US State Department has warned its citizens currently in Europe about attending outdoor festivals and markets. French security forces arrested seven individuals in anti-terror operations in the cities of Strasbourg and Marseille last Sunday. Strasbourg is known for its grand Christmas markets, which are expected to attract around two million visitors this year. Meanwhile, CNN reported, citing US State Department officials, that the US government has urged its citizens to exercise caution if they attend these markets and celebrations. According to these officials, although no specific plans have been threatened, the timing of the US State Department's warning is not coincidental. The US State Department's announcement indicates that evidence shows ISIS, al-Qaeda, and their affiliated groups are still planning terrorist attacks in Europe, focusing on the upcoming holiday season and related events. The announcement also warns American citizens to be vigilant of extremist supporters of these groups who may launch attacks without prior warning during the holiday season. The US State Department further states that terrorists can employ a wide range of tactics and target both government and non-government locations using conventional and unconventional weapons. The alert status will remain in effect until February 20, 2017. France has been the target of bloody terrorist attacks in recent years. For instance, this past summer, a Tunisian-French man drove a truck into a crowd watching the Bastille Day celebrations in Nice, killing at least 84 people. ISIS claimed responsibility for this attack.