Administration Issues Travel Alert for Americans in Europe Over Terror Threat
The Obama administration issued a travel alert Sunday for Americans in Europe, warning about the possibility of an Al Qaeda strike and advising U.S. citizens to be vigilant.
The State Department alert did not offer specifics about the targets and countries that could be most at risk but generally urged Americans to be careful around transportation hubs and other popular tourist locations.
"Current information suggests that Al Qaeda and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks. European governments have taken action to guard against a terrorist attack and some have spoken publicly about the heightened threat conditions," the State Department said.
"Terrorists may elect to use a variety of means and weapons and target both official and private interests. U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure. Terrorists have targeted and attacked subway and rail systems, as well as aviation and maritime services."
The State Department is urging U.S. citizens to "take every precaution" and adopt "appropriate safety measures" while traveling.
The alert comes after officials warned that Usama bin Laden is trying to execute a multi-city terror attack modeled after the deadly rampage in Mumbai two years ago.
If this is true, this would be the most involved role that bin Laden has played in plotting attacks since Sept. 11, 2001.
"It's clear and the plot is clear. The clarity of detail on the plans for these attacks is disturbing," the official told Fox News.
There was "some degree of coordination between the multiple teams of attackers targeting at least three Western European cities, but not all know when to hit," the official said, adding the goal was to kill many, many more than the 173 killed in Mumbai.
Eight Germans and two British brothers are at the heart of the terror plot against European cities, but the plan is still in its early stages, with the suspects calling acquaintances in Europe to plan logistics, a Pakistani intelligence official said Thursday.
One of the Britons died in a recent CIA missile strike, he said. The Pakistani official said the suspects are hiding in North Waziristan, a Pakistani tribal region where militancy is rife and where the U.S. has focused many of its drone-fired missile strikes.
The State Department did not issue a "travel warning," which would advise Americans to stay away from the countries cited. But the alert could still have negative implications for tourism in Europe is travelers fear there's the possibility of attack.
The travel alert, which stressed that U.S. officials are working "closely" with the Europeans to track down terror threats, expires Jan. 31, 2011.
The alert urges Americans to register their travel plans online with the consular section of the U.S. Embassy at the State Department website. Travelers can also get updates on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/10/03/administration-issues-travel-alert-americans-europe-terror-threat/