US State Department warns of risk of terrorist attacks over summer

The US government issued a warning to its citizens travelling in Europe during the summer of 2016 regarding the risk of terrorist attacks targetting major events, tourist sites, restaurants as well as commercial and transportation centers.

Typically large numbers of tourists in Europe over the summer will present "greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events," the State Department said.

Among the events and venues specifically mentioned by America´s version of the Foreign Office, were the 10 June and 10 July European soccer championships in France, the Tour de France between 2 July to 24 July and the Catholic Church´s World Youth Day in Krakow, Polan, between 26 July to 31 July.

France will host the European Soccer Championship from June 10 – July 10. Euro Cup stadiums, fan zones, and unaffiliated entertainment venues broadcasting the tournaments in France and across Europe represent potential targets for terrorists, as do other large-scale sporting events and public gathering places throughout Europe. France has extended its state of emergency through July 26 to cover the period of the soccer championship, as well as the Tour de France cycling race which will be held from July 2- 24.