The United States warned its citizens Tuesday that this summer's Euro 2016 soccer tournament and related events across France and Europe will present "potential targets for terrorists." The month-long European Championship finals start in Paris on June 10, drawing the best international teams from the continent and hundreds of thousands of fans. "Euro Cup stadiums, fan zones, and unaffiliated entertainment venues broadcasting the tournaments in France and across Europe represent potential targets for terrorists," the State Department said.
The warning was contained in an update to its long-standing warning to US travellers to beware extremist attacks on transport and public gatherings in Europe. "We are alerting US citizens to the risk of potential terrorist attacks throughout Europe, targeting major events, tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centers and transportation," it said. "The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists planning attacks in public locations, especially at large events." The French government has ruled out cancelling the prestigious tournament, which is expected to draw two million fans to cities across the country. To strengthen security at Euro 2016, France has extended a state of emergency put in place after attacks last November on a concert hall, cafes, police and a football crowd.
Last month, French domestic intelligence chief Patrick Calvar told lawmakers that France is "clearly targeted" by the Islamic State group. France feared a "new form of attack" in which terrorists would place bombs in areas where big crowds gather, he warned. The updated State Department travel warning also noted that huge crowds and extra security should be expected in Krakow, Poland, during the Catholic Church's World Youth Day event between July 26 and 31.
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