A Europe travel alert issued by the U.S. State Department urges caution during the holiday season and says "credible information indicates" that Islamic terrorists could be planning attacks in Europe.
"U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.," the State Department said in a statement. "Be aware of immediate surroundings and avoid large crowds, when possible. Review security information from local officials, who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country."
The alert came a day after French officials blocked a terrorist plot linked to ISIS and arrested seven people in Strasbourg and Marseilles on Sunday, CNN reported.
The arrests were made after an eight-month-long investigation, culminating in anti-terror raids. Strasbourg's Christmas market, set to open Friday and expected to draw 2 million visitors, was reported as a potential target of terrorists, according to CNN.
The plot was reportedly led by an operative inside Syria with ties to ISIS.
"Never has the terrorist threat been so high in our country. The anti-terrorist services are completely mobilized," French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said, according to CNN.
Those arrested Sunday were Afghan, Moroccan, and French nationals between the ages 29 to 37, the International Business Times reported.
At least 60 to 80 ISIS operatives are present in Europe, IBT reported, citing a Dutch security expert.
The State Department alert, which is set to expire Feb. 20, warns of "the possibility that extremist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks during this period with little or no warning. Terrorists may employ a wide variety of tactics, using both conventional and non-conventional weapons and targeting both official and private interests."
It noted attacks during the past year in Belgium, France, Germany, and Turkey.
A similar alert was issued in May, NBC News reported.
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