In a response to threats of terrorist attacks in Europe, the State Department issued a “travel alert” Sunday cautioning American travelers of potential dangers there, while the United Kingdom raised its threat level for Germany and France to “high.” The threat level for England had been raised earlier to “severe.”
The announcements follow what U.S. officials said was an assessment of information that al-Qaeda appeared to be plotting attacks on European cities.
The American alert did not identify any particular countries and did not urge Americans to avoid particular venues. It was a step below a formal “travel warning,” a designation telling U.S. citizens to avoid traveling to particular places.
U.S. officials emphasized that Americans should not alter any travel plans because of the alert.
“We are not, repeat not, advising Americans not to go to Europe,” said Patrick Kennedy, the undersecretary of state for management. “We’re not saying don’t visit major tourist attractions or historic sites or monuments.”
He suggested that U.S. citizens register with embassies abroad, avoid civil disturbances and not discuss travel plans with others.
European authorities fell in line with the United States in urging increased caution. They have been warning for the past three weeks that the danger of a terrorist attack in Europe has been higher than usual, but they issued no specific information on what new intelligence has led them to ratchet up the alert level.
“We are in contact with our American partners, and we are watching the situation,” said a statement in Brussels from Cecilia Malmstrom, the European Union’s commissioner for domestic affairs.
In its announcement, the State Department said, “Current information suggests that al-Qaeda and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks.”
It also said some European governments were warning of “heightened threat conditions.”
“U.S. citizens are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems and other tourist infrastructure,” the notice said.
State Department alerts and warnings are not uncommon — more serious warnings are posted now for 31 nations, including tourist destinations such as Mexico, Israel, Nepal and Kenya. But highlighting threats across an entire continent, and especially Europe, is far less common and could affect tourism and study-abroad programs.
In addition, thousands of U.S. troops based in Germany were placed under a curfew Friday night and were told not to wear their uniforms off base, according to an order obtained by CNN.
A White House spokesman e-mailed a statement describing President Barack Obama’s role in combating the alleged threat.
“From the day we became aware of this latest plot, the president made clear we need to do everything possible to disrupt this plot and protect the American people,” spokesman Nicholas Shapiro wrote. “Whether the State Department issues a travel alert is the decision of the State Department, but this alert is responsive to the president’s direction that we spare no effort.”
The European embrace of the heightened alert would seem to deflect suggestions that the effort to highlight Obama’s role, four weeks before midterm elections, was politically motivated.
