Brussels terror: US government says militants planning 'near-term attacks throughout Europe'

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Louise Thomas

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The US government has issued a warning to Americans planning travel to Europe - saying that terror groups are continuing to plan attacks throughout the continent.

In a warning that was rare in its scale, the State Department said people should exercise vigilance when in public places or when using mass transportation.

“The State Department alerts US citizens to potential risks of travel to and throughout Europe following several terrorist attacks, including the March 22 attacks in Brussels claimed by Isis,” said the warning.

“Terrorist groups continue to plan near-term attacks throughout Europe, targeting sporting events, tourist sites, restaurants, and transportation.”

At least half-a-dozen US citizens were injured in the attacks that left more than 30 people dead in Brussels on Tuesday morning.

“European governments continue to guard against terrorist attacks and conduct raids to disrupt plots,” the warning added.

“We work closely with our allies and will continue to share information with our European partners that will help identify and counter terrorist threats.”

Officials have launched a huge search for those involved in carrying out and planning the attacks, which targeted an airport and a subway station. It is believed that two of three attackers killed themselves using suicide vests, while a third escaped.

Anti-terror raids have taken place across Belgium. Isis has said it was behind the attacks.

An online statement from the group said the locations were carefully selected and warned of worse to come for “Crusader states allied against Isis”.

Belgian prosecutor Frederic Van Leeuw said police were seeking a man wearing a hat and light-coloured jacket.

He said searches were taking place “in several parts of the country”, adding that an explosive device containing nails, chemical products and an Isis flag were found in an apartment in the Schaerbeek area of Brussels.

The attacks came just days after the arrest of Salah Abdeslam, a key suspect in last year’s Paris attacks which were also claimed by Isis.

“This is a day of tragedy, a black day,” said Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. “I would like to call on everyone to show calmness and solidarity.”