21 November 2016, 23:00 GMT
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The notification says that US residents should exercise caution at holiday festivals, events and outdoor markets in Europe.
"The Department of State alerts US citizens to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks throughout Europe, particularly during the holiday season," the alert stated on Monday.
The Travel Alert will remain in effect until February 20, 2017 — three months from now — the State Deportment said.
"Credible information indicates the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, al-Qaeda and their affiliates continue to plan terrorist attacks in Europe, with a focus on the upcoming holiday season and associated events," the alert explained.
US citizens should also be alert to the possibility that extremist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks during this period with little or no warning, it added.
