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THE US HAS warned its citizens that the European Championships in France could be the target of a terror attack.
The month-long championships start in nine days in Paris, with Irish fans set to descend on the French capital three days later.
A warning from the US State Department yesterday said that Europe will be on high alert over the summer.
State Department spokesman John Kirby said the intent of the warning was not to dissuade Americans from traveling to Europe, but simply to remind them to stay vigilant.
“I’m not aware of any specific, credible terrorist threat around these events,” he said.
“This alert was issued, just as they always are, based on a cumulation of information and what we know continues to be an interest of terrorist groups to attack Western targets, and Americans specifically.”
According to the warning, the threat concerns not just the French stadiums hosting matches themselves, but also areas across the continent where fans will gather in numbers.
“Euro Cup stadiums, fan zones, and unaffiliated entertainment venues broadcasting the tournaments in France and across Europe represent potential targets for terrorists,” it said.
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 the attacks in Paris last November.
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No brainer they’d look to attack the tournament. Where is the article about the latest spate of gropings in Germany at the unfortunately name grabenfest
Are you sure you’re not just making this shit up Foghorn?
Here we go again. Those fcuking neanderthals.
Shock horror! Country gives its citizens common sense advice that major event with large crowds might be the target of terrorists.
I don’t see how this is news. Bog standard advice that I’m sure the foreign office of any country will give. Sure must of America is on high alert for terror attacks full-time!
They can strike anywhere anytime given the vast array of high-tech military deathware at their disposal….weddings, hospitals, beaches, $chools…..fu¢k yeah…..woooo….go Drumph!!
They won’t just attack anywhere, that’s the point. Paris has had two major attacks already while the rest of Europe with the exception of Brussels has had no attacks. Hundreds of thousands of people will descend on France this summer and all it will take would be one mad man with an AK47 and a suicide belt in a fanzone and the whole competition will be thrown into disarray..
Its not big news…its just put out there to strike fear into the masses as part of the larger control agenda
Eamonn Dunphy says he fears for safety at the tournament and that he wouldn’t feel safe bringing his family to France.
Sorry to say this but I agree with Eamonn and can see something awful happening.
Some huge terrorist attack with huge loss of life.
Knowing Dunphy he’ll row back zealously, contradict himself as ever and go on holliers en France as he does every summer!
Drunk 6 county loyalists,fascists,bigots up against the Polish Ultras should be tasty,very tasty.
loyalists got an awful pasting from the poles the last time out
Bad news
Wouldn’t want to be into Turkeys most probable ‘group of death’ anyway….some very tense, tetchy fanzones there no doubt, even moreso than the plastic chair chucking, knuckle sucking EDL/Wombat18 on tour!
European tourists from countries playing in the competition in France have been warned of possible terrorist treats, it would be irresponsible of the Americans not to advise like wise.
I’m going to a Turkey game! Fun times ahead
What does Teresa Manning advise?
Miss manning advises to stay indoors …..with a 6 pack of beer and a 50 inch flat screen.
I was due to attend the Bordeaux game and stay in the city for 4 days before continuing a holiday in Europe, but I’ve cancelled the France part. Perfect time for these lunatics to do something.
I don’t so much fear for my own personal safety but if something happens anywhere in France, the airports and borders will lock down and making changes will be an absolute nightmare. Security anywhere will be so tight too getting anywhere. Such a shame but, such is life.
You can’t live your life in fear of what if
Clairebear, I totally agree. But considering the country it’s in, and the liklihood that they can make statements against specific countries, it’s probably the most likely of events they would target. God forbid something happens, a very small percentage of people would be directly impacted. But the repercussions of trying to get out of france (or managing until that happens) are far worse than the benefits of attending a football game. Just my opinion.
How come the local tinfoil hat chaps haven’t said that America is the biggest terrorist organisation yet, disappointed
Prob no need anymore to drone on about such unconventional wisdom…..made mine into a Panama (paper) to enjoy the unseasonal windfall of global laming with some refreshing iced flouride suspension!!
My money is on them hitting softer targets, probably in the UK and softer holiday spots in Spain or Portugal. They don’t like the idea of risking security catching them alive in an attack as they’ll be denied to bit where they go to heaven. They just want to kill people and then die themselves. At this point everywhere where there’s people that don’t share their idea of religion and political ideology there is a target. I say give them Dabiq and win it.
I thought they had “gone away”
America ain’t that safe either
I luckily enough got a ticket for Ireland v Italy in Lille. Can’t wait to go and experience the atmosphere. I was a little undecided when offered a ticket but I felt that if I decided not to go on that fear alone then they had won. I decided I won’t let my life be dictated by these lunatics. Buzzing for the trip now. COYBIG
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