State Department issues Travel Alert througout Europe until Sept 2017

[ExpatBride]

Interesting. They always put all of Europe on travel alert before high season? I did not know that.

 

Pretty much every year since I've lived here, which is now seven years and a bit.

[whogo]

This current alert replaces similarly worded alerts and is nearly meaningless. To paraphrase: "Something bad could happen somewhere. Watch out!" The alert allows the State Department to puff out its chest at the next incident and say, "Told you."

 

My own take is that something bad is bound to happen somewhere, but the chance of a terrorist attack affecting me is essentially nil.

[OlsSalt]

Pretty much every year since I've lived here, which is now seven years and a bit.

 

Life in Europe is a lot more unsafe now, than my former days living there in the 1960's and 1970's. In those days all borders were controlled.

[Appalachian Mountain Mama]

Boze9999, thank you for the info on STEP. Although my upcoming cruise is to Alaska we are thinking about a Danube or Rhine cruise next year so nice to know there is a quick, easy way to stay in touch with the embassies.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[ExpatBride]

Life in Europe is a lot more unsafe now, than my former days living there in the 1960's and 1970's.

 

Really?

 

[OlsSalt]

I am guilty of a very foggy memory apparently. Thank you for the chart- but then the radical student riots would have been lumped into terrorists attacks and those were live and well. Bader-Meinhof gangs and the Paris student riots -etc. Irish Republican Army. Domestic terrorists. Not the ISIS bombs and mass truck rammings we see today.

 

However as an expat myself, I always considered my presence under a visa in a foreign country to be a privilege and never a right to make demands or expect to overstay in that country on my own terms.

[kazu]

From The Guardian today: recommend staying away from political rallies in France

 

May Day in France: six police injured as violent group hijacks Paris march

About 150 people armed with molotov cocktails and stones invade event, with France divided over presidential election

 

 

 

 

 

This is the kind of situation where a little advance research and reading would pay off. May day (May 1) is traditionally a day in Europe where there are worker demonstrations, strikes, etc. that occasionally can get out of hand. Also France is in the middle of a very controversial election process at the moment.

 

Knowledge of these two things would definitely keep me from venturing out in the midst of a worker demonstration or a political rally. It wouldn't, however, stop me from traveling to France.

 

We saw the police cars heading in that direction. Never saw so many with so many police in each vehicle. We just avoided the area and it didn't stop us from being out and about in Paris on May day.

 

You are totally correct cruisemom, there were demonstartions in other European countries as well. All over the news here.

 

Controversial election was part of the problem actually. A big part of it here.

 

Cheers from Paris!

[Globaliser]

Really?

 

http://www.datagraver.com/thumbs/1300x1300r/2016-07/we-terrorism-1970-2015final.png [image turned into link.]

I am guilty of a very foggy memory apparently. Thank you for the chart- but then the radical student riots would have been lumped into terrorists attacks and those were live and well. Bader-Meinhof gangs and the Paris student riots -etc. Irish Republican Army. Domestic terrorists. Not the ISIS bombs and mass truck rammings we see today.

But the chart is of deaths. A terrorism death is a terrorism death, whether it's Al Qaeda or IS or the IRA or ETA or whoever. And the chart speaks volumes.

 

The other interesting thing about the State Department warning is that it doesn't encourage people to ask themselves whether they might still be safer in Europe even with a risk of terrorist attack, than they would be at home in the US without any terrorism risk. Risks to life exist everywhere, from any number of sources and not just terrorism, and the risks in the US when (for example) simply going shopping at the mall are sadly demonstrated from time to time. (Not that the terrorism risk in the US is zero anyway.)

[MadManOfBethesda]

The same thing was issued when we were in Paris this past Sept. when we were there!!! Show caution be observant! All will be fine! We were in France for one month! We saw military around 24/7. It Is a part of

Life! please relax enjoy your Holiday/ vacation!! We had a wonderful time

Both inParis for

2!weeks and Nice for a

Month!

Denise :)

 

Speaking of Alerts.....

 

I wanted to alert you that your exclamation point key apparently is stuck!!!

[donaldsc]

Full text from the State Dept website: This is only an alert- not a travel warning

 

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued threat of terrorist attacks throughout Europe. This Travel Alert expires on September 1, 2017.

Recent, widely-reported incidents in France, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS or Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, and their affiliates have the ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks in Europe. While local governments continue counterterrorism operations, the Department nevertheless remains concerned about the potential for future terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens should always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning.

Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets. In addition, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, high-profile events, educational institutions, airports, and other soft targets remain priority locations for possible attacks. U.S. citizens should exercise additional vigilance in these and similar locations, in particular during the upcoming summer travel season when large crowds may be common.

Terrorists persist in employing a variety of tactics, including firearms, explosives, using vehicles as ramming devices, and sharp-edged weapons that are difficult to detect prior to an attack.

If you are traveling between countries in Europe, please check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your destination city for any recent security messages. Review security information from local officials, who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country.

 

The warning is so general that it is meaningless and useless. Also, go on the WEB and check how many mass shootings there were in the US in 2016. Some terrorist and some not but if you are dead, you are dead.

 

DON

Cascade Mall shootingBurlington, WA9/23/20162016Arcan Cetin, 20, killed a teen girl and three women in the cosmetics section of a Macy’s department store at the Cascade Mall. A man was critically wounded in the shooting and taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he died. Cetin was apprehended by police a few hours after the shooting while driving a car near his residence.505OtherYesAccording to the Cetin's stepfather he had "mental health issues"; court records showed that he suffered from anxiety and depression.RifleMhttp://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/us/mall-shooting-washington-state.htmlhttp://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/arcan-cetin-accused-cascade-mall-shooter-charged-five-counts-murder-n654586

Baton Rouge police shootingBaton Rouge, LA7/17/20162016Gavin Long, a former Marine who served in Iraq, killed three police offers responding to a 911 call, and wounded three others. He was killed in a shoot-out with other officers responding to the scene. Prior to the attack, Long posted prolifically on social media, where he expressed admiration for the cop killer in Dallas 10 days prior.336OtherYesUnclearUnknownTwo semiautomatic rifles; one semiautomatic handgunIWI Tavor SAR 5.56 caliber rifle, Springfield XD 9, 9mmBlackMhttp://time.com/4411027/baton-rouge-shooter-gavin-long/ ; http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/18/us/baton-rouge-shooting.html; http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article90266242.html; http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2016/07/gavin_long_guns_baton_rouge_po.html; http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/07/copycat-mass-shooters-rising-baton-rouge-munichMass

Dallas police shootingDallas, Texas7/7/20162016Micah Xavier Johnson, a 25-year-old Army veteran, targeted police at a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest, killing five officers and injuring nine others as well as two civilians. After a prolonged standoff in a downtown building, law enforcement killed Johnson using a robot-delivered bomb.51116OtherUnclearUnclearYesonline and or gun showSemiautomatic rifle, semiautomatic handgunsIzhmash-Saiga 5.45mm (AK-style) semiautomatic rifle with large capacity magazines; Glock 9mm handgun, .25-caliber semiautomatic handgunBlackMhttp://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/11/us/dallas-shooting-micah-johnson-police.html?_r=0; http://www.wsj.com/articles/dallas-shooter-purchased-guns-legally-official-says-1468269720Mass

Orlando nightclub massacreOrlando, Florida6/12/20162016Omar Mateen, 29, attacked the Pulse nighclub in Orlando in the early morning hours of June 12. He was killed by law enforcement who raided the club after a prolonged standoff.4953102OtherUnclearUnclearYesShooting center in Port St. Lucie, FloridaSemiautomatic rifle, semiautomatic handgunSig Sauer MCX rifle, Glock 17 9mm; high-capacity magazines (30 rounds)OtherMhttp://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/assault-rifle-used-by-orlando-mass-shooter; http://wrbl.com/2016/06/13/orlando-police-make-statement-on-mass-shooting/; http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2016/06/the_ar_15_and_other_assault_rifles_are_bad_high_capacity_magazines_are_worse.htmlMass

Excel Industries mass shootingHesston, Kansas2/25/20162016Cedric L. Ford, who worked as a painter at a manufacturing company, shot victims from his car and at his workplace before being killed by police at the scene. Shortly before the rampage he had been served with a restraining order.31417WorkplaceUnclearUnclearYesSemiautomatic rifle, semiautomatic handgunZastava Serbia AK-47-style rifle, Glock Model 22 .40-caliber handgun; high-capacity magazines (30 rounds)BlackMhttp://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/26/us/shooting-at-plant-hesston-kansas.html; https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/02/26/alcoholic-violent-depressed-portrait-of-kansas-shooter-emerges/; https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/02/26/kansas-gunman-served-protection-from-abuse-order-shortly-before-shootings-sheriff-says/; http://heavy.com/news/2016/02/cedric-ford-hesston-kansas-shooting-shooter-facebook-video-firing-rifle-gun-field-ak47-ak-47-long-gun-photos-watch-youtube/; http://fox4kc.com/2016/02/26/kansas-woman-charged-with-providing-guns-to-hesston-shooter/Spree

Kalamazoo shooting spreeKalamazoo County, Michigan2/20/20162016Jason B. Dalton, a driver for Uber, apparently selected his victims randomly as he went on a rampage over several hours in three different locations, including five people he shot in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. He was "arrested without incident" at a downtown Kalamazoo bar about six hours after the rampage began.6Cascade Mall shootingBurlington, WA9/23/20162016Arcan Cetin, 20, killed a teen girl and three women in the cosmetics section of a Macy’s department store at the Cascade Mall. A man was critically wounded in the shooting and taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he died. Cetin was apprehended by police a few hours after the shooting while driving a car near his residence.505OtherYesAccording to the Cetin's stepfather he had "mental health issues"; court records showed that he suffered from anxiety and depression.RifleMhttp://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/25/us/mall-shooting-washington-state.htmlhttp://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/arcan-cetin-accused-cascade-mall-shooter-charged-five-counts-murder-n654586

Baton Rouge police shootingBaton Rouge, LA7/17/20162016Gavin Long, a former Marine who served in Iraq, killed three police offers responding to a 911 call, and wounded three others. He was killed in a shoot-out with other officers responding to the scene. Prior to the attack, Long posted prolifically on social media, where he expressed admiration for the cop killer in Dallas 10 days prior.336OtherYesUnclearUnknownTwo semiautomatic rifles; one semiautomatic handgunIWI Tavor SAR 5.56 caliber rifle, Springfield XD 9, 9mmBlackMhttp://time.com/4411027/baton-rouge-shooter-gavin-long/ ; http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/18/us/baton-rouge-shooting.html; http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article90266242.html; http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2016/07/gavin_long_guns_baton_rouge_po.html; http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/07/copycat-mass-shooters-rising-baton-rouge-munichMass

Dallas police shootingDallas, Texas7/7/20162016Micah Xavier Johnson, a 25-year-old Army veteran, targeted police at a peaceful Black Lives Matter protest, killing five officers and injuring nine others as well as two civilians. After a prolonged standoff in a downtown building, law enforcement killed Johnson using a robot-delivered bomb.51116OtherUnclearUnclearYesonline and or gun showSemiautomatic rifle, semiautomatic handgunsIzhmash-Saiga 5.45mm (AK-style) semiautomatic rifle with large capacity magazines; Glock 9mm handgun, .25-caliber semiautomatic handgunBlackMhttp://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/11/us/dallas-shooting-micah-johnson-police.html?_r=0; http://www.wsj.com/articles/dallas-shooter-purchased-guns-legally-official-says-1468269720Mass

Orlando nightclub massacreOrlando, Florida6/12/20162016Omar Mateen, 29, attacked the Pulse nighclub in Orlando in the early morning hours of June 12. He was killed by law enforcement who raided the club after a prolonged standoff.4953102OtherUnclearUnclearYesShooting center in Port St. Lucie, FloridaSemiautomatic rifle, semiautomatic handgunSig Sauer MCX rifle, Glock 17 9mm; high-capacity magazines (30 rounds)OtherMhttp://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/06/assault-rifle-used-by-orlando-mass-shooter; http://wrbl.com/2016/06/13/orlando-police-make-statement-on-mass-shooting/; http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/crime/2016/06/the_ar_15_and_other_assault_rifles_are_bad_high_capacity_magazines_are_worse.htmlMass

Excel Industries mass shootingHesston, Kansas2/25/20162016Cedric L. Ford, who worked as a painter at a manufacturing company, shot victims from his car and at his workplace before being killed by police at the scene. Shortly before the rampage he had been served with a restraining order.31417WorkplaceUnclearUnclearYesSemiautomatic rifle, semiautomatic handgunZastava Serbia AK-47-style rifle, Glock Model 22 .40-caliber handgun; high-capacity magazines (30 rounds)BlackMhttp://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/26/us/shooting-at-plant-hesston-kansas.html; https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/02/26/alcoholic-violent-depressed-portrait-of-kansas-shooter-emerges/; https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2016/02/26/kansas-gunman-served-protection-from-abuse-order-shortly-before-shootings-sheriff-says/; http://heavy.com/news/2016/02/cedric-ford-hesston-kansas-shooting-shooter-facebook-video-firing-rifle-gun-field-ak47-ak-47-long-gun-photos-watch-youtube/; http://fox4kc.com/2016/02/26/kansas-woman-charged-with-providing-guns-to-hesston-shooter/Spree

Kalamazoo shooting spreeKalamazoo County, Michigan2/20/20162016Jason B. Dalton, a driver for Uber, apparently selected his victims randomly as he went on a rampage over several hours in three different locations, including five people he shot in the parking lot of a Cracker Barrel restaurant. He was "arrested without incident" at a downtown Kalamazoo bar about six hours after the rampage began.6

[BJzink]

I think I would avoid any political rallies in France right about now.

 

And - bridges in London? How many ways can they attack?????

[debsjc]

I have to say I always feel more at risk of being attacked when I visit NA (which I do at least once a year) than at home in London. Maybe I watch too much 'true crime' TV, but I am always looking around me as I walk back to my car, just to make sure no one is about to jump out and stick a knife or a gun to my throat.

 

It's good that the State Department issued the warning though, it reminds us all to be aware, especially in tourist areas.

[OlsSalt]

For the record, a recent murder by county map showed practically the entire state of California was either red or pink - both at the higher end of the scale. Lots of gang murders in this state, but some of the strictest gun control in the nation.

[AmazedByCruising]

Really?

 

 

A nice graph, based partly on Wikipedia (!). Long time ago "our" terrorists targeted the Spanish government (ETA) or the English government (IRA). That's really different from the new terrorists, simply targeting anyone who's not Islamic in order to find virgins in heaven (sic). In Holland, 10 years ago, you wouldn't see guards and concrete blocks in front of a Jewish school. You wouldn't see trucks parked to stop other trucks from ramming into people. You wouldn't have the question about each major event "did you think about a terrorist attack and what measures did you take?". You wouldn't hear the news on the radio telling about the latest attacks as if it were a weather report.

 

I wouldn't cancel a holiday for fear of terrorism, because yes, the chance of a car hitting you on the way to the supermarket is much bigger. Then again, the current situation in Europe is a lot more rotten than this graph suggests.

[debsjc]

In some parts of Europe the situation is worse now, but I don't think it is in the UK

 

 

I grew up seeing night after night of IRA violence on TV in the 70's and 80's.

Edited May 2, 2017 by debsjc
typo

[OlsSalt]

Violence and murder can happen anywhere, but visitors to the US might want to take this new murder map to heart when planning their visits to this country. Some places do stand out more than others, though the chances of being caught in the cross-fire randomly are still remote: http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/02/study-two-percent-of-u-s-counties-have-fifty-one-percent-u-s-murders/

[iancal]

We travel frequently. We don't even bother reading State Dept. warnings nor would we consult them prior to travelling. We much prefer a common sense approach to reading CYA gobbly gook that they seem to contain.

[Globaliser]

Long time ago "our" terrorists targeted the Spanish government (ETA) or the English government (IRA). That's really different from the new terrorists ...

We should not forget that both ETA and the IRA also carried out attacks that essentially targeted ordinary civilians going about their everyday lives.

[cruisemom42]

Violence and murder can happen anywhere, but visitors to the US might want to take this new murder map to heart when planning their visits to this country. Some places do stand out more than others, though the chances of being caught in the cross-fire randomly are still remote: http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2017/05/02/study-two-percent-of-u-s-counties-have-fifty-one-percent-u-s-murders/

 

I would take that map with a (large) grain of salt. The research was apparently done by the "Crime Prevention Research Center", an organization headed by largely-discredited gun activist John Lott. He has a record of manipulating statistics about firearms and gun violence. See, e.g., https://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/10/28/gun-researcher-john-lott-offers-false-firearm-s/196621

[north29]

LOL, every place I go has all kinds of WARNINGS from the US or Other countries. I go regardless, just a drive to the Airport or Cruise port is likely more dangerous than being caught in a terrorist event.

[pris993]

having been traveling over seas for 30 years...europe, the middle east... now days no matter where you go you need to stay alert. Going to spain in october... no longer travel without thinking about these issues... even at home... who would have thought San Bernadino california would have a terrorist attack... Ft Lauderdale.... I keep this in mind.

[knittinggirl]

. . .

 

DH nearly had his expensive lens twisted from his camera . . .

Heard about this type of theft on kelbyone.com.

 

I usually carry my camera against my arm, instead of letting it hang from my camera strap. When boarding the bus, it gets moved in front of me, so I can grab the bar. They said to always hold your camera with you hand wrapped around the side and one finger resting on your lens, so you can feel it when it's twisted, then jerk it away. I also have an Olympus, so it's less common than the big two brands.

[OlsSalt]

I would take that map with a (large) grain of salt. The research was apparently done by the "Crime Prevention Research Center", an organization headed by largely-discredited gun activist John Lott. He has a record of manipulating statistics about firearms and gun violence. See, e.g., https://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/10/28/gun-researcher-john-lott-offers-false-firearm-s/196621

 

Well that is good to know - the data claiming those murdered are not really dead after all. Phew.

[ExpatBride]

Well that is good to know - the data claiming those murdered are not really dead after all. Phew.

 

That is great news!

[kevingastreich]

Full text from the State Dept website: This is only an alert- not a travel warning

 

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued threat of terrorist attacks throughout Europe. This Travel Alert expires on September 1, 2017.

Recent, widely-reported incidents in France, Russia, Sweden, and the United Kingdom demonstrate that the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham (ISIS or Da’esh), al-Qa’ida, and their affiliates have the ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks in Europe. While local governments continue counterterrorism operations, the Department nevertheless remains concerned about the potential for future terrorist attacks. U.S. citizens should always be alert to the possibility that terrorist sympathizers or self-radicalized extremists may conduct attacks with little or no warning.

Extremists continue to focus on tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities as viable targets. In addition, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, high-profile events, educational institutions, airports, and other soft targets remain priority locations for possible attacks. U.S. citizens should exercise additional vigilance in these and similar locations, in particular during the upcoming summer travel season when large crowds may be common.

Terrorists persist in employing a variety of tactics, including firearms, explosives, using vehicles as ramming devices, and sharp-edged weapons that are difficult to detect prior to an attack.

If you are traveling between countries in Europe, please check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your destination city for any recent security messages. Review security information from local officials, who are responsible for the safety and security of all visitors to their host country.

This has really caused the Voyage of the Vikings cruise to shoot up in price.