Terror threat exists

USA: “Increased caution” when traveling to Germany

German police officers practise for emergencies.

(Bild: APA/dpa/Boris Roessler)

Just a few weeks before the start of the European Football Championship in Germany, the USA is urging increased caution when traveling to our neighbouring country. The background to this is the risk of terrorist attacks.

The United States has upgraded the security advice for Germany - to level two out of four, as the German magazine "Spiegel" reports. The U.S. Department of State writes on its website that terrorist groups are still planning attacks in Germany. The targets named include tourist attractions, transport hubs, markets, shopping centers, hotels, clubs and restaurants. Parks, sports and cultural facilities, airports and other public areas are also cited.

Four-tier security system
The USA has a four-tier security system. Germany has now reached level two ("Exercise increased caution"). Level three means "reconsider travel", level four "do not travel".

While Austria is at level 1 ("Exercise normal caution"), other European countries are also listed in the same way as Germany. These include France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Concerns about attacks at major events
Major events fuel fears of attacks, and this also applies to the European Football Championship, which begins on June 14 in Munich with the match between Germany and Scotland. The final will take place in Berlin on July 14. Other venues are Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Gelsenkirchen, Hamburg, Cologne, Leipzig and Stuttgart.