U.S. Issues Europe Travel Alert Over Terror Threat

Some sources compared the reported plot to the 2008 militant attacks on targets in Mumbai, India, that left more than 160 people dead.

The Obama administration has issued a U.S. government alert warning Americans to be vigilant if they travel in Europe because of potential terrorist threats by Islamic militants.

The State Department announced the alert in Wahington. The warning does not advise against travel to Europe, but urges travelers to exercise extra caution and be aware of potential threats.

Reports say U.S. officials have been consulting with European governments about the travel alert and potential terrorist threats in Europe.

State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said the Obama administration remains focused on protecting against Al-Qaeda threats to U.S. interests.

Recent reports have quoted sources as saying intelligence information obtained by Western countries has pointed toward a potential plot by Pakistan-based militants to launch coordinated terrorist attacks in several European countries, including Britain, France, and Germany.

Britain said the U.S. information about potential terrorist attacks was "consistent" with its own assessment. Home Secretary Theresa May said the U.S. authorities had already been in touch with British officials about the travel warning.

May said the British government considers there is currently a "severe" threat of an attack in Britain.

compiled from agency reports