DHAKA: The US has warned that the Euro 2016 football championship being held in France next month could be a target of militant attacks.

“The large number of tourists visiting Europe in the summer months will present greater targets for terrorists,” the State Department said.

The event is being hosted from 10 June to 10 July at various venues, reports the BBC.

France is already under a state of emergency following last year’s Islamist-claimed attacks in Paris.

The near-simultaneous assaults on a stadium, concert hall, bars and restaurants left 130 people dead and many more wounded.

Up to a million foreign fans are expected in France for the tournament, which involves the continent’s top national teams.

In its travel alert for US citizens, the State Department warns of the dangers of militant attacks throughout Europe.

The attacks could hit tourist sites, restaurants, commercial centres and transportation, the State Department warns, with large events such as Euro 2016 singled out.

The warning also cites the Tour de France cycle race and the Catholic Church’s Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, which is expected to draw up to 2.5 million visitors.

An unnamed US official told an agency that they had no particular threat information that gave rise to the latest alert.

BDST: 0825 HRS, June 1, 2016
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