Travel alert on Europe after terror threat reports

Reports of possible Mumbai-style terror attacks in Europe by the al-Qaeda has set alarm bells ringing across the globe with at least three nations, including the US, alerting its citizens living or traveling in Europe to be cautious.

Several tourist hubs in the continent, including the Eiffel Tower, were in the hit-list of the Pakistani-based terrorists, who are plotting the 26/11 Mumbai-style terror attacks, reports said on Monday.

Besides landmark tourists spots, top-line hotels and railway stations could also be potential targets, reports based on the interrogation of a German-Pakistani national at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan claimed.

Landmarks on Paris, Berlin and London, besides other European cities were in the hit list.

About 20 British youths are being trained in al-Qaeda run terror camps in Pakistan?s tribal areas to carry out the attacks.

Ten Pakistan-trained gunmen had held Mumbai landmarks hostage for 60-hours in November 2008, killing close to 200 people, including foreigners.

Meanwhile, the United States, England and Japan have warned its citizens of potential terror attacks in Europe.

The US travel alert, which is one step below a warning which advises Americans against visiting a place, has asked US citizens to take precautions for personal safety.

They have been warned of possible assault in public places or transportations.

Britain’s Foreign Office has also upgraded its travel advice for France and Germany.

Japan has also issued a travel alert for Japanese citizens living or traveling Europe.

The Foreign ministry has asked its citizens to be careful while using public transport or visiting popular tourist spots.