US warns its citizens of terrorism threat at World Cup venues in Russia

A general view shows the national flags of the teams on the pitch ahead of kick off of the Russia 2018 World Cup Group C football match between Peru and Denmark at the Mordovia Arena in Saransk on June 16, 2018. (AFP)

• The State Department urged Americans to reconsider travel to Russia
• It did not point to any specific threat

WASHINGTON: The US State Department warned Americans on Friday that terrorists may target World Cup venues in Russia, which is hosting the month-long soccer tournament, but it did not point to any specific threat.
“Large-scale international events such as the World Cup present an attractive target for terrorists,” the department said in a travel advisory.
“Although security for the World Cup will be extensive, terrorists may seek to attack event locations such as stadiums and Fan Fest viewing areas, tourist sites, transportation hubs, and other public venues,” it said.
As with previous adviseries, the State Department urged Americans to reconsider travel to Russia in general due to the threat of terrorism, and because of possible harassment and extortion from law enforcement and other officials.