Warning to Irish tourists heading to Spain amid 'high' terrorist threat

Advice has been issued to Irish holidaymakers heading to Spain and other European hotspots amid a 'high' level of terror threat.

The Department of Foreign Affairs has stated the advice on its official website, warning of a major threat of terrorism in Spain.

The statement says: "There is a general threat from terrorism in Europe, and the threat in Spain is considered to be high. Since 2015, the Spanish Government’s national anti-terror alert level has remained at level four (high) on a scale of 1 to 5.

"As terrorists could attempt further attacks, and such attacks could include places visited by foreigners, Irish citizens are advised to increase their security awareness and exercise heightened caution. In the event of any security incident, you should follow the instructions of the local police and your tour operator."

The Department goes on to point out two terrorist attacks in Spain in 2017, one at the Las Ramblas area of Barcelona and another in the town of Cambrils, approximately 100km from Barcelona.

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These incidents, in which vehicles deliberately targeted pedestrians, resulted in 16 deaths and injuries were sustained by over 100 people.

In relation to Portugal, another popular holiday spot with Irish tourists, the Department says: "Along with other European countries, there is potential for Portugal to experience international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by tourists and expatriates."

With regard to Turkey, where thousands of Irish people visit every year, they add: "The threat from terrorism in Türkiye remains high, with bomb attacks in major Turkish cities, including Istanbul and Ankara.

"Although some attacks have targeted security forces, there have also been random attacks in areas frequented by tourists. The situation in the south-east of the country is particularly serious and these areas should be avoided.

"Terrorist attacks are, by their nature, random and indiscriminate and cannot be predicted in advance. Visitors are advised to exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in public places that are frequented by foreigners."