Travellers in Europe advised to remain vigilant
After two explosions went off at Brussels Airport, at least one of which was caused by a suicide bomber, the U.S. Embassy in Italy issued a travel warning for American citizens abroad. The explosions killed about 10 people.
Nearly an hour later, another explosion occurred at Maelbeek subway station in Brussels. This attack killed almost 20 people.
The terrorist group ISIL has claimed responsibility for the attacks and called Belgium “a country participating in the coalition against the Islamic State” in a bulletin they released.
A message from the U.S. Embassy in Italy warned citizens to stay vigilant in using public transportation and visiting crowded places, as well as paying attention to local news and authorities.
The notice from the Embassy also urges travelers to contact their families and prepare for additional security.
“European governments continue to guard against terrorist attacks and conduct raids to disrupt plots,” the Embassy wrote in its alert. “We work closely with our allies and will continue to share information with our European partners that will help identify and counter terrorist threats.”
The Embassy’s travel alert will expire on June 20, 2016.
Aside from those planning to travel to Europe, USF World and Education Abroad sent out a letter to those USF students currently in Europe. The letter informed students the office was monitoring the situation and any disruptions it may have caused.
Because of the attacks, transportation in Brussels, as well as in the rest of Europe, and to some extent in the U.S., was either delayed or completely halted. This included air travel, train services, like Eurostar and Thalys, and the Brussels Metro system.
The threat level in Belgium reached Level 4 after the attacks, meaning the country has increased security and boarder patrol. The French-Belgian border closed down and other border closures were warned of in the letter sent out by USF.
“We ask that you remain vigilant, be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to local authorities,” USF World said in the letter. “Follow the directions of your local hosts and monitor local news reports.
“Please check in with your family and friends here in the U.S. to let them know you are safe and aware of ongoing events.”
The letter urged students abroad to call the International Assistance Line with any concerns.
More Stories
Florida lawmakers talk political polarization at USF Tampa
USF Student Government (SG) brought state leaders to campus Wednesday night in an effort to inform students about the impacts of political polarization. In the hour-and-a-half discussion, the officials encouraged students to get involved and be respectful, regardless of who they voted for. The guest speakers for the event were Florida House Republican Representative Karen […]
USF new student enrollment increased by 14% this fall
This fall, USF welcomed around 6,700 new Bulls across its three campuses, marking a 14% uptick in arrivals from the year before. After seeing the increase, professors and students are sharing the benefits and drawbacks they see with the increased enrollment. Doctoral student and instructor Rio Tate said the increase in incoming students shows people […]
Compass Group to replace Aramark as USF’s dining, facilities partner
After 22 years of partnership with Aramark, the time has come for some staff members to receive brand-new badges and uniforms. The university announced a new dining and facilities partnership with Compass Group last month. USF will sever its partnership with Aramark in favor of a multi-million dollar cost-saving deal with Compass. The change will […]
Meet the USF custodians who work to keep campus clean
After work, Gloria Murphy goes to her daughter’s house. They talk, turn on old television shows and laugh with Murphy’s grandsons. That’s how the 65-year-old custodian plans to spend her time when she retires in January. For 26 years, Murphy has been one of the 83 custodians who keep USF’s academic buildings clean – from […]
UP says ‘suspicious article’ found at USF is not a threat
The “suspicious article” found on campus Tuesday evening is not a threat, said Michael Lavelle, a University Police (UP) spokesperson. Lavelle said UP was conducting a “multi-agency” training exercise when it encountered the object around 4:30 p.m. near USF Redbud Lane and USF Sycamore Drive. UP did not provide an exact location or description of […]
New USF SG leaders plan to tackle parking, funding issues
Aviral Gupta, a newly-elected Tampa Campus Senator, said being a leader in Student Government (SG) means representing his classmates’ voices. Before moving from India to the U.S. this year, Gupta had previous SG experience and served as head boy in his high school. “We have a student government that represents the student body,” Gupta said. […]