An Islamic State-affiliated media outlet has issued multiple threats against tourist sites in Spain, as the U.S. State Department continues to warn travelers that terrorists are plotting attacks in the country.
Al-Muntasir Media, an unofficial pro-ISIS media outlet, posted three threatening messages on Twitter targeting Barcelona, according to the Daily Star.
The most recent message included a photo of the Sagrada Familia, a 137-year-old landmark cathedral built by architect Antoni Gaudi that draws an estimated 4.5 million visitors to Barcelona each year.
Al-Muntasir also issued a threat to northern Basque Country in Spain last month, posting on social media, “Only death.” Spain has been ramping up security amid the concerns, deploying 40,000 police in tourist areas.
The U.S. State Department raised the travel alert level for Spain in March, warning tourists to “Exercise increased caution in Spain due to terrorism.”
“Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Spain,” the State Department said. “Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.”
