U.S. counterterror official: Euro plot still active

The U.S. State Department's counterterrorism coordinator said Thursday that a European terror plot remains active and that he saw no reason to rescind a travel alert.

Earlier this month, the State Department advised American citizens living or traveling in Europe to take more precautions about their personal security following reports that terrorists may be plotting attacks in Europe. Concerns have centered around a plot using assault weapons on public places similar to the deadly 2008 shooting spree in Mumbai, India.

The alert is one step below a formal travel warning advising Americans not to visit Europe.

State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Daniel Benjamin told journalists in London on Thursday that the American government’s position on the issue had not changed.

"We don’t view the conditions as warranting us rescinding the (travel) alert," he said.

Britain’s current terror threat level remains unchanged at "severe," meaning an attack is highly likely.