US State Department announced that there is currently an increased likelihood of terrorist attacks in Europe from such groups as al-Qaeda and Islamic State.

WASHINGTON, January 10 (Sputnik) – There is currently an increased likelihood of terrorist attacks in Europe from such groups as al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS), which is being targeted by a Washington-led international coalition, the US State Department announced in its updated Worldwide Caution release following a series of attacks by suspected al-Qaeda affiliates in France.

"Current information suggests that ISIL [IS], al-Qa'ida, its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist groups continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. and Western interests in Europe. Authorities believe the likelihood of a terror attack in Europe is increased as European members of ISIL return from Syria and Iraq," the Friday State Department release says.

According to the statement, terrorist groups have been organizing larger numbers of hostage taking operations in an attempt to increase their financing.

"Kidnappings and hostage events involving US citizens have become increasingly prevalent as ISIL, al-Qa'ida and its affiliates have increased attempts to finance their operations through kidnapping for ransom operations," the State Department said.

"Additionally, there is a continuing threat in Europe from unaffiliated persons planning attacks inspired by major terrorist organizations but conducted on an individual basis," the State Department warned.

The warning comes following the Wednesday terrorist attack in France, when alleged Islamic extremists opened fire in the office of the Paris-based Charlie Hebdo magazine, killing 12 people and injuring another 11.

On Friday, the two suspects in the Charlie Hebdo attack, brothers Cherif and Said Kouachi who reportedly have ties to al-Qaeda, were killed by French police at a print shop outside of Paris where the two men were hiding, having taken a hostage.

Also on Friday, Amedy Coulibaly took at least five people hostage at a kosher shop in eastern Paris, threatening to kill the hostages if police killed the Kouachi brothers. Coulibaly was killed by French law enforcement later in the day.