Cape Town – The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Office has issued a terrorism alert for South Africa, cautioning British citizens in or planning to travel there of a heightened risk of terrorist attacks.
The alert, on its website, highlights the global threat of terrorism affecting UK interests and citizens, emphasising the potential for attacks by individuals inspired by terrorist groups like Daesh (ISIS).
The warning underscores the possibility of attacks targeting public spaces frequented by foreigners. Additionally, the alert mentions the heightened tensions resulting from the conflict in Israel and the potential for terrorist attacks in response to the conflict.
“There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times,” said the foreign office.
It added: “Attacks could be indiscriminate and could target public spaces and places visited by foreigners, such as tourist sites, shopping centres, high profile events, crowded places.
Al-Qaida and Daesh
“Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.”
The embassy noted that the ongoing conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories has resulted in increased tensions globally.
“Terrorist groups, such as Al-Qaida and Daesh, have called on their supporters to carry out terrorist attacks in response to the conflict, and this could motivate individuals to carry out attacks,” it said.
Despite this, the South African State Security Agency emphasised established protocols for exchanging information on national security matters with international partners, including the UK.
The UK’s alert has raised questions from the International Relations Department (Dirco) regarding the evidence supporting the claims of potential terrorist attacks on South African soil, as diplomatic channels were reportedly not followed in communicating these concerns, News24 reported.
The report said that Zane Dangor, the director-general of the Dirco, expressed puzzlement regarding the United Kingdom’s “strange” assertions concerning the potential for a terrorist attack in South Africa.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
