SA State Security responds to US terror alert
South Africa’s State Security Department on Monday finally broke its silence regarding the United States Embassy’s warning of a possible terror attack on Americans visiting the country.
According to Minister David Mahlobo, there was no need to panic, at least not yet: “We remain a strong and stable democratic country and there is no immediate danger posed by the alert”.
Mahlobo acknowledged that it was the duty of South African security forces to “ensure that all people within our territory are and feel safe”.
The department’s spokesperson Brian Fikani Dube added that the South African government noted the terror alert, a “standard precautionary communication”.
“The security services of the country have liaised with the Americans on the concerns they have and these engagements will continue as part of the ongoing work,” said Dube.
“The security services will continue to work on matters of violent extremism and terrorism amongst others and ensure the safety of all citizens and residents.”
The alert was issued on Saturday and warned of possible terror attacks on Americans and American establishments in South Africa during the holy month of Ramadaan. This is not the first such warning from the US government, which also issued an alert in 2015. - ANA