Terrorists threaten to blow up SA

  1. Posted on Wednesday 28 October 2009 - 11:39
    hisilow
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    Hassan Isilow, AfricaNews reporter in Johannesburg, South Africa
    Terrorist cells have threatened to disorganize the prestigious World Cup in South Africa by blowing up American installations, a local newspaper reported.
    South africa police
    A local media reported that the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) had intercepted a telephone call made between a Somali trader in South Africa and an Al-Qaeda militant group in Somalia, reportedly discussing a plot to blow up American interests in South Africa ahead of the 2010 soccer world cup.

    The Cape Town-based Argus newspaper suggested that the plot was in retaliation for the recent killing of an Al-Shabaab commander in a US commando operation in southern Somalia.

    The 2010 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place between 11 June and 11 July in South Africa, the first time world’s premier football tournament would be hosted by Africa.

    High alert

    South African law enforcement authorities have told AfricaNews that they are on high alert to repulse any terrorists.

    “Our country has always been successful in hosting international events and ready to repulse any terror threats,” National police commissioner Bheki Cele told AfricaNews.

    The Chairperson of the Somali Community Board in Western Cape, Sheikh Abdirashid Afi refuted the claims, saying Somalis are being “witch hunted”.

    “No right-thinking Somali would be willing to engage or work as an agent of Al-Qaeda in South Africa regardless of desperation or how much they would be offered in return,” he told AfricaNews.

    Last year 62 foreign nationals were killed in South Africa after locals rebel against foreigners accusing them of crime and “stealing” their jobs. Analysts fear that the Cape Argus’ news report might trigger another attack on Somali nationals living as refugees in South Africa. Currently over 40,000 Somalis are living in South Africa.

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