The United Kingdom (UK) Foreign Office has recently issued a terrorism alert for South Africa, urging British citizens who are currently in or planning to travel to the country to exercise caution.
The alert, which can be found on the UK Foreign Office’s website, states that “terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in South Africa.”
The terrorism alert highlights the high global threat of terrorist attacks, particularly those targeting UK interests and British nationals.
The UK Foreign Office warns that individuals and groups who view the UK and British nationals as targets pose a significant threat. It emphasizes the need for vigilance at all times.
According to the UK Foreign Office, the main threat in South Africa comes from individuals who may have been inspired by terrorist groups such as Daesh (ISIS) and who may carry out “lone actor” attacks.
These attacks could be indiscriminate and target public spaces frequently visited by foreigners, including tourist sites, shopping centres, and high-profile events.
The UK Foreign Office advises British citizens to stay aware of their surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports, and follow the advice of local authorities to ensure their safety.
In addition to the terrorism alert for South Africa, the UK Foreign Office also warns of heightened tensions worldwide due to the current conflict in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including Gaza.
It states that terrorist groups like Al-Qaida and Daesh have called on their supporters to carry out attacks in response to the conflict.
The conflict could also motivate individuals to carry out attacks targeting Jewish or Muslim communities, as well as the interests of Israel and its allies. The UK Foreign Office emphasizes that these attacks could be indiscriminate and occur without warning.
The South African State Security Agency (SSA) acknowledges the travel advisory issued by the UK Foreign Office in January 2024, stating that it is still in place. The SSA highlights the established protocols between itself and its international counterparts, including the UK, for the exchange of critical information on national security matters.
The SSA continuously engages and cooperates with international partners, including the UK, on domestic and international terrorism matters. This collaboration ensures ongoing communication and coordination to address the serious threat of terrorism.
However, the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has expressed confusion and surprise over the UK’s claims about the possibility of a terrorist attack on South African soil.
The director-general of DIRCO, Zane Dangor, has requested the UK Foreign Office to provide proof for these “unfounded” claims and has criticized the lack of diplomatic channels used to communicate concerns. Dangor also notes that intelligence services from both countries typically engage with each other before issuing an alert, which did not occur in this case.
