‘Potential Terrorist Threat’ Keeps US Government Offices Closed in South Africa

United States government offices remain closed in South Africa today a US embassy spokesperson said, following a report that South African authorities were looking into a “potential terrorist threat.”

The Johannesburg Star newspaper quoted unnamed South African government sources as saying they were investigating ”a potential terrorist threat.” The newspaper quoted the sources further, saying: “We have nothing hard and fast. It’s sketchy and unconfirmed. The Americans have picked up a bit of information, which they are responding to by closing their facilities.”

This includes the US embassy in Pretoria, consulates in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town and development offices.

US embassy spokesperson Sharon Hudson-Dean said the closure remained in place because of information from U.S. security officials. "We are not discussing the nature of the information," she said.

The Associated Press (AP) quoted South African police spokesperson Nonkululeko Mbatha as saying, “The matter is under control. Our agencies, particularly crime intelligence, are working closely with U.S. Embassy personnel.”

Thursday is a public holiday in South Africa and it is not clear whether the US diplomatic facilities will open on Friday. A decision is to be announced later.

AP quoted a message from US diplomats advising American citizens: “Al-Qaida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.”

Earlier this month, a raid by US Army Special Forces in southern Somalia killed a member of the rebel group Al-Shabab, believed to be an Al Qaeda operative. Al Shabab vowed revenge.

It is not clear whether the killing and the closure of US government facilities in South Africa are linked. No Al Qaeda terrorist activity has ever taken place in southern Africa.