APPARENTLY UNFOUNDED MEDIA REPORTED THREATS TO U.S. EMBASSY PRETORIA

SECRET,NOFORN S E C R E T PRETORIA 003555 SIPDIS NOFORN TERREP STATE FOR DS, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, DS/IP/AF, S/CT E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1 TAGS: ASEC, PTER SUBJECT: APPARENTLY UNFOUNDED MEDIA REPORTED THREATS TO U.S. EMBASSY PRETORIA Classified By: Classified by RSO Marilyn Wanner, reasons 1.4 (C) (D) 1. (U) Over the past few days the local media has been inundated with reports detailing a massive terror plot aimed at key landmarks in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The U.S. Embassy in Pretoria was also listed as a specific target for attack. The "massive al-Qaeda terror blitz" as described by the press, was uncovered when two South Africans, under interrogation in Pakistan allegedly revealed to Pakistani police their plans to destroy several financial, administrative, sporting and tourism installations in the above mentioned cities. 2. (S/NF) As these media reports began to surface, RSO Pretoria immediately met with ORCA, contacted local police/Intel sources and conferred with DS/ITA to determine the validity of the alleged threat to the mission. At this time all sources contacted had no information which would corroborate such threats to the Embassy. ORCA stated that the two South Africans have been questioned and no such threat information has been forthcoming. 3. (S/NF) South African media reports mentioning the U.S. Embassy as a specific target for attack cannot be corroborated and appear to be speculation and/or out-right fabrication on the part of the media. If information does surface indicating a possible threat linked to this case (and with any threat directed at our Mission, personnel or facilities), ORCA will immediately reveal such threat information to the RSO. 4. (U) U.S. Embassy Pretoria remains vigilant and realizes the world threat environment dictates security assets remain vigilant. Local guards and Surveillance Detection assets have been briefed by the RSO and if threat information does surface it will be immediately reported to the Department. FRAZER