The United States embassy in South Africa, on Tuesday said that it had received information that extremists might be targeting American interests in the country.<\/p>\n
A statement issued by the embassy said that American interests being targeted for attack includes U.S. government facilities and other facilities identified with American business interest.<\/p>\n
It urged American citizens in the country to review their security plans, remain aware and vigilant of their surroundings, monitor local news stations for updates and follow instructions from local authorities.<\/p>\n
Fears for terror attacks on Western targets in South Africa had existed for some time.<\/p>\n
There had been reports that a British born terrorist called Samantha Lewthwaite (White Widow) was seen spying on Western embassies in South Africa before she allegedly masterminded the West Gate Shopping Mall attack in Nairobi, Kenya.<\/p>\n
The 31-year-old Briton is known to have been in South Africa between 2008 and 2011, travelling under the assumed name Natalie Webb on fraudulently obtained South African passport.<\/p>\n
In January and February 2013, she was allegedly caught on CCTV cameras watching embassies in the Arcadia area of Pretoria, including the British High Commission.<\/p>\n
Arcadia is home to the Union Buildings and South African president’s official residence, in addition to U.S. embassy and many other foreign embassies.<\/p>\n
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