US warns of possible terrorist attack in South Africa

Johannesburg: The US Embassy in South Africa warned in a statement released on Tuesday of a possible terrorist attack by extremists against US interests in South Africa.

The embassy confirmed that it has received information that extremists may be targeting US interests; however, it did not elaborate on "additional information as to timing or potential targeting," Efe reported.

The US also advised its citizens in the African country to review their "personal security plans" and to remain aware and vigilant of their surroundings.

In recent months, several young people from South Africa were arrested on suspicion that they were attempting to leave the country to join the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

According to a report released by the South African Institute of Race Relations, there are some 700,000 Muslims in South Africa, which has a population of 54 million people.

On the other hand, the Iraqi embassy in Pretoria estimated that dozens of South African citizens are currently fighting among IS ranks.