Western Resistance: Terror Threats in South Africa

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August 30, 2005

Terror Threats in South Africa

Yesterday, Reuters announced that Al Qaeda operatives may be seeking refuge in South Africa. At the end of the 1990's, there were several bombings by the organisation Qibla (named after the direction in which one prays to Mecca), and its associate vigilante group PAGAD. There were several bomb incidents then in the Western Cape area, with Planet Hollywood and other commercial venues attacked.

These incidents died down, South Africa's "Scorpions" seized much of PAGAD's computer equipment, and after the trial of members accused of killing a judge, the activities of these groups diminished. However, their legal front continued, in the form of a group called MAGO (Muslims Against Global Oppression). As late as August 2004, they openly sold items praising Osama bin Laden in their offices.

However, the recent report by Reuters is more disturbing. PAGAD/Qibla/MAGO were homegrown concerns, with a very low profile internationally. Now Al-Qaeda operatives are believed to be hiding in this region, and plotting to set up more networks in the region, according to Ronnie Kasrils, SA's intelligence minister.

Kasrils stated:

"There are groups in Africa that claim to be part of al Qaeda and other structures," Ronnie Kasrils told delegates at an African naval conference in Cape Town.

"They have been seeking refuge in this part of the continent, but it is not just a question of seeking refuge, it is also quite possibly attempting to set up networks," he said.

The suspected organiser of the 7/7 london bombings, Haroun Rashid Aswat, had fled to Zambia, on the day before the London bombs were detonated. For more info, see our archives.

According to yesterday's report from Reuters:

South Africa has been under international scrutiny after officials raised concern that forged South African identity papers were falling into the hands of extremists, who might find them easier to use than those from their home countries.

With developed financial and banking links with the West and a large, multi-racial population, South Africa is also seen by security analysts as possible base of operations for such groups.

Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at August 30, 2005 5:45 PM