US embassy cable - 04PRETORIA3555

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