Government says investigating reports of possible terror attack

File photo: Interior Minister Michael Chiangjiek

South Sudan’s government says it is investigating reports that the United States embassy in Juba may be targeted by terrorists.

South Sudan’s government says it is investigating reports that the United States embassy in Juba may be targeted by terrorists.

On 31 January, the United States said recent information suggests terrorists continue to actively plot attacks against its embassy and US government personnel in South Sudan.

The US embassy in Juba has urged its citizens to always have their travel documents up to date and review their personal security plans.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Tuesday, South Sudan’s Interior minister, Michael Chiangjiek said security agencies are acting on information provided by the United States and now investigating reports that terrorists are likely to attack the US embassy, gathering sites and markets.

He, however, denied the existence of terrorist groups in the country.

According to the government official, information provided by Washington in relation to possible terrorist attacks is usually based on its intelligence.

Terrorist groups have been targeting Westerners in the region, mostly in neighboring Kenya. Al-Shabaab militants from Somalia launched a terror attack on the Dusit D2 Hotel in the Kenyan capital on January 15, 2019, that killed more than 20 people.