Israel's counter-terrorism department issues a travel warning for India following possible "imminent terrorist attacks" against Western tourists in the southwest area of the country. The warning highlighted that "beach and club parties" celebrating the New Year are likely targets due to high numbers of people.
According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli Counterterrorism Bureau said on Friday that the Israeli Prime Minister's office alert level is equivalent to a "concrete basic threat." The Bureau warned Israelis in India to avoid participation in huge crowd gatherings and avoiding festivals and crowded shopping areas in India. However, it did not mention about the actual terrorist network or the reason behind the terrorism warning.
Another report, this time by the BBC, said that Israel's warning came after Australia had arrested a man who threatened Sydney's New Year festivities. The man was immediately arrested upon arrival in the country. Meanwhile, Australian news also mentioned of having foiled a terror attack against Melbourne on Christmas Day.
Young Israelis journey to India on a regular basis after their retirement in compulsory military service in Israel. Reports added that families in Israel are called to contact their relatives staying in India and warn them of the possible terrorist threat. The Counterterrorism Bureau has especially mentioned great vigilance for travelers residing in the southwest region of India.
India is no stranger to terrorism. In 2008, Pakistani terrorists staged attacks in the Indian city of Mumbai with hotels, a central train station, a popular tourist cafe and a Chabad house in India. Indian security's failed response to the attacks was internationally criticized. In 2012, the Israeli Defense Ministry Representative was almost killed by a bomb that exploded near her car in the New Delhi Israeli Embassy.
Both India and Pakistan have been at odds for the longest time -- with both sides having splinter terrorist factions. According to Pakistan, India has its own "government-sponsored" terrorism network after the latter submitted a UN Sanction request against Pakistani. The UNSC rejected the request, mentioning the accusations against Pakistan as "baseless."
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
