Central Intelligence agencies have alerted authorities about a possible terror attack in Goa as retaliation over the Christchurch Mosque Shootings. The Police said that Israeli tourists in the state might be attacked as “possible revenge” by Islamic terrorists.
“We have to keep a lookout and secure areas frequented by Israeli tourists as well as a prayer house they have in North Goa. The threat, according to the inputs, comes from a possible attack by Islamic State or the Al-Qaeda to avenge for the New Zealand mosque killings,” a senior police official is reported to have said on condition of anonymity.
As per reports, several dozen Israeli Jews are currently on long-duration visas in Goa and they often congregate to pray at Chabad House in North Goa.
The alert has been reportedly issued to other states and Union territories as well which have Jewish synagogues, Jewish residents or attract Israeli tourists. As per Times of India, a vehicle of a knife may be used in the attack. Increased vigil around the Israeli Embassy, the Consulate General at Mumbai and synagogues and have been recommended. Alert has been issued for Delhi and Mumbai too.
In recent times, terrorists affiliated with Islamic terror groups have used vehicles to kill people. Even in the Pulwama terror attack, a vehicle was used in the suicide bombing. In Europe, terrorists in trucks have run over pedestrians.
Although it might appear bewildering for Islamic terrorists to target Jews over an attack perpetrated by a White Supremacist, that the terrorist, Brenton Tarrant, visited Israel in late 2016 could be a possible reason. Pakistani media has harped on Tarrant’s Israel visit as well.
Tarrant had killed multiple people in a dastardly terror attack on the 15th of March. At least 49 people were killed in the terror attack.