Security Secretary Sergio Berni (photo: Víctor Santamaría)
The Argentine Security Ministry and National Criminal Intelligence Directory (DNIC) have implemented increased security measures at the Abasto and Unicenter shopping centres and along the country’s borders after receiving reports of a possible terrorist attack.
However, Security Secretary Sergio Berni, stated in a brief press conference: “As of now there are no elements that may cause alarm.”
The DNIC received the initial reports from a foreign diplomatic representation on 27th October. The reports warned of a possible attack at the Abasto and Unicenter shopping centres by a militant Islamist group from the Republic of Mali, Ansar Dine. The group is suspected to have ties with Al Qaeda.
The Federal Police have elevated security at both shopping centres to their maximum level, and border police are paying special attention to the movements of citizens from the Republic of Mali.
Berni outlined in the short press conference that the heightened security measures would continue for at least 24 to 48 hours and gradually decrease thereafter.
Several media outlets and undisclosed sources in the intelligence community have noted that threats such as these occur regularly, and that the government always responds to each case as is deemed necessary.
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