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EXCLUSIVE | Gay pride, comedy show potential ‘targets’ of Islamic State terror attack in Sandton – News24

Sandton's skyline is distinctive with skyscrapers like the Leonardo - once set to become the tallest building in Africa - setting it apart from the rest of Johannesburg.

Sandton’s skyline is distinctive with skyscrapers like the Leonardo – once set to become the tallest building in Africa – setting it apart from the rest of Johannesburg.

PHOTO: Luba Lesolle/Gallo Images

A gay pride event and a two-week theatre show staged by Jewish comedian Nik Rabinowitz were potential targets of a terror attack in the heart of Sandton, News24 can reveal – prompting an urgent travel advisory issued by the US Embassy on Wednesday.

Peace talks between warring Ethiopian parties currently under way in Pretoria was also flagged by South Africa’s intelligence agencies as a potential target.

Three independent sources – within the police and the Crime Intelligence Division – who spoke on condition of anonymity said that American authorities had warned of the looming attack and identified seven individuals believed to be part of a cell aligned to the Islamic State (ISIS).

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