SAfrica police minister dismisses World Cup terror threat

South Africa’s police minister Nathi Mthethwa has dismissed speculations that the World Cup faces terror threat.



Less than two weeks before the tournament opens, talks have emerged about plots by groups ranging from al-Qaida to homegrown white militants.



Police Minister Mthethwa says if threats were to emerge, his forces would be ready.



He said preparations since 2004 have included working closely with security and intelligence agents from the United States, Britain and the 29 other countries sending teams to South Africa.



The month long tournament begins June 11.



Mthethwa dismissed concerns that while South African security forces were prepared to respond, its intelligence agencies would be stretched to prevent an attack.



South African investigators went to Iraq after security forces there announced they had arrested an alleged al-Qaida militant who had talked to friends about attacking Danish and Dutch teams at the World Cup.



Mthethwa says investigators dismissed that threat.



Last week, a joint operations center led by police and including military, intelligence and other government agencies took over supervising World Cup security. The center will operate 24 hours a day from an undisclosed location in the capital until the World Cup ends.



The police arsenal has been boosted by $90 million worth of new equipment, including water cannons, helicopters, speed boats, jet skis, new high-performance police cars and heavy-duty emergency rescue vehicles.