(VOVworld) – On Saturday, the US embassy in South Africa warned its citizens of possible attacks by Islamist militants in major cities in this country.

A view of the city of Johannesburg, November 8, 2009. Johannesburg is one of nine South African cities hosting the 2010 Fifa Soccer World Cup (Photo: Reuters)

The US embassy said up-market shopping areas and malls in the commercial hub of Johannesburg and Cape Town, widely regarded as South Africa's tourism capital, were the main target areas in the suspected planned attacks. In its website, the US embassy said the information comes against the backdrop of the Islamic State call for its adherents to carry out terrorist attacks globally during the upcoming month of Ramadan. Spokesperson for South Africa’s Department of International Relations Clayson Monyela said the country is able to assure security in South Africa and safety for everyone.