Attorney General, Dale Marshall, says he cannot confirm the authenticity of a document that alleges a potential Islamic State (IS) threat against the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup but promises every effort to ensure the tightest security.
Mr. Marshall issued a statement after circulation of an alert allegedly issued by the Caricom Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) which warns that it has received intelligence regarding a potential threat against the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup which which is being held in the United States and the Caribbean next month with the finals being held in Barbados.
The alleged alert states that the pro-Islamic State media group “Nashir Pakistan” has published a poster on its social media pages calling for such attacks.
The alleged document also states that Islamic State media sources in a video to mark the recent Muslim holiday, Eid, have launched targeted campaigns inciting violence against sporting events such the Summer Olympics and the T20 World Cup.
When contacted by Starcom Network, Mr. Marshall said he was seeing the document for the first time and therefore could not speak to its authenticity.
He added that any matter that touches and concerns Barbados’ national security is not a matter that he will discuss publicly.
But Mr. Marshall stressed the authorities have been focused on the country’s security needs both generally and for the T20 tournament and can assure the Barbadian public and all interested parties that they are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the country is fully protected.
Meantime, the Muslim community in Barbados has stated that the alleged Islamic State threat to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup cricket next month aims to instill fear and confusion, consistent with the group’s past strategies.
Spokesman on Muslim Affairs in Barbados, Sulieman Bulbulia responded to the alleged threat.
spokesman on Muslim Affairs in Barbados, Sulieman Bulbulia