Israel's anti-terrorism directorate has issued a warning of ‘threat of attacks’ against Western tourists travelling to India, specially south-west India. Since Kochi was mentioned in the list of threat-affected cities, the police had employed additional forces on New Year’s Eve.
“We are warning Israeli tourists in India of the possibility of imminent terrorist attacks against western targets and tourists, particularly in the southwest of that country,“ the warning, issued through the Israeli prime minister's office said, according to The Times of India.
The warning stated that Goa, Pune, Mumbai and Kochi were particularly at risk.
The statement also urged tourists to avoid New Year parties, especially on beaches.
Kochi police were reportedly vigilant after the warning and also collected details of location where Western tourists celebrated their New Year.
“Special squads, including dog squads, have been assigned to such areas,” Arul R B Krishna, police deputy commissioner told ToI. He added that around 1700 foreigners celebrated New Year in the city.
“Armed personnel are also deployed to areas where people are expected to gather in large numbers,” the deputy commissioner added.
The warning also urged families in Israel to contact their relatives in India and inform them of the threat. Importantly the warning was published on Friday evening after all government offices closed for Jewish Sabbath.
The Independent reports that the directorate said the alert was in response to a "concrete basic threat", but did not specify what had prompted the warning.