Defense department warns U.S. citizens of possible terror attack in South Africa

WASHINGTON, June 4 (UPI) -- The U.S. Embassy in South Africa released a security message on Saturday warning U.S. citizens of a potential terror attack.

The message shared by the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in South Africa warns against potential "near-term attacks" in places where U.S. citizens might congregate in the country.

Listed among these places are upscale shopping areas and malls in major South African cities such as Johannesburg and Cape Town.

According to the message, the U.S. government received information about potential attacks related to a public call by the Islamic State to carry out terrorist attacks during Ramadan, which begins June 5.