South Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a terrorism “alert” level on May 2 on five of their diplomatic missions in the region, which consist of its embassies in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, and consulates in Russia and China. The alert, indicating a “high risk” terrorist attack by North Korea, was rejected as “fake news” and “slander” by the latter’s embassy in Cambodia.
On Monday, the South Korean government posted a Facebook notice urging overseas South Koreans to ensure their personal safety in relation to the heightened terrorism alert, according to an unofficial translation.
The “alert”, which was reported by international media, was raised from “attention” after South Korean intelligence warned of possible attacks on their diplomats abroad by North Korea. The reclassification of the threat level reflected the strong likelihood of an attack, the foreign ministry said.
A North Korean embassy official in Cambodia denied the news, calling it “fake news”.
In a telephone interview with CamboJA News, the official told the reporter that he has not learned about the news, noting that it might be disinformation. “I have not seen it. I think it was invented as a slander against me [North Korea],” he said. “Don’t believe it [the news].”
The “alert” terrorism watch level is South Korea’s second-highest level, with “possible” being the highest level of warning, and “attention” and “caution” viewed as lower level threats.
The Terrorism Countermeasures Working Committee hosted by the Counter-Terrorism Center on May 2 inspected the status of terrorism preparedness at their diplomatic missions abroad and discussed necessary measures to ensure the safety of the diplomatic missions and their personnel.
“The [South Korean] government will continue to closely monitor overseas terrorist trends and take measures to ensure the safety of our embassies, embassy personnel and citizens residing abroad,” the Facebook notice stated. “In relation to this, Korean citizens visiting or staying in Cambodia are requested to pay special attention to their personal safety and promptly contact [a provided number] for assistance in case of emergency.”
The South Korean Embassy in Cambodia did not respond to questions via email.
Chum Sounry, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC), told CamboJA that the government seriously considers any information concerning the security of foreign missions in Cambodia.
“MFAIC stands ready to closely cooperate with the concerned missions to address this issue,” he said via Telegram. “As a principle, we don’t [openly] discuss sensitive issues nor the measures that would be taken.”
Ministry of Interior spokesperson Touch Sokhak said the authorities always pay attention to the protection and prevention of any possible attack and monitor all the details relating to the security of each embassy. Sokhak made the comment in view of a “series of reports”, which is a possible reference to South Korea’s warning of North Korea’s alleged attack on overseas diplomatic missions.
“Based on the information we received, we don’t need to wait for the request [because] we always ensure protection and prevention, and monitor the details relating to each embassy’s security. We will add more protection to ensure the safety of the embassy,” he said.
However, Sokhak told CamboJA News that there have been no notices or irregularities in Cambodia to date.
“Ministry of Interior authorities are responsible for maintaining security, order and safety for all embassies and consulates in Phnom Penh. Cambodia attaches great importance in providing security, order and safety,” he said. If they notice anything suspicious, they will double down on protection and check any negative activities and ensure effective prevention and suppression, Sokhak remarked.
As of Tuesday morning, around six policemen were seen guarding the front of the South Korean embassy.
Even though there is no notice about any irregularities as yet, Rim Sokvy, an independent researcher in Phnom Penh, said it is advisable to practice caution given North Korea’s recent strong rhetoric of “annihilating and destroying South Korea.”
“The information of [possible] terrorist attack is also coming from South Korea’s spy agency, so it is highly credible,” he opined. Additionally, North Korea has a history of carrying out attacks such as bombing and hijacking, assignation and kidnapping of individuals who speak against the North Korean regime and leaders.
“Thus, the alert on terrorist attacks should be taken seriously by the Cambodian government as they have the responsibility to ensure the safety of foreign diplomats in the country,” Sokvy said. “If any terrorist attack against foreign nationals were to happen in Cambodia, it would tarnish the image of Cambodia.”
