Analysts fear attacks in Africa during World Cup

LONDON — Analysts say that bars, restaurants and other venues in Africa that screen World Cup matches will be at risk of terrorist attack during the tournament that kicks off on Thursday in Brazil.

Consultants at IHS in London warn that nine African countries including Nigeria, Somalia and Kenya had cities with a heightened risk of attacks during the month-long tournament in Brazil. Cities in Iraq are also at risk.

The report says “there will almost certainly be attacks on screening venues in Nigeria’s north-eastern and Middle Belt states.”

During the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa, two suicide attacks in the Ugandan capital Kampala killed 70 people.

Last month, an attack on a venue in the Nigerian city of Jos that was screening the Champions League final left three people dead, according to police.