MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina and Uruguay reinforce security

Security forces in Argentina and Uruguay are in a state of alert following developments in the Middle East.

Synagogues, mesquites, Jewish and Arab schools and associations as well embassies and other interests have reinforced security, and controls in customs and borders have become more strict.

Argentina is particularly fearful following the 1992 and 1994 bomb attacks against the Israeli Embassy and a Jewish Association in Buenos Aires that left 115 dead and hundreds wounded.

Both countries are also in the area of influence of Ciudad del Este in Paraguay with a numerous Arab and Palestinian population which is believed, according to American and European intelligence, to have terrorist links. Residente in the city have declared several days of mourning, following killings in the Palestinian-Israeli confrontations.

The city is also known for the smuggling of weapons, explosives and providing false documents.

Argentine Intelligence Chief Fernando de Santibañes cancelled a trip to the CIA in Washington to organise the security clamp.