Holiday island on terror alert
Security forces in Bali have stepped up surveillance in tourist hotspots after five suspected terrorists were shot dead by security forces at the weekend.
"We beefed up security in all places around Bali especially in strategic places such entertainment spots, hotels and malls. What’s clear, we are on alert," Bali police spokesman Hariadi told AFP.
The popular tourist enclave of Seminyak is a particular focus for police security after the La Vida Loca bar – popular with tourists – was named as a likely terrorist target.
Police gunned down on Sunday evening five people in two separate raids on hotels in Denpasar and Sanur.
The men "planned to carry out an act of terrorism and several robberies", police claimed.
The men "are linked to previous terror investigations", national police spokesman Saud Usman Nasution told reporters.
"The suspects were raising funds for their terror activities and Bali is now their target to source for funds," Saud said.
In the raids, police seized two firearms and dozens of bullets from the suspects.
The UK Foreign Office is not warning against travel to Bali, but it has reminded visitors that Friday March 23 is Balinese New Year, in which everyone – tourists included – will be expected to observe a day of silence from 06:00hrs until 06:00hrs on Saturday.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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