Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On the afternoon of 14 March 2022, a tank of liquid petroleum gas exploded at a restaurant in the Kool Beach Club in Playa del Carmen, located in the southern state of Quintana Roo. The explosion caused a small fire and damaged the building. Two restaurant workers were killed in the blast and 18 others were injured, including a Brazilian national. Most of the injured are employees of the restaurant.
Ukraine (Security threat level – 5): On 15 March 2022, Russian forces in Ukraine continue to shell the capital Kyiv and other cities in the country. Shelling of the capital has intensified; multiple explosions were reported in the city earlier in the day. The mayor of Kyiv has declared a citywide 35-hour curfew, which will begin at 2000 local time (1800 UTC) and continue until 0700 local time on 17 March. Residents in the city have been advised either to stay home or take refuge in bomb shelters during the curfew. Meanwhile, Ukrainian and Russian representatives are set to resume diplomatic talks later in the day.
Israel (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 2000 local time (1800 UTC) on 14 March 2022, cybersecurity officials in Israel declared a state of cyber emergency amid a large-scale cyberattack against a number of government websites. The website of the prime minister’s office, along with the websites of the ministries of health, interior, justice and welfare, were temporarily disrupted due to the denial of service (DDoS) attack. While no group has been identified as the perpetrator, officials believe a large-scale actor, possibly state-level, carried out the attack.
Gabon (Security threat level – 3): On 10 March 2022, President Ali Bongo Ondimba announced the immediate annulment of all domestic coronavirus-related restrictions in Gabon during a state of the union address. The nationwide nightly curfew that was imposed for unvaccinated individuals is no longer in effect. According to the World Health Organization, only 13% of Gabonese citizens have obtained a single dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The restrictive measures have served as a catalyst for several demonstrations since they were instituted in 2020.
Nigeria (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1040 local time (0940 UTC) on 14 March 2022, large-scale power outages occurred in the states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, Kaduna and Lagos due to a malfunction in the country’s power grid. Electricity was mostly restored within less than two hours, although some outages persisted. The cause of the most recent glitch is unknown. However, such grid malfunctions, often a result of disagreements between providers or poor maintenance of electricity infrastructure, are frequent in Nigeria. Previous such disruptions occurred in February, May, July and August 2021.
Albania (Security threat level – 3): On 14 March 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana issued a Demonstration Alert regarding daily protests, which reads in part as follows:
“Protests are continuing to occur in Tirana, often daily at about 5pm near the PM Office and other areas including Skanderbeg Square and the Tirana police directorate. These protests have the potential to spread to surrounding streets causing traffic congestion, detours, and road closures. Smaller protests have occurred in other cities as well.
“U.S. citizens are advised to avoid large gatherings. While many large events proceed peacefully, some situations can change quickly and unpredictably. Monitor local media and follow instructions of local law enforcement authorities for the latest information.”
Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 14 March 2022, the U.S. Consulate General in Nuevo Laredo issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows “Due to reports of gunfire overnight near the U.S. Consulate and in locations throughout Nuevo Laredo, U.S. government employees have been instructed to avoid the area and shelter in place until further notice. U.S. citizens should avoid the areas or continue to shelter in place.”
“Following the alert, the U.S. consulate announced the temporary closure of the consulate on 15 March.”
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