AFRICA

Côte d’Ivoire (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 1915 local time/UTC on 9 July 2022, officials temporarily suspended flight operations at Abidjan’s Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport (DIAP/ABJ) after an aircraft operated by Air Côte d’Ivoire made an emergency landing at the facility. The Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, with registration TU-TSK, made the emergency landing after its front landing gear malfunctioned. There were no reports of injuries among passengers and crew members on board. Following the incident, the airport’s sole runway was closed until the early morning hours of 10 July as emergency personnel removed the aircraft from the site. Inbound flights were diverted to Ghana’s Kotoka International Airport (DGAA/ACC) in Accra, while outbound flights were delayed until the runway reopened. The aircraft was performing flight HF45 to Abidjan from Korhogo Airport (DIKO/HGO) at the time of the incident.

South Africa (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 2300 local time (2100 UTC) on 9 July 2022, unidentified gunmen opened fire on patrons at the Orlando East tavern in the Soweto township of Johannesburg city. Police officers stated that the perpetrators shot indiscriminately at nightclub patrons before fleeing in a white van. At least 15 people were killed in the shooting and eight more were wounded. Separately, another shooting occurred at a bar in Pietermaritzburg city, the capital of KwaZulu-Natal province, at approximately 2030 local time. Two gunmen randomly shot at people in the bar and fled the scene. Four people were killed and eight more were injured. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine possible motives for the attacks.

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 4): On 9 July 2022, authorities in the Macau special administrative region announced the closure of businesses, hotels and casinos throughout the island from 11-16 July amid an increase in local COVID-19 cases. Residents have been advised to remain inside their homes and only venture outdoors to procure essential goods and services. Additionally, residents will be required to undergo coronavirus testing at least four times during the upcoming week; the Grand Hyatt and Grand Lisboa Palace hotels will temporarily serve as COVID-19 medical facilities.

Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 1300 local time (0730 UTC) on 9 July 2022, thousands of anti-government protesters who had gathered in the capital Colombo stormed the official residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the private home of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to demand their resignations amid the country’s worsening economic crisis. Police officers fired tear gas, water cannons and live ammunition into the air numerous times to disperse thousands of demonstrators who had breached barriers guarding the president’s house. Rajapaksa and Wickremesinghe were not in their residences when protesters entered the buildings. Hospital officials stated that at least 103 people were injured in the protests — including three people hospitalized with gunshot wounds. Thousands of protesters traveled on trains, buses and other forms of transportation to attend the 9 July Massive People’s Protest in central Colombo. Later the same day, Wickremesinghe announced his resignation as prime minister. Additionally, the speaker of parliament stated that Rajapaksa declared his intention to resign as president on 13 July and make way for an all-party interim government. Demonstrators have announced plans to continue to occupy the Presidential Palace as well as 115 Fifth Lane — the prime minister’s private residence — until both leaders step down.

CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Panama (Security threat level – 3): On 11 July 2022, the National Union of Construction Industry Workers (Suntracs) announced a nationwide 24-hour strike on 12 July to protest the high cost of living in the country. Union members plan to block roads and hold demonstrations in various cities. In the capital Panama City, protesters will stage a march from Belisario Porras Park to the National Assembly.

NORTH AMERICA

Canada (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0430 Eastern Daylight Time (0830 UTC) on 8 July 2022, the Rogers Communications company — Canada’s largest mobile phone and internet provider — experienced a major outage, resulting in widespread internet and cellular services disruptions across the country. The outage significantly affected businesses, financial institutions and government services — including law enforcement — for at least 15 hours. Internet connectivity countrywide remained at 75% of normal levels during the time period. The company stated that the outage occurred due to a network system failure caused by malfunctioning routers following routine maintenance on its core network.

United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0925 local time (1325 UTC) on 10 July 2022, a Spirit Airlines Airbus A320 aircraft caught fire upon landing at Georgia’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (KATL/ATL). According to reports, an overheated brake on the aircraft caught fire upon landing at the facility; emergency crews quickly extinguished the flames and towed the aircraft to the gate, where the passengers safely disembarked the aircraft. There were no immediate reports of injuries or delays due to the fire. The flight originated at Florida’s Tampa International Airport (KTPA/TPA).