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April 21, 2022
21-April-2022

AMERICAS

Haiti (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1600 local time (2000 UTC) on 20 April 2022, a privately owned Cessna 207 aircraft crashed on the RN2 highway outside Carrefour city, located approximately 10 km (8 mi) southwest of downtown Port-au-Prince. The aircraft, which had been traveling from Port-au-Prince to the southern town of Jacmel, issued a distress signal 20 minutes after takeoff as it experienced engine failure. The crash killed four passengers and injured three others aboard the aircraft. The pilot survived the crash and was hospitalized, but later succumbed to his injuries. Additionally, a motorcyclist was killed on the highway and five other people on the ground were injured.

Nicaragua (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 0200 local time (0800 UTC) on 21 April 2022, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck nearly 60 km (35 mi) west-southwest of the town of Masachapa — located approximately 50 km southwest of the capital Managua — at an estimated depth of 25 km, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Moderate shaking was felt as far away as 100 km northeast of the earthquake’s epicenter in the cities of Masachapa, San Rafael del Sur, El Crucero, Diriamaba, Jinotepe and Managua. There were no reports of casualties or damage, and no tsunami warning was issued.

ASIA

Afghanistan (Security threat level – 5): On 21 April 2022, three separate explosions occurred in the cities of Kabul, Mazar-i-Sharif and Kunduz. In Kabul, an explosion in the Police District 5 (PD5) area injured two individuals. In the city of Mazar-i-Sharif — the capital of northern Balkh province — at least 10 people were killed and 65 more were injured when an explosive device detonated at a Shiite mosque. In the city of Kunduz — the capital of northeastern Kunduz province — a vehicle-borne explosive device detonated near Kunduz Airport (OAUZ/UND). The number of deaths resulting from the explosion is not known, but at least 17 people were injured. The Islamic State Khorasan Province group has claimed responsibility for the attack in Mazar-i-Sharif. While no group has claimed responsibility for the other two blasts, they are consistent with previous attacks carried out by the Islamic State group.

Cambodia (Security threat level – 3): On 21 April 2022, authorities reduced coronavirus-related quarantine requirements for inbound unvaccinated travelers, who are now subject to quarantine for seven days after arrival instead of the previously required 14 days. The declaration follows a decrease in locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in recent days. According to a Health Ministry spokesperson, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated travelers will be required to take a rapid antigen test on the seventh day of quarantine. Fully vaccinated travelers continue to be exempt from quarantine requirements.

Philippines (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 0600 local time on 21 April 2022 (2200 UTC on 20 April), a magnitude 6.0 earthquake struck approximately 50 km (30 mi) east-southeast of the city of Manay — located approximately 100 km east of Davao City — at an estimated depth of 27 km, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Light shaking was felt in the towns of San Ignacio, Caraga and Mati. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage, and no tsunami warning was issued.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Israel / Palestinian Territories (Security threat levels – 4 / 5): At approximately 0600 local time (0300 UTC) on 21 April 2022, Israeli security forces fired tear gas canisters and rubber bullets at Palestinian civilians who had gathered for dawn prayers on the grounds of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem. The Palestinians responded by throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at security personnel. At least eight people were injured in the event. According to Palestinian media, Israeli security forces were engaged in an operation to remove Palestinian civilians from the mosque premises to allow Israeli settlers to walk the compound during Passover.

Also in the early morning, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) conducted airstrikes in the central Gaza Strip. During the airstrikes, suspected Hamas militants fired an anti-aircraft missile at IDF aircraft. The IDF responded with a further airstrike in the suspected area where the anti-aircraft missile originated. The event occurred after militants fired two rockets into southern Israel. One missile landed in the southern Israeli city of Sderot, while the other fell short and landed in the Gaza Strip. No information was available regarding possible casualties in Gaza. No damage or casualties were reported as a result of the missile that landed in Sderot.

Meanwhile in the West Bank, Israeli security forces deployed tear gas in response to Palestinian students throwing stones at security personnel manning a roadblock in the town of Beitunia, located approximately 15 km (10 mi) northwest of Jerusalem. There were no immediate reports of injuries following the clash. Israeli security forces have erected roadblocks in several other West Bank towns as clashes become more frequent between security forces and Palestinian civilians in East Jerusalem. The latest violence follows a 20 April announcement by Israeli authorities that they will close the borders with the West Bank and Gaza Strip — effective as of 1700 local time (1400 UTC) on 21 April until 23 April. Israeli authorities stated that the West Bank and Gaza crossings are to remain shut down for the conclusion of Jewish Passover, which ends during the evening of 23 April. Authorities also noted that they may extend the border closure beyond 23 April based on an assessment of the overall situation.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Bahamas (Security threat level – 2): On 20 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Nassau issued a Security Alert regarding an increase in violent crime against tourists on New Providence Island, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy in Nassau advises U.S. citizens to exercise vigilance due to an increase in reported violent crime on New Providence Island (Nassau). Over the past month, tourists have reported to the Embassy four armed robberies. These armed robberies occurred both in areas frequented by tourists, as well as on site or in the vicinity of short-term vacation rental properties without private security. In recent months, there has also been an increase in homicides that are primarily gang-related and affecting the local population in areas of Nassau generally not frequented by tourists.”

Malaysia (Security threat level – 3): On 21 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur issued a Demonstration Alert regarding an upcoming protest on 29 April, which reads in part as follows: “A protest is scheduled to occur on Friday, April 29, 2022, beginning at 2:00 PM on Jalan Tun Razak in front of the U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur.

“Beginning at 12:00 PM (noon) on April 29, 2022, the U.S. Embassy front entrance will be closed to all pedestrian traffic until the completion of the demonstration.

“There is no indication that this demonstration will become violent, but the Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the nature of protests can change quickly and with little warning.

“Please remember that it is illegal for foreigners to participate in demonstrations in Malaysia. U.S. citizens are urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security alerts.”