AMERICAS

Chile (Security threat level – 2) : On 26 April 2022, truck drivers blocked portions of the Ruta 5 highway in the Coquimbo and Maule regions as part of an indefinite strike to demand better security measures on roads and the repeal of a fuel tax. In the Coquimbo region, truckers have blocked the highway in the El Panul area of the city of Coquimbo. Meanwhile in the Maule region, truckers have blocked kilometer 192 of the highway at the entrance of the city of Curicó. The roadblocks have caused traffic disruptions but there have been no reports of protest-related violence.

Guatemala (Security threat level – 4): As of the morning of 26 April 2022, members of several farmer unions continue to disrupt transit for a second consecutive day in several areas of Guatemala, including the capital Guatemala City. Local media have reported the presence of 19 blockades on several main highways, including along the Pan-American Highway. The unions began their protest actions the previous day against corruption and the high costs of fuel and other goods by erecting at least 23 roadblocks across the country. Individuals in Guatemala should plan for significant travel delays.

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 3): On 26 April 2022, authorities in the capital Beijing tightened COVID-19 measures across the city following reports of an increased number of infections in the previous days. Local gyms, theaters and tourist destinations suspended operations as authorities began conducting mass COVID-19 tests in the Chaoyang district on 25 April. Mass testing has begun in an additional10 districts and one economic development zone in the city. Locals have reportedly begun stocking up on food and supplies due to fears of a possible impromptu lockdown.

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1430 local time (0930 UTC) on 26 April 2022, an explosion occurred near a vehicle on the premises of the Confucius Institute — a Chinese government-supported cultural immersion program — inside the University of Karachi. According to the local police chief, initial investigations indicate that a woman approached the vehicle and detonated her explosives as the vehicle, which was transporting staff members of the institute to their local residences, was leaving the university grounds. Three Chinese nationals, including the director of the institute, and a local driver were killed in the blast. The Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) separatist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Russia (Security threat level – 4): On 25 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a Security Alert regarding the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) downgrade of Russia’s air safety rating, which reads in part as follows:

“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has downgraded the air safety rating for Russia, restricting any expansion of service or partnerships as a result of Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport not complying with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. For more information please visit: https://www.faa.gov/newsroom/faa-downgrades-russian-air-safety-rating”