ASIA

India (Security threat level – 3): During the early morning hours of 27 April 2022, a temple chariot hit a high-transmission power line during a Hindu religious procession in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu state, resulting in the electrocution deaths of at least 11 people and injury to another 15. According to reports, the generator used to power the chariot became stuck on a curve in the road, and the top of the chariot made contact with the power line while procession participants were attempting to move the generator.

Malaysia (Security threat level – 3): On 27 April 2022, Malaysia’s health minister announced that several coronavirus-related restrictions will be annulled ahead of the upcoming summer travel season. Beginning on 1 May, fully vaccinated international travelers to Malaysia will no longer be required to conduct pre-departure or on-arrival COVID-19 testing. Travel insurance will no longer be mandatory for travelers entering Malaysia, and check-ins via the MySejahtera app will no longer be required. However, visitors subject to quarantine will still need to submit their COVID-19 test results and assessments via the app. Unvaccinated travelers will be required to submit a negative PCR test at least 48 hours prior to arrival, undergo testing upon arrival and observe a five-day quarantine at a government-designated facility. Additionally, the face mask mandate will no longer be applicable to outdoor settings, but the mandate will remain in effect on public transportation, in government buildings and in shopping malls.

EUROPE

Moldova (Security threat level – 3): On 26 April 2022, the Moldovan government put its security forces on alert following reports of three explosions in the Russia-backed breakaway region of Trans-Dniester since the previous day. Officials in the region claim that two blasts on 26 April damaged radio antennas in the town of Maiac — located about 12 km (7 mi) from the Ukraine border — while another blast targeted the state security service’s headquarters in the city of Tiraspol the previous day. There were no reports of casualties, and no one has claimed responsibility for the blasts. In response, a state of emergency has been declared in the breakaway region — where approximately 1,500 Russian troops are stationed — and military checkpoints are in place at city entrances. The latest developments in Trans-Dniester have raised concerns that it could be an attempt by Russia or other entities  to heighten tensions between the breakaway region and the Moldovan government.

Turkey (Security threat level – 3): On 26 April 2022, police officers freed four kidnapped Nepali nationals who were being held for ransom in the Beyoglu district of Istanbul. The four individuals had been abducted from Taksim Square — a major tourist location — three days prior by what authorities reported to be a criminal gang comprising six Pakistani nationals. The families of the Nepali nationals approached Turkish police officials, who detained one of the suspected kidnappers at the ransom meet. Officials then obtained the address of the home where other abductees were being held and conducted a raid to rescue the victims.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Armenia (Security threat level – 4): On 27 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan issued a Demonstration Alert regarding planned opposition demonstrations through 1 May, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Yerevan and throughout Armenia

“Event: Beginning April 27, several opposition demonstrations are planned for Yerevan and throughout Armenia over the next few days, culminating in a main opposition rally in Yerevan on May 1. Marchers are expected to gather near the Garegin Nzhdeh monument in Yerevan, while others will march from Sardarapat and Bash-Aparan to Yerevan. Groups from Ijevan, Dilijan, Tigranashen, Yeraksh, and other areas are also expected to join the rally on May 1.

“Other demonstrations are likely to occur without warning throughout the summer months. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that large crowds are unpredictable. Confrontations and violence among event attendees, counterdemonstrators, and police can occur with little or no warning.”

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 26 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The Embassy is aware of potential demonstrations in cities throughout Colombia on Thursday, April 28, 2022. The demonstrations will commemorate the one-year anniversary of “el-Paro Nacional,” large-scale protests that occurred last year opposing various Colombian Government policies. Possible marches and gatherings are expected in Bogota, Cali, and other major cities in Colombia.

“Some of the demonstrations that occurred last year turned violent and resulted in clashes between protesters and security forces. The Embassy advises U.S. citizens to avoid areas around demonstrations/protests/marches whenever possible and exercise caution when in the vicinity of large gatherings as even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to turn violent without any warning.”

Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 4): On 27 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a Demonstration Alert regarding upcoming protests on 28 April, which reads in part as follows: “Multiple demonstrations and strikes are expected to occur in various cities throughout Sri Lanka on Thursday, April 28, 2022. Within the city limits of Colombo, a large group of at least 5000 people is expected to gather near Fort Railway Station at noon and march towards Galle Face Green and Temple Trees. Heavy traffic congestion and public transportation disruptions may be experienced throughout the day.

“Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. Government personnel have been advised to avoid the protests.”