Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 28 April 2022, demonstrations to mark the one-year anniversary of widespread anti-government protests occurred in multiple Colombian cities. In the capital Bogotá, police officers deployed armored vehicles equipped with water cannons in an attempt to contain the protest to an area near Colombia National University and Highway 30, located approximately 10 km (5 mi) south of the city center. The clashes initially began outside the university campus, where protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails at police officers, who responded by firing tear gas. After a prolonged clash, the protesters began to grow in number, eventually overwhelming the riot police and forcing them to retreat toward Highway 30, where police units again deployed water cannons in an attempt to disperse the gathering. Meanwhile in the city of Medellín, riot police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters who had gathered near Antioquia University, located approximately 2 km (1 mi) north of the city center. Preliminary reports indicate that at least two people were injured during clashes in the city. Authorities arrested at least 47 people participating in demonstrations in Bogotá, Medellín and Popayán during which three police officers were injured.
United States / British Virgin Islands (Security threat levels – 2 / 1): On 28 April 2022, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents arrested British Virgin Islands Premier Andrew Fahie, along with a senior British Virgin Islands port official and another conspirator in Miami, Florida, on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. According to DEA officials, Fahie agreed to allow undercover DEA agents disguised as drug traffickers from Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel to use British Virgin Islands ports to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. Fahie and two other individuals were taken into custody after they agreed to accept a 700,000 U.S. dollar payment from the undercover agents.
Afghanistan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1610 local time (1140 UTC) on 29 April 2022, an explosion occurred at the Khalifa Sahib Shiite mosque, located on Darulaman Road in the capital Kabul. Local reports indicate that as many as 200 individuals may have been killed or injured. No group has claimed responsibility for the blast; however, the Islamic State Khorasan Province group routinely carries out such attacks, and often targets members of Shiite or other minority communities.
China (Security threat level – 3): On 29 April 2022, government authorities in the capital Beijing announced that beginning on 30 April individuals will be required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken within the previous 48 hours to enter public spaces in the city amid an increase in locally transmitted COVID-19 cases. Health officials have also announced an expansion of the government’s testing regimen to include residents in all 12 central districts of Beijing, who are scheduled to undergo three rounds of PCR testing. Authorities have urged residents to avoid leaving the capital during the upcoming May Day holiday.
Netherlands (Security threat level – 2): On 28 April 2022, Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (EHAM/AMS) requested that airlines reduce the number of flights arriving to or transiting through the airport from 2-8 May in an effort to avoid overcrowding caused by staff shortages, which has resulted in flight delays and cancellations. Airport officials suggested that airlines reduce the number of arriving passengers by not accepting new bookings and canceling current reservations. KLM Airlines is expected to announce widespread flight cancellations on 29 April. Schiphol Airport has experienced overcrowding and flight delays since 23 April when baggage handlers employed by the carrier initiated a labor strike at the airport to demand higher pay and better working conditions.
Israel (Security threat level – 4): On 28 April 2022, a brief panic occurred among travelers at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport (LLBG/TLV) when a family of U.S. nationals approached a security check-in area with an unexploded shell. The passengers had obtained the ordnance from the northern Golan Heights area and were asking if it could be transported in their luggage. A security official ordered the area cleared, but a nearby passenger misheard the order and began shouting that terrorists had opened fire at the airport. One traveler was injured while attempting to flee the area. The family was allowed to board their flight after security officials interrogated them.
Israel / Palestinian Territories (Security threat levels – 4 / 5): At approximately 0600 local time (0300 UTC) on 29 April 2022, Israeli security forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas canisters at Palestinian civilians who had gathered on the grounds of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem. Clashes broke out as Palestinians threw rocks and fireworks at Israeli security personnel and also toward the Western Wall, on the other side of which Jewish worshippers gather. At least 42 civilians were injured in the violence and Israeli security forces arrested those who refused to vacate the mosque grounds. This latest violence – which occurred on the final day of Ramadan — follows multiple instances of security forces firing rubber bullets and tear gas to clear Palestinian civilians from the mosque grounds amid continued heightened tensions during the coinciding Ramadan and Passover seasons.
Canada (Security threat level – 2): On 28 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa issued a Demonstration Alert regarding a scheduled motorcycle rally in Ottawa, which reads in part as follows: “In response to anticipated Rolling Thunder Ottawa demonstrations, the Ottawa Police Service announced an increase in police presence and possible traffic disruptions in the downtown Ottawa area for April 29-May 1.
“The U.S. Embassy reiterates that while there is a very small likelihood of violence at a political gathering in Canada, we strongly encourage U.S. citizens traveling or resident in Canada to avoid all protests and demonstration areas, maintain a high level of vigilance, and practice good situational awareness.”
Haiti (Security threat level – 5): On 28 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a Security Alert regarding increased gang violence, which reads in part as follows: “Location: Throughout Port-au-Prince, particularly the neighborhoods of Croix-des-Missions, Santo, and Clercine, and Croix des Bouquets Communes and National Routes 1 and 3
“Event: Given the recent armed clashes between rival gangs in Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince reminds U.S. citizens that Haiti has the highest Travel Advisory level (Level 4: DO NOT TRAVEL) for kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest. The most recent violent clashes have particularly affected the neighborhoods of Croix-des-Missions, Santo, Clercine and Croix des Bouquets communes and blocked roads on National Routes 1 and 3. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti. Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. U.S. citizens should carefully consider the risks of traveling to or remaining in Haiti in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges. These issues may limit access to essential services in an emergency, including access to banks, grocery stores, money transfers, urgent medical care, internet and telecommunications, and public and private transportation options. Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis.”
Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 28 April 2022, the U.S. Mission to Mexico issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Location: Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco; Nuevo Nayarit, Nayarit; and Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
“Event: There is increased presence of Mexican security forces in the Puerto Vallarta area and the potential for confrontations between criminal groups and security forces in the Puerto Vallarta area and in the Guadalajara metropolitan area. Past shooting incidents between criminal groups and authorities have occurred in public places and bystanders have been injured.”
Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 4): On 29 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a Demonstration Alert regarding upcoming protests, which reads in part as follows: “Several demonstrations and marches are planned in and around Colombo on Sunday, May 1, 2022, to protest the economic situation in the country. The demonstrations are likely to make travel to/from/within Colombo more difficult and cause road closures and traffic congestion throughout the day. The U.S. Embassy is aware of the following demonstrations, but there are additional protests planned throughout Sri Lanka:
“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.”
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