AMERICAS

Costa Rica (Security threat level – 3): On 7 April 2022, officials temporarily suspended flight operations at Juan Santamaria International Airport (MROC/SJO) in San Jose after a cargo aircraft overran the runway. The Boeing 757-200 cargo aircraft – operated by the German DHL logistics company – reportedly made an emergency landing and broke apart after overrunning the runway. No significant injuries to the aircraft’s crew were reported. The airport remained closed to air traffic from approximately 1030 to 1530 local time (1630 to 2130 UTC) and has since resumed operations.

Peru (Security threat level – 3): On 7 April 2022, authorities declared a state of emergency until 8 May on all highways across Peru in response to a nationwide strike and demonstrations by freight carriers and farmers over rising fuel and fertilizer prices. At least six people have been killed in violent protests that began on 28 March. Under the state of emergency, military forces will be deployed to the nation’s highways to clear blockades set up by protesters, while also restricting freedom of movement and assembly on highways.

Puerto Rico (Security threat level – 2): As of 8 April 2022, nearly 500,000 customers remain without power throughout Puerto Rico after a fire broke out at the Costa Sur power plant on 6 April. The fire led to an “island-wide blackout,” which originally affected approximately 1.5 million individuals. A representative for Luma – the private company that runs the U.S. territory’s power grid, stated that the company is unable to provide an estimate on when full power will be restored. The blackout also caused around 10% of the island’s water and sewage customers to be without services through 7 April.

ASIA

India (Security threat level – 3): On 8 April 2022, drivers affiliated with several different taxi unions staged a one-day demonstration at Jantar Mantar in central New Delhi to protest the rising price of compressed natural gas (CNG), which taxis use for fuel throughout the country. Vehicles obstructed traffic in the streets surrounding Jantar Mantar and local residents reported difficulties securing transportation for their morning commutes. Taxi drivers have threatened to go on an indefinite strike beginning on 18 April if their fuel subsidy demands are not agreed to by the government.

EUROPE

France (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 0900 local time (0700 UTC) on 8 April 2022, an unidentified man left a parcel bomb at the altar of the Cathedral of Saint-Etienne in central Toulouse — located near France’s southern border with Spain — during a celebration of Mass, before running out of the building. Bomb disposal units and police officers were dispatched to the scene and disposed of the explosive device. Police officers have arrested a suspect but did not release information regarding a motive for the man’s action.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Israel (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 2100 local time (1800 UTC) on 7 April 2022, a gunman opened fire outside a crowded bar near Dizengoff Street and Ben Gurion Boulevard in central Tel Aviv. At least three people were killed and 11 others were injured in the attack. Security forces shot and killed the gunman after he opened fire on police officers near a mosque in Jaffa — a port city located south of Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, a large contingent of police officers and military personnel have been dispatched to patrol the streets of central Tel Aviv due to the occurrence of several such attacks in recent weeks.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Mongolia (Security threat level – 2): On 8 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar issued a Demonstration Alert regarding ongoing public protests, which reads in part as follows: “U.S. citizens in Ulaanbaatar are advised to take appropriate precautions due to ongoing public protests against the Mongolian government in and around Sukhbaatar Square. There have been reports of multiple arrests, injuries, and road closures from Sukhbaatar Square to the Ikh Tenger palace between the late hours of last night and early this morning, and protests may continue into the weekend. U.S. citizens are encouraged to avoid this area until the demonstrations subside.”

Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): On 8 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Yangon issued a Security Alert regarding the upcoming Water Festival, which reads in part as follows: “The Embassy is aware of threats on social media to attack official Water Festival (aka “Thingyan”) activities throughout Burma, including in Rangoon, as well as threats against businesses affiliated with the military regime, including bars, restaurants, and karaoke establishments. The Embassy advises all Americans to avoid large public gatherings over the next week, April 11-April 17.

“The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Burma is “Level 4: Do Not Travel” and the Department of State continues to advise that U.S. citizens not to travel to Burma or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. During an emergency, the U.S. Embassy may have very limited ability to provide assistance.”

Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 4): On 8 April 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a Demonstration Alert regarding upcoming weekend protests, which reads in part as follows: “A two-day demonstration is planned for Galle Face Green beginning at 9 AM on Saturday (April 9) and ending in the evening on Sunday (April 10). Reports estimate the possibility of upwards of 100,000 participants.

“U.S. government personnel living near Galle Face Green have been advised residences and apartments in the area may be fully locked down.”