Bangladesh (Security threat level – 4): On 7 August 2022, demonstrations against rising fuel prices broke out in the capital Dhaka for a second consecutive day, with several student organizations staging rallies in front of the National Museum in the Shahbag area. Police officers would later use baton charges to disperse the protesters. According to a student leader, approximately 25 protesters were injured during the clashes. Government officials have increased fuel prices by up to 52% nationwide, resulting in a corresponding rise in bus fares.
China (Security threat level – 4): On 8 August 2022, Hong Kong authorities announced that travelers arriving in the city will only need to quarantine in a hotel for three days — a reduction from the currently required seven days — beginning on 12 August as officials continue to reduce coronavirus-related travel restrictions. Travelers who leave the hotel quarantine will be required to stay at home or in a hotel for the next four days in a managed quarantine environment, during which they may travel outdoors but will be prohibited from entering venues that require a vaccine pass for entry, such as restaurants, fitness centers and beauty parlors. Fully vaccinated travelers are required to submit to a rapid antigen test (RAT) once a day while in quarantine, in addition to a PCR test on the third and fifth days. Travelers will be issued an amber QR code on their LeaveHomeSafe mobile app for the four-day home or hotel managed quarantine, allowing limited movement, while those who test positive for COVID-19 will be issued a red QR code that prohibits travel outside of their accommodation.
China (Security threat level – 4): On 6 August 2022, authorities in the popular resort city of Sanya, located on Hainan island, imposed a citywide lockdown due to a surge in COVID-19 cases in the city. Local health officials have declared at least 50 areas throughout the city as high-risk zones. Individuals residing in designated high-risk areas must remain indoors until the lockdown is lifted. Additionally, more than 30 areas have been designated as medium-risk, which allows for limited movement within residential community compounds. Public transportation between Hainan island and mainland China is suspended. More than 80,000 tourists reportedly remain stranded at hotels in Sanya due to the lockdown.
Cuba (Security threat level – 2): As of the morning of 8 August 2022, firefighters continue to battle a massive blaze burning at an oil storage facility in the northern city of Matanzas — located approximately 90 km (55 mi) east of Havana — after several explosions occurred beginning on 5 August. The blasts began after a fuel storage tank at the Matanzas Supertanker Base caught fire due to a lightning strike. The flames then spread to a second storage tanker at the facility and triggered several explosions. Officials evacuated approximately 5,000 residents from the nearby Dubrocq neighborhood. On the evening of 7 August, the second storage tanker exploded and collapsed after strong winds spread the flames. The blast then ignited a third tanker, which is at risk of collapsing, according to the Ministry of Energy and Mining. All personnel have since been evacuated from the premises, although additional firefighters from Mexico and Venezuela have arrived to help contain the blaze. At least one person was killed in the event and 125 others have been injured. There are 17 individuals reported missing. Authorities are recommending that individuals in the area use face masks to avoid inhaling toxic chemicals.
Israel / Palestinian territories (Security threat levels – 4 / 4): As of 8 August 2022, a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant group in the Gaza Strip is in effect and Israeli authorities have reopened border crossings with the Gaza Strip. The Egyptian-brokered ceasefire took effect on the evening of 7 August and ended 72 straight hours of Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip and the firing of hundreds of retaliatory rockets from Gaza toward Israeli cities. Israeli authorities stated that the purpose of “Operation Breaking Dawn” was to eliminate the leadership of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The Israeli Defense Forces killed at least two senior leaders of the militant group in the airstrikes. The operation followed threats issued by the militant group against Israel after the 1 August arrest of one of its senior leaders in the West Bank. Hamas largely refrained from participation in the conflict.
During the operation, the Israeli Defense Forces conducted approximately 170 airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants fired approximately 1,100 rockets toward Israel. Roughly one in five of those rockets fell within Gaza itself, while Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted at least 380, and the rest fell into the ocean or onto uninhabited grounds. At least 44 Palestinians were killed in the operation and several hundred more were injured. At least two Israelis were injured by retaliatory rocket fire.
Rocket fire briefly disrupted operations at Ben Gurion Airport (LLBG/TLV) on 7 August. All departing flights were temporarily halted and all incoming flights were briefly held over the Mediterranean Sea due to the rockets. No further disruptions to airport operations were reported.
United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0145 local time (0545 UTC) on 7 August 2022, a shooting occurred outside a bar in the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood near downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The local police department stated that two gunmen opened fire following a physical altercation between two groups outside Mr. Pitiful’s bar. At least nine people were wounded in the event and received medical treatment at a nearby hospital. All nine victims were later released from the hospital. Police officers have made no arrests in relation to the shooting.
Peru (Security threat level – 3): On 5 August 2022, authorities extended state of emergency declarations in the Caravelí and Atico districts, located in Caravelí province, for 60 additional days. The state of emergency was originally enacted on 10 June, following an armed confrontation between groups of minors that resulted in 14 deaths. During the state of emergency, constitutional rights pertaining to freedom of movement, freedom of assembly and the inviolability of private residences are suspended. Moreover, the National Police and the armed forces will patrol the districts to ensure public order.
Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): On 8 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Yangon issued a Security Update, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy in Rangoon verified social media reports that the regime has increased the number of deployed security personnel throughout Yangon on August 8, 2022. The regime anticipates that there will be “8888” anti-military movements and increased attacks around the city today, due to it being the 34th anniversary of the August 8, 1988, pro-democracy protest movement.
“Regime troops are deployed around official buildings, the downtown area, and major pagodas. There are no known fixed checkpoints related to this increase, but regime vehicle patrols in the city have doubled. The U.S. Embassy verified that armed police have been seen at major intersections throughout the city, and it is recommended that you avoid
The full text of the alert is available here.
Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 3): On 8 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy is aware of the following planned demonstrations for tomorrow (Tuesday, August 9, 2022):
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