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09-August-2022

AFRICA

South Africa (Security threat level – 4): On 8 August 2022, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in the gold mining town of Randfontein — located approximately 40 km (25 mi) west of Johannesburg — to call for the closure of illegal mines in the area. Demonstrators, mostly local residents, set shacks ablaze and looted houses located near mine shafts. Police officers arrested 32 individuals suspected of operating illegal mining rings and closed a mining site in Randfontein.

ASIA

South Korea (Security threat level – 1): On 8 August 2022, record levels of rainfall caused heavy flooding in the capital Seoul, prompting the activation of a Level 3 emergency alert — the Korea Meteorological Administration’s highest level of natural disaster alert. Particularly severe flooding in the upscale Gangnam district forced hundreds of residents to evacuate as floodwaters inundated homes, roadways and metro stations. Cars and other vehicles were stranded on flooded roadways throughout the area. Local officials stated that widespread flooding affected more than 700 homes and businesses, and approximately 800 people sought refuge in temporary shelters. At least eight people were killed and nine others were injured as a result of the heavy rains, while six people remain missing. Rainfall totals of 422 mm (16 in) have been recorded in the city since 0000 local time (1500 UTC) on 8 August. Seoul currently remains on a high alert as further rainfall is forecast over the next few days.

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 0300 local time (0000 UTC) on 9 August 2022, residents took to the streets of the southern port city of Basra to protest daily power outages. Protesters blocked key roads linking Basra to Baghdad with burning tires, which prompted local security forces to cordon off the area to prevent the expansion of the protest to other parts of the city. A smaller associated protest took place in the nearby city of Nasiriyah, where demonstrators placed burning tires on the Olive Bridge. No injuries were reported during the gatherings. Government officials attributed the most recent power outage to a fire at a power station that supplies electricity to Basra and surrounding areas.

Israel / Palestinian territories (Security threat levels – 4 / 4): On the morning of 9 August 2022, Israeli security forces exchanged gunfire with Palestinians during a raid in the West Bank city of Nablus. Israeli security personnel entered the city to arrest the commander of the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades — a Palestinian militant organization — who was killed in the raid. Palestinians confronted the security forces as they attempted to withdraw following the raid. Three civilians were killed in the violence and at least 30 others were injured.

SOUTH AMERICA

Bolivia (Security threat level – 3): On the afternoon of 8 August 2022, clashes occurred between coca farmers and police officers during a protest near the Minasa bus terminal in the Villa el Carmen area of La Paz, the capital. Protesters threw stones, firecrackers and various projectiles at police officers, who fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. The detonation of a low-intensity explosive device during the clashes left one protester critically injured. Authorities arrested at least three protesters. The Departmental Association of Coca Producers of La Paz had staged the protest to demand the closure of a rival coca market.