AFRICA

Libya (Security threat level – 5): Early on 27 August 2022, fighting broke out between rival militia groups in the capital Tripoli when militias supporting rival Prime Minister Fathy Bashagha — backed by the eastern-based parliament in Tobruk — briefly entered Tripoli and attempted to forcibly take control of the government from Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, supported by the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA). The flare-up ended after fighters aligned with Bashagha retreated to the outskirts of the city. At least 32 people were killed, including at least 17 civilians, and 159 others were injured. The situation remains tense in Tripoli amid fears that a widespread conflict may occur after one of the worst battles in the city in recent years. Following the fighting, Prime Minister Dbeibeh declared a state of emergency in the capital and stated that he will hand over power only after new elections.

EUROPE

Portugal (Security threat level – 2): Airport handling workers affiliated with the National Union for Civil Aviation Workers (SINTAC) observed a three-day strike from 26-28 August 2022, resulting in the cancellation of dozens of commercial passenger flights at airports throughout Portugal. Approximately 90 flights were canceled at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LPPT/LIS) on 26 August, and an additional 100 flights were canceled from 27-28 August. In addition, airports in the northern city of Porto, the southern city of Faro, and the city of Funchal — located on the country’s Madeira island in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean — also experienced flight cancellations due to the labor strike. A SINTAC spokesperson stated that about 90% of the union members at Lisbon and Porto airports participated in the strike action to demand increased wages and better career opportunities.

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): On 26 August 2022, an improvised explosive device detonated near an Australian diplomatic convoy traveling through Baghdad’s high-security Green Zone. According to local authorities, the device exploded parallel to the passage of the diplomatic motorcade, causing minor damage to one of the convoy’s vehicles. There were no casualties. It remains unknown if the Australian diplomats were the intended target, as no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): The Iraqi Joint Operations Command has enacted a 24-hour curfew in the capital Baghdad, effective as of 1530 local time (1230 UTC) on 29 August 2022. The curfew order follows an event in which supporters of influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr tore down a concrete wall and entered Baghdad’s Green Zone while chanting slogans calling for the downfall of the regime. Supporters of the cleric rallied following al-Sadr’s announcement that he is fully withdrawing from politics.

NORTH AMERICA

United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1900 local time on 28 August 2022 (0200 UTC on 29 August), a gunman opened fire at a shopping center in the Oregon city of Bend, located approximately 130 mi (210 km) southeast of the state capital Salem. According to local police, the assailant — armed with a rifle — initially fired shots in the parking area of the Forum Shopping Center before entering a Safeway grocery store, where he continued firing at random. The assailant killed two people and wounded one more during the episode. Authorities found the shooter dead at the scene; the circumstances surrounding his death are unclear. An investigation into the shooting remains underway.

SOUTH AMERICA

Argentina (Security threat level – 3): On the evening of 27 August 2022, thousands of people gathered along roads near the residence of Vice President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, located in the Recoleta suburb of Buenos Aires, to show support for Kirchner — who is currently facing charges related to alleged acts of corruption. Demonstrators clashed with police officers attempting to block access to the residence before security personnel fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. A local government official stated that at least 14 police officers were injured in the clashes. Authorities arrested four demonstrators. The gathering to support Kirchner occurred the day after prosecutors recommended that she serve a 12-year prison sentence for alleged corruption during her presidential tenure from 2007-2015.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 28 August 2022, the U.S. Mission to Pakistan issued a Weather Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Mission to Pakistan informs U.S. citizens that monsoon rains have caused devastating flooding in large areas of Pakistan, particularly the provinces of Balochistan and Sindh. As the rains continue, other areas could be affected.

“The U.S. Mission to Pakistan urges U.S. citizens in the affected areas to defer all non-essential travel until the flooding threat has passed. The U.S. Mission also encourages all U.S. citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news channels for announcements on road closures, evacuations, and possible landslides. All U.S. citizens should exercise extreme caution.

“U.S. citizens should carry their travel documents at all times (e.g., U.S. passport, birth certificate, picture IDs, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that U.S. citizens contact friends and family with updates about their whereabouts.”