Afghanistan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1700 local time (1230 UTC) on 10 December 2021, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near a passenger vehicle in the Dasht-e-Barchi area of the capital Kabul, killing two civilians and injuring three more. In a separate incident in western Kabul, another IED detonated, injuring an additional civilian. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. However, since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, the Islamic State Khorasan Province group has routinely carried out similar attacks. According to a Taliban spokesperson, a third improvised explosive device also detonated in an unnamed area of the city, but no one was injured.
Analyst Comment: It is likely the Dasht-e-Barchi explosion was targeting the country’s Hazara minority, as the area is mostly populated by ethnic Hazaras who practice Shia Islam, as opposed to the Taliban and the Islamic State group’s fundamentalist Sunni Islam. Minority communities have been frequent targets of militant attacks since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021.
South Pacific Islands (Security threat level – 1): On 10 December 2021, authorities in the Solomon Islands lifted a nightly 1900-0600 local time (0800-1900 UTC) curfew in the capital Honiara, which was imposed on 26 November in response to several days of anti-government unrest in the city. Officials stated that the decision was made in response to easing tensions. However, it remains unknown when approximately 200 foreign security personnel – including at least 100 Australian police officers and soldiers – who were deployed to supplement the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will be returned home.
Israel (Security threat level – 4): On 9 December 2021, Prime Minister Neftali Bennett and Health Minister Nitzan Horowitz extended coronavirus-related entry restrictions on foreign nationals until at least 22 December; the ban was originally set to expire on 12 December. Under the rules, all vaccinated travelers who are allowed to enter must quarantine for three days upon entry. They must also take an on-arrival COVID-19 PCR test as well as another PCR test 72 hours later. If the second test is negative, travelers may exit quarantine. Travelers from countries that Israeli authorities judge as high risk must quarantine at a state-controlled quarantine hotel. All other travelers may self-quarantine.
Burkina Faso (Security threat level – 4): On 9 December 2021, Prime Minister Christophe Joseph Marie Dabire resigned along with his government amid ongoing demonstrations against the government’s continued inability to prevent attacks from Islamist militant groups. However, Dabire will remain caretaker prime minister until a new government is formed. President Roch Marc Christian Kabore previously replaced the military leadership due to the attacks.
Denmark (Security threat level – 2): On 9 December 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows: “On Friday, December 10 at 16:00 hrs new measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 will go into effect in Denmark. Complete information on COVID-19 restrictions can be found on the Danish government COVID-19 webpage (in English) at en.coronasmitte.dk.
“Effective December 10 at 16:00hrs:
“Masks are required (age 12 years and above) to enter:
We use cookies on this website to improve functionality and performance, to analyze traffic, and to enable social media features. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.