AMERICAS

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On the morning of 14 December 2021, two explosions occurred at Camilo Daza International Airport (SKCC/CUC) in the northeastern Colombian city of Cúcuta, located near the country’s border with Venezuela, prompting officials to suspend operations at the facility. The blasts caused minor damage to nearby homes, although there have been no reports of damage at the airport. Colombia’s defense minister stated that the first blast occurred when an individual carrying an explosive device attempted to enter the airport and the device prematurely detonated; the individual was killed in the event. Approximately 45 minutes later, a second explosion occurred as two police officers investigated a suspicious package in the area, killing both officers. There were no reports of additional injuries or deaths. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Haiti (Security threat level – 5): In the late hours of 13 December 2021, a fuel tanker exploded in the northern city of Cap-Haïtien. According to the city’s civil protection agency, at least 54 people were killed, dozens more were injured and approximately 20 homes were damaged. Local authorities warned that the death toll is likely to rise, as rescue operations are ongoing. The cause of the explosion is unknown.

ASIA

Indonesia (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 1020 local time (0320 UTC) on 14 December 2021, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off Flores Island. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake was centered about 115 km (70 mi) north of the town of Maumere, located in East Nusa Tenggara province, and nearly 300 km northwest of Oecusse, Timor Leste. The quake had an estimated depth of 19 km. Indonesia’s meteorological agency initially issued a tsunami warning but rescinded the warning after several hours. A number of aftershocks followed the initial tremor, including one with a 5.6 magnitude. At least one person was injured in Manggarai on Flores Island due to the quake and several buildings on Selayar Island sustained minor damage.

AUSTRALASIA

New Zealand (Security threat level – 1): On 14 December 2021, a malfunction of the instrument landing system caused significant flight disruptions at Wellington International Airport (NZWN/WLG). Airport officials stated that 113 regional flights were canceled or delayed due to the glitch. Inbound small aircraft are mainly affected, as larger aircraft are able to land without the equipment. A spokesperson for Airways New Zealand announced that the outage will continue until flight calibration tests are performed to ensure the landing system is functioning correctly. The calibration tests are not expected to be completed until the afternoon or evening hours of 15 December due to inclement weather conditions.