Haiti (Security threat level – 5): On 23 February 2022, security personnel fired live ammunition to disperse protesting factory workers in the capital Port-au-Prince. The demonstrators — who had gathered to demand a higher minimum wage than the new rate announced by Prime Minister Ariel Henry on 21 February — threw stones at police officers and attempted to block a main road near Toussaint Louverture International Airport (MTPP/PAP). A journalist was killed and two others were wounded during the violence. Authorities arrested five demonstrators. The strike and accompanying protests are scheduled to last through at least 25 February.
Nepal (Security threat level – 3): On 24 February 2022, hundreds of protesters demonstrating against government deliberations on a $500 million infrastructure development grant with ties to the U.S. government clashed with riot police outside the parliament building in the capital Kathmandu. The confrontation began as protesters pelted riot police with rocks and glass, forcing the officers to momentarily retreat as protesters pushed through police barricades. After regrouping, riot police responded by deploying tear gas and water cannons against the protesters, resulting in injury to at least four people. Due to the clash, lawmakers postponed debate on ratification of the controversial Millennium Challenge Corporation grant to 25 February. The government’s consideration of the grant previously sparked unrest in early February 2022, as opposition critics — predominately from the youth wing of the Communist Party of Nepal — argue the grant would compromise Nepalese sovereignty.
Ukraine (Security threat level – 5): In the early morning hours of 24 February 2022, Russian military forces began an invasion of Ukraine shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Russia will conduct a “special military operation” in Ukraine. Russian military forces subsequently launched airstrikes in multiple Ukrainian cities, including the capital Kyiv — where Boryspil International Airport (UKBB/KBP) was targeted. Missile strikes and explosions have been reported across the country, including in Mariupol, Kramatorsk, Kharkiv and Odessa.
The latest reports indicate that Russian forces have so far entered the eastern regions of Donetsk, Luhansk and Kherson, as well as the Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv and Kyiv regions. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, its forces have destroyed 70 military installations in Ukraine, including 11 airfields. Russian forces have concentrated their attacks on Ukrainian military infrastructure, particularly air bases. In Hostomel, a town located nearly 40 km (25 mi) from the capital Kyiv, Russian helicopters launched an assault on Antonov Airport (UKKM/GML); a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Interior Ministry stated that Russian forces have seized control of the facility, although the Ukrainian military is reportedly attempting to take back control. Earlier in the day, the Ukrainian military claimed to have shot down five Russian aircraft and a helicopter. A Ukrainian military aircraft carrying 14 people crashed in an area located about 20 km south of Kyiv amid reports of attacks in the city. In response to the Russian invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law countrywide and has mobilized about 36,000 military reservists. Thus far, at least 40 people have been reported killed and dozens more have been wounded.
The airspace over Ukraine is closed to civilian aircraft. In Kyiv, where emergency sirens have been ongoing since the initial blasts, authorities are urging residents to relocate to bomb shelters. Heavy traffic congestion has been reported on westbound roadways as people attempt to flee the city. Elsewhere in the country, long queues have been seen at gas stations, bus stations and ATMs. Meanwhile, neighboring Moldova has declared a state of emergency and closed its airspace. Moldovan officials have already reported an increase in the number of people seeking to enter the country from Ukraine. Additionally, Lithuania has also announced a state of emergency for two weeks, pending parliamentary ratification.
Montenegro (Security threat level – 2): On 23 February 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica issued a Demonstration Alert regarding nationwide protests on 24 February, which reads in part as follows: “Large gatherings are scheduled to take place February 24th throughout Montenegro beginning around 1830. Multiple road closures throughout the country are expected and could impede intercity travel. Significant police presence is expected, though the gatherings are projected to remain peaceful.
“Gatherings within Podgorica, and Montenegro in general, have the potential to become a more frequent occurrence. While recent gatherings have remained peaceful, road closures combined with the increased police presence can limit travel. As with any large crowd, the possibility of violence and increased tensions are possible.”
Ukraine (Security threat level – 5): On 24 February 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued a Security Alert, which reads as follows: “There are reports of Russian attacks on targets in a number of major Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Mariupol, and others. U.S. citizens in Ukraine are advised to shelter in place and take the following actions:
“U.S. citizens throughout Ukraine are strongly encouraged to remain vigilant and take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Know the location of your closest shelter or protected space. In the event of mortar and/or rocket fire, follow the instructions from local authorities and seek shelter immediately. If you feel that your current location is no longer safe, you should carefully assess the potential risks involved in moving to a different location.”
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