Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 25 February 2021, President Ivan Duque extended the nationwide health state of emergency and selective quarantine period until at least 31 May; the measures had been due to expire on 28 February. The policies enable state governors and municipal authorities to introduce coronavirus-related restrictions on business, movement and social activities at their discretion. Additionally, nationwide measures mandating the use of face masks in public spaces, as well as banning gatherings of more than 50 people and the consumption of alcohol in public spaces, remain in effect.
Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 1200 local time (0530 UTC) on 26 February 2021, police officers fired live rounds into the air to disperse anti-coup demonstrators at Hledan junction in Yangon, and also forcibly dispersed a protest at Myaynigone junction. Reports indicate that authorities detained 10 people at Hledan junction and another 20 at Myaynigone junction. After the dispersal operations, security forces blocked access to both areas to prevent additional gatherings.
South Korea (Security threat level – 2): On 26 February 2021, authorities extended existing social distancing requirements and a ban on gatherings of more than five people until 14 March. The greater Seoul area will remain under Level 2 social distancing rules and the remainder of the country will continue under level 1.5 rules. As part of Level 2 social distancing, face masks are mandatory in all indoor areas and during high-risk outdoor activities. Restaurants are limited to takeout and delivery only after 2100 local time (1200 UTC), and most non-essential businesses must close by 2100 local time. Under level 1.5 rules, indoor dining is permissible with restrictions, and face masks are only mandatory while amid large gatherings of people, such as demonstrations and protests, and in high-risk venues such as bars and medical facilities.
Spain (Security threat level – 3): On 26 February 2021, the government extended a coronavirus-related ban on non-essential travel from non-EU and non-Schengen Area countries until 31 March. Authorities also extended the closure of most land border crossings with Portugal until at least 16 March. Exceptions exist for workers who commute across the border daily.
Mali (Security threat level – 5) : On 25 February 2021, unidentified assailants launched attacks against a military post and gendarme base in Bandiagara, located in the central Mopti region. At least eight soldiers were killed and five others suffered injuries in the attack. According to a local official, the militants stole weapons and four vehicles, and set fire to several structures. While no group has thus far claimed responsibility for the attack, Islamist groups with ties to al-Qaeda and the Islamic State frequently perpetrate attacks against Malian security forces and U.N. peacekeepers in the region.
Nigeria (Security threat level – 5): Overnight on 25-26 February 2021, unidentified militants abducted at least 317 students from a school in Jangebe, located in northwest Nigeria’s Zamfara state. Police officers are conducting a search and rescue operation in conjunction with the army. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the abductions, the Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province militant groups are both known to perpetrate such actions, often for ransom. Heavily armed militants operate out of Rugu forest in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger states, and the latest incident marked the third such large-scale kidnapping of students in northern Nigeria since December 2020.
Kazakhstan (Security threat level – 3): On 26 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Nur Sultan issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Location: Nationwide
“Event: Several political opposition groups have called for nationwide protests on Sunday, February 28.
“Non-sanctioned demonstrations usually end with mass arrests. As such, U.S. Embassy and Consulate General staff have been instructed not to attend these events.
“Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence. You should avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings or protests.”
Niger (Security threat level – 5): On 25 February 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office issued updated travel advice regarding unrest following the runoff presidential election, which reads in part as follows:
“Following the second round of the presidential elections on 21 February 2021 there has been unrest in Niamey and other cities in Niger (including Dosso and Zinder). This unrest could be violent and could include road blockages and the damage of buildings and vehicles.”
North Macedonia (Security threat level – 3): On 26 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Skopje issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Announced gathering points include, but are not limited to, the following locations in Skopje, North Macedonia
“Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place on Friday, February 26, 2021 beginning at 1:30 p.m. The families and supporters of “Monster” case defendants intend to protest Skopje Criminal Court’s verdict and sentencing in the case. Demonstrators are expected to march from Cair Park to the Skopje Criminal Court, and then to the Republic of North Macedonia’s Government Building. As a result, a visible police/security force presence is expected throughout Cair and Centar Municipalities. Traffic pattern disruptions are anticipated as a result.
“Hristijan Todorovski Karposh Blvd, Cvetan Dimov Street, and John Kennedy Street may be affected near Cair Park. Goce Delcev Blvd and Krste Petkov Misirkov Blvd near Skopje Criminal Court may also be affected. Sections of Goce Delcev Blvd, Kliment Ohridski Blvd, and VMRO Blvd in the vicinity of the Government Building of the Republic of North Macedonia may also see delays or closures.”
Senegal (Security threat level – 3): On 26 February 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar issued a Demonstration Alert regarding planned protests, which reads in part as follows:
“Location: Various neighborhoods throughout Dakar, Senegal, including:
“Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place over the next several days, with the possibility of additional spontaneous demonstrations. The demonstrators intend to protest in response to increased political tensions. Demonstrations may occur on major roadways in and around the areas mentioned above, resulting in increased traffic delays. The Government of Senegal is providing police presence when demonstrations occur.”
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.