United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0730 local time (1530 UTC) on 20 January 2022, a police-involved shooting occurred near the entrance of a train station outside the international terminal of California’s San Francisco International Airport (KSFO/SFO). Police officers responding to reports of an armed individual in front of the terminal’s train station initially employed non-lethal means to de-escalate the situation. However, the armed suspect reportedly continued to advance toward the officers, who shot and killed the individual. One bystander suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Train service through the station was temporarily suspended during the event, but flight operations at the airport remained unaffected. According to a local police official, there is no indication that the shooting was terrorism-related.
Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 20 January 2022, authorities announced tightened coronavirus-related restrictions on gatherings and schools in several Pakistani cities due to concerns over the spread of the omicron variant of COVID-19. The restrictions were implemented in areas that record COVID-19 positivity rates exceeding 10%, which include the cities of Hyderabad, Lahore, Karachi and the capital Islamabad. Under the new measures, indoor gatherings are banned and enhanced occupancy restrictions are imposed in schools, cinemas, gyms, cultural sites and other venues open to the public.
Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 21 January 2022, authorities announced that they will ease pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements for international travelers arriving in Australia as of 0100 local time on 23 January (1400 UTC on 22 January). At that time, foreign nationals will be permitted to submit a COVID-19 antigen test taken within 24 hours prior to arrival, instead of the current requirement for PCR test result taken within 72 hours before travel. Additionally, inbound travelers who have tested positive for COVID-19 will be permitted to enter the country after seven days, shortened from the current 14-day period.
Ghana (Security threat level – 3): On 20 January 2022, a powerful explosion occurred near the western town of Bogoso after a motorcycle collided with a truck that was transporting explosive materials to a gold mine. The blast and accompanying fire completely destroyed nearby buildings; as many as 500 buildings sustained damage. At least 17 people were killed in the event and 59 others were hospitalized for injuries. The death toll is likely to rise.
Burkina Faso (Security threat level – 4): On 20 January 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou issued a Demonstration Alert ahead of planned protests on 22 January, which reads in part as follows: “Demonstrations are expected to take place in Ouagadougou, on January 22, 2022 at approximately 8:00 am at the UN Roundabout. The tentative end for demonstrations is 10:00 am, with a public meeting to follow. The planned demonstration route could possibly impact the following roads: Kwamé Nkrumah Avenue, Houari Boumediene Avenue, Cathédrale Avenue, Cineastes Roundabout, and Nation’s Avenue.
“Demonstrators may congregate near the UN Roundabout. Expect roadblocks or large groups of demonstrators in the vicinity of the demonstration route and surrounding areas. Counter-protests may also spontaneously develop at other locations in Ouagadougou throughout the weekend.”
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