Libya (Security threat level – 5): On 22 July 2022, heavy fighting between militias belonging to Libya’s two rival governments occurred in the central Zawiyat al-Dahmani area of the capital Tripoli — where numerous embassies, government ministries and international organizations are located. Clashes began during the evening of 21 July in the city’s southeastern Sabaa and Ain Zara districts. At least five people have been killed so far. Officials at Mitiga Airport (HLLM/MJI) announced on 22 July that all flights have been suspended due to the fighting. Recent rapprochement between Gen. Khalifa Haftar, leader of the Libyan National Army, and Abdul Hamid Dbeibah — prime minister of the Government of National Unity — indicates a shift in the balance of power in the country. Haftar had previously been aligned with Fathi Bashagha – a rival prime minister appointed by the eastern-based parliament in Tobruk — and the two sides had been in a relative stalemate.
Mali (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 0500 local time/UTC on 22 July 2022, Islamist militants launched an attack on a military barracks in the town of Kati, located approximately 15 km (10 mi) northwest of the capital Bamako. Two vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices detonated at the entrance of the barracks, after which heavy gunfire was reported in the area. The military claims that soldiers repelled a terrorist attack on the barracks, killing seven assailants and arresting eight others. One soldier was killed in the attack and six people were wounded. The military blames Katiba Macina, a local jihadi group affiliated with al-Qaeda, for the attack. The latest assault on the country’s main military base follows multiple attacks the previous day against Malian Armed Forces in Douentza, Koro, Thy, Bapho, Ségou and Kolokani.
Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 0000 local time on 22 July 2022 (1830 UTC on 21 July), security forces raided the Gota Go Gama anti-government protest encampment, located near the Presidential Secretariat building in central Colombo. Military personnel cordoned off several roads near Galle Face Green urban park and Kollupitiya Junction, and then blocked all entrances to the protest site. After removing the protesters from the area, the soldiers dismantled the tents and erected barricades in order to prevent access to the site. According to local media reports, approximately 50 people suffered varying degrees of injuries during the event. At least nine people were arrested. Sri Lanka has been under a state of emergency since 13 July, which authorizes police officers and military personnel to detain anyone participating in protests.
Uruguay (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0900 local time (1200 UTC) on 22 July 2022, an explosion occurred in a high-rise building located by Villa Biarritz Park in the upscale Punta Carretas district in the capital Montevideo. The blast damaged at least six floors of the building. Multiple casualties have been reported, although an exact number has yet to be released. Emergency officials are on the scene and are evacuating individuals from the surrounding vicinity. Police are asking people to avoid the area due to concerns regarding the structural integrity of other buildings. The cause of the blast is unknown.
Albania (Security threat level – 3): On 21 July 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. government is aware of a potential threat targeting the Free Iran World Summit to be held near Durres, Albania on July 23-24, 2022.”
El Salvador (Security threat level – 4): On 21 July 2022, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for El Salvador, which reads in part as follows: “The State of Exception (Emergency) introduced by the Government on 27 March in response to a sharp rise in the number of murders in late March 2022 has been in place ever since; on 19 July the Legislative Assembly extended it for another 30 days. The murder rate has fallen significantly since 27 March, although there are fears that gangs could regroup and carry out further attacks. Meanwhile security operations and arrests continue. The police can hold suspected gang members for up to 15 days without them appearing before a judge, and judges are approving investigation and continued detention of some suspects at mass hearings of over 100 people. As of 19 July 2022 over 46,000 alleged gang members have been arrested, with 63 reported to have died in custody. Security operations have taken place across the country, with a particular focus in Soyapango, Ilopango, Mejicanos, San Martin, and San Marcos and several security personnel and alleged gang members have been killed in clashes. President Bukele has stated that freedom of expression and circulation (movement) will not be restricted. You should exercise caution and follow local news in case further measures are introduced.”
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