AMERICAS

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): On 1 June 2021, Colombia’s Ministry of Defense announced the dismantling of the Los Caparros gang. Military forces killed or captured the group’s main leaders over the last year in Operation Achilles, which led to the gang’s eventual dissolution. Los Caparros was one of the five largest criminal groups operating in Colombia, along with Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents, the National Liberation Army (ELN), Clan del Golfo and Los Pelusos. The group primarily operated in the Antioquia and Córdoba departments and engaged in drug trafficking, extortion, illegal mining, forced displacement and assassinations.

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): Nationwide demonstrations over income inequality, police brutality and youth unemployment are expected to continue for a 35th consecutive day on 2 June 2021. The National Strike Committee has organized demonstrations for 2 and 9 June. A meeting between representatives of the government and the National Strike Committee on 1 June concluded without an agreement, as the government continues to demand that all roadblocks be lifted before further progress can be made. However, the Ombudsman’s Office of Colombia announced on 1 June that 31 roadblocks have been lifted in 10 departments following mediation with local entities and protesters, while mediation continues on removing the remaining 62 roadblocks in the departments of Arauca, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Huila, Nariño, Norte de Santander, Putumayo and Valle del Cauca. Government and National Strike Committee representatives are expected to meet again on 3 June.

Demonstrations are scheduled to occur at various times in major cities across the country. In Bogotá, protesters plan to gather during the morning hours at a number of locations, including the intersection of Avenida Primero de Mayo and Carrera Décima, Plaza Fundacional de Bosa, Parque Nacional and National University. In addition, gatherings in the capital are expected to occur at Portal de las Américas at 1400 local time and the Monumento Sierra Morena at 1430 local time. In Medellín, protesters plan to gather at the Association of Institutes of Antioquia during the morning hours and march to Parque San Antonio and Parque de las Luces before concluding the rally at the Parque de los Deseos. In Barranquilla, protesters plan to gather at the intersection of Calle Murillo and Carrera Octava and along Carrera 45 and Calle 40 before proceeding to the Gobernación del Atlántico.

Dominican Republic (Security threat level – 3): On 31 May 2021, authorities announced modifications to nationwide coronavirus-related curfew measures, effective from 2 June to 9 June. A stricter curfew — from 1800 to 0500 local time (2200 to 0900 UTC) Monday through Friday and from 1500 to 0500 local time on Saturday and Sunday — will be in effect in high-risk locations, which include the National District and the following provinces: Azua, Bahoruco, Barahona, Dajabón, Elías Piña, El Seibo, Hato Mayor, Hermanas Mirabal, Independencia, La Romana, María Trinidad Sánchez, Monseñor Nouel, Monte Cristi, Monte Plata, Pedernales, Peravia, San Cristóbal, San José de Ocoa, San Juan, San Pedro de Macorís and Sánchez Ramírez. A shorter curfew, from 0000 to 0500 local time, will be implemented in the following provinces that have been deemed low risk: Duarte, Espaillat, La Altagracia, La Vega, Samaná, Santiago and Puerto Plata. The official government statement regarding changes to curfew hours can be found here (in Spanish).

AUSTRALASIA

Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 2 June 2021, the acting premier of Victoria state — where the city of Melbourne is located — confirmed that the ongoing statewide lockdown enacted in response to local spread of the B1.617.1 coronavirus variant will be extended until 10 June. The lockdown was scheduled to expire on 4 June. During the lockdown, residents may only leave their homes for food and other essential supplies, for work, caring for individuals, outdoor exercise or traveling to vaccination appointments. Face masks are mandatory in all public areas.

EUROPE

Cyprus (Security threat level – 2): On 2 June 2021, authorities announced that the border crossings between northern and southern Cyprus will reopen on 4 June. The border between the two areas was closed in February 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and is now anticipated to reopen after officials agreed to enforce the same coronavirus-related requirements for cross-border travel. Individuals who wish to travel between the northern and southern areas of Cyprus must present proof of a negative rapid or PCR test taken within seven days of travel. Officials plan to reevaluate entry requirements every two weeks based on the island’s epidemiological situation.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

China (Security threat level – 3): On 2 June 2021, the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau has advised its employees to avoid Victoria Park on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to midnight, and to exercise caution when approaching large gatherings or demonstrations anywhere in the city.

“Local media report the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) will have more than 3,000 anti-riot officers on standby to prevent any unlawful gatherings following the city-wide ban on unauthorized assemblies related to the anniversary of 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. The city-wide ban includes the annual candlelight vigil in Victoria Park, which has been specifically disallowed. This deployment is expected to be the HKPF’s largest deployment of tactical officers this year. The HKPF are expected to arrest anyone in violation of the citywide assembly ban.

“The HKPF are expected to set up roadblocks in the vicinity of Victoria Park and stop and search vehicles in violation of the ban.”

Malaysia (Security threat level – 3): On 1 June 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice regarding the implementation of the Full Movement Control Order (FMCO) Phase One in Malaysia from 1-14 June in order to slow the spread of COVID-19. The advice reads in part as follows: “A Movement Control Order, imposing restrictions on movement, is in place across Malaysia. Check local government websites, social media channels, and media reporting for up to date information.

“Inter-state and inter-district travel is not permitted, and you should not travel more than 10km from your place of residence, with the exceptions of emergencies, work in specific industries, and vaccination appointments. All social gatherings, sports, and recreational activities are prohibited, except individual activities such as jogging and cycling. Roadblocks are operating at state boundaries, and may be put in place in other locations. For further clarification, you may refer to the Royal Malaysia Police directory and contact the police department near you.

“Internal flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (also known as Subang Airport) are operating as usual, but services could be reduced without notice.

“You can get to and from the airport by taxi (only one passenger allowed per taxi), or using the KLIA express train to Sentral station. A bus service does operate from Sentral, but infrequently. You will need police permission to travel to the airport.”