AMERICAS

Brazil (Security threat level – 3): On the morning of 25 June 2021, indigenous people protesting the government’s approval of a bill that changes the recognition of land rights of indigenous groups blocked traffic in São Paulo and held rallies in other Brazilian cities. In São Paulo at approximately 0745 local time (1045 UTC), a group of protesters temporarily blocked traffic on the Rodovia dos Bandeirantes highway leading toward the state capital, near kilometer marker 21, by setting fire to erected barriers of tires and wood. Military police worked to clear the barriers and traffic resumed at approximately 0830 local time. Additionally, indigenous individuals have gathered at multiple sites, including in front of the Chamber of Deputies in Brasilia. No injuries or arrests have been reported. Protests and associated disruptions in Brasilia and São Paulo are likely to continue during the upcoming weekend, and isolated violence is possible as evinced in a recent such gathering in Brasilia on 22 June.

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On the morning of 25 June 2021, Tropical Storm Enrique developed off the southwestern coast of Mexico. As of 0400 local time (0900 UTC), Enrique was located approximately 525 km (325 mi) south-southeast of the city of Manzanillo, Colima state, and was moving west-northwest at 15 kph (9 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, the storm was generating maximum sustained winds of 65 kph, with higher gusts. Enrique is forecast to remain offshore and move in a parallel direction to the southwestern coast of Mexico. However, the storm is expected to strengthen, and its outer bands may cause heavy rains to fall in the coastal areas of southwestern states, potentially causing flash floods and mudslides.

United States (Security threat level – 2): On 24 June 2021, the governor of Hawaii announced that domestic travelers will be exempt from the quarantine and pre-travel testing requirements for COVID-19 beginning on 8 July if they upload proof of full immunization to the state’s Safe Travels website. Travelers are required to have been vaccinated in a U.S. state or territory to qualify for the exemption. Additionally, restaurants and other eateries in Hawaii will be allowed to operate at up to 75% capacity, with a maximum of 25 people indoors and 75 people outdoors. Indoor gatherings of up to 25 individuals will be permissible and outdoor gatherings may host up to 75 individuals. The upcoming changes are in accordance with the governor’s reopening plan, which outlines that these changes will be implemented when 60% of the state’s residents are fully immunized. Officials estimate that at least 60% of Hawaii residents will be fully vaccinated by 8 July.

United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1800 local time on 24 June 2021 (0100 UTC on 25 June), a car breached the gate of a FedEx cargo facility and drove onto the runways of Los Angeles International Airport (KLAX/LAX) in the state of California. The vehicle, which was traveling on the adjacent Imperial Highway, entered the tarmac through the chain-link gate and drove onto and off the south runways, prompting a police pursuit. Police officers chased the vehicle to Atlantic Aviation, a private terminal that services corporate aircraft, and detained the motorist. There were no reports of injuries or damage. The incident forced airport officials to temporarily shut down the two south runways, although north runways remained unaffected. No information is available regarding a potential motive of the perpetrator. The FBI and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are investigating the incident.

EUROPE

Czech Republic (Security threat level – 2): On 24 June 2021, powerful winds swept through southeastern Czech Republic, including the towns of Breclav, Hodonín, Hrušky and Lužice — all of which are located in the South Moravia region. Weather officials recorded wind speeds of at least 219 kph (136 mph), which caused severe structural damage, particularly in Hodonín and Hrušky towns. Government officials estimate that about 1,000 buildings have been affected. As of last report, more than 40,000 individuals were without electricity in the South Moravia, Vysocina and Zlin regions. Five people were killed and as many as 150 others were injured due to the inclement weather. The death toll is expected to rise, as search and rescue operations are ongoing. Czech officials have deployed army personnel, along with an additional 360 police officers, to the area. Military personnel from neighboring Austria and Slovakia are also aiding Czech emergency crews in carrying out rescue efforts.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Mali (Security threat level – 5): On 25 June 2021, unidentified militants attacked a U.N. peacekeeper camp in the northern Gao region’s Ichagara village, located approximately 155 km (95 mi) from the regional capital city Gao. At least 15 peacekeepers — including several German soldiers — were injured when a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated; there were no reports of fatalities. According to the U.N. Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the Camp Castor facility is being evacuated. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack thus far, Islamist insurgents with ties to both al-Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS) are active in the area.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Angola (Security threat level – 3): On 25 June 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Luanda issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Estrada de Catete, between the Cemetery of Santa Ana and Largo de Independencia.

“Event: Demonstrations are expected to take place on Saturday, June 26, 2021. Several local groups intend to protest against the current Angolan government. Heavy traffic and police presence are expected.”

Poland (Security threat level – 2): On 24 June 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Poland, which reads in part as follows: “If you are fully vaccinated with a vaccination approved for use in the EU, you are exempt from quarantine on arrival in Poland, but must present evidence of your COVID-19 vaccination at the border and 14 days must have passed since your final dose.”

Russia (Security threat level – 3): On 25 June 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Moscow issued a Health Alert regarding increased coronavirus-related restrictions, which reads in part as follows: “In response to a worsening epidemiological situation, regional, local, and municipal authorities in the Russian Federation continue to take steps to restrict the spread of COVID-19. These measures may include curfews for restaurants and bars, attendance limits on large gatherings, and more stringent enforcement of mask and glove wearing.

“The Mayor of Moscow announced that starting June 28, 2021, all patrons at restaurants and bars will need to use an application connecting to a centralized government database to generate a QR-code proving that they have either: been vaccinated, recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months, or have a negative PCR test results from an approved Moscow lab within the last three days. Moscow authorities will only accept evidence of vaccination with one of the vaccines registered in the Russian Federation. The Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not currently registered in the Russian Federation. For more information, please see the following website.

“In Saint Petersburg, the governor has suspended the work of amusement and water parks and increased enforcement of the mask regime in public transportation and cultural and retail establishments. For more information, please see the following website.

“Measures and restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 vary widely, as individual regions and cities set their own policies. Travelers should check with the local government in their region for current restrictions.”