ASIA

Georgia (Security threat level – 2): On 24 June 2022, thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building in central Tbilisi in a show of support for Georgia’s EU membership and against the country’s current government leaders. The protests follow the EU’s decision to defer Georgia’s candidacy in the organization until the country has implemented certain government reforms. Demonstrators have reportedly called for new government actions to counteract those of the ruling Georgian Dream Party, which demonstrators accuse of preventing the country from reaching full member status in the EU.

EUROPE

Norway (Security threat level – 2): During the early morning hours of 25 June 2022, a shooting occurred at an LGBT nightclub in central Oslo. The gunman killed two people and injured 21 others before police officers were able to apprehend and disarm him. Authorities have detained the gunman on charges related to murder and committing terrorist acts. The Norwegian Police Security Service stated that the individual has been known to the intelligence agency since 2015, and that he has a history of mental illness. Government officials canceled the Oslo Pride celebration due to the threat of violence following the shooting.

NORTH AMERICA

United States (Security threat level – 2): On the evening of 24 June 2022, police officers clashed with abortion rights activists protesting in downtown Los Angeles, California, and Phoenix, Arizona, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Police officers wielded batons and fired rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse demonstrators marching through the streets of downtown Los Angeles; demonstrators responded by throwing firecrackers and various other objects at the police. Police officers also fired tear gas at demonstrators who were banging on the windows of the Capitol building in Phoenix. There were no immediate reports of injuries following the clashes. Similar protests against the Supreme Court decision have taken place in a number of major cities nationwide, including Austin, Texas; Cedar Rapids, Iowa; New York City, New York; and Washington, D.C. Most of the protest actions remained generally peaceful and caused only brief traffic disruptions. Protests against the Supreme Court decision are expected to continue in the coming days. Travelers should monitor local news outlets for potential demonstrations.

SOUTH AMERICA

Ecuador (Security threat level – 2) : On 25 June 2022, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso ended the state of emergency that had been in effect since 13 June in Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Cotopaxi, Pichincha, Pastaza and Imbabura provinces due to an ongoing Indigenous-led strike through the signing of Executive Decree 461. The presidential decree immediately nullifies the government’s emergency powers, which had included the ability to deploy military personnel in the previously noted provinces, increased power to censor social media content, and curfew enforcement authority. The decree follows a meeting between Lasso and Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) leaders in which government authorities claim the two sides agreed to remain open to U.N. mediation regarding CONAIE demands related to rising fuel prices, environmental issues and agricultural sector debt. The state of emergency was originally declared in response to heightened unrest caused by weeks of consecutive nationwide demonstrations.

Peru (Security threat level – 3): On 27 June 2022, a nationwide strike planned by several transport and agriculture unions is scheduled to occur. The unions are demanding government action to offset the effects of steep increases in the prices of fuel and fertilizer. Interprovincial bus routes and freight trucks that transport food and vegetables are expected to participate. Food shortages may occur in the capital Lima and throughout the country. While strike leaders stated that that there will not be blockades, sporadic road stoppages may occur. Authorities have deployed more than 130,000 National Police officers to multiple cities in anticipation of the strike.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Guatemala (Security threat level – 4): On 24 June 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City issued a Weather Alert after officials declared a State of Calamity. The alert reads in part as follows: “The Government of Guatemala has announced a State of Public Calamity throughout the country due to heavy rainfall that has killed more than 20 people and caused landslides, floods, and significant damage to roads, homes, and buildings. The State of Public Calamity, which was ratified by the congress, started on June 22, 2022, and will last for 30 days. Protective measures include imposing restrictions on vehicle movement and empowering local authorities to prevent the entry or exit of people into or out of affected areas.”

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 24 June 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The state of Chiapas has recently experienced heightened violence among criminal organizations including violent clashes in San Cristobal de Las Casas and the highway 145d between Tuxtla and Raudales de Malpaso. U.S. citizens should expect to encounter increased Mexican military and National Guard presence in and around San Cristobal de Las Casas. Criminal activity and violence may occur throughout the state, and criminal organization assassinations and territorial disputes can result in bystanders being injured or killed.”