ASIA

China (Security threat level – 3) : On 3 June 2022, authorities in Shanghai reimposed stringent lockdown measures on at least four residential neighborhoods in the Jing’an and Pudong districts following the confirmation of seven new COVID-19 cases in those districts. A day earlier, government authorities lifted the lockdown for low-risk areas in the city, indicating that areas the government considers high-risk are still subject to lockdown requirements. Additionally, local residents complained of long lines at COVID-19 testing sites, as individuals are required to present a PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours to enter indoor public venues and access public transportation.

Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 3 June 2022, authorities in the southwestern Okinawa prefecture issued an evacuation order for more than 50,000 households in Tomigusuku City, as well as in Naha City’s Shuri and Oroku districts due to continuous heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding. The cities have been placed on alert level 4 on a five-tier scale for heavy rainfall. Additionally, Itoman City officials ordered the evacuation of elderly individuals throughout the city. Authorities have not announced when the orders will be lifted.

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 3 June 2022, the Pakistani government and the Tehrik-e-Taliban (Pakistani Taliban) militant group announced an indefinite extension to a ceasefire that expired on 30 May following negotiations with Pakistani tribal elders sponsored by the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The Pakistani Taliban and related groups have waged a 14-year insurgency in Pakistan for stricter enforcement of Islamic laws in the country by conducting terrorist attacks in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore. Tribals elders negotiated on behalf of the government due to a constitutional clause that prohibits the government from negotiating with insurgents.

South Korea (Security threat level – 2): On 3 June 2022, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo announced that unvaccinated foreign travelers arriving in South Korea will no longer be required to quarantine upon arrival as of 8 June. Unvaccinated travelers will still be required to present a COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours prior to departure for South Korea and submit to an additional PCR test within 72 hours after arrival in the country. In addition, coronavirus-related aviation regulations imposed at Incheon International Airport (RKSI/ ICN) will also be annulled on 8 June to increase the efficiency of airport operations.

EUROPE

Germany (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 1220 local time (1020 UTC) on 3 June 2022, a regional passenger train derailed in the Burgrain area near the town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen, located in Bavaria state. Local media reported that several train carriages veered off the tracks and partially overturned. Three people were killed in the event and at least 60 others were injured, including 16 who are in serious condition. The train was en route to the city of Munich from Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A large-scale rescue operation is currently underway, and the train traffic between the two locations is being diverted. The cause of the derailment is unknown.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Kenya (Security threat level – 4): On 2 June 2022, police officers fired live ammunition at locals who had gathered in the town of Masimba, located in Kajiado County, to demand that the government take action to keep wildlife away from residential areas; wild animals have attacked and killed multiple people in the area over the past few months. Four people were killed in the clash with police and eight others were wounded. In the lead-up to the violence, the demonstrators had blockaded a stretch of the country’s main highway — which links the capital Nairobi to the coastal city of Mombasa — for several hours, halting traffic in both directions. Additionally, the demonstrators allegedly threw stones at a vehicle transporting police officers.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 4): On 3 June 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo issued a Demonstration Alert regarding an upcoming protest on 4 June, which reads in part as follows: “Several student groups and civil society organizations have announced plans to protest on Saturday (June 4, 2022) in Colombo, starting at 10:00 AM near Fort Railway Station and moving towards the President’s House and the Presidential Secretariat. Approximately 1500 participants are expected to march. The protest is likely to cause congested roads in Colombo 01 and 02.”

“Even peaceful demonstrations can quickly turn confrontational and escalate into violence. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.”

Togo (Security threat level – 4): On 3 June 2022, the U.S. Embassy issued a Security Alert regarding an attack against local security personnel in Lomé, which reads in part as follows: “Local media is reporting that two gendarmes were injured, one fatally, in an unprovoked attack yesterday in the Grande Marche in Lomé. The suspect was arrested by local authorities. Incidents such as this can occur at any time and without warning; we encourage you to continue your vigilance when in public, particularly in large, crowded areas.”