Colombia (Security threat level – 4): Nationwide demonstrations over income inequality, police brutality and youth unemployment are expected to continue for a 40th consecutive day on 7 June 2021. The National Strike Committee unilaterally suspended an ongoing dialogue with the Colombian government on 6 June, citing the government’s refusal to sign a pre-agreement reached on 24 May, while government negotiators claim that the pre-agreement on various issues was only a draft.
Meanwhile, on 6 June President Iván Duque announced reforms to Colombia’s policing policies, following accusations of police brutality during the ongoing protests. The reforms include the creation of a police human rights directorate, improved human rights training for officers, the creation of a new complaints system, the implementation of disciplinary standards for officers, establishment of legitimate use of force criteria and increased oversight of officers by incorporating body cameras on uniforms. Duque stated that he will submit his proposals to Congress during the next legislative session in July.
Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 4 June 2021, officials announced a loosening of restrictions in Mexico City beginning on 7 June due to a steady decrease in COVID-19 cases. As the city moves to the lowest-risk “green” level on its four-tier Traffic Light Monitoring System, hotels will be allowed to increase their occupancy to 60% of their maximum capacity, while shopping centers and outdoor sporting events will be allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Restaurants will be permitted to operate at 50% capacity until 0000 local time (0500 UTC). Mandates on the use of face masks and social distancing remain in effect. Additional relaxation of existing restrictions may occur on 14 and 24 June based on the epidemiological status in Mexico City.
Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 0330 local time on 7 June 2021 (2230 UTC on 6 June), two passenger trains collided near the Raiti railway station in the Ghotki district of Sindh province, which is located approximately 530 km (330 mi) northeast of the city of Karachi. The crash took place when a Karachi-bound Sir Syed Express train traveling from Rawalpindi collided with a derailed Millat Express train that had been traveling from Karachi to Sargodha. According to a local official, the Millat Express train had just derailed a few minutes before the collision occurred. The cause of the Millat Express train’s derailment and the subsequent collision is currently unknown. At least 40 people were killed and more than 100 others were injured. Railway officials stated that about 1,100 passengers were aboard the two trains involved in the accident. Emergency personnel, including Pakistani military and police officers, conducted the rescue operation throughout the day.
Taiwan (Security threat level – 1): On 7 June 2021, authorities extended nationwide Level 3 COVID-19 restrictions — the second-highest level on a four-tier scale — through 28 June. As part of the restrictions, face masks are mandatory in all outdoor public areas, nonessential businesses are advised to close and private gatherings are limited to a maximum of four people; outdoor gatherings may have a maximum of nine attendees. Additionally, restaurants may only offer takeout or delivery services, and all places of worship are required to close.
Belgium (Security threat level – 3): On 4 June 2021, authorities announced new entry requirements for non-EU visitors to Belgium, effective 1 July. Travelers will be required to provide proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit to a PCR test upon entry. Quarantine will be required if a traveler’s PCR test yields positive results for COVID-19. A ban will remain in place for travelers who have visited high-risk areas within 14 days prior to travel. Exceptions will be in place for diplomats and transport personnel, who must quarantine for 10 days after arrival and undergo PCR testing on the first and seventh days of quarantine.
Jordan (Security threat level – 3): On 5 June 2021, security forces clashed with protesters in the southern Naour suburb of Amman, the capital. Security personnel fired tear gas to disperse the protesters, who had gathered to show support for a local lawmaker banned from parliament the previous month. The Interior Ministry stated that four security personnel were injured in the violence.
Burkina Faso (Security threat level – 4): In the early hours of 6 June 2021, unidentified militants launched an attack on Solhan village, located in the Sahel region’s Yagha province. According to reports, the militants — riding on about 20 motorcycles — arrived in the village and attacked an outpost of the Volunteers for the Defense of the Motherland (VDP) anti-jihadist militia group. The assailants then entered the village and set ablaze shops, vehicles and several residences in the area. At least 160 people were killed in the attack. An additional attack occurred in the village of Tadaryat, located about 150 km (90 mi) north of Solhan, on the evening of 5 June. At least 14 people were killed in the latter attack. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, a government spokesperson indicated that militants linked to either al-Qaeda or Islamic State (IS) and actively operating in the region are likely responsible. The attacks follow a 14 May trip by the Burkinabe minister of defense to military barracks in the provincial capital Sebba, located about 12 km from Solhan. During the trip, the minister declared that the security situation had returned to normal following a large-scale military operation in the region earlier in May. Suspected Islamist militants have stepped up attacks in the Sahel region since early April.
Guatemala (Security threat level – 4): On 4 June 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Due to a VIP visit, traffic congestion around Guatemala City on Monday, June 7th, is expected to be higher than usual and the public should expect significant delays. Specific areas impacted will be zones 10 and 1. Streets will be closed with little to no notice for indefinite periods of time. Additional security restrictions and checkpoints should also be expected. The U.S. Embassy remains open.”
Haiti (Security threat level – 4): On 4 June 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “There are ongoing reports of kidnappings, gang activity, and continued police operations in the Laboule 12 neighborhood (located between Petionville and Kenscoff). The U.S. Embassy will continue to restrict non-official travel of its direct-hire U.S. citizen staff from traveling beyond Petionville on Route de Kenscoff. Staff has been reminded to limit all travel to the Tabarre area only, effective at sunset each day. Additionally, staff have been reminded of the Government of Haiti’s country-wide curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., due to COVID-19.”
Luxembourg (Security threat level – 1): On 6 June 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Luxembourg, which reads in part as follows: “From Monday 7 June 2021, all arrivals in Luxembourg from the UK will be required to take a PCR test on arrival and quarantine for seven days. This will apply to anyone who has stayed in the UK in the 14 days prior to their arrival, regardless of length of stay in the UK and Luxembourg. This applies to all air, road and rail passengers. Arrivals are required to take a second PCR test on or after day six. Anyone refusing to take the tests will have to quarantine for a total of 14 days.”
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