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March 24, 2022
24-March-2022

ASIA

North Korea / Japan (Security threat levels – 3 / 1): At approximately 1535 local time (0635 UTC) on 24 March 2022, the North Korean military conducted a suspected intercontinental ballistic missile test for the first time since 2017. The missile was fired from the Sunan area near the capital Pyongyang. According to Japanese military officials, the projectile traveled more than 1,100 km (670 mi) while reaching a maximum altitude of more than 6,000 km and landing within Japan’s exclusive economic zone off the coast of the northern Aomori prefecture. South Korean President Moon Jae-In and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida both condemned the missile test.

Singapore (Security threat level – 1): On 24 March 2022, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the easing of several COVID-19 measures in Singapore. As of 1 April, vaccinated foreign travelers will no longer be required to take a COVID-19 test or quarantine upon arrival, provided they have obtained a negative test result prior to arriving in Singapore. Other measures being eased beginning on 29 March include a new edict allowing social gatherings with up to 10 participants, compared to the current limit of five people. Face masks will no longer be required outdoors, but individuals must still wear them in public indoor venues.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Somalia (Security threat level – 5): On 23 March 2022, al-Shabab militants conducted two suicide bombings in the city of Beledweyne, located near the border with Ethiopia. At least 48 people were killed in the attacks, including a prominent opposition legislator, a former member of parliament and a traditional elder. More than 100 others were wounded; the death toll is likely to rise. Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble described the killing of the parliament member — who was in Beledweyne campaigning for reelection — as “an assassination.” Parliamentary elections are currently underway across the country, and al-Shabab militants have escalated their attacks to coincide with the election period.

South Africa (Security threat level – 4): On 24 March 2022, thousands of taxi drivers marched along the N2 Highway to the central business district of the southern city of Cape Town amid a strike to protest vehicle impoundment and what they claim are unreasonable costs to have their vehicles released from impoundment. Taxi services, as well as general traffic in the area, were significantly disrupted due to the march. Protesters threw bricks at a number of vehicles and set fire to at least three passenger buses, injuring four people.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Portugal (Security threat level – 2): On 24 March 2022, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Portugal, which reads in part as follows:

“The Portuguese Civil Protection authorities in the Azores have been monitoring an increase in seismic activity on the island of São Jorge since 19 March. As a precaution, they have now activated their earthquake prevention plan and have advised against all but essential travel to the island.

“Anyone who is already on the island of São Jorge is asked to avoid the areas of flat terrain, known locally as Fajãs, at the foot of the cliffs overlooking the sea in the Velas municipality.

“Follow developments and local authority advice on the Civil Protection authority’s general website and on the Earthquake Information and Surveillance Centre’s website (in Portuguese).”