AMERICAS

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 1300 local time (1700 UTC) on 28 March 2022, a twin-engine aircraft crashed into a supermarket in the town of Temixco, located on the outskirts of Cuernavaca — the capital of Morelos state. The Beechcraft C90 A King Air, with registration number N426EM, plowed through the wall of the Bodega Aurrerá supermarket in the town’s central Azteca neighborhood and came to a halt inside the store. Three individuals on board were killed in the event and at least five others were injured, including four people who were inside the supermarket when it was hit. The aircraft was traveling to Cuernavaca from the city of Acapulco when it crashed. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure prior to the crash.

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): Shortly before 1200 local time (1700 UTC) on 28 March 2022, several loud banging noises at Terminal 3 of Cancun International Airport (MMUN/CUN), located in the state of Quintana Roo, caused panic among passengers and staff members. The bangs heard at the terminal were mistaken for gunfire, prompting individuals in the area to flee or seek shelter. Police officers and National Guard troops arrived at the scene after receiving reports of gunshots and investigated the incident. Airport officials later stated that the noise was the sound of three signboards at the terminal hitting the floor after being pushed over accidentally. Operations at the terminal were suspended for nearly three hours due to the incident.

United States (Security threat level – 2): On 28 March 2022, a major multi-vehicle crash resulted in a pileup involving approximately 60 vehicles on Interstate 81 in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, located approximately 95 mi (150 km) northeast of the city of Philadelphia. The pileup resulted in the deaths of at least three motorists and injury to approximately 20 more. According to local authorities, winter weather conditions likely caused the accident, as a snow squall was moving through the area at the time the pileup occurred. First responders were delayed from reaching the crash by a fire involving multiple vehicles. The affected stretch of highway remains closed until further notice.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Kuwait (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0530 local time (0230 UTC) on 28 March 2022, a fire broke out at a new terminal under construction at Kuwait International Airport (OKBK/KWI). Local emergency response teams reported that the fire initially erupted in the basement of the terminal and subsequently spread to the ground and first floors, resulting in extensive material damage. There were no casualties as a result of the incident. Flight delays were reported at the airport during firefighting operations; however, civil aviation authorities stated that delays were not connected to the blaze. An investigation to establish the cause of the fire remains underway.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Ghana (Security threat level – 3): As of 28 March 2022, fully vaccinated travelers arriving in Ghana are no longer required to present a negative COVID-19 PRC test result to gain entry. However, travelers who are not fully vaccinated are still required to provide a negative PRC test taken no more than 48 hours prior to their arrival and will be subject to an on-arrival antigen test. All land and sea borders have now reopened after being closed for nearly two years in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Government officials also announced that the wearing of face masks in public spaces is no longer mandatory, and that all in-person and outdoor events can take place at full capacity if participants are fully vaccinated.

Nigeria (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 2200 local time (2100 UTC) on 28 March 2022, gunmen attacked a passenger train near the Rigasa train station northwest of Kaduna’s city center as the train was traveling to Kaduna from the capital Abuja. The suspected bandits planted an improvised explosive device on the train track, causing the train to derail. The assailants then opened fire on the train, wounding an unknown number of people on board, and abducted some of the train’s approximately 970 passengers. Emergency services were deployed to the scene to rescue the remaining passengers. The event follows an attack by armed bandits on Kaduna International Airport (DKNA/KAD) that occurred on 26 March.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Albania (Security threat level – 3): On 28 March 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Tirana issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “A protest has been scheduled to take place in front of the Prime Minister’s Office on Deshmoret e Kombit Blvd on Tuesday March 29, 2022, beginning at 5:00pm. These protests have the potential to spread to surrounding streets causing traffic congestion, detours, and road closures. In addition to this scheduled protest there have been several unscheduled and unannounced protests throughout Tirana and the rest of the country. These protests often occur near public gathering spaces and/or government buildings and may occur at any time of day.”

Chile (Security threat level – 2) : On 28 March 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Santiago issued a Demonstration Alert regarding possible protests on 29 March, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Santiago and other cities in Chile

“Event: The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens traveling and residing in Chile of the likelihood of violent disturbances in Santiago and other cities in connection with the anniversary of the Day of the Young Combatant (Día del Joven Combatiente) on Tuesday, March 29.

“The commemoration of this day is often marked by protests and acts of violence/vandalism. These acts may include the destruction of public transportation, throwing rocks at businesses, vehicles, and bystanders, and the blocking off of streets with barricades. Even peaceful demonstrations may turn violent with little to no notice.

“In Santiago, demonstrations may center on downtown Santiago, especially along Avenida Libertador Bernardo O’Higgins. Demonstrations may also occur in Plaza Italia, as well as in the vicinity of universities across the city. Disruptions to public transportation, including the closure of Metro stations with little to no notice, is likely.”

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 29 March 2022, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued an update to its travel advisory for Mexico, which reads in part as follows: “We now advise you reconsider your need to travel to Zacatecas State due to high levels of crime, including kidnapping and extortion. The land border between Mexico and the US has reopened to fully vaccinated travellers only. Periodic closures of Mexico’s land borders with Guatemala and Belize may occur. Check with local authorities before crossing the border.”