Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On the evening of 2 March 2021, police officers clashed with protesters at the Macroplaza in the municipality of Tecámac, located in Mexico state, approximately 40 km (25 mi) northeast of the capital Mexico City. The demonstrators, primarily street vendors, had blocked Chapultepec Avenue, a main thoroughfare, to demand the release of colleagues authorities had arrested the previous day on extortion charges. Police officers arrived at the scene, used live ammunition to disband the crowd and arrested seven demonstrators. Two protesters suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while another was injured after being hit by a truck owned by the public security commissioner. Authorities allege that the vendors opened fire at police officers and had attempted to extort stranded motorists. Demonstrators refute those claims.
Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): On 3 March 2021, security forces deployed tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition to disperse anti-coup protesters in multiple cities in Myanmar. In Yangon, police officers and military personnel cordoned off the Hledan Junction Skyway, which has been a popular demonstration site since the protests began following the 1 February military coup. In the city’s Sanchaung township, authorities deployed tear gas to disperse protesters. At least three people were shot and killed in Yangon, and approximately 300 people were arrested. Security forces were also seen targeting emergency medical personnel for arrest and physical violence at protests. In Monywa, which is located approximately 100 km (62 mi) west of Mandalay, at least five people were shot and killed and 30 more suffered injuries. In Mandalay, riot police officers dispersed approximately 1,000 demonstrators with tear gas, stun grenades and slingshots. At least two people were shot and killed in Mandalay.
Greece (Security threat level – 3): Shortly after 1215 local time (1015 UTC) on 3 March 2021, a 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck approximately 25 km (15 mi) west-northwest of the central Greek city of Larissa, according to the U.S. Geological Service. The quake had a shallow depth of 10 km. Residents of Larissa and the nearby city of Tyrnavos evacuated their homes and offices due to the tremor; shaking was felt in areas across Greece, as well as in neighboring Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and North Macedonia. There have been no reports of significant injuries or deaths, although multiple buildings in the towns situated close to the epicenter sustained structural damage. Authorities have deployed emergency crews to assess the full extent of the damage. At least six aftershocks have been reported following the initial quake, two of which had magnitudes of more than 5.0. Additional aftershocks are likely to continue.
Iraq (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1920 local time (1620 UTC) on 3 March 2021, militants fired 13 rockets toward Ain al-Asad air base, located in Anbar province approximately 160 km (100 mi) west of the capital Baghdad. Ten of the rockets struck the base, which houses U.S. military personnel. One civilian contractor died of a heart attack during the assault; there were no other reports of injuries or deaths. Authorities later discovered the launch pad used to deploy the rockets in the al-Baghdadi area, located approximately 8 km (5 mi) from the military base. No group has thus far claimed responsibility for the attack.
Senegal (Security threat level – 3): On 3 March 2021, hundreds of opposition supporters clashed with police officers in the capital Dakar following the arrest of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko over accusations of rape. Sonoko’s supporters gathered near his residence in the city, burning tires and throwing rocks at police officers. Security forces later fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. At least two protesters were reportedly injured in the violence.
South Sudan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1705 local time (1505 UTC) on 2 March 2021, a South Sudan Supreme Airlines flight carrying eight passengers and two crew members crashed shortly after departing an airstrip in Pieri, located in Jonglei state approximately 355 km (220 mi) north of the capital Juba. Reports indicate that the Let L-140 aircraft was headed for Juba International Airport (HSSJ/JUB) at the time of the crash. All 10 people aboard the aircraft were killed in the event.
Guinea (Security threat level – 4): On 3 March 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued updated travel advice for Guinea, which reads in part as follows: “The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to the N’Zerekore Region of Guinea based on the current outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease reported there.”
Lebanon (Security threat level – 4): On 3 March 2021, the U.K. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued an update to its travel advice for Lebanon, which reads in part as follows: “There is a nation-wide curfew in place between 8pm and 5am. All religious and social gatherings and events are prohibited. You must apply online to undertake certain activities such as going to the bank, going food shopping and going skiing. You can apply for this online. Certain activities e.g. going to clothes shops or veterinary clinics do not require this authorisation. Please contact the Lebanese embassy for further details.”
Turkey (Security threat level – 4): On 3 March 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara issued a Health Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The Government of Turkey (GoT) has announced the following [coronavirus-related] measures for all 81 provinces effective immediately:
“Curfew:
The full text of the alert is available here.
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