AMERICAS

Argentina / Chile (Security threat levels – 3 / 2): Shortly after 2000 local time (2300 UTC) on 10 May 2022, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the northwestern Argentine province of Jujuy near the country’s border with Chile. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the quake was centered nearly 160 km (100 mi) west-northwest of the provincial capital San Salvador de Jujuy and had an estimated depth of 194 km. Light shaking was reported as far away as the Chilean coastal city of Iquique, situated about 500 km northwest of the earthquake’s epicenter, as well as in the Chilean city of Antofagasta — located approximately 375 km to the west. There were no reports of casualties or significant damage, and no tsunami warning was issued.

AUSTRALASIA

New Zealand (Security threat level – 1): On 10 May 2022, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern declared that New Zealand’s international borders will fully reopen at 2359 local time on 31 July (1159 UTC) — two months earlier than initially planned — following more than two years of coronavirus-related border closures. Anyone possessing the required visas will be permitted to enter New Zealand. The full reopening aims to boost the country’s economic recovery, as well as address skilled worker shortages.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Somalia (Security threat level – 5): On the morning of 11 May 2022, a suicide bombing occurred at a security checkpoint near Aden Adde International Airport (HCMM/MGQ) in the capital Mogadishu. The bombing targeted vehicles crossing the checkpoint as presidential candidates were en route to the airport area to address members of the parliament, which is scheduled to elect Somalia’s new president on 15 May. Four people were killed in the blast, including two soldiers, and at least eight others were wounded. The al-Shabab militant group claimed responsibility for the attack.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Bulgaria (Security threat level – 3): On 11 May 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Sofia issued a Demonstration Alert regarding upcoming strikes and protests, which reads in part as follows: “Nationwide strikes by truck drivers and transport companies are expected to cause disruptions to traffic in major cities across Bulgaria (Sofia, Burgas, Varna, and Plovdiv) in the coming week. While not expected to be violent, these protests have the potential to block major routes and highways inside, and approaching, the major cities across the country, leading to significant traffic congestion and delays. Please note that road closures and demonstration locations can change quickly.”

France (Security threat level – 3): On 10 May 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Paris issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Multiple cities in France, including Amiens, Béziers, Grenoble, Nantes, Paris, and Rennes.

“Event: Per media reports, authorities have opened several ongoing investigations into complaints by young adults across France who claim to have been stung by unidentified objects at concerts, festivals, and nightclubs. Victims report being stung in different parts of the body (thighs, buttocks, hips, ankles, arms, shoulder, back) and describe similar symptoms: hot flashes, nausea, malaise, loss of balance, and tingling.”

Norway (Security threat level – 2): On 10 May 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Oslo issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy has been advised of a demonstration taking place near the Embassy in Oslo on Saturday, May 14, 2022, from 13:00 – 15:00.

“Oslo Police will be present.

“Demonstrations on Saturday are expected to begin Saturday at 13:00 continue until 15:00.

“The start times and number of demonstrators involved in demonstrations are variable. Furthermore, while most demonstrations are coordinated with local police and remain peaceful, even demonstrations expected to be non-violent are unpredictable and can escalate into violence. Accordingly, U.S. citizens are advised to proceed with caution and consider avoiding the area.”