Mexico (Security threat level – 4): At approximately 2200 local time on 23 May 2022 (0300 UTC on 24 May), gunmen opened fire inside a hotel and two adjacent bars in the Lindavista neighborhood of the industrial city of Celaya, located in Guanajuato state. About 15 attackers armed with high-powered firearms arrived in two trucks at the intersection of Azalea and Fresno streets, entered the Gala Hotel and bars, and fired more than 50 live rounds at employees and patrons. The assailants then threw Molotov cocktails at the exteriors of buildings in the area and fled the scene. The shooting killed at least 11 people and injured five others. In a related occurrence, suspected members of the Santa Rosa de Lima cartel left three dead bodies on Fresno Street at around 0100 local time, along with a sign depicting threats from their organization. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Santa Rosa de Lima criminal group and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel are engaged in a turf war in Guanajuato.
Iran (Security threat level – 3): On 23 May 2022, a commercial building collapsed on Amir Kabir Street in the southwestern city of Abadan, located in Khuzestan province, burying shops and vehicles parked in the vicinity. At least 11 people were killed and approximately 40 others suffered injuries. Emergency personnel are still searching for more than 80 people reportedly trapped under the rubble. The upper floors of the 10-story Metropolitan building were undergoing construction at the time it collapsed. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse; the mayor of Abadan and nine others have been detained as part of the probe.
Iraq (Security threat level – 5): During the early morning hours of 24 May 2022, an armed drone exploded near the Victoria military base near Baghdad International Airport (ORBI/BGW). Iraqi security officials stated that air defense systems intercepted the drone as the projectile was nearing the base. There were no reports of injuries or disruptions to airport operations. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, although Iran-aligned militia groups have previously staged similar drone attacks targeting barracks housing U.S. military personnel in Iraq.
United Arab Emirates (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 1300 local time (0900 UTC) on 23 May 2022, an explosion occurred at a restaurant near the Khalidiya Mall in the capital Abu Dhabi. Local reports indicate that a second explosion followed the first one after approximately 10-20 minutes. Several businesses were damaged, and authorities evacuated four nearby buildings. At least two people were killed and 120 more were injured. Authorities believe the explosions originated from a gas cylinder.
Mali (Security threat level – 5): On 23 May 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy in Mali reminds U.S. citizens that a terrorist attack in Bamako may be planned targeting Malian government offices, the airport, and/or locations frequented by Westerners including diplomatic facilities, hotels, and restaurants.
“A curfew is no longer in place for Embassy staff. However, employees have been advised to avoid crowded areas and venues frequented by Westerners.”
Mali (Security threat level – 5): On 23 May 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a Demonstration Alert regarding a planned rally in the capital on 24 May, which reads in part as follows: “The movement “Yerewolo Standing on the Ramparts’’ is planning a mobile rally from the Monument de l’Indépendance to the Tour d’Afrique beginning at 2 pm on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. The rally is meant to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the military consolidation of power that took place in 2021.
“Demonstrations sometimes turn violent, resulting in the burning of tires, clashes with the police, blockage on the roads and bridges, throwing of rocks at vehicles, the deployment of tear gas, and small arms fire.”
Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 24 May 2022, the U.S. Consulate General in Lahore issued a Demonstration Alert regarding protests in Punjab province, which reads in part as follows: “Large protests and demonstrations are expected in and around Lahore and throughout Punjab province. The affected areas could include any major highway interchanges and governmental buildings where protests are known to take place, including, but not limited to, the following:
“Police have placed containers at the roadside of important chokepoints, bridges, and crossroads. Police checkpoints have been established on inter-district highways across Punjab province.
“The potential for violence is likely. Significant traffic delays and disruptions to transportation across Lahore are expected as well as potential disruption to internet and cellular services. U.S. Consulate General Lahore strongly encourages U.S. citizens to avoid large gatherings, unnecessary travel, and remain vigilant of their surroundings.”
Rwanda (Security threat level – 3): On 23 March 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Kigali issued a Security Alert regarding reports of attacks near Volcanoes National Park, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy in Kigali has received reports of possible attacks in as many as three different locations in the Kinigi area, including reports of explosions and gunfire near Volcanoes National Park and Rwanda’s border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo. U.S. citizen visiting Volcanoes National Park may notice an increased Rwandan military and police presence in the area. Additional information will be shared by the Embassy as it becomes available.”
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