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08-November-2022

AFRICA

Kenya (Security threat level – 4): Kenya Airways has canceled the majority of its scheduled flights on 8-9 November 2022, due to an ongoing work stoppage initiated by the Kenya Airline Pilots Association (KALPA) over salary arrears and pension disputes. KALPA, which represents about 400 pilots, began the labor action on 5 November, forcing the cancellations of most flights operated by the airline; approximately 80% of Kenya Airways scheduled flights were canceled on 7 November at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (HKJK/NBO). In response to the labor strike, the airline is seeking to end a collective bargaining agreement with the union and has begun recruiting new pilots. Union members are observing the strike — in defiance of a court order — to call for the reinstatement of funds to compensate for salaries frozen during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Bahamas / United States (Security threat levels – 2 / 2): As of 0700 local time (1200 UTC) on 8 November 2022, Subtropical Storm Nicole was located approximately 615 km (385 mi) east-northeast of northwestern Bahamas and was moving west-northwest at a speed of 13 kph (8 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that point, Nicole had maximum sustained winds of 80 kph and higher gusts. On its current forecast track, Nicole will strengthen into a tropical storm later in the day as it approaches northwestern Bahamas and moves near or over the Bahama Islands on 9 November. Nicole is then projected to become a Category 1 hurricane before making landfall along the eastern coast of the U.S. state of Florida during the night of 9 November and tracking across central and northern Florida into the southern parts of the state of Georgia the following day.

Nicole is anticipated to produce 75-125 mm (3-5 in) of rain, with isolated maximums of more than 175 mm, in northwestern Bahamas, as well as in the eastern, central and northern parts of the Florida Peninsula. Additionally, 25-100 mm of rain is in the forecast for southeastern Georgia and parts of South Carolina. Storm-generated swells are likely to cause hazardous surf and riptide conditions in northwestern Bahamas, and along Florida’s eastern coast and most other coastal areas of the southeastern U.S.

The governor of Florida has declared a state of emergency in 34 counties ahead of the storm’s arrival to prepare for related disruptions. A Hurricane Warning is currently in effect in northwestern Bahamas for the Abacos, Berry Islands, Bimini and Grand Bahama Island. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for Andros Island, New Providence and Eleuthera in northwestern Bahamas, as well as from Florida’s Hallandale Beach to Georgia’s Altamaha Sound and for Lake Okeechobee in Florida. A Storm Surge Warning is in effect from North Palm Beach, Florida, to Altamaha Sound and from the mouth of the St. John’s River to Georgetown, Florida. A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Hallandale Beach to the Volusia-Brevard County border and for Lake Okeechobee. A Storm Surge Watch is in effect for areas south of North Palm Beach to Hallandale Beach, while a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for areas north of Bonita Beach to the Ochlockonee River.

MIDDLE EAST

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): On 7 November 2022, gunmen shot and killed a U.S. national in the central Karrada district of the capital Baghdad. The assailants were traveling in a vehicle when they intercepted and opened fire on the man — an employee of a U.S.-based international aid organization — while he was driving home with his family. No one else was hurt in the event. Iraqi security officials stated that the shooting may have occurred as part of a failed kidnapping attempt, but provided no further details. A previously unknown group calling itself Ahl al-Kahf Brigades claimed responsibility for the killing, stating that it was in retaliation for the 2020 killings of Iranian Gen. Qassim Soleimani and Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces commander Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis by a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad.

United Arab Emirates (Security threat level – 3): The United Arab Emirates government has revoked nearly all coronavirus-related restrictions in the country as of 7 November 2022. The Al-Hosn contact-tracing application will no longer be required to access public facilities; instead, it will be solely used as a means for residents and travelers to provide proof of vaccination status and coronavirus test results upon request. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 will still be required to isolate for at least five days. Additionally, the use of face masks is optional in all indoor and outdoor public venues, excluding medical facilities.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 4): On 7 November 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has received reports of potential civil society demonstrations between Tuesday, November 8, and Saturday, November 12, 2022. U.S. Citizens are advised to avoid the below mentioned areas as there could be police and/or military roadblocks, heavy traffic, and increased police presence.

  • On Tuesday, November 8, civil society groups plan to assemble at Gare Centrale and march by the U.S. Embassy, MONUSCO headquarters, and the Rwandan Embassy.
  • On Wednesday, November 9, there will be a possible demonstration at the U.S. Embassy and MONUSCO headquarters.
  • On Saturday, November 12, civil society groups plan to assemble at the Palais du Peuple and march on Boulevard Triomphal. We advise you to use alternate routes if traveling to N’djili Airport.”

Peru (Security threat level – 3): On 7 November 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Lima issued an alert, which reads in part as follows: “We are tracking recent events where local communities along the Marañón River in the Department of Loreto have been halting vessels as a form of political protest requesting additional Peruvian government support for their communities, among other reasons. It is unclear how long these disruptions to river traffic will persist. For U.S. citizens planning to travel along the Marañón River in the Department of Loreto, please contact your travel arrangers for more information.”