AMERICAS

Colombia (Security threat level – 4): During the overnight hours of 23-24 November 2021, dozens of protesters blocked Avenida Ciudad de Cali in front of the Portal Américas bus station in the capital Bogotá to mark the anniversary of the death of a protester during a national strike in November 2019. Police officers deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters, who threw sticks and stones at officers. According to authorities, several people were injured, and an unknown number of people were arrested during the unrest.

AUSTRALASIA

South Pacific Islands (Security threat level – 1): On 24 November 2021, police officers in the capital Honiara fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators who were gathered near the parliament building demanding Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s resignation. During the subsequent unrest, demonstrators burned down a small structure near the parliament building as well as a police station. Looters also targeted several businesses in the city’s Chinatown area. Schools and many businesses in Honiara closed early due to the unrest. At least one police officer suffered injuries, and an undisclosed number of people were arrested. Authorities imposed a curfew in Honiara from 1900 local time (0800 UTC) on 24 November until 0700 local time on 26 November in an effort to stem further violence. Many of the protesters were reportedly supporters of the leader of Malaita province, who has been engaged in ongoing disputes with the national government over issues such as aid and development projects, as well as the decision to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan in favor of China.

EUROPE

Cyprus (Security threat level – 2): On 24 November 2021, authorities announced the imposition of additional coronavirus-related measures in response to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Beginning on 29 November, the COVID-19 SafePass – which can currently be obtained by individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 within the prior six months or who have received a negative COVID-19 test result within the prior seven days – will be mandatory for anyone between the ages of 14 and 64 to enter venues such as theaters and sports facilities. Additionally, the SafePass and face mask requirement will be extended to children age 6 and above as of 29 November, although they will not need to present them in order to enter the aforementioned venues. Beginning on 1 December, unvaccinated individuals over the age of 18 will need either a PCR test taken within the prior 72 hours or a negative rapid test taken within the prior 48 hours in order to be eligible for a SafePass.

Ireland (Security threat level – 2): On 24 November 2021, hundreds of truck drivers formed slow-moving convoys of commercial trucks, tractors, buses and vans on the M1, M2, M3, M4, M7, M11 and M50 roads leading to the central area of the capital city Dublin to protest high fuel prices, causing significant traffic disruptions. The convoys, organized by the Irish Truckers Haulage Association Against Fuel Prices, met in downtown Dublin near Leinster House — Ireland’s parliament building — located on Kildare Street. Police officials closed Kildare and Moleworth streets ahead of the protest.

Spain (Security threat level – 3): On the morning of 24 November 2021, police officers in the Rio San Pedro area of Puerto Real – located in the Cadiz province of the community of Andalusia – fired tear gas and rubber bullets at demonstrators taking part in an ongoing labor strike. Protestors reportedly set fire to containers and threw rocks at police officers. The demonstrations mark the ninth consecutive day of an ongoing strike led by metalworkers in demand of higher wages amidst increasing inflation rates.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): On 24 November 2021, security forces fired tear gas to disperse protesters gathered at the University of Sulaimani, located in Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan region. Several protesters were treated for effects of tear gas exposure, but there were no reports of arrests. Protests have been ongoing since 21 November. Demonstrators were demanding the resumption of monthly allowances for university students, which were initially cut in 2014. Similar demonstrations occurred elsewhere in the Kurdistan region — including in the cities of Halabja, Kalar, Koya and Erbil.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Sweden (Security threat level – 2): On 23 November 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm issued a security alert advising travelers to remain vigilant at Christmas markets, which reads in part as follows: “Location: Sweden

“Event: Reminder to Remain Vigilant We urge all U.S. citizens to remain cautious and to maintain situational awareness when attending large outdoor gatherings such as Christmas markets. Although the atmosphere at these events is festive, they also present a potential target for criminal or terrorist attacks.”

Ukraine (Security threat level – 4): On 24 November 2021, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued a Security Alert regarding increased military activity along the border with Russia, which reads in part as follows: “Location: Donetsk, Luhansk, Crimea, and Ukraine’s borders

“Event: U.S. citizens are advised of concerning reports of unusual Russian military activity near Ukraine’s borders and in occupied Crimea. The Travel Advisory for Ukraine remains at Level 4 – Do Not Travel in Crimea due to abuses by Russian occupation authorities, in the eastern parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts due to armed conflict, and for all of Ukraine due to COVID-19. U.S. citizens are reminded the security conditions along the border may change with little or no notice.”