AFRICA

Nigeria (Security threat level – 5): On the morning of 19 October 2022, clashes broke out between merchants and members of local criminal gangs at Alaba International Market in Ojo Local Government Area — located in southwestern Lagos — after the gang members stormed the market. Footage on social media shows individuals armed with sticks and other homemade weapons amid large crowds rushing through the market grounds. An unspecified number of individuals reportedly sustained injuries in the violence. Shops inside the market remain closed. A reason for the occurrence remains unclear; local reports suggest the violence may be related to the criminal gangs’ demands for extortion money from the merchants.

ASIA

Bangladesh (Security threat level – 4): On 18 October 2022, a senior leader of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) announced that party members will engage in countrywide demonstrations on 20 October — excluding in Khulna division, located in southwestern Bangladesh — to protest security raids made on the homes of opposition leaders and cadres. In the capital Dhaka, rallies and demonstrations are expected to occur near the party’s central office located on VIP road in the Naya Paltan area, in addition to other central locations in cities across the country. The BNP is also expected to organize another rally on 22 October in Khulna city, the capital of Khulna division.

EUROPE

Italy (Security threat level – 2): On 18 October 2022, trade unions in the aviation and public transportation sectors called for a nationwide 24-hour strike on 21 October in response to ongoing disputes over wages and labor contracts. ITA Airways canceled more than 200 domestic and international flights scheduled for 21 October due to a strike action headed by employees of Italy’s air traffic control company. Flights to and from airports in Milan and Rome, as well as several other domestic flights throughout Italy, will be affected by the strike action. ITA officials have begun efforts to reschedule passengers affected by flight cancellations to available flights. Travelers whose flights have not been canceled are still advised to monitor the status of their flights prior to arriving at the airport. Additionally, train and bus drivers plan to begin their industrial action on the morning of 21 October, which will likely cause further disruptions to transportation services throughout the day.

MIDDLE EAST

Iran (Security threat level – 3): As of 18 October 2022, mass anti-government protests that began on 17 September following the death of a young woman in police custody are ongoing. Demonstrations have reportedly occurred in more than 80 cities — including in Ahvaz, Isfahan, Rasht and the capital Tehran — and several protests have turned violent due to attempts by police officers to suppress the action. Security personnel monitoring the demonstrations often use force and weapons to detain demonstrators and disperse the crowds. Thus far, foreign human rights groups have reported more than 200 fatalities during the countrywide demonstrations.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Malaysia (Security threat level – 3): On 19 October 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Local media recently reported two incidents of violent crime near the 430-440 block of Jalan Tun Razak. Assailants murdered one foreign tourist and injured another in two separate incidents at the Zouk Bar located at 436 Jalan Tun Razak.

“U.S. government personnel and family members are prohibited from visiting the Zouk bar. When visiting other establishments in the neighborhood, U.S. government personnel and family members are strongly advised to depart the neighborhood no later than 2100hrs (9:00 pm). American citizens are advised to take the same precautions.”