MIDDLE EAST

Iran (Security threat level – 3): During the evening of 26 October 2022, gunmen opened fire at a shrine in the southwestern city of Shiraz, the capital of Fars province. Official state sources and other media provided contradictory informaiton on the number of attackers; however, at least one of the gunmen was detained. The attack killed at least 15 people and injured 40 others. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack.

Iran (Security threat level – 3): On 26 October 2022, anti-regime protests occurred in 33 Iranian cities across 23 provinces — including the cities of Mahabad, Saqqez, and the capital Tehran. Many protests became violent as security forces deployed tear gas and live ammunition against demonstrators, who set fire to buildings and to barricades in the streets.

In Mahabad, located in West Azerbaijan province, protesters set fire to a government office during a demonstration that occurred alongside the funeral of an individual killed during the recent protests. Security personnel deployed live ammunition at the demonstrators, killing at least one person.

In Saqqez, located in Kurdistan province approximately 70 km (45 mi) east of the Iran-Iraq border, police officers fired tear gas and live ammunition to disperse at least 10,000 demonstrators who had gathered at a memorial ceremony held at the gravesite of the young woman who died in police custody in early September, which triggered the ongoing nationwide protests. The graveside service was held 40 days after the victim’s death and marked the end of the Shiite mourning period.

Analyst Comment: It is likely that protests across Iran intensified on 26 October due to the ending of the customary Shiite mourning period of 40 days. Associated demonstrations are expected to continue in the coming days.

SOUTH AMERICA

Bolivia (Security threat level – 3): On the evening of 26 October 2022, clashes occurred between rival groups of demonstrators on Montes Avenue in central La Paz, the capital. Counterprotesters, who support President Luis Arce’s decision to hold the national census in 2024, threw firecrackers, sticks and stones toward demonstrators who had gathered to demand that the census be conducted in 2023. Police officers at the scene deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds. At least 20 individuals sustained injuries in the clashes. There were no immediate reports of arrests following the violence.