Bermuda / Turks and Caicos Islands (Security threat levels – 1 / 2): During the early hours of 21 September 2022, Hurricane Fiona strengthened to become a Category 4 storm after passing near the Turks and Caicos islands. As of 0800 local time (1200 UTC), Fiona was located approximately 215 km (130 mi) southwest of the island of Bermuda and was moving north at a speed of 13 kph (8 mph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that time, Fiona had maximum sustained winds of 215 kph and higher gusts. The storm is projected to continue north and undergo additional strengthening before turning in a north-northeasterly direction by 22 September. Bermuda is expected to experience tropical storm conditions that may develop into hurricane conditions by the morning of 23 September. The hurricane is expected to produce the following additional rainfall: 25-50 mm (1-2 in) in the Dominican Republic; 25-75 mm in the Turks and Caicos Islands; 25-100 mm in the southeastern Bahamas islands; and 50 to 100 mm in Bermuda. Swells producing dangerous surf and riptide conditions will continue to affect the northern coastline of Hispaniola island, the Turks and Caicos islands, and the southeastern and central Bahamas islands. These swells will likely spread to affect the northwestern Bahamas, the eastern U.S. coastline and Bermuda by 22 September. A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm Warning are in effect for Bermuda.
Heavy rainfall on the Turks and Caicos Islands on 20 September caused widespread disruptions to telecommunications on Grand Turk Island, where storm surges were reported to be 1.5-2.4 m high. Local authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents due to widespread flooding and strong winds. Authorities closed Providenciales International Airport (MBPV/PLS) on the evening of 19 September and it remains unknown whether operations have resumed at the facility.
Russia / Ukraine (Security threat levels – 5 / 5): Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization of the Russian military’s reserve forces during a televised address at approximately 0900 local time (0600 UTC) on 21 September 2022. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, 300,000 reservists will be called upon to bolster Russia’s military strength in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Putin’s announcement follows a declaration by Russian proxy forces in the occupied eastern Ukrainian provinces of Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia that they will hold referendums from 23-27 September regarding annexation into the Russian Federation. The referendums, which will likely result in approval of annexation due to their staged nature, would represent the secession of approximately 15% of Ukrainian territory, though the votes will have little international recognition.
Iran (Security threat level – 5): On 20 September 2022, protests over the death of a woman in police custody occurred in the capital Tehran and other major cities across Iran — including Mashhad and Kermanshah — as well as in the western province of Kurdistan. Approximately 1,800 demonstrators rallied in front of the Ministry of Interior building near Tehran’s Fatemi Square. Women took off their headscarves and set fire to them in the streets as protesters demanded the downfall of the regime. Security personnel have responded to the countrywide demonstrations with tear gas and beatings. In a rare display, protesters have forcibly resisted the police in some instances. At least eight demonstrators have been killed and 15 more have been detained across the country. Due to information restrictions and tight state control of media in Iran, the true extent of the protests is difficult to fully assess; however, the actual number of arrests and injuries is likely much higher. Demonstrations have been growing across the country over the previous four days. The Guidance Patrol — a morality police unit — had detained the deceased woman for improperly wearing her headscarf. She died after sustaining injuries under suspicious circumstances in police custody.
Greece (Security threat level – 2): On 20 September 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Athens issued a Public Transportation Strike Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The following strikes are scheduled for Wednesday, September 21, 2022 (12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.), unless otherwise noted:
“Other organizations may decide to join the 24-hour Transportation Strike for September 21, 2022 without prior warning. Please monitor www.apergia.gr and local media for last minute strike notifications.”
Guatemala (Security threat level – 4): On 19 September 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City issued a Demonstration alert regarding planned demonstrations in the city, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy has received reports that CODECA (Comité de Desarrollo Campesino) will conduct peaceful demonstrations within Guatemala City on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. Thus far, CODECA has not announced additional demonstrations outside Guatemala City. CODECA is planning to demonstrate throughout the day with marches that may block traffic within the capital in the following locations: Obelisco, Roosevelt, Periferico, and Trebol (Zona 11), and Metro Norte (Zona 17).”
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