AFRICA

Burkina Faso (Security threat level – 4): As of 1300 local time/UTC on 30 September 2022, negotiations are underway between the government and members of the National Armed Forces amid an alleged military mutiny in the capital Ouagadougou, according to a statement issued by the office of the president. Anti-government protesters have gathered in the streets to demand the departure of President Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, who took power in January 2022 following a coup d’état, and also to demand the release of Lieutenant-Colonel Emmanuel Zoungrana, a detained military official. The reported mutiny began at approximately 0100 local time when gunfire and explosions were reported near the Baba Sy military base. The state television channel temporarily went off the air before the broadcast returned and forwent coverage regarding the ongoing security situation. Soldiers have erected blockades near the presidential palace and in strategic locations in several areas of Ouagadougou.

In response, government officials warned residents to avoid travel to Thomas Sankara International Airport (DFFD/OUA) and stay away from public facilities. The U.S. and Canadian embassies in Burkina Faso have advised residents to limit movements and to follow guidance of local authorities.

Analyst Comment: The popularity of the current regime has significantly faded since it took power in a military coup in January 2022. Many residents – who initially welcomed the regime change in hopes of an improved security environment in Burkina Faso — blame the government for failing to prevent militant attacks that continue to affect the populace. While the negotiations remain ongoing between the military and the current government, the security situation is likely to remain uncertain, as there have been no reported signs of de-escalation by deployed military elements.

ASIA

Afghanistan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 0730 local time (0300 UTC) on 30 September 2022, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at an education center in the predominantly Shiite Dasht-e-Barchi area in western Kabul, where a practice university test was underway. At least 19 people were killed in the bombing and nearly 30 others were wounded. No group has claimed immediate responsibility for the attack; however, the Islamic State in Khorasan Province – an affiliate of the Islamic State group — frequently targets Shiite neighborhoods in the city.

South Korea (Security threat level – 1): On 30 September 2022, authorities announced that beginning on 1 October, inbound travelers to South Korea will no longer be required to submit to a COVID-19 PCR test within 24 hours after their arrival in the country amid a continuous decline in locally transmitted coronavirus cases. The on-arrival PCR test was the only remaining coronavirus-related border control measure. As of 3 September, visitors are no longer required to present a pre-arrival negative PCR test result.

NORTH AMERICA

United States (Security threat level – 2): As of 30 September 2022, massive recovery efforts are underway in the state of Florida following the passage of Hurricane Ian, which made landfall as a Category 4 storm near the barrier island of Cape Costa — located just west of Fort Myers — on 28 September. Ian then passed through the central and northeastern areas of Florida on 29 September while temporarily weakening into a tropical storm; however, Ian has since restrengthened into a Category 1 storm. As of 0800 local time (1200 UTC) on 30 September, Hurricane Ian was located approximately 105 mi (175 km) south-southeast of Charleston, South Carolina, and about 185 miles south-southwest of Cape Fear, North Carolina, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center. At that point, Ian was moving in a north-northeasterly direction at a speed of 9 mph (15 kph), with maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and higher gusts. On its current path, Ian is forecast to make a second landfall along the coast of South Carolina near Charleston later on 30 September and rapidly weaken as it moves inland toward eastern South Carolina and central North Carolina during the night of 30 September and the morning of 1 October. Ian is expected to dissipate by the nighttime hours of 1 October. Ian is projected to produce 4-8 inches (100-200 mm) of rain, with isolated maximums of 12 inches, in northeastern South Carolina, and 3-6 inches of rain, with isolated maximums of 8 inches, across North Carolina, central South Carolina and western Virginia. The heavy rainfall is likely to cause extensive flooding in the affected areas, and the hurricane could spawn tornadoes throughout eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia until the morning of 1 October.

In Florida, nearly 2 million homes and businesses remain without electricity. Lee County, which encompasses Fort Myers, and nearby Charlotte County sustained the worst damage. The city of Orlando received record rainfall of nearly 12.5 inches over the 24-hour period, which caused extensive flooding. Major airports in the region, including Orlando International Airport (KMCO/MCO), Tampa International Airport (KTPA/TPA) and Jacksonville International Airport (KJAX/JAX), have resumed commercial flights as of the morning of 30 September. Thus far, at least 14 storm-related fatalities have been confirmed in Florida. The death toll is expected to rise.

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration for South Carolina ahead of the hurricane’s arrival in order to provide federal assistance to local officials. Charleston International Airport (KCHS/CHS), Hilton Head Island Airport (KHXD/HXD) and Beaufort Executive Airport (KARW/BFT) have suspended operations. Flights through the airports are expected to resume on 1 October after the hurricane moves away from the area.

A Hurricane Warning is currently in effect from the Savannah River to Cape Fear in North Carolina, while a Storm Surge Warning is in effect from Florida’s Flagler-Volusia County border to Cape Fear, the St. John’s River in Florida, and the Neuse River in North Carolina. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect from Georgia’s Altamaha Sound to the Savannah River, from Cape Fear to the North Carolina town of Duck, and the Pamlico Sound. A Hurricane Watch is in effect in areas east of Cape fear to Surf City in North Carolina, while a Storm Surge Watch is in effect for areas located north of Cape Fear to the town of Duck, as well as for the Pamlico River and Cape Fear River.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): On 30 September 2022, authorities suspended all passenger flights at Loikaw Airport (VLYK/LIW) in eastern Kayah state — located approximately 285 km (180 mi) south of Mandalay — after a Myanmar National Airlines passenger aircraft was shot at while approaching the facility for landing. According to local authorities, gunmen from the nearby village of Wah La Poe shot at the aircraft, piercing the passenger cabin and injuring one of the 63 passengers on board the flight. The aircraft was en route to the airport from the capital Naypuidaw at the time of the attack. Authorities have not arrested any suspects linked to the shooting; however, a recently released government report stated that the Karenni National Progressive Party and the Karenni regional People’s Defense Force were responsible for the attack.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Peru (Security threat level – 3): On 29 September 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Lima issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Municipal and regional elections will take place throughout Peru on Sunday, October 2.

“Based on past events, the U.S. Embassy would like to remind U.S. citizens about the potential for localized protests and demonstrations across the country over the next several days.

“The U.S. Embassy recommends all U.S. citizens avoid demonstrations due to their unpredictable nature. Even peaceful demonstrations can be unpredictable and quickly turn violent. Demonstrations are also likely to cause traffic congestion in and around the areas where protesters gather.”