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Worldview Security Report – May 23, 2019
23-May-19

AMERICAS

Nicaragua (Security threat level – 4) : A 24-hour-long nationwide general strike has been underway in Nicaragua since 0000 local time (0600 UTC) on 23 May 2019. The main opposition Civic Alliance for Justice and Democracy announced the strike the previous day. Other opposition groups — as well as private sector entities, including the Superior Council of Private Enterprise (COSEP) — are also participating in the protest action. The strike has disrupted routine activities in the country, particularly in the capital Managua, where all schools and colleges are closed for the day. As of the latest reports, most of the commercial establishments in the city are closed and only a few vehicles are operating on the streets. The protest action is being organized to demand the release of all political prisoners and to condemn the 16 May killing of a detainee — who was a dual U.S.-Nicaraguan citizen — inside a prison near the capital.

United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1245 local time (1645 UTC) on 22 May 2019, a private aircraft with two people on board crashed into an open field located approximately 17 mi (27 km) northeast of Indianapolis Regional Airport (KMQJ/MQJ). The Cessna Citation aircraft had just departed the airport and was en route to Nevada’s Minden-Tahoe Airport (KMEV/MEV). Two individuals aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the crash.

ASIA

Indonesia (Security threat level – 4): As of 23 May 2019, tensions in Jakarta have subsided after civil unrest over the outcome of the election results broke out from 21-22 May. Public transportation in central Jakarta resumed, offices reopened in the capital’s downtown area and efforts to clear the debris left over from the riots that occurred on the previous day are underway. Moreover, a police spokesman claimed that protesters had dispersed by 0700 local time (0000 UTC). Authorities stated that restrictions placed on the use of social media messaging applications will nevertheless remain in effect until 25 May. Police officers arrested at least 257 people during the unrest and reported that some demonstrators admitted to accepting payment for engaging in violence ahead of the demonstrations. Additionally, authorities stated that two rioters confessed to pledging allegiance to the Islamic State. Eight people died and more than 700 others were injured in the 21 and 22 May protests.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Afghanistan (Security threat level – 5): On 22 May 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Kabul issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

  • “Location: Kabul, Afghanistan
  • “Event: Due to political developments, increased security restrictions may cause traffic disruptions over the next several days. There may also be an increased likelihood of protests during the upcoming period. In addition, the U.S. Embassy has received reports that militants continue to plan attacks of varying complexity against targets in Kabul where foreign citizens, foreign diplomats, and Afghan government officials may gather or stay, including hotels, housing compounds, and Afghan, U.S., and other foreign government offices and facilities.”
  • Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 5): On 23 May 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued an update to its travel advisory for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that reads as follows: “The body of former opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi is to be returned to Kinshasa on 30 May 2019. Large scale events and crowds are expected to take place through to 1 June 2019, when a funeral will take place in Kinshasa. You should exercise vigilance and be aware that there will likely be significant disruption to journeys in and around Kinshasa, as well as to and from N’Djili airport.”

    Liberia (Security threat level – 4): On 23 May 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued an updated travel advisory for Liberia, which reads in part as follows: “A large protest march by opposition groups is planned for 7 June 2019 in Monrovia and other cities across the country. Traffic in and around Monrovia will likely be significantly disrupted. Routes from town to the airport could be congested or blocked. You should plan any journeys well in advance…While the organisers and Government have committed to keeping these peaceful there is always the possibility of incidents of violence. You should remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities.”

    Serbia (Security threat level – 3): On 22 May 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade issued a Security Alert for Belgrade for 23 May, which reads in part as follows:

  • “Location: Belgrade, Serbia
  • “Event: Football club Red Star will play Partizan on Thursday, May 23, 2019 at 7:00PM, at Red Star stadium. This is a high risk event because of animosity between hooligans affiliated with both teams, and frequent clashes in and around the stadium between them. Expect a large police presence and traffic delays.”
  • Tanzania (Security threat level – 3): On 23 May 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued an updated travel advisory for Tanzania to include the following: “As of 1 June 2019, plastic bags have been banned for environmental reasons. Airline passengers may be asked to surrender plastic bags on arrival. The ban does not include ‘ziplock’ bags used as part of airline security procedures.”

    Togo (Security threat level – 4): On 22 May 2019, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Advisory for Togo, which reads in part as follows:

  • “Exercise normal precautions in Togo. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
  • “Reconsider Travel To:

  • Northern border region adjacent to Burkina Faso due to potential for terrorism and kidnapping.
  • “Exercise Increased Caution In:

  • Areas north of Kande due to potential for terrorism.
  • The cities of Sokodé, Bafilo, and Mango due to civil unrest.
  • The full text of the travel advisory can be viewed here.
  • Security threat levels range from 1 (Very Low) to 5 (Very High) and are determined using a comprehensive system that utilizes both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The primary factors used to determine a location’s security threat level are Armed Conflict, Crime, Demonstrations/Strikes, Ethnic/Sectarian Tensions, Graft/Corruption, Kidnapping, Political Instability, Government Restriction and Terrorism.