ASIA

Philippines / Taiwan (Security threat levels – 4 / 2): According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, as of 0900 UTC on 17 July 2019, Tropical Storm 06W had strengthened into Tropical Storm Danas and was located approximately 1,000 km (620 mi) south-southwest of the United States’ Kadena Air Force Base, located in Okinawa, Japan. At that time, the storm was moving north-northeast at 16 kph (10 mph) and posting maximum sustained winds of 65 kph with gusts of 83 kph. Danas was also posting maximum wave heights of 6 m (20 ft). Danas brought strong winds, heavy rain, flooding and landslides to Luzon Island, Philippines, after making landfall in Cagayan province at approximately 0030 local time on 17 July (1630 UTC on 16 July). The storm is forecast to continue to move north toward eastern Taiwan over the next few days. Danas is not expected to be upgraded to a typhoon.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): On 17 July 2019, unidentified gunmen attacked a group of Turkish diplomatic personnel at the Haqqabaz restaurant, located in Erbil’s Ankawa neighborhood. Reports indicate that three Turkish personnel — including the deputy consul general — were killed in the attack. Security forces continue to search for the assailants. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

France (Security threat level – 3): On 17 July 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for France, which reads in part as follows:

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.