ASIA

China (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 0815 local time (0015 UTC) on 24 July 2019, dozens of anti-government protesters entered the platform of Hong Kong’s Admiralty station and blocked the doors of a Chai Wan-bound train for approximately 15 minutes. Police officers responded to the incident and forcibly removed protesters from the platform. The incident disrupted train services on the Island Line during the morning rush hour and caused delays between 10-15 minutes; normal operations at the station resumed at approximately 0930 local time. The protesters organized the action to demand an explanation for a delayed police response on 21 July, when a group of men attacked protesters and commuters with metal clubs and wooden rods at Yuen Long station.
India (Security threat level – 3): On the morning of 24 July 2019, police officers clashed with approximately 200 workers who were staging a sit-in protest outside a textile factory, located in the Special Economic Zone in the town of Hassan, Karnataka. Reports indicate that police officers initially used batons to disperse the protesters who were throwing stones at security guards stationed outside the factory. The protesters then began throwing stones toward responding police officers. The officers deployed tear gas, forcing demonstrators to disperse. There were no reports of significant injuries or arrests during the clashes. The workers staged the demonstration in protest against alleged harassment and physical assaults by senior factory officials.

EUROPE

Turkey (Security threat level – 4): On 23 July 2019, a bus carrying dozens of foreign tourists slid down a cliff near the southern resort town of Kemer, located near the city of Antalya. A total of 25 people aboard the vehicle were injured in the crash and transported to hospitals; at least 22 of those injured were Polish citizens. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Nigeria (Security threat level – 5): ): In the afternoon of 23 July 2019, security personnel clashed with protesters associated with the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) group around the Banex plaza in the Wuse II district of Abuja. Police officers deployed tear gas and fired live ammunition into the air to disperse the protesters, and arrested at least 12 of them. There were no reports of casualties as a result of the clashes. A similar protest by members of IMN on 22 July ended in violence, with at least 13 people — including a police officer — reported killed and more than 50 demonstrators arrested.
South Sudan (Security threat level – 5) : As of 24 July 2019, security is reportedly increased in Juba, the capital, following armed clashes between government soldiers and the National Salvation Front rebel group in the Karpeto region of Central Equatoria State, located approximately 100 km (60 mi) south of Juba, on the previous day. Reports indicate that soldiers are deployed in the capital and are conducting more security checks than normal. On the previous day, the National Salvation Front claimed to have repelled an attack by government forces. The rebels claimed to have killed eight government soldiers in the attack; but no information has emerged regarding rebel casualties. Government officials have not confirmed the attack.

Analyst comment: If confirmed, this attack will mark the first episode of armed clashes in close proximity to the capital since the Juba peace agreement in September 2018.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Costa Rica (Security threat level – 3): On 23 July 2019, the U.S. Embassy in San Jose issued a Health Alert that reads in part as follows:
“Location: San Jose, Costa Rica
“Event: The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica is aware of the reports regarding recent deaths in Costa Rica associated with the consumption of tainted alcohol. At this time, we are not aware of any U.S. citizen illness or death due to consuming adulterated alcohol in Costa Rica. The deaths have reportedly occurred throughout the country including seven cases in San Jose, four cases in Cartago, one case in Heredia, three cases in the Limón area and two cases in Guanacaste. Out of an abundance of caution, the Government of Costa Rica has issued a national alert and confiscated 30,000 bottles of alcohol from six brands: Guaro Montano, Guaro Gran Apache, Star Welsh, Aguardiente Barón Rojo, Aguardiente Timbuka, and Aguardiente Molotov. Please see below a link to the Costa Rican Ministry of Health Warning.
Costa Rican Ministry of Health Warning
“Actions to Take: The Embassy strongly recommends all persons avoid consuming alcohol from these brands. The Government of Costa Rica is investigating the situation and the Embassy remains in contact Costa Rica authorities regarding the ongoing investigation.”
Gambia (Security threat level – 3): On 24 July 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Banjul issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:

"Location: Brikama and Serrekunda

"Reports of demonstrations in Brikama and Serrekunda. Social media posts indicate that demonstrators from Serrekunda will march toward Bijilo. Reports say that protests are moving fast and other areas may be affected. Avoid area of demonstrations."
Sudan (Security threat level – 5): On 23 July 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Sudan, which reads in part as follows: “The FCO no longer advise against all but essential travel to Khartoum and most of the rest of Sudan.”

Analyst Comment: The U.K. FCO continues to maintain its previous advisory against all travel to the Abyei region, the states of Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan, the “southern area of West Kordofan state that was previously part of South Kordofan,” areas within 200 km (124 mi) of the border with Libya, and areas within 50 km of the “border with South Sudan in White Nile and Sennar states.” The FCO now advises against non-essential travel to "areas of North Kordofan and West Kordofan states south of the Kost-El Obeid-En Nahud road," areas within 20 km of the Eritrean border and areas within 100 km of the border with Egypt west of the Nile Valley.