Worldview Security Update - July 3, 2019 - Constellis

Worldview Security Update – July 3, 2019

3-Jul-19

ASIA

Japan (Security threat level – 1): On 3 July 2019, authorities ordered more than 1.09 million people in the Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures on Kyushu Island to evacuate due to heavy rains and the increased risk of floods and landslides. Officials ordered the total evacuation of Aira, Kirishima, and Kagoshima, as the Japan Meteorological Agency forecast 350 mm (14 in) of rain in the Southern Kyushu region, where the cities are located. Train services throughout Kyushu Island are suspended due to the heavy rain. Heavy rainfall is expected to significantly affect the regions of Northern Kyushu, Southern Kyushu, Shikoku, Kansai and Tokai. Thus far, there have been no reports of widespread damage or injuries associated with the heavy rainfall, but government officials have deployed Self-Defense Forces to assist with disaster relief.

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 3 July 2019, two armed suspects opened fire outside the arrivals hall of Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport (OPLA/LHE). At least two people were killed and one other was wounded. Police officers quickly apprehended both suspects at the scene and are further investigating the event, which they suspect was related to a personal dispute.

Taiwan (Security threat level – 2): On 2 July 2019, Eva Air officials announced the cancellation of an additional 550 flights through mid-July, as negotiations to end the ongoing Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union strike failed on that same day. The union commenced the labor action on 20 June to demand improved wages and working conditions. The strike has affected more than 405,000 passengers and disrupted at least 2,000 flights thus far. It is unclear when union members and airline management will resume negotiations to end the work stoppage.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Israel (Security threat level – 3): On 3 July 2019, Israeli officials announced that security forces are preparing for additional demonstrations by activists from the Israeli Ethiopian community. Police officials stated that they will not allow a repeat of the disruptions and violence that occurred during protests by the Israeli Ethiopian community over alleged police brutality in Tel Aviv on the previous day. During the event on 2 July, thousands of protesters blocked Tel Aviv’s main highway, along with 15 road junctions. Demonstrators burned tires and threw rocks at police officers. Additionally, demonstrators attacked one civilian vehicle at the Azrieli Junction. At least 47 police officers were injured during the clashes and security personnel arrested at least 60 demonstrators. Members of the Israeli Ethiopian community are angry with authorities over their handling of an officer-involved shooting of an Israeli Ethiopian individual on 30 June.

Tunisia (Security threat level – 3): On 2 July 2019, a suicide bomber detonated an explosive belt in Tunis’ Intilaka area, located in the city’s northern outskirts. Police officers had surrounded and shot the bomber when he detonated the explosives. The bomber — whom authorities stated was a wanted militant — died in the blast. No additional casualties or damage resulted from the explosion.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Bahamas (Security threat level – 2): On 2 July 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for the Bahamas, which reads in part as follows:

“On 26 June 2019 a fatal shark attack took place in The Bahamas: while this is a very rare occurrence, the Bahamian authorities have issued advice urging the public to exercise extreme caution in and around the waters of New Providence, adjacent islands and cays.”

Bangladesh (Security threat level – 4): On 3 July 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:

“Location: Dhaka, other major cities across Bangladesh.

“Event: The Left Democratic Alliance has called a nationwide eight-hour hartal, or general strike, Sunday, July 07, 2019 from 06:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to protest the increase in the price of natural gas.

“Hartal: A form of civil disobedience expressed through strikes and protests. Hartals are a recognized political method for articulating a political demand; they may be called by political parties, labor organizations, or any group whose aim is to protest a government action or appeal to the sympathies of the government or general public. The organizers of hartals may expect businesses to close and public transportation to cease or may hope the public will remain at home (or join them in demonstrations). If the organizers of hartals or their supporters encounter other people on the street, they may view them to be in opposition to the hartal and could respond with violence. Even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to quickly turn violent.

“Hartals often result in redeployments of local law enforcement personnel, unpredictable vehicular traffic patterns and road closures. Organizers and supporters often begin their protests on the night before a hartal.

“The U.S. Embassy’s Consular section will remain open for normal business.”

Kyrgyzstan (Security threat level – 4): On 3 July 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Kyrgyzstan, which reads in part as follows:

“Local media reports that a demonstration will take place outside the Media Forum/Mediagruppa Yevropa building and SDPK headquarters at 4B Shabdan Baatyr St. starting around 4pm (local time) on Wednesday 3 July. You should avoid all demonstrations and continue to monitor travel advice for updates on any further developments.”

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.