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Worldview Security Update – June 7, 2019
7-Jun-19

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 3): A protest march is planned in Hong Kong to demonstrate against a proposed extradition bill on 9 June 2019. The demonstration will begin at Victoria Park and end at the Legislative Council Complex. The Civil Human Rights Front — which organized the protest — expects approximately 300,000 attendees. The protest organizers will deploy at least 100 volunteers to help maintain security during the march and have pledged their commitment to ensure that the demonstration remains peaceful. Although the event is expected to remain nonviolent, transportation disruptions are likely in areas in the vicinity of the demonstration, especially at its conclusion when demonstrators disperse.

EUROPE

Ukraine (Security threat level – 4): On 7 June 2019, Ukraine’s State Aviation Service temporarily suspended the air operator certificate of the regional Ukrainian airline Yanair over safety concerns, prohibiting the airline from operating. The suspension went into effect at 0300 local time (0000 UTC). Following an inspection, the agency stated that it had discovered “a number of drawbacks (some of which are critical) in the organization of the carrier’s activities, which may affect flight safety.” Ukraine’s State Aviation Service stated that Yanair’s license would be renewed once the airline “has eliminated the drawbacks and ensured an adequate level of safety in keeping with conclusions of the inspection.”

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

United Arab Emirates (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1800 local time (1400 UTC) on 6 June 2019, a bus transporting 31 tourists of various nationalities from Muscat, Oman, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, collided with an overhead sign while traveling on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road in Dubai. The bus was operated by Mwasalat, a government-owned bus company based in Oman. Mwasalat has suspended the Muscat-Dubai service indefinitely. At least 17 people were killed, including 12 Indian nationals. Three others were injured in the accident. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Liberia (Security threat level – 4): An anti-government demonstration is ongoing at Capitol Hill in downtown Monrovia on 7 June 2019. Several businesses have remained closed for the day, including in the districts of Central Monrovia, Duala, and Vai Town, due to the demonstration. Security personnel are posted throughout Monrovia to monitor the demonstration. Additionally, police officers are conducting vehicular searches, which has resulted in traffic gridlock throughout the city. Authorities have blocked all social media services due to the protest. There have been no reports of violence thus far. The Council of Patriots (CoP) organized the protest to demand the elimination of corruption in the government and to lobby for the provision of social services, among other issues.

Malawi (Security threat level – 3): On 6 June 2019, police officers clashed with opposition protesters in Lilongwe. Police officers used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters at the headquarters of the opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) after protesters threw rocks at security personnel. One civilian suffered gunshot wounds during the violence; authorities reported the individual was shot “accidentally.” Security forces evacuated the U.S. ambassador to Malawi — who was inside the MCP headquarters in a meeting with the party leader at the time of the incident — after the tear gas was deployed. The tear gas also disrupted operations at the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe, which is located next to the MCP headquarters. Elsewhere in Lilongwe, opposition demonstrators gathered at the federal government complex at Capital Hill for a third day in a row to protest against the outcome of the 21 May presidential elections.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Malawi (Security threat level – 3): On 6 June 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Lilongwe issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:

  • “Location: Countrywide
  • “Event: On Thursday, June 6, clashes between the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Malawi Police Service (MPS) resulted in the use of tear gas that disrupted U.S. Embassy operations.
  • “The Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy will be open on Friday, June 7 for emergency American Citizens Services.
  • “Actions to Take:

  • Avoid any travel to and around the U.S. Embassy and MCP headquarters until further notice.
    If you see a barrier or individuals blocking your path, turn around and find an alternate route.
    If you are unable to depart the area, keep your windows up and doors locked, seek shelter if needed.”
  • Sudan (Security threat level – 5): On 6 June 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:

  • “Location: Each city in metropolitan Khartoum (Khartoum, Omdurman, and Khartoum North) and in other cities across Sudan.
  • “Event: Violence and civil unrest continue in Khartoum and across Sudan. Communications systems, such as cellular data and internet, are not functional. Cellular voice and SMS are functional. The airport in Khartoum is open; however, some flights have been cancelled or are being rescheduled. Traveling to the airport may be hazardous.”
  • 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.