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Worldview Security Update – November 6, 2019
6-Nov-19

AMERICAS

Bolivia (Security threat level – 3): As of 6 November 2019, protesters demanding the resignation of President Evo Morales are gathered outside several government buildings in La Paz and elsewhere in Bolivia. On the previous evening, thousands of Bolivian physicians, students and members of various civil society groups marched from Universidad Mayor de San Andrés to Plaza Murillo in central La Paz. Security personnel stationed in riot control vehicles deployed tear gas to disperse the group following clashes between pro- and anti-government demonstrators. At least eight people were injured during the confrontation. Police officers also arrested several protesters, some of whom were allegedly in possession of explosives and blunt objects.

In a related development on 5 November, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued an update to its travel advisory for Bolivia regarding protest-related road closures and travel disruptions. Additional details are available in the Government Warnings section below.

ASIA

Vietnam (Security threat level – 3): As of 0900 UTC on 6 November 2019, Tropical Storm Nakri — known as Quiel in the Philippines — was located approximately 520 km (325 mi) west-southwest of Manila and was tracking east-southeastward at 6 kph (3.5 mph), according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. At that time, Nakri was generating maximum sustained winds of 65 kph, with gusts of up to 83 kph. The storm, which is expected to make landfall in south-central Vietnam by 10 or 11 November, will likely bring heavy rains to central and southeastern Vietnam. According to forecasts by the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Hong Kong Observatory, the storm will likely move across Vietnam and reach Cambodia.

EUROPE

Germany (Security threat level – 3): Lufthansa cabin crew union leaders – who are currently engaged in a dispute with the airline over the union’s legal status — called for union members to strike for higher wages and better work conditions on 7-8 November 2019. Lufthansa has canceled approximately 1,300 flights scheduled to depart from German airports on 7-8 November due to the strike. Negotiations between Lufthansa and union leaders are expected to continue throughout 6 November in an attempt to avoid the labor action. Travelers should check with the airline for additional information about flight cancellations.

MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA

Jordan (Security threat level – 3): On 6 November 2019, an assailant stabbed eight people in Jerash, a destination popular with foreign tourists in northern Jordan. The victims include three Mexican nationals, one Swiss national and four Jordanian nationals, one of whom was a local guide and another a security guard. Police officers arrested the suspect at the scene; the motive for the attack remains unknown. Jerash, which is located approximately 50 km (30 mi) from Amman, is known for its Roman ruins. Attacks on foreign tourists are rare in Jordan.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Bolivia (Security threat level – 3): On 5 November 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Bolivia, which reads in part as follows: “All travel within and between major cities is being intermittently blocked by protesters and major roads have been closed. Transport options will be extremely limited and journey times may take a lot longer than planned. You should regularly check the viability of any existing travel plans around the country, seeking local advice as needed. There may be long queues at land borders and disruption to flights is likely to be encountered at airports. El Alto airport in La Paz is especially likely to experience high levels of disruption. Strikes and blockades may result in intermittent availability of food, fuel, prescription medicine and other goods in some areas.”
Kuwait (Security threat level – 2): On 6 November 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows:

"Location: Kuwait City, downtown, Al-Erada Square

"Event: Demonstration expected to take place on Wednesday, November 6 at 7:00PM at Al-Erada Square (across from the Kuwait National Assembly). An estimated 200 people are expected at this Ministry of Interior-authorized demonstration.

"Traffic flow will likely be affected in and around the demonstration area, and police/security force presence will be noticeable."
Myanmar (Security threat level – 4): On 5 November 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Yangon issued a Security Alert that reads in part as follows:

“Location: Rakhine State, Myanmar
“Event: Recent months have seen increasing armed conflict in northern Rakhine State, including this week’s abduction of five foreign nationals. Armed groups have targeted public transit routes and have kidnapped persons regardless of their affiliation to the Burmese security forces.
“Actions to Take:

  • Do not travel to Buthidaung, Kyauktaw, Maungdaw, Minbya, Mrauk- U, Ponnagyun, and Rathedaung townships, and reconsider travel to Ann and Myebon townships in Rakhine State due to civil unrest and armed conflict.

If you do decide to travel to northern Rakhine State, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, monitor local media for updates, and notify friends and family of your safety."