AMERICAS

United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0240 local time (0640 UTC) on 11 September 2019, a twin-engine Convair 440 freighter aircraft crashed on a road in the town of Monclova, Ohio, located just east of Toledo-Express Airport (KTOL/TOL), during the approach to land at the facility. Reports indicate that the aircraft crashed near an auto repair facility and caught fire; the flames then spread to a number of unoccupied vehicles parked on the premises. The fire had fully engulfed the aircraft by the time responding firefighters extinguished the blaze. A Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority police official stated that the two individuals on board the aircraft were likely killed in the crash. The cause of the crash is unknown; National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigators are slated to arrive at the scene later in the day. The aircraft — reportedly registered as N24DR and owned by a resident of Laredo, Texas — originated at Memphis’ Millington Municipal Airport (KNQA/NQA).

ASIA

Afghanistan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 0000 local time on 11 September 2019 (1930 UTC on 10 September), a rocket-propelled grenade struck the wall of the Afghan Defense Ministry complex, located in Kabul’s Police District 9. The U.S. Embassy in Kabul, located approximately 3 km (2 mi) away from the Defense Ministry, initiated an alarm within the embassy compound as a result. Embassy officials later announced that the perimeter was clear and reported that no mission personnel had been directly affected as a result of the explosion. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack; however, the Taliban often conduct attacks against government buildings and foreign facilities in Kabul.

India (Security threat level – 3) : On 11 September 2019, police officers fired tear gas and water cannons at members of the youth wing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party — the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) — who were protesting electricity price increases in Kolkata. The protest march began at the BJP office near Central Avenue and was to conclude at the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation (CESC) office near Chowringhee Square. However, authorities set up barricades on the street and effectively stopped the march near the Chandni Chowk metro station, located along Central Avenue. Police officers at the site then deployed tear gas and fired water cannons at the protesters, who had refused to disperse. At least five protesters were injured, and 85 more were detained.

India (Security threat level – 3): On 11 September 2019, thousands of people gathered in Bengaluru (Bangalore), the state capital of Karnataka, to protest the arrest of a prominent state politician on money laundering charges. Protesters gathered at National College Ground and marched to Freedom Park, bringing vehicular traffic in the city center area to a standstill. Additionally, businesses in several parts of the city were shut down due to the protest. However, there were no reports of violence. Authorities arrested the former state minister — who is a member of the Indian National Congress (INC) party — on 3 September; protests to demand his release have since continued in locations across the state and have frequently turned violent.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Australia (Security threat level – 2): On 11 September 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Australia, which reads in part as follows: “Several bushfires are currently burning across south east Queensland including in the Sunshine and Gold Coast regions. Local authorities have advised residents to evacuate in some locations, whilst others remain on a Watch and Act alert. If you’re in or near an affected area, follow the advice of the Queensland Fire & Emergency Services . You can also monitor developments on their Twitter feed . In the event of emergency, always dial Triple Zero (000).”

France (Security threat level – 3): On 11 September 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for France, which reads in part as follows: “The RATP operator of the Paris transport network (metro, bus, tramway and sections of the RER rail network) is warning of a major strike on Friday 13 September which is likely to cause significant disruption to services. It is possible that strike action will begin on the evening of 12 September. RATP have advised passengers to keep their travel to a minimum during the strike.”