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Worldview Weekly Security Update – 04 November – 07 November 2019
8-Nov-19
Monday 04 November 2019:

Chile (Security threat level – 2): Protests continued across Chile over the weekend of 1-3 November 2019 and will likely continue well into the workweek. As of 4 November, Transantiago public buses are scheduled to end service at 2030 local time (2330 UTC). Meanwhile, metro operations resumed at 0630 local time and will stop at 2000 local time. In another protest-related development in Santiago on 4 November, taxi drivers staged demonstrations during the morning hours. A large demonstration is scheduled to take place at 1700 local time at the Plaza Italia in Santiago. Further demonstrations are expected nationwide, including in the city of Viña del Mar.

On the previous day, isolated clashes occurred between protesters and police officers in Santiago. Police officers fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in Plaza Italia; they also arrested several protesters. Traffic disruptions were also reported in other areas countrywide due to protests and barricades, including in the cities of Antofagasta, Curicó, Concepción, La Ligua, Llay Llay, Puerto Montt, Rancagua and Talca.

Meanwhile, on 2 November isolated clashes between protesters and police officers occurred in Santiago and Talca. Protesters erected barricades along the road near Plaza Italia and Bustamante Park. Police officers responded with tear gas, water cannons and pepper spray. Security personnel arrested at least 11 people. Meanwhile, police officers in Talca used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters.

On 1 November, police officers and protesters clashed after thousands of people gathered near Plaza Italia and La Moneda Palace in Santiago. Police officers in the city used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in Bustamante Park and Plaza Italia. Meanwhile, protesters continued to demonstrate in other cities, including in Antofagasta, Concepción, Talca and Valparaiso.

China (Security threat level – 3): Police officers and anti-government protesters clashed in Hong Kong over the weekend of 2-3 November 2019. During the evening ofn 3 November, an unidentified man slashed several individuals and bit off part of a lawmaker’s ear at the Cityplaza Mall on Tai Koo Shing Road in Quarry Bay. Authorities later apprehended and arrested the man. Overall, at least six people were sent to the hospital in critical condition while another 30 sustained minor injuries. Police officers arrested approximately 300 people. Prior to the attack, protesters were staging a peaceful sit-in in the mall before police officers arrived to disperse the crowds.

Elsewhere, demonstrators held peaceful sit-ins at three other malls, including Sha Tin’s New Town Plaza, Tai Po’s Mega Mall and Diamond Hill’s Plaza Hollywood. Police officers dispersed the protesters at each location with batons. Meanwhile, police officers fired tear gas to disperse crowds of demonstrators in Tai Koo Shing and Tseung Kwan O. No injuries were reported at any of the events.

On 2 November police officers fired tear gas, foam bullets and water cannons to disperse protesters in Causeway Bay, Central, Wan Chai, Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei. In Causeway Bay, authorities deployed additional security forces whileand water cannons were deployed to prevent protesters from marching toward Central. Protesters initially gathered in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay for an unauthorized rally before security forces arrived. Police officers raised warning flags and demanded that protesters remove their masks, When protesters did not comply, the police officers fired tear gas at them. before firing tear gas.

In addition, police officers fired multiple rounds of tear gas and deployed water cannons at protesters setting up roadblocks and throwing Molotov cocktails along Hennessy Road and near Southorn Playground in Wan Chai as well as along Nathan Road in Mong Kok and in Yau Ma Tei. Protesters set fire to a local Best Mart 360 store due to its perceived ties with mainland China; demonstrators also vandalized the headquarters building of Chinese state-run Xinhua News. On Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, protesters vandalized a Starbucks storefront. Demonstrators also set fire to a number of barricades erected across major streets as they retreated from advancing riot police. Authorities banned a previously authorized protest in Central at the Chater Garden, warning protesters to leave by 1730 local time (0930 UTC). At least 11 people were injured over the course of the day.

All Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations — with the exception of the Airport Express — suspended operations at 2200 local time (1400 UTC) on 2 November. A number of MTR stations, including the Causeway Bay and Central stations, were closed early after demonstrators set fires at station entrances. MTR officials released updated operating times for the Airport Express and all other MTR services for 4-8 November. Beginning at 2330 local time, the Airport Express will only run between Hong Kong and Airport stations, and no trains will stop at Kowloon, Tsing Yi or AsiaWorld-Expo stations. All other MTR services will end at 2330 local time. Additionally, on 9 and 10 November services will end at 2200 local time.

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): As of 4 November 2019, anti-government protests are continuing across Iraq. Reports from Baghdad indicate security forces are deploying live ammunition against protesters near Tahrir Square, but information regarding casualties is unavailable at this time. Reports from Basra on 4 November indicate that protesters have surrounded the governor’s office in downtown Basra, but there have been no reports of clashes in the city thus far.

Similar protests occurred on 3 November, when demonstrators took to the streets of Baghdad, causing citywide disruptions. College students shut down multiple streets after parking their vehicles in the middle of main thoroughfares. Other students participated in sit-ins at their schools while the country’s national teachers’ union extended its current strike. Clashes between protesters and police officers killed at least two people and injured 25 others. In addition, several government offices and a number of schools were closed in Diwaniyah, Hillah, Karbala, Kut and Nasiriyah due to ongoing protests. Meanwhile in Basra, protesters blocked roads leading to several institutions, preventing public service employees from reaching their workplaces and effectively paralyzing public services in the governorate.

On the same day, hundreds of protesters surrounded the perimeter of Iran’s consulate building in Karbala to demand the expulsion of Iranian diplomats from Iraq. Demonstrators set a fire at the base of the outer wall and hurled stones and flaming debris over the wall onto the complex grounds. Furthermore, a protester briefly climbed on top of the wall and brandished the Iraqi flag. Security forces deployed to the area and fired live rounds at the demonstrators who were attempting to breach the facility’s perimeter. At least three protesters were shot dead during the event.

Elsewhere, security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Umm Qasr, Iraq’s main port city, located approximately 65 km (40 mi) south of Basra. Protesters responded by burning tires and erecting concrete roadblocks across a number of major roadways to and from the city. At least 120 people were injured in clashes between protestersand police officers. The protests did not affect port operations, as the facility had been closed since 29 October.

Lebanon (Security threat level – 4): As of 4 November 2019, anti-government protesters are blocking major roadways in Beirut and other areas across Lebanon, including Tripoli and Klahde. In addition, banks are closing as part of a nationwide general strike, which protesters called for in an attempt to freeze business and government operations. On the previous day, thousands of protesters gathered across Lebanon. In Beirut, crowds massed at Riad al-Solh and Sassine squares and erected barricades along the coastal highway north to Jal El Dib. Security forces deployed to the city in order to disperse the demonstrators and unblock the roadway. Earlier in the day, a pro-government rally was held near the presidential palace on Beirut’s outskirts in support of President Michel Aoun, who resigned on 29 October and will vacate his position once the government formally introduces a package of legislative and economic reforms. Meanwhile, on 2 November protesters gathered in Beirut, Tripoli and Sidon to demand government action against corruption and accountability. Demonstrators warned that further violence and chaos would occur on 5 November if the Lebanese parliament refrained from appointing a new leader.

Bolivia (Security threat level – 3): On 1 November 2019, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated travel advisory for Bolivia, in which it upgraded the level of advice for Santa Cruz and Cochabamba metropolitan areas from "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" to "Level 3: Reconsider Travel" due to an "increased incidence of violence and civil unrest." The advisory reads in part as follows:

“Exercise increased caution in Bolivia due to civil unrest. Some areas have increased risk.

“Reconsider travel to:

  • Santa Cruz metropolitan area due to civil unrest.
  • Cochabamba metropolitan area due to civil unrest.

“Country Summary: There are recurring demonstrations, strikes, roadblocks, and marches in major cities in Bolivia. Demonstrations and marches are centered on city plazas and major thoroughfares. Roadblocks and strikes cut off traffic on main avenues, highways between cities, and airport access. There are reports of sporadic violence, and local authorities have used crowd control measures to discourage protests.

“Domestic and international flights may be delayed or cancelled, and road travel around and between cities is regularly impeded due to demonstrations.”


Guinea (Security threat level – 4): On 4 November 2019, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated travel advice for Guinea, which reads in part as follows: “It is anticipated that there will be further disruption in Conakry on 4 November as the National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) has announced a funeral procession to commemorate those who died during recent demonstrations will take place. The FNDC has also announced further demonstrations for Thursday 7 November. Recent demonstrations across Conakry and in other towns throughout Guinea had led to significant travel disruption and a number of violent incidents, including deaths. You should remain vigilant, stay clear of areas where demonstrators are gathering and monitor local media.”

Haiti (Security threat level – 4): On 4 November 2019, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince issued two Security Alerts regarding roadblocks, with the first reading in part as follows:

"Location: Torcel and Mais Gate Road.

"Events: Reports of unpassable roadblocks."

The second Security Alert reads in part as follows:

"Location: Boulevard 15 Octobre near OAVTC.

"Events: Reports of burning tires and barricades."

Tuesday 05 November 2019:

Bolivia (Security threat level – 3): As of the morning of 5 November 2019, pro-government demonstrators remain outside El Alto International Airport (SLLP/LPB), located approximately 15 km (9 mi) west of La Paz, following overnight protests at the facility. Protesters and security personnel clashed at the airport late on 4 November as government supporters attempted to enter the terminal building to prevent opposition leader Luis Fernando Camacho from leaving the facility. Several hundred people had gathered at the airport following Camacho’s arrival earlier that night. According to SABSA — a private company that manages the airport — operations were not disrupted and additional security personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of passengers and ensure that airport operations continue as normal. No information on potential injuries is available as of yet.

Camacho has called on protesters to continue peaceful blockades of Bolivia’s government institutions and borders throughout the day on 5 November to demand the resignation of recently reelected President Evo Morales. As such, further nationwide disruptions and clashes are probable throughout the day.

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 4 November 2019, cartel gunmen opened fire on three vehicles transporting U.S. citizens in the town of Bavispe, Sonora state. Mexican authorities suspect that the gunmen may have mistaken the large SUVs for those belonging to a rival drug gang. Nine passengers were killed and six others suffered gunshot wounds; one passenger remains missing. The Sinaloa cartel maintains a significant presence in the area, but is fighting rival gangs for territory.

Iraq (Security threat level – 5): As of the afternoon of 5 November 2019, anti-government demonstrators remain gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square despite an official ban on gatherings that military officials implemented earlier that morning. Elsewhere, anti-government protesters and security forces clashed in the southern cities of Umm Qasr and Nasiriyah. In the port city of Umm Qasr, clashes broke out when officials attempted to reopen the port, which protesters have blocked for the past three days. At least three protesters were killed — one in Umm Qasr and two in Nasiriyah — and 31 others were injured during the violence.

Meanwhile, internet outages occurred across much of Iraq overnight on 4-5 November. Some areas experienced complete internet outages, while others experienced slower connectivity. Although internet access was partially restored by 0900 local time (0600 UTC) on 5 November, social media sites and various networks remain blocked.

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

“Guinea-Bissau suffers from political instability. The country is scheduled to hold Presidential Elections on 24 November 2019. Ahead of these elections, there has been an increase in civil unrest, street demonstrations and large public gatherings, which you should avoid. You should exercise a high degree of caution should you decide to travel to Guinea-Bissau. In the event of any political unrest you should follow the advice of local authorities.

“Although the security situation is currently calm, you should stay alert to local developments and avoid sensitive areas like military installations. You should also avoid any demonstrations.”

Wednesday 06 November 2019:

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.

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.

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.

Thursday 07 November 2019:

NSTR