Topic: Security Updates

ASIA

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On 26 August 2022, heavy rainfall throughout southwestern Baluchistan and northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces resulted in severe flooding and extensive damage to infrastructure. At least 19,000 homes were destroyed and 251 people were reported killed. In Baluchistan province, aviation and train services remain suspended and all four major highways linking the province to other areas in the country are inoperable due to damaged bridges and landslides. A railway bridge washed away in Bolan Pass cutting off Quetta — the provincial capital — from the rest of the country. Additionally, telecommunication networks continue to be disrupted in Quetta, as well as in the cities of Khuzdar and Loralai, due to damage to fiber optic cables in the region.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, authorities have declared a rain emergency until 30 August in at least four districts. In Swat district, a four-story hotel was evacuated before floodwaters swept away the building. Additionally, the Narain-Kalam section of the N-95 and N-90 highways were damaged due to flooding and rendered largely impassable.

CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Puerto Rico (Security threat level – 2): On 25 August 2022, police officers deployed tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse protesters marching toward the governor’s residence on Fortaleza Street in the capital San Juan. Demonstrators threw glass bottles and other projectiles at police officers, who arrested at least two protesters. Hundreds of people gathered in the city to oppose the government’s contract with LUMA Energy — an electricity company — amid blackouts and price hikes for electricity.

EUROPE

Belgium (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1300 local time (1100 UTC) on 26 August 2022, a motorist drove his van into the patios of two eateries located on the Rue Saint-Michel thoroughfare in the capital Brussels. The driver of the van veered into the crowded verandas and fled the scene. Six people suffered minor injuries. Security personnel located the vehicle nearby and are checking it for possible explosive materials. A manhunt for the driver is underway. Following the event, Belgium’s Organization for Threat Analysis Coordination (OCAM) raised the terrorism threat alert from Level 2 to Level 3 for high traffic areas in Brussels, indicating that an attack is likely and possible.

Norway (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0530 local time (0330 UTC) on 26 August 2022, three unidentified individuals set three vehicles on fire in the Greenland neighborhood of the capital Oslo. The fire then spread to two additional vehicles and an apartment building before firefighters extinguished the blaze. Five apartments and five vehicles were destroyed in the blaze; however, there were no reports of injuries. The suspects remain at large.

SOUTH AMERICA

Chile (Security threat level – 2): On 25 August 2022, a group of five gunmen robbed three health care workers who were traveling in a vehicle in the Alto Yupehue area of the coastal city of Carahue. According to local authorities, the workers belonging to the municipal health department of Carahue were visiting patients in the area when the perpetrators forced the workers out of their vehicle at gunpoint. The assailants stole various personal items and the vehicle before fleeing the scene. There were no reports of injuries. Authorities are pursuing the assailants.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Angola (Security threat level – 3): On 25 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Luanda issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “A small group of election workers protested over payment in the Kinaxixi area of Luanda earlier this morning. There were reports of crowd control using live gun fire and/or teargas. There is a possibility for additional protests in the coming days with the potential to impact U.S. citizens in the area.”

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Singapore (Security threat level – 1): On 24 August 2022, Singaporean health officials announced that inbound travelers who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will no longer be required to self-isolate after arrival in the country beginning on 29 August. An existing requirement for non-vaccinated travelers to obtain advance entry approval will also be rescinded the same day. At present, non-vaccinated travelers are permitted entry into Singapore for essential purposes only and are required to self-isolate for seven days after entry. Travelers will still be required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within two days before their departure for Singapore and provide proof of travel insurance that covers coronavirus-related expenses. Additionally, face masks will no longer be mandatory in public places; however, health officials have reiterated that face masks will remain mandatory on public transportation and in medical care facilities.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

China (Security threat level – 4): On 24 August 2022, the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong issued a Weather Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The Hong Kong Observatory is expected to issue Storm Signal 8 this evening for Thursday, August 25, 2022. Expect heavy rains and strong winds with possible flooding, landslides, power outages, and difficult travel conditions throughout Hong Kong and Macau.

“If the Storm Signal 8 remains in effect at 7:00am on Thursday morning, the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong and Macau will cancel all visa, passport, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, and notarial appointments on Thursday, August 25, 2022. Please visit the Consular Services During the Rainy and Typhoon Season for information about your visa or American Citizen Services appointment.”

Liberia (Security threat level – 5): On 23 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy is currently monitoring the possibility of two different student based anti-government demonstrations set for tomorrow, August 24, 2022 – Liberian Flag Day. Significant traffic and police presence may be encountered near the University of Liberia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tubman Boulevard and UN Drive, as well as the Mamba Point area near the U.S. Embassy throughout the day.”

CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

Haiti (Security threat level – 5): On 22 August 2022, large-scale demonstrations calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Ariel Henry occurred in the capital Port-au-Prince and several other Haitian cities, including Cap-Haitien, Jacmel, Les Cayes, Miragoane and Petit-Goave. In Port-au-Prince, police officers fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators as they attempted to march toward the prime minister’s office. Protesters also blockaded streets with flaming barricades. Local media reports indicate that at least two protesters were killed and several others were injured during the demonstrations. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Henry due to the rising cost of living and a deteriorating security environment in the country.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Philippines (Security threat level – 4): On 23 August 2022, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the closure of government offices throughout Metro Manila and across several provinces from 23-24 August amid heavy rainfall and strong winds emanating from Tropical Storm Florita — also referred to as Tropical Storm Ma-On. The government office closures include locations in cities surrounding Metro Manila as well as offices in the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Zambales. Florita made landfall at approximately 1030 local time (0230 UTC) on the morning of 23 August near the town of Maconacon on the eastern coast of northern Luzon island — located approximately 330 km (200 mi) north of Manila — with wind gusts of up to 125 kph (78 mph). According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), heavy rainfall and flooding pose a risk to the general public residing in the path of the storm.

Thailand (Security threat level – 3): On 23 August 2022, police officers in Bangkok set up barricades around government buildings ahead of upcoming demonstrations calling for an end to Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s tenure in office. Police barricades are primarily concentrated around the Government House, which hosts the prime minister’s office and other government buildings. Meanwhile, the Constitutional Court is also expected to announce whether it will address an opposition petition to rule on setting a limit to the prime minister’s term in office. Chan-ocha, a former army commander, initially became prime minister in August 2014 after a coup, and was inaugurated as prime minister in June 2019 following general elections. Opposition parties are declaring that Chan-ocha must step down from office, as he has been prime minister since 2014 and the constitution does not allow prime ministers to serve for more than eight years.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Ukraine (Security threat level – 5): On 23 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued a Security Alert regarding an increased threat of Russian military strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, which reads in part as follows. “The Department of State has information that Russia is stepping up efforts to launch strikes against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and government facilities in the coming days. Russian strikes in Ukraine pose a continued threat to civilians and civilian infrastructure. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to depart Ukraine now using privately available ground transportation options if it is safe to do so.”

AFRICA

Somalia (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 0000 local time on 21 August 2022 (2100 UTC on 20 August), security personnel in the capital Mogadishu ended a 30-hour siege following clashes with al-Shabab militants who had barricaded themselves in a room at the Hayat Hotel. The assailants had detonated two car bombs targeting the gate and front barrier to the hotel the previous day, fired live ammunition at hotel patrons and staff, then took control of the building. Loud explosions and gunfire continued at the hotel during the siege as security personnel attempted to subdue the militants, who held hotel occupants hostage and bombed the hotel stairwell. According to the Ministry of Health, 21 people were killed during the episode and 117 others were injured. At least 15 of those injured victims remain in critical condition. The Somali Police Special Unit rescued 106 individuals from the hotel.

ASIA

India (Security threat level – 3): On 22 August 2022, approximately 5,000 farmers gathered near the Jantar Mantar observatory in central New Delhi, the capital, to demand additional support for the agricultural sector from the national government. Large groups of farmers who arrived in the city from various parts of India marched through the streets of the capital as police officers erected barricades on several throughways, causing multiple traffic jams. Officials advised travelers to avoid the Aurobindo Marg, Ring Road (near Indraprastha Park), the Ghaziabad-Wazirabad road, and the Munirka road, as well as the areas of Ghazipur, Singu, and Tikri. Farming organizations and unions are demanding a price floor for all produce and the dismissal of all farming-related debt.

India (Security threat level – 3): As of 21 August 2022, monsoon rains continue to cause widespread flooding and landslides throughout northeastern India, including in the states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh — both located near the Nepal-India border. The heavy rainfall, which began on 18 August, inundated hundreds of villages, destroyed homes and downed power lines and trees. Approximately 120,000 residents were evacuated from their homes in Odisha state. Officials announced that 36 people were killed in Himachal Pradesh and 13 people remain missing; in Uttarakhand state, four people were killed and 13 more are missing.

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): On the evening of 21 August 2022, thousands of demonstrators gathered near the Liberty Chowk historical landmark in central Lahore to protest terrorism charges filed against former Prime Minister Imran Khan over allegations that he threatened government officials during a public speech. Demonstrators burned tires and formed roadblocks around the landmark as part of the protest. There were no reports of violence during the gathering. Meanwhile in Islamabad, supporters of the former prime minister attempted to gather near his residence in the Bani Gala area in an effort to impede his possible arrest; however, police officers blocked access to the area and prevented demonstrators from staging a sit-in.

EUROPE

Montenegro (Security threat level – 2): On 20 August 2022, the Parliament of Montenegro passed a no-confidence motion against the government in a 50-1 vote over a controversial agreement between government officials and the Serbian Orthodox Church related to the church’s property ownership rights. The Democratic Party of Socialists, led by President Milo Djukanovic, and the Social Democratic Party organized the vote due to a lack of consensus on the agreement and called for early elections. Pro-Serbia party members, including the Green Party led by Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic, boycotted the vote amid heightened tensions between the political parties over the new agreement with the church.

Sweden (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1700 local time (1500 UTC) on 19 August 2022, a gunman opened fire at a shopping mall in the southern city of Malmö, wounding two people. One of the victims later succumbed to their injuries while the other remains in critical condition. Police officers have arrested a suspect in relation to the shooting. Authorities believe the shooting was gang-related.

United Kingdom (Security threat level – 3): On 21 August 2022, approximately 1,900 workers launched a labor strike at England’s Port of Felixstowe, located about 150 km (90 mi) northeast of London, to demand higher pay. The Unite labor union, which has called for the strike to continue until 29 August, announced plans to hold daily demonstrations outside of the port until 2200 local time (2100 UTC). The port operator, Hutchison Ports, offered a 7% pay increase and a bonus of 500 pounds sterling (590 U.S. dollars) to its employees; however, the union refused the offer and claimed that the pay increase would not offset inflation rates, which are currently estimated to be at 10%. The shipping company Maersk warned that the industrial action at the largest container port in the U.K. may cause significant supply chain disruptions across the country.

NORTH AMERICA

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): During the evening hours of 18 August 2022, suspected members of organized crime groups set fire to vehicles parked on streets in the neighborhoods of Magisterial and Villa de Alvarez in the Colima metropolitan area, located in western Mexico. Local media report that the criminals would douse vehicles with gasoline, ignite them, then flee the scene. The gunmen also opened fire on a convenience store located at the intersection of Maclovio Herrera and Corregidora streets. There were no immediate reports of casualties connected to these events. Local authorities believe the capture of the leader of the Colima Independent Cartel hours earlier in Mexico City precipitated the violence.

United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1500 local time (2200 UTC) on 18 August 2022, two light aircraft collided midair over Northern California’s Watsonville Municipal Airport (KWVI/WVI), located approximately 85 mi (135 km) south of San Francisco. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a single-engine Cessna 152 aircraft with one person aboard collided with a twin-engine Cessna 340 that had two people aboard during their final approaches to land at the facility. One aircraft crashed into a hangar following the collision. All three people were killed in the crash but there were no casualties on the ground. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating to determine the cause of the crash.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Burkina Faso (Security threat level – 4): On 18 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Demonstrations are expected in Ouagadougou at the French Embassy on Friday, August 19. As of August 18, the demonstration time is not known.

“Following the demonstration on August 12, Mouvement M30 Naaba Wobgo has called for a demonstration every Friday until their demands are met. Burkinabe authorities have not granted a permit for this demonstration. Expect roadblocks or large groups of demonstrators in downtown Ouagadougou and surrounding areas.”

AFRICA

Guinea (Security threat level – 4): On 17 August 2022, clashes broke out between police officers and protesters in the capital Conakry during anti-junta demonstrations organized by the banned National Front for the Defense of the Constitution (FNDC) opposition alliance. Police officers fired live ammunition and tear gas at the protesters, who threw stones and other projectiles at officers in several areas of the city and its suburbs, including along Le Prince highway. According to the opposition alliance, a protester was shot and killed in the Wanidara suburb as a motorcade of junta leader Col. Mamady Doumbouya passed through the area and another protester was killed in the nearby Koloma suburb. Another 20 were reportedly injured. Authorities also arrested a number of protesters.

ASIA

Afghanistan (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 2100 local time (1630 UTC) on 17 August 2022, an explosion occurred at a mosque in the northern Kher Khanna neighborhood of Kabul, the capital. At least 21 people were killed, including a well-known cleric, and 33 others were injured in the blast. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion; however, the Islamic State Khorasan Province group has recently intensified attacks across Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 3): On 18 August 2022, police officers deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators who had blocked a road in the Union Place suburban area of central Colombo. Approximately 1,000 people gathered near the Lipton Circus roundabout and marched along Union Place road to demand the release of protesters who were arrested during recent anti-government demonstrations calling for the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Protesters were attempting to block throughway traffic in the area when police officers employed anti-riot tactics to disperse the crowd. According to a local police spokesperson, at least six people were arrested, and several others suffered minor injuries. The Inter University Students’ Federation organized the demonstration.

In an associated development, a relative of former President Rajapaksa stated that Rajapaksa is expected to return to Sri Lanka on 24 August for the first time since fleeing the country on 13 July. Rajapaksa resigned from office at Sri Lanka’s High Commission in Singapore several days after fleeing Sri Lanka.

CENTRAL AMERICA AND THE CARIBBEAN

El Salvador (Security threat level – 4): On 17 August 2022, legislators extended for an additional 30 days the current state of emergency that was enacted to counter gang violence. The extension was passed with the support of 66 of the 84 congressional members. The legislation — which has been renewed five times since it was first imposed in March 2022 — allows the government to prohibit certain public gatherings, make arrests without warrants, and intercept correspondence and telecommunications. Since its initial declaration, more than 50,000 people in the country have been arrested for alleged gang involvement.

SOUTH AMERICA

Argentina (Security threat level – 3): On 17 August 2022, thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of the capital Buenos Aires, calling for the government to implement broad wage increases amid prolonged heightened inflation in the country. The demonstrators, mostly members of labor unions and other groups that support President Alberto Fernández, began their march around mid-day in the Obelisk area near the intersection of Lima and Mexico streets and continued along Avenida San Juan, Avenida de Mayo, and Avenida Belgrano until arriving at Casa Rosada — the presidential palace. Meanwhile, a separate group of demonstrators marched along Provincial Route 202 and the Pan-American Highway, rendering traffic impassable. While the demonstrations severely disrupted traffic in the city, there were no instances of violence. Inflation in Argentina reached a 20-year high of 7.4% in July.

Chile (Security threat level – 2): On 17 August 2022, Chilean legislators approved a presidential request to extend the current state of emergency in the country’s Southern Macrozone area for an additional 15-day period. During the state of emergency, authorities will retain increased powers to enforce security measures in La Araucania, Arauco and Biobio provinces. Support for emergency rule remains strong among lawmakers, as the sixth extension passed by a vote of 107 in favor, 18 against and 4 abstentions in the Chamber of Deputies. Meanwhile in the Senate, there were 33 votes in favor of the extension and one abstention. Chile’s Southern Macrozone is home to several active indigenous insurgent groups that regularly attack individuals and entities affiliated with the local forestry and natural resource exploration industries.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Mexico (Security threat level – 4): On 17 August 2022, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Advisory for Mexico in which Zacatecas state is designated as a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” area due to increased violent criminal activity. The updated travel advisory reads in part as follows: “Do not travel [to Zacatecas state] due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime, extortion, and gang activity are widespread in Zacatecas state. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping.”

The full text of the advisory is available here.

Niger (Security threat level – 5): On 17 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a terrorism-related alert, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy in Niamey advises U.S. citizens of an increase in terrorist activity in areas closer to Niamey following two recent attacks along RN6 highway west of the capital.

“U.S. Embassy personnel may move freely within most of Niamey’s city limits (péage). However, security escorts are required for embassy personnel when frequenting La Pilule riverfront area, dining at le Sloughi Restaurant, and visiting Three Sisters recreational area.”

EUROPE

Finland / Russia (Security threat levels – 2 / 5): On 16 August 2022, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement announcing new limitations on the number of Russian visas to Finland as of 1 September in response to Russian military actions in Ukraine. Foreign Ministry officials will reduce daily visa appointments for Russian travelers by 90% — from 1,000 to 500 — and limit the number of tourist visas to 100 per day. Most European Union (EU) leaders, including the Finnish and Estonian prime ministers, support an EU-wide ban on Russian visas; however, some EU leaders disagree with the ban due to concerns regarding potential obstacles for Russians seeking political asylum in Europe.

United Kingdom (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 0920 local time (0820 UTC) on 17 August 2022, a massive fire broke out under a railway track arch on Union Street in London’s Southwark borough, prompting a temporary closure of train lines between the Waterloo East and London Bridge train stations. Multiple buildings in the area were evacuated due to the blaze, which destroyed a number of vehicles parked in the area. Approximately 70 firefighters, equipped with 10 firefighting trucks, deployed to the scene and extinguished the blaze. There were no reports of fire-related injuries. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blaze. All affected train lines have resumed services but delays or cancellations of trains operating between the two aforementioned stations are expected to continue until 1500 local time.

NORTH AMERICA

United States (Security threat level – 2): Shortly before 1900 local time (2300 UTC) on 16 August 2022, at least two gunmen riding in a vehicle fired almost 100 rounds at a group of individuals gathered outside the Shepard Recreation Center in the Haddington neighborhood of West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, wounding five people. While attempting to flee the scene, the assailants crashed their vehicle at a nearby intersection. Police officers apprehended three people and confiscated multiple firearms from the vehicle. The motive for the shooting is under investigation.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

Thailand (Security threat level – 3): During the night of 16-17 August 2022, at least 17 explosions occurred at multiple convenience stores in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat — all located near the Thailand-Malaysia border. Multiple assailants detonated improvised explosives and other incendiary devices, sparking fires at convenience store fueling stations throughout the region. In the Yaha district, located in Yala province, a man dressed in women’s clothing entered a 7-Eleven store and ordered customers and staff to evacuate the premises before detonating an explosive device. In the Nong Chik district, located in Pattani province, an explosion occurred at a Bangchak fuel station that caught fire and sustained extensive damage. Two attacks occurred in Pattani, six in Yala, and nine more transpired in Narathiwat. At least seven people were injured in the coordinated assaults. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks; however, local militant groups frequently conduct attacks in Thailand’s southern region. According to a senior military official, the attacks were aimed at disrupting local economies in the region.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Moldova (Security threat level – 2): On 17 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Bomb threats have been reported at the Chisinau International Airport, Chisinau City Hall, and various shopping malls throughout Chisinau today, August 17, 2022. Locations have been evacuated and Moldovan police are investigating each location. Please monitor local news sources for updates.

“Bomb threats have been reported recently in various locations in Moldova. Moldovan police investigating each of the reported bomb threats were able to clear the locations and never found evidence of a bomb. These recent incidents underscore the need to exercise good situational awareness and report anything suspicious to local authorities.”

AFRICA

Kenya (Security threat level – 4): On 15 August 2022, the chairman of Kenya’s electoral commission declared incumbent Deputy President William Ruto the winner of the 9 August presidential election. Official results indicate that Ruto secured 50.49% of the vote, narrowly defeating his main opponent — former Prime Minister Raila Odinga — who garnered 48.85% of the vote. Four members of the seven-member electoral commission, including the vice-chairperson, have renounced the election results. Following the declaration, protests broke out in Odinga’s strongholds such as the capital Nairobi’s Kibera area and the western city of Kisumu. Protesters in Kisumu took to the streets during the evening hours to denounce the results, claiming that the outcome was unfair. Odinga’s supporters burned tires and debris on the streets and engaged in clashes with police officers, who fired tear gas canisters to disperse the crowds. There were no reports of injuries or deaths in relation to the protests. Odinga has rejected the elections results, citing allegations of vote rigging, and is expected to file an appeal in the Supreme Court; the appeal must be filed within the next seven days.

ASIA

China (Security threat level – 4): On 15 August 2022, the Chinese government announced sanctions against seven Taiwanese officials for supporting Taiwan’s independence from China. The sanctioned individuals are no longer permitted to enter China and are banned from engaging in financial transactions with Chinese companies. The sanctions were announced during a U.S. congressional delegation’s meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. The announcement came a day after the Chinese military issued a statement regarding additional drills around Taiwan; the extent and the duration of the planned drills are unknown as yet. Heightened tensions between China and Taiwan continue after a 2-3 August visit to Taiwan by the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives — the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit the island in nearly 25 years.

Pakistan (Security threat level – 5): In the early morning hours of 16 August 2022, a passenger bus traveling from Karachi to Lahore crashed into an oil tanker on the Obarra Junobi highway in the eastern city of Multan, located in Punjab province. According to witnesses, the bus hit the tanker from behind, immediately igniting a large fire. At least 20 people were killed and six others were injured in the accident. A local police spokesperson stated that the accident likely occurred due to reckless driving.

EUROPE

Ukraine (Security threat level – 5): t approximately 0615 local time (0315 UTC) on 16 August 2022, an ammunition depot exploded in the northern village of Mayskoye, located on the Russia-annexed Crimean Peninsula. Authorities evacuated approximately 2,000 residents from the village after multiple blasts were reported at the facility over a period of several hours. At least two people were injured. Meanwhile, Russian state media reported that a fire broke out near the Crimean town of Dzhankoi, although there has been no official announcement regarding the source of that fire. Russian officials attributed the blasts in Mayskoye to “an act of sabotage” while a Ukrainian presidential advisor suggested that Ukrainian forces may have caused the blasts but did not confirm their involvement.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Brazil (Security threat level – 3): On 15 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Brasilia issued a Security Alert regarding the upcoming elections, which reads in part as follows: “The first round of Brazil’s national elections is scheduled to take place nationwide on Sunday, October 2, 2022. Per the Brazilian Constitution, a second round of voting is possible on October 30. Demonstrations are expected across the country leading up to and during the elections. While the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil expect the elections to be relatively calm throughout most of the country, we remind U.S. citizens to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings and any road closures.

“The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Brazil caution U.S. citizens to avoid areas around protests and demonstrations, as even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational. We encourage you to check media sources you trust for updates.”

NORTH AMERICA

Canada (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 1230 local time (1630 UTC) on 11 August 2022, a significant power outage occurred in downtown Toronto, affecting approximately 10,000 customers. The outage prompted the evacuation of the city’s largest shopping mall and the closure of multiple businesses, including banks and restaurants. Emergency crews attended at least a dozen locations to rescue people trapped in elevators. Meanwhile, police officers deployed to direct vehicular traffic across the downtown area, as traffic lights were not working due to the power outage. Electricity was fully restored in the affected area after more than seven hours. The Hydro One energy company stated that the outage occurred after a crane on a barge collided with three high-voltage transmission power lines at a station in the Port Lands neighborhood.

United States (Security threat level – 2): At approximately 0915 local time (1315 UTC) on 11 August 2022, a gunman attempted to breach an FBI field office in Cincinnati, Ohio, then fled the scene after agents stationed at the office confronted him. A state trooper traveling on Interstate 71 spotted the suspect’s vehicle and attempted to pull him over, but the suspect again escaped. Police officers later engaged in an hours-long standoff with the suspect on a rural road in Clinton County before shooting and killing him shortly before 1600 local time. Authorities believe the deceased was a “suspected domestic violent extremist.”

SOUTH AMERICA

Brazil (Security threat level – 3): On 11 August 2022, thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators gathered in multiple cities across Brazil, including São Paulo, to demand that President Jair Bolsonaro respect the outcome of the upcoming 2 October presidential election. Bolsonaro recently criticized electronic voting systems and accused the Supreme Court justices of favoring his political opponents. Meanwhile, nearly 900,000 Brazilians signed a petition in support of democratic institutions amid fears that Bolsonaro may not accept the election outcome.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Burkina Faso (Security threat level – 4): On 11 August 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Ouagadougou issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Demonstrations are expected in Ouagadougou at the French Embassy on Friday, August 12, from 08:00 to 16:00. The demonstration is organized by Mouvement M30 Naaba Wobgo and La Coalition des Patriotes Africains du Burkina Faso (COPA-BF). Burkinabe authorities have not granted a permit for this demonstration. As a result, the demonstration may relocate to the Conseil Burkinabe des Chargeurs. Expect roadblocks or large groups of demonstrators in downtown Ouagadougou and surrounding areas.”

AFRICA

Sierra Leone (Security threat level – 4): As of 11 August 2022, a nationwide nightly curfew from 1900-0700 local time/UTC is in effect in Sierra Leone, following violent anti-government protests the previous day. At least six police officers and 13 civilians were reportedly killed in the violence. Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh imposed the nationwide curfew on 10 August in an effort to quell the protests and associated violence in the capital Freetown. In the city’s eastern Wellington area, protesters burned tires and debris in the streets and engaged in clashes with police officers. Meanwhile, demonstrators obstructed traffic and marched on Blackhall Road calling for the resignation of President Julius Maada Bio due to worsening economic conditions in the country. There is a heavy security presence in Freetown, as authorities have deployed additional security personnel throughout the city. Internet connectivity was severely restricted throughout Freetown for most of the day in an attempt to slow down coordination of the quickly spreading protests. Associated protests also occurred in other cities in the country, including Makeni.

Despite the nationwide curfew and government officials’ pleas for calm, protesters defied the curfew order and remained in the streets of Freetown. Police officers fired live ammunition into the air in an attempt to restore order, and several reports allege that police officers fired live ammunition at protesters.

Analyst Comment: Protests, strikes and other acts of civil disobedience are likely to continue in the near-term due to general dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living and the government’s inability to quickly address the situation. Additional anti-riot initiatives — including internet restrictions and the implementation of a state of emergency — are possible if more residents join the largely unorganized youth-led demonstrations.

ASIA

China / United Kingdom (Security threat levels – 4 / 3): On 10 August 2022, the Chinese and U.K. governments agreed to the resumption of direct passenger flights after a nearly two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Air China — one of the largest Chinese carriers — announced flights from Beijing to London every Thursday and flights from Shanghai to London every Saturday as of 11 August. Additionally, China Southern Airlines will offer passenger flights from Guangzhou to London every Wednesday beginning on 17 August. Airlines plan to announce additional flight routes at a later date.

EUROPE

France (Security threat level – 3): As of 11 August 2022, a wildfire burning in the Gironde department has consumed approximately 6,600 hectares (16,460 acres) of land and has spread to the department of Landes, while seven other major forest fires have broken out in the Aveyron, Drôme, Jura, Lozère and Maine-et-Loire departments. Nearly 10,000 residents have been evacuated since the previous day and authorities closed the A63 highway in both directions due to low visibility. Approximately 1,100 firefighters, equipped with two helicopters and nine other firefighting aircraft, were deployed to contain the blazes, and authorities will deploy additional reinforcements in the coming days due to dry weather conditions and high temperatures.

MIDDLE EAST

Lebanon (Security threat level – 5): At approximately 1200 local time (0900 UTC) on 11 August 2022, an armed man took approximately 10 individuals hostage at a branch of Federal Bank in the upscale Hamra business district of Beirut, the capital. The individual — carrying a firearm and a canister of gasoline — demanded his frozen bank deposits be returned to him. The man fired at least three warning shots. Authorities have cordoned off the area near the bank. The situation is ongoing.

Analyst Comment: Banks in Lebanon have allowed only limited withdrawals for most depositors for the past three years, leaving many depositors unable to access their funds.

SOUTH AMERICA

Argentina (Security threat level – 3): On 10 August 2022, thousands of people gathered at Plaza de Mayo in the capital Buenos Aires to protest rising inflation rates. The protesters — including some who set up campsites at the plaza — are demanding that the newly appointed economic minister raise wages and subsidize essential commodities. Traffic and transportation