AMERICAS

Haiti (Security threat level – 5): On 10 June 2022, armed members of the 5 Seconds gang hijacked two minibuses and briefly kidnapped local tourists in the neighborhood of Village de Diu in the capital Port-au-Prince. According to reports, the 38 tourists were traveling to the southern Miragoâne commune, located in Nippes department, at the time of the abduction. The kidnappers released the victims on 11 June. It is not known whether a ransom was paid.

Members of the 5 Seconds gang on 10 June also took control of the Port-au-Prince courthouse, located in the city center, shortly after abducting the tourists. Courthouse employees fled the building. There were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests.

ASIA

India (Security threat level – 3): On the morning of 11 June 2022, demonstrators gathered near the Panchla Bazaar area in West Bengal’s Howrah district, located approximately 10 km (6 mi) west of the state capital Kolkata, to protest controversial remarks made by a leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding the Prophet Muhammad. Protesters threw stones at police officers, who fired tear gas in response. Several police officers were injured during the clashes. The violence follows similar occurrences between protesters and police officers the previous day. Authorities have suspended internet services in Howrah until June 13, and Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code — which allows officials to prohibit gatherings of four or more individuals in an area — has been imposed in the district in response to the unrest.

Philippines (Security threat level – 4): On 12 June 2022, the Bulusan Volcano — located in the Bicol region on Luzon Island — erupted for a second time after its initial eruption on 5 June. According to local officials, several towns near the volcano were affected by ashfall and residents with breathing-related health complications were warned to remain indoors. Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (RPLL/MNL) canceled several domestic flights following the eruption. Authorities are maintaining an Alert Level 1 — the second-lowest level on a five-tier scale — for the area. Entry into the Permanent Danger Zone, which lies within a 4 km- (2.5 mi)-radius of the volcano, is prohibited.

Taiwan (Security threat level – 1): On 11 June 2022, the Central Epidemic Command Center announced that the coronavirus-related quarantine requirement for all travelers arriving in Taiwan will be shortened to three days from the currently mandated seven days as of 15 June. Following the three-day quarantine, travelers will be required to self-monitor their health for an additional four days and avoid traveling outdoors unless it is absolutely essential. Those who present proof of a negative COVID-19 antibody test within two days after arrival will be permitted to travel for work or to procure essential items. All travelers will remain subject to existing entry requirements, which mandate that they present proof of a negative PCR test taken within two days before their departure for Taiwan and take another PCR test upon arrival on the island.

Thailand (Security threat level – 3): At approximately 1900 local time (1200 UTC) on 11 June 2022, dozens of anti-government demonstrators who had gathered in the capital Bangkok threw glass bottles and firecrackers at police officers on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road near Din Daeng Highway. Demonstrators initially gathered at about 1700 local time and marched from Democracy Monument to Victory Monument to demand the release of prisoners and the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Local reports indicate that clashes broke out after security personnel erected barricades on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road to prevent the protesters from approaching the prime minister’s residence. At least two police officers were injured in the violence, and one demonstrator was arrested.

SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Democratic Republic Of The Congo (Security threat level – 4): On 13 June 2022, the M23 rebel group reportedly seized control of the eastern town of Bunagana, North Kivu — located near the Democratic Republic of Congo’s border with Uganda — following intense fighting with the army that began the previous day. Eyewitness reports indicate that approximately 100 soldiers riding in multiple vehicles retreated from the town and escaped into Uganda on the morning of 13 June, although the government had claimed the previous night that the army repelled the offensive launched by M23 rebels. According to the United Nations, more than 30,000 civilians have fled the area due to the latest bout of fighting.

Sudan (Security threat level – 5): As of 13 June 2022, an ongoing land dispute between Arab and African groups has escalated into armed conflict in the town of Kulbus, located in the state of West Darfur near the border with Chad. Over the course of one week, local Arab militias have attacked approximately 20 nearby villages, killed approximately 100 people and displaced at least 5,000 families. In response, Sudanese authorities have deployed additional troops to the region.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Ecuador (Security threat level – 3): On 10 June 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Quito issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE) is planning demonstrations and road blockages nationwide from June 13 to June 15. Multiple roads in and out of Quito, including those leading to the airport, could be affected. Some past demonstrations have turned violent and security forces have responded with crowd dispersal agents to maintain public order.

“Among the Roads Likely to be Affected Are: San Miguel del Común, Mariscal Sucre and Humberto Albornoz, Ruta Viva, Toll Intervalles, Intervalles and Guayaquil, Intervalles and Sebastiana de Benalcazar, Mitad del Mundo, Simón Bolívar sector el Troje, and Maldonado sector Escuela Riobamba. Please keep in mind that these locations are subject to change.”

Sudan (Security threat level – 5): On 13 June 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum issued a Demonstration Alert, which reads in part as follows: “Acts of civil disobedience are expected to take place this afternoon, June 13th throughout greater Khartoum and potentially in other states. This may include centralized or decentralized demonstrations, road blockages by protesters, and business closures. Security forces may close bridges. Unannounced protests and other acts of civil disobedience may continue to take place, in addition to larger organized protests. Embassy personnel have been encouraged to work from home in the afternoon.”