Our Global Risk partners, Drum Cussac, provide in-depth analysis of global risks via in-house experts, cutting edge technology and through a comprehensive global source network. Here is your summary of the incidents you need to know about from the last 30 days.
Africa
Somalia
Multiple Soldiers Killed Following Clashes Between Security Forces in Dinsor, Bay Region
According to local media reports, at least five soldiers have been killed during clashes between the forces of the former governor of Dinsor and local forces of the Southwest administration of Dinsor district, Bay region, on Monday, 18 November. It has been reported that the clashes started because the former local community leader, Mohamed Nur Shigshigow, had refused to be removed.
Advice
Somalia remains an extreme risk operational environment and as such, all travel should be undertaken with the strictest possible security risk management protocols in place. Visitors should ensure that personnel and site security measures are continuously reviewed so as to remain commensurate with the prevailing local threat environment. All optionally-critical movement outside of secure compounds should be conducted in coordination with a reputable security provider and local authorities in order to avoid areas with high levels of militant activity or active security operations.
The Republic of Congo
State of Emergency Declared in Cuvette and Plateaux Regions due to Flooding
According to international media reports on Friday, 22 November, the Republic of Congo has declared a state of emergency in the Plateaux and Cuvette regions following weeks of heavy rainfall. At least 50,000 people are reported to have been affected by flooding, with hundreds of buildings being destroyed and communities displaced along the swollen Oubangui and Likouala rivers. Several people are reported to have been killed in flood-related incidents in Brazzaville but there are currently no estimates for casualties in other areas of the country. The Republic’s government has called for international humanitarian organisations to assist in relief efforts.
Advice
Readers are advised to monitor local media for the latest weather-related updates and advisories. Those conducting overland travel are advised to exercise a high degree of caution and should ensure the safety and accessibility of routes before undertaking a journey. Heed all directives issued by local authorities and review contingency and business continuity plans in light of possible disruption to services and travel.
Nigeria
Multiple Fatalities Reported following Armed Attack in Aljannaru in Song, Adamawa State
According to regional media sources, gunmen shot and killed six local hunters in an attack on a farming community in Aljannaru in Song, northern Adamawa State on Sunday, 17 November. A spokesperson stated that the attackers, who arrived on camel-back, reportedly wielded automatic rifles and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers and shot indiscriminately at residents of the village, and also looted cattle. The identity of the attackers is not clear, but militant groups are known to operate in northeast Nigeria.
Advice
Given the heightened tensions and the increased threat of intercommunal violence and banditry, visitors are advised to remain extremely vigilant and should immediately report any suspicious activity to security forces. Operationally-critical travel in rural areas should be conducted following a comprehensive localised threat assessment. Travellers should regularly review security management protocols to ensure that they remain commensurate with the evolving local threat environment.
Americas
Colombia
Anti-Government Protesters Clash with Police in Bogota During Nationwide Strike
According to international media outlets on Thursday, 21 November, anti-government protesters clashed with riot police in Bogota on the day of the country’s planned national strike. It was reported that what began as a peaceful demonstration escalated after some protesters began vandalising the Plaza de Bolivar. Police deployed tear gas in response in order to disperse the protesters. These protests come after a national strike was declared against President Ivan Duques administration. Additional demonstrations have been predicted to occur over the coming days and a heightened security presence should be anticipated.
Advice
Travellers are advised to avoid all protests and political gatherings in order to mitigate the risk of exposure to unruly crowd behaviour, opportunistic crime and police crowd control measures. Visitors should monitor local media for further information on demonstrations occurring in their particular area of operations.
United States
Several Killed in Shooting in Duncan, Oklahoma
According to local and international media sources, three people were killed in a shooting outside a Walmart store in Duncan, Oklahoma on Monday, 18 November. The incident occurred at around 0945hrs (1545 UTC) in the supermarket’s car park and it is reported that one of the deceased is the shooter. The shooter reportedly approached the victims’ car and opened fire. They stopped shooting when a bystander pulled out their own firearm and pointed it at the shooter, who then turned his gun on himself. Schools in the city were briefly placed on lockdown as a result of the incident and a large portion of the shopping centre car park was cordoned off. The motive for the shooting was said to be a domestic dispute, although this has not been confirmed. Local officials have stated that the shooting was an isolated incident and that there is no additional threat to the local community. Police have launched an investigation into the incident.
Advice
Readers should monitor local media sources for further information on the incident, and heed any directives issued by the authorities. Remain clear of the affected area as investigations continue. Overland disruption may occur in the vicinity due to response operations. In an active shooter situation, members should run as far as possible if safe to do so, or remain hidden behind solid cover.
Haiti
Multiple Injured in Port-au-Prince Shooting Following Presidential Speech
International media outlets report that at least four people were injured in a shooting in Port-au-Prince following a speech by President Jovenel Moise on Monday, 18 November. The shooting occurred in a protest march between the Delmas and Petionville neighbourhoods. The injured have since been transferred to local hospitals and the shooters’ identities have yet to be determined.
Advice
Readers in Haiti are advised to avoid any demonstrations and political gatherings due to the security risk that they pose. Any large crowds should be avoided, and a strong situational awareness should be maintained at all times. Travellers are advised not to attempt to drive through roadblocks but to turn around and head to a safe area. Travellers are also encouraged to monitor local news and media for further information relating to the protests.
Middle East and North Africa
Israel
Evacuation Orders Issued in Mevaseret Zion, Jerusalem, Following Forest Fire
National news outlets have reported on Wednesday, 20 November, that an evacuation order has been issued in the suburb of Mevaseret Zion, Jerusalem, following the outbreak of a forest fire. Reports state that local emergency services are currently attending the scene as they try to contain the fire, which was said to have been advancing rapidly. Significant travel delays were reported on Route 1, the highway connecting the capital with the central regions.
Advice
Travellers should monitor local media sources for further information and heed any directives issued by the authorities, including evacuation orders. Readers in the region should avoid the vicinity of the incident due to the ongoing response. Those in the immediate vicinity are advised to close all windows and doors so as to not inhale any smoke or potentially toxic fumes.
Afghanistan
US Service Members Killed following Helicopter Crash in Charkh District, Logar Province
According to international media outlets on Wednesday, 20 November, there have been several fatalities following a helicopter crash in the Charkh district of Logar province. The Pentagon has stated that two US service members were killed as a result of the crash. The Afghan Defence Ministry announced that the crash was not the result of enemy fire. In a contradictory statement, the Taliban has claimed responsibility for downing the helicopter, however, the claim cannot be independently verified. It is understood that the crash site is currently under investigation and a heightened security presence should be anticipated in the immediate vicinity.
Advice
Afghanistan remains an extremely high-risk operational environment, and deployments should only be undertaken with the strictest possible security risk management procedures in place. Ex-Pats should maintain a low profile and use a vetted security provider that offers close protection and emergency response services. Minimise time spent in the vicinity of places of worship, security checkpoints, security headquarters, and government buildings as these are among the primary targets for militant attacks.
Iraq
Several Police Officers Killed following IS Militant Attack in Kirkuk Governorate
According to local media sources, at least two police officers were killed and one other was injured when militants attacked a checkpoint in Kirkuk Governorate on Thursday, 21 November. The attack reportedly took place in Rashad, which is a town located in the south of Kirkuk. Although it has not been confirmed, it is believed that Islamic State (IS) militants were behind the attacks.
Advice
Readers are advised to expect a heightened security presence and possible security operations in the immediate term following the attack. Exercise an increased level of situational awareness and report any suspicious activity or items to security forces. Any operationally-critical deployments in Iraq should ensure that all movements are subject to stringent journey management procedures and conducted in liaison with local authorities and security forces in order to avoid areas of ongoing security operations.
Europe
France
Fatality Reported following Bridge Collapse in Toulouse; Several Reported Missing
According to local media reports, a bridge has collapsed over the Tarn Lake in Toulouse on Monday morning, 18 November. A 15-year old individual reportedly died following the incident on the bridge that connected Mirepoix-sur-Tarn and Bessiere, in Haute-Garonne. Thus far, the emergency services have declared that four people were rescued but multiple individuals are believed to be missing following the incident. Authorities are currently investigating if a lorry that was crossing the bridge during the incident had exceeded the weight limit permitted.
Advice
Readers with operations in the area should review the situation and review contingency and business continuity plans to avoid disruption. Monitor local media to remain apprised of further developments regarding the incident.
Italy
Venice to Face High Tide on 17 November; Associated Disruption Expected
According to media sources, water levels are forecast to reach 160 cm (63 inches) in Venice on Sunday, 17 November, as heavy rainfall combined with a high tide are set to impact the city. The mayor of Venice declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, 13 November, after water levels reached a peak of 187 cm (73.6 in) the prior day. The recent flooding has reportedly caused more than USD 1 billion in damages to the city. Further heavy rainfall and flooding are expected in Venice and across the Veneto region over the coming days. Transportation and business disruptions are expected to continue.
Advice
Readers in the vicinity should monitor local media and weather sources in order to maintain situational awareness. Any directives issued by local authorities should be strictly adhered to. When travelling in the affected area members should be cautious and expect significant disruption.
France
Fatality Reported and Thousands Left Without Power Following Severe Weather Across the Southeast
According to international media reports, one man was killed by a falling tree in the commune of Roche and around 330,000 homes were hit by power cuts in the southeast of France following snow, ice and heavy rain. Heavy snowstorms have hit the Drome, Isere, Rhone and Ardeche departments overnight Thursday, 14 November. Train traffic is expected to be interrupted in and around Grenoble at least until Friday afternoon, 15 November, due to fallen trees on the tracks. According to local weather services, the snowfall should continue until Friday night.
Advice
Local authorities have urged people to stay off the roads. Although it remains open to cars, highways agencies have advised people to only travel is strictly necessary. The RN88, RN102, A89, A46 and A72 have also imposed restrictions on vehicles above 7.5 tonnes. Disruption on train routes connecting Grenoble, Annecy and Valence should be expected in the immediate term. Readers in the vicinity should monitor local media and weather sources in order to maintain situational awareness. Any directives issued by local authorities should be strictly adhered to.
Asia and the Pacific
Thailand
Disruption in Thai Province of Nan following Earthquake in Laos
International media outlets report that the 6.1 magnitude earthquake that hit Loas on Wednesday 20, November, has caused damage across the border in the Thai province of Nan. As a result of the earthquake, infrastructural damage has been reported across the province. The majority of the damage was reported in the Bo Klua and Chalerm Prakiat districts of Nan province. No injuries have currently been reported as a result of the earthquake.
Advice
Travellers should remain vigilant and monitor local media outlets for updates and disruption following the earthquake. Travellers should heed any directives given by the authorities in order to minimise risks.
India
Thousands Gather near New Delhi Parliament in Protest of Forest Rights Act
International media outlets report that on Thursday, 21 November, more than 2,500 indigenous tribal community members gathered near the New Delhi parliament in protest of the possible dilution of the Forestry Rights Act (FRA) by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government. The protesters claim that proposed government policy changes threaten their ownership of the forest lands under the FRA. There have been reported incidents where the homes and farmland of the indigenous community have been destroyed in efforts to evict them from the forests.
Advice
Travellers are advised to avoid all protests and political gatherings in order to mitigate the risk of exposure to unruly crowd behaviour, opportunistic crime and police crowd control measures. Travellers should monitor local media for further information on demonstrations occurring in their particular area of operations.
Philippines
Calbayog City Police Intelligence Officer Killed by Armed Gunmen in Cebu
National media reported that unidentified gunmen shot dead Police Lieutenant Colonel, Joie Pacito Yape, the head of the Calbayog City intelligence unit in Cebu late Thursday evening, 21 November. Local witnesses said that Yape and his wife were walking towards a nearby mall when the gunmen on a motorcycle shot him several times before leaving the scene. He was previously the head of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) that led raids against high-profile drug suspects. Emergency responders attempted to resuscitate him but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after their arrival.
Advice
Any operationally-critical travel to the region should be subject to a thorough localised threat assessment and extensive security risk management procedures. Travellers should monitor local media sources to remain apprised of any security-related incidents in their particular area of operations and heed any directives issued by local authorities.
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