IN TODAY'S ISSUE
ASIA
India
Pakistan
EUROPE
Germany
Greece
Turkey
United Kingdom
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Iran
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Ghana
Kenya
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Kosovo
ASIA
India (Country threat level - 3 ): According to a report published on 7 December 2008, an unspecified threat sent from Pakistan via e-mail warned of a possible Mumbai style attack against Bengaluru. The report stated that the threat window will be open on 7 and 8 December. Police and National Security Guard commandos bolstered security at key installations, particularly Bengaluru International Airport (VOBL/BLR), the City Railway Station and main bus terminal.
Pakistan (Country threat level - 5 ): According to a report published on 8 December 2008, Pakistani forces have raided a Lashkar-e-Taiba camp in Musaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir. The raid reportedly netted Lashkar's operational chief and the man sources indicate was the person responsible for ordering the Mumbai attacks. Witneses state that a large-scale raid was launched against the position with Pakistani army helicopters and army personnel raiding the camp. While government and militant sources stated that the Lashkar chief was captured, the Pakistani government has not released any official statement about the operation.
EUROPE
Germany (Country threat level - 3 ): A right-wing demonstration in Berlin turned violent on 6 December 2008, after left-wing activists attempted to block the far-right activists from marching in the city's Lichtenberg suburb. Police officers fired water cannon to disperse protesters, who hurled bottles and overturned vehicles. At least 40 people were arrested during the clashes. Approximately 1,600 police officers were deployed to oversee the protest action, which was attended by 700 far-right activists. There were no reports of serious injuries.
Greece (Country threat level - 3 ): Violent rioting sparked by the police shooting of a teenager continued in cities across Greece for a third consecutive day on 8 December 2008. In Athens, protesters clashed with police officers outside the Parliament building and hurled rocks at the Interior Ministry. Violence was also reported in Thessaloniki, where protesters broke store windows and attacked a police station, prompting police officers to fire tear gas to disperse them. There were also reports of clashes in the cities of Veria and Trikala. Additional protest actions are expected in Athens and other cities later on 8 December, and the potential for further violence is high.
The protests initially broke out in Athens on 6 December after police officers shot and killed a teenager at a protest taking place in the Exarchia district. Hundreds of protesters then gathered in Athens and destroyed dozens of shops in the city's main commercial area on Ermou Street. On 7 December at least 1,000 students staged a violent demonstration during which participants used trashcans and vehicles to erect a barricade to prevent security forces from entering the Polytechnic University of Athens. In Thessaloniki, located 320 mi/515 km north of Athens, hundreds of youths also joined to protest the police shooting. A police precinct in the city center was attacked and several roads were blockaded. Youths hurled Molotov cocktails and set fire to various bank branches, stores and vehicles throughout Athens and Thessaloniki. Crete, Komotini and Ioannina were also affected by the rioting. Major traffic disruptions were reported.
Two police officers were arrested for shooting the teenager, and the shooting incident remains under investigation. At least 30 civilians and 37 police officers have sustained injuries since the unrest began. Meanwhile, protest actions have also been reported outside of Greece. A group of approximately 15 youths occupied the Greek consulate in Berlin on 8 December and anarchists staged a protest at the Greek Embassy in London.
ASI Comment: Due to the likelihood for continued violence, individuals traveling to Greece should exercise caution and avoid areas where protest actions are occurring. In Athens, the violence has remained limited to Ermou Street, in Monastiraki, Alexandras Avenue, in Exarchia and near the Polytechnic University. There are no indications that the protests have affected transportation between the city and Athens International Airport (LGAV/ATH).
Turkey (Country threat level - 4 ): A percussion bomb exploded outside a bank in the Fatih district of central Istanbul on 6 December 2008. The blast injured three people and blew out windows of the Vakif Bank. Authorities temporarily closed off streets in the area to prevent casualties should any subsequent attacks occur, but no further explosions were reported. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing. Left-wing groups, Kurdish militants and domestic Islamist groups periodically stage such attacks in Istanbul.
United Kingdom (Country threat level - 3 ): Members of a climate action group broke into a secure area of London's Stansted Airport (EGSS/STN) at approximately 0315 local time on 8 December 2008 and blocked a runway. The group planned to occupy the area for as long as possible, intending to draw attention to pollution from the aviation industry and to protest the expansion of Stansted Airport. Approximately 50 protesters participated in the action. Police officers contained the area where the activists were demonstrating and removed them at approximately 0810 local time. Flights resumed shortly thereafter, however, significant delays continued after the runway was reopened. No violence was reported.
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Iran (Country threat level - 4 ): On 7 December 2008 members of the State Security Forces (SSF) reportedly fired tear gas into a large crowd of students at Boali Sina University in Hamedan, who were demonstrating on the anniversary of Student Day. Security forces attempted unsuccessfully to force students from a university building. The SSF was dispatched to several other universities to stop students from gathering. At Tehran University, student protesters demanded that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad release three students who have been detained since May.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Ghana (Country threat level - 3 ): Preliminary results from Ghana's 7 December 2008 presidential election show a close race between Nana Akufo-Addo (of the ruling New Patriotic Party) and John Atta Mills (of the opposition National Democratic Congress), with the latter only slightly ahead. The election took place without incident, although security was increased throughout the country. Final results are expected by the close of the day on 8 December, and a runoff vote on 28 December may be needed if neither candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote. The winner will replace President John Kufuor in January in a transition that, if it proceeds without incident, will mark the second successful democratic transfer of power in the country.
Kenya (Country threat level - 4 ): Reports that emerged on 8 December 2008 indicate that university and college students have threatened to protest on Independence Day, 12 December 2008, due to the government's failure to halt the rising price of food. According to a statement issued by the chairperson of the Student Organization of the University of Nairobi, the government has a responsibility to "zero-rate" the price of food and other essential commodities, and if the government fails to do so, university students will join the National Civil Society Congress in peaceful demonstrations on 12 December. While protest organizers stress that the protests will be peaceful, demonstrations in Kenya often devolve into violence.
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Kosovo (Country threat level - 4 ): On 7 December 2008 the U.S. Embassy in Pristina issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is to inform U.S. Citizens that on Tuesday, December 9, the European Union rule of law mission (EULEX) is expected to take over duties and responsibilities from the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) for police, justice, customs, and other rule of law functions in Kosovo. While this transition has been well-planned and coordinated, the Embassy urges all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance in light of recent public demonstrations and political issues related to this transition. The Embassy is not aware of any planned demonstrations.
"Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Kosovo from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times."
SIGNIFICANT DATES
8 December
Saudi Arabia: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca. More than 2 million pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia during this time.)
Panama: Mother's Day
Uzbekistan: Constitution Day (Public holiday; most offices and businesses close.)
Worldwide: Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice. Two-three day holiday in many Islamic countries.)
Christianity: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Observed as a holiday in some countries, including Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica [not banks], Guam [Our Lady of Camarin], Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malta, Paraguay and Peru.)
9 December
Saudi Arabia: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca. More than 2 million pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia during this time.)
Worldwide: Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice. Two-three day holiday in many Islamic countries.)
Tanzania: Independence Day (Public holiday. Offices and businesses close.)
Islam: Aid al Adha
10 December
Saudi Arabia: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca. More than 2 million pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia during this time.)
Cambodia: Human Rights Day (Public holiday)
Equatorial Guinea: Human Rights Day (Public holiday. Businesses, schools and government offices close.)
Greece: Greek public and private sector unions are staging a one-day strike. Transportation disruptions are likely to occur.
Thailand: Constitution Day (Government offices and businesses close.)
Worldwide: Human Rights Day (Observed as a holiday in some countries. Demonstrations in defense of human rights occur.)
11 December
Saudi Arabia: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca. More than 2 million pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia during this time.)
Burkina Faso: National Day (Public holiday)
Russia: Anniversary of the beginning of the first Chechen War (1995) (Violence possible in southern Russia.)
Thailand: Election for new prime minister
12 December
Italy: General transport strike scheduled
Kenya: Jamhuri/Independence Day (Public holiday)
Mexico: Our Lady of Guadalupe (Partial public holiday)
Russia: Constitution Day or Russian Independence Day (Formerly a public holiday. Demonstrations may occur in the capital.)
Turkmenistan: Neutrality Day (Public holiday)
13 December
Malta: Republic Day (Public holiday; offices and businesses close.)
Poland: Anniversary of imposition of martial law in 1981 (Demonstrations possible)
16 December
Bahrain: National Day (Observed as a public holiday on 18 December. Military parade organized in Manama.)
Bangladesh: Victory Day (The day that Pakistani-held Dhaka fell to the Indian army, marking Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan. Everything closes on Victory Day as it is a national holiday. Possibility of strikes due to a state of political unrest.)
Kazakhstan: Independence Day (All government offices, businesses close.)
South Africa: Reconciliation Day (Anniversary of the Battle of Blood River)
17 December
Bhutan: National Day (Public holiday)
18 December
Niger: Republic Day (Public holiday. Offices and businesses close.)
Qatar: National Day (Public holiday; many offices and businesses close.)
ASI THREAT LEVEL DEFINITIONS
- (1) A minimum threat of physical harm. Petty crime is the most common threat.
- (2) A low threat of physical harm. Petty crime and infrequent demonstrations are the most common threats.
- (3) A medium threat of physical harm. Petty crime and demonstrations are common and violent acts do occur.
- (4) A high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, demonstrations or terrorism.
- (5) A very high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, terrorism, demonstrations or war.
ASIA
India
Pakistan
EUROPE
Germany
Greece
Turkey
United Kingdom
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Iran
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Ghana
Kenya
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Kosovo
ASIA
India (Country threat level - 3 ): According to a report published on 7 December 2008, an unspecified threat sent from Pakistan via e-mail warned of a possible Mumbai style attack against Bengaluru. The report stated that the threat window will be open on 7 and 8 December. Police and National Security Guard commandos bolstered security at key installations, particularly Bengaluru International Airport (VOBL/BLR), the City Railway Station and main bus terminal.
Pakistan (Country threat level - 5 ): According to a report published on 8 December 2008, Pakistani forces have raided a Lashkar-e-Taiba camp in Musaffarabad, the capital of Pakistani-administered Kashmir. The raid reportedly netted Lashkar's operational chief and the man sources indicate was the person responsible for ordering the Mumbai attacks. Witneses state that a large-scale raid was launched against the position with Pakistani army helicopters and army personnel raiding the camp. While government and militant sources stated that the Lashkar chief was captured, the Pakistani government has not released any official statement about the operation.
EUROPE
Germany (Country threat level - 3 ): A right-wing demonstration in Berlin turned violent on 6 December 2008, after left-wing activists attempted to block the far-right activists from marching in the city's Lichtenberg suburb. Police officers fired water cannon to disperse protesters, who hurled bottles and overturned vehicles. At least 40 people were arrested during the clashes. Approximately 1,600 police officers were deployed to oversee the protest action, which was attended by 700 far-right activists. There were no reports of serious injuries.
Greece (Country threat level - 3 ): Violent rioting sparked by the police shooting of a teenager continued in cities across Greece for a third consecutive day on 8 December 2008. In Athens, protesters clashed with police officers outside the Parliament building and hurled rocks at the Interior Ministry. Violence was also reported in Thessaloniki, where protesters broke store windows and attacked a police station, prompting police officers to fire tear gas to disperse them. There were also reports of clashes in the cities of Veria and Trikala. Additional protest actions are expected in Athens and other cities later on 8 December, and the potential for further violence is high.
The protests initially broke out in Athens on 6 December after police officers shot and killed a teenager at a protest taking place in the Exarchia district. Hundreds of protesters then gathered in Athens and destroyed dozens of shops in the city's main commercial area on Ermou Street. On 7 December at least 1,000 students staged a violent demonstration during which participants used trashcans and vehicles to erect a barricade to prevent security forces from entering the Polytechnic University of Athens. In Thessaloniki, located 320 mi/515 km north of Athens, hundreds of youths also joined to protest the police shooting. A police precinct in the city center was attacked and several roads were blockaded. Youths hurled Molotov cocktails and set fire to various bank branches, stores and vehicles throughout Athens and Thessaloniki. Crete, Komotini and Ioannina were also affected by the rioting. Major traffic disruptions were reported.
Two police officers were arrested for shooting the teenager, and the shooting incident remains under investigation. At least 30 civilians and 37 police officers have sustained injuries since the unrest began. Meanwhile, protest actions have also been reported outside of Greece. A group of approximately 15 youths occupied the Greek consulate in Berlin on 8 December and anarchists staged a protest at the Greek Embassy in London.
ASI Comment: Due to the likelihood for continued violence, individuals traveling to Greece should exercise caution and avoid areas where protest actions are occurring. In Athens, the violence has remained limited to Ermou Street, in Monastiraki, Alexandras Avenue, in Exarchia and near the Polytechnic University. There are no indications that the protests have affected transportation between the city and Athens International Airport (LGAV/ATH).
Turkey (Country threat level - 4 ): A percussion bomb exploded outside a bank in the Fatih district of central Istanbul on 6 December 2008. The blast injured three people and blew out windows of the Vakif Bank. Authorities temporarily closed off streets in the area to prevent casualties should any subsequent attacks occur, but no further explosions were reported. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombing. Left-wing groups, Kurdish militants and domestic Islamist groups periodically stage such attacks in Istanbul.
United Kingdom (Country threat level - 3 ): Members of a climate action group broke into a secure area of London's Stansted Airport (EGSS/STN) at approximately 0315 local time on 8 December 2008 and blocked a runway. The group planned to occupy the area for as long as possible, intending to draw attention to pollution from the aviation industry and to protest the expansion of Stansted Airport. Approximately 50 protesters participated in the action. Police officers contained the area where the activists were demonstrating and removed them at approximately 0810 local time. Flights resumed shortly thereafter, however, significant delays continued after the runway was reopened. No violence was reported.
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Iran (Country threat level - 4 ): On 7 December 2008 members of the State Security Forces (SSF) reportedly fired tear gas into a large crowd of students at Boali Sina University in Hamedan, who were demonstrating on the anniversary of Student Day. Security forces attempted unsuccessfully to force students from a university building. The SSF was dispatched to several other universities to stop students from gathering. At Tehran University, student protesters demanded that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad release three students who have been detained since May.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Ghana (Country threat level - 3 ): Preliminary results from Ghana's 7 December 2008 presidential election show a close race between Nana Akufo-Addo (of the ruling New Patriotic Party) and John Atta Mills (of the opposition National Democratic Congress), with the latter only slightly ahead. The election took place without incident, although security was increased throughout the country. Final results are expected by the close of the day on 8 December, and a runoff vote on 28 December may be needed if neither candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote. The winner will replace President John Kufuor in January in a transition that, if it proceeds without incident, will mark the second successful democratic transfer of power in the country.
Kenya (Country threat level - 4 ): Reports that emerged on 8 December 2008 indicate that university and college students have threatened to protest on Independence Day, 12 December 2008, due to the government's failure to halt the rising price of food. According to a statement issued by the chairperson of the Student Organization of the University of Nairobi, the government has a responsibility to "zero-rate" the price of food and other essential commodities, and if the government fails to do so, university students will join the National Civil Society Congress in peaceful demonstrations on 12 December. While protest organizers stress that the protests will be peaceful, demonstrations in Kenya often devolve into violence.
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Kosovo (Country threat level - 4 ): On 7 December 2008 the U.S. Embassy in Pristina issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is to inform U.S. Citizens that on Tuesday, December 9, the European Union rule of law mission (EULEX) is expected to take over duties and responsibilities from the United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) for police, justice, customs, and other rule of law functions in Kosovo. While this transition has been well-planned and coordinated, the Embassy urges all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance in light of recent public demonstrations and political issues related to this transition. The Embassy is not aware of any planned demonstrations.
"Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Kosovo from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times."
SIGNIFICANT DATES
8 December
Saudi Arabia: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca. More than 2 million pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia during this time.)
Panama: Mother's Day
Uzbekistan: Constitution Day (Public holiday; most offices and businesses close.)
Worldwide: Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice. Two-three day holiday in many Islamic countries.)
Christianity: Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Observed as a holiday in some countries, including Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica [not banks], Guam [Our Lady of Camarin], Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malta, Paraguay and Peru.)
9 December
Saudi Arabia: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca. More than 2 million pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia during this time.)
Worldwide: Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice. Two-three day holiday in many Islamic countries.)
Tanzania: Independence Day (Public holiday. Offices and businesses close.)
Islam: Aid al Adha
10 December
Saudi Arabia: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca. More than 2 million pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia during this time.)
Cambodia: Human Rights Day (Public holiday)
Equatorial Guinea: Human Rights Day (Public holiday. Businesses, schools and government offices close.)
Greece: Greek public and private sector unions are staging a one-day strike. Transportation disruptions are likely to occur.
Thailand: Constitution Day (Government offices and businesses close.)
Worldwide: Human Rights Day (Observed as a holiday in some countries. Demonstrations in defense of human rights occur.)
11 December
Saudi Arabia: Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca. More than 2 million pilgrims travel to Saudi Arabia during this time.)
Burkina Faso: National Day (Public holiday)
Russia: Anniversary of the beginning of the first Chechen War (1995) (Violence possible in southern Russia.)
Thailand: Election for new prime minister
12 December
Italy: General transport strike scheduled
Kenya: Jamhuri/Independence Day (Public holiday)
Mexico: Our Lady of Guadalupe (Partial public holiday)
Russia: Constitution Day or Russian Independence Day (Formerly a public holiday. Demonstrations may occur in the capital.)
Turkmenistan: Neutrality Day (Public holiday)
13 December
Malta: Republic Day (Public holiday; offices and businesses close.)
Poland: Anniversary of imposition of martial law in 1981 (Demonstrations possible)
16 December
Bahrain: National Day (Observed as a public holiday on 18 December. Military parade organized in Manama.)
Bangladesh: Victory Day (The day that Pakistani-held Dhaka fell to the Indian army, marking Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan. Everything closes on Victory Day as it is a national holiday. Possibility of strikes due to a state of political unrest.)
Kazakhstan: Independence Day (All government offices, businesses close.)
South Africa: Reconciliation Day (Anniversary of the Battle of Blood River)
17 December
Bhutan: National Day (Public holiday)
18 December
Niger: Republic Day (Public holiday. Offices and businesses close.)
Qatar: National Day (Public holiday; many offices and businesses close.)
ASI THREAT LEVEL DEFINITIONS
- (1) A minimum threat of physical harm. Petty crime is the most common threat.
- (2) A low threat of physical harm. Petty crime and infrequent demonstrations are the most common threats.
- (3) A medium threat of physical harm. Petty crime and demonstrations are common and violent acts do occur.
- (4) A high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, demonstrations or terrorism.
- (5) A very high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, terrorism, demonstrations or war.