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07-10-2004, 03:22 AM
HAITI – TRAVEL WARNING U.S. DEPARTMENTOF STATE
8 July 2004
This Travel Warning alerts American citizens that, while the ordered departure of Embassy officers and families has been lifted, the security situation in Haiti remains unpredictable and potentially dangerous. U.S. citizens are encouraged to defer non-emergency travel to Haiti. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued May 25, 2004.
Although many areas have calmed considerably since earlier this year and major commercial air carriers have resumed their operations into and out of Haiti, the Department warns U.S. citizens that travel in Haiti still involves serious risks. Visitors and residents must remain vigilant due to the absence of an effective local police force in Haiti; the potential for looting; the presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the police which may disrupt travel; and the possibility of random violent crime, including kidnapping. Travel can be hazardous within Port-au-Prince, and Embassy staff is not allowed to travel to some parts of the city. The Embassy has imposed a curfew, which could change periodically, from midnight to 5:00 a.m. Staff members must remain in their homes or in U.S. Government facilities during the hours covered by the curfew. The U.S. Embassy has limited travel by its staff outside of Port-au-Prince and the ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port-Au-Prince remains extremely limited. For further information see http://travel.state.gov.
AFGHANISTAN- Election process under siege
On 8 July, a woman was killed in a bomb attack on election workers in Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan. Seven Afghan soldiers and two Al-Qaida fighters were killed in clashes in the border areas of Farah and Herat provinces of Afghanistan. According to reports, Taliban chased some truck engineers into Azizabad, a border area of Herat and Farah provinces and came face to face with Afghan troops that resulted in an exchange of fire.
BRAZIL - Councilman assassinated
On 7 July, police authorities announced that a councilman of the conservative Liberal Front Party was assassinated on 6 July in Rio de Janeiro. Four assassins apparently stopped his car at the Avenida Brazil and fired several times at the bullet proof car, killing the councilman and wounding his driver. It is not clear why the councilman was murdered; the assassins did not take any belongings from the victims. He was shot on the first day of campaigning and was running for re-election.
DRC – Clashes near gold mine
On 9 July, fighting broke out in the northeast area of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Two rival militias were battling over a gold mine, 100km north of Bunia. Some 50 fighters were killed. There are no figures for civilian casualties but he UN says that several villages have been deserted. The latest fighting was in the little town of Ngote.
GEORGIA – Car blast kills 2
On 8 July, two senior police officials from Altai were killed when an explosion ripped through their car in North Ossetia region. They were killed as they headed through Mozdok to the North Caucasus airport in Mineralniye Vody after a working trip to neighboring Chechnya. Investigators initially thought the explosion was a terrorist attack, but the North Ossetian interior ministry later said it may have been caused by the careless handling of a flash-bang grenade. The investigation is continuing.
IRELAND – Letter bombs found
On 8 July, the police shut down Northern Ireland’s mail sorting headquarters after postal workers discovered three incendiary bombs hidden in letters. British army experts safely defused all three bombs, which the police described as “crude but viable.” Politicians and the police blame the Irish Republican Army dissidents for the letter bombs, which were addressed to Roman Catholic police-reform officials and the governor of Northern Ireland’s main prison. No group has claimed responsibility.
ISRAEL – World Court rules barrier illegal
On 9 July, the U.N.’s highest judicial authority decided Israel’s planned 425 mile long barrier in the West Bank violates international law and must be dismantled, according to court documents that were leaked ahead of the announcement. As it began reading its decision, the International Court of Justice said it had jurisdiction to rule on the legality of the barrier, which Israel is building in response to Palestinian suicide bombings that have killed hundreds of Israelis. The Tel Aviv newspaper, Haaretz, quoting court documents, reported that by a 14-1 vote the judges found the barrier, along its planned route, “gravely infringes” on the rights of Palestinians and cannot be justified by military needs or national security and violates international law.
LIBYA - Security forces issue ultimatum
On 8 July, the Chadian rebel group the Movement for Democracy and Justice in Chad (MDJT) reported that Libya had given it an ultimatum to hand over a group of Algerian militants within 48 hours or face military action. Libya has not officially confirmed that an ultimatum was issued, and it is unclear whether military operations will be carried out if the deadline is missed. Military action would strengthen Libya’s message that it has no tolerance for Islamic radical groups operating in the region.
MADAGASCAR - Grenade attacks reflect increasing tension
On 8 July, two grenades exploded in the early morning in separate attacks in the central town of Fianarantsoa and in the capital Antananarivo. The explosions mark the latest in a series of grenade attacks that have targeted local political leaders and buildings associated with them. Personnel should remain vigilant and should avoid political rallies and other large gatherings.
SWAZILAND - Clashes likely
On 8 July, the leader of the banned anti-monarchist People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) said that PUDEMO planned to hold a rally at Salesian High School in Manzini (19 miles (30km) from the capital Mbabane) on 10 July to mark its 21st anniversary, despite a police ban. If the rally takes place, clashes between demonstrators and the police are likely. Personnel should avoid all large gatherings.
THAILAND - Dozens surrender as attacks intensify
On 8 July, at least 100 suspected militants surrendered to authorities in Thailand's deep south ahead of a 11 July deadline set by the Thai Army. After 11 July, the army plans to launch a major crackdown on militants and will try all arrested militants after that date in military courts, which do not allow appeals. Meanwhile, attacks in the south continue to intensify, particularly against civilians. On 8 July, gunmen killed a Buddhist hospital worker and critically injured another civilian while riding on motorcycles. On 7 July, a truck carrying police and teachers narrowly missed a bomb attack while police escorted the teachers between school and a nearby village. Also, on 7 July, gunmen killed a retired border patrol police officer and a teacher.
TURKMENISTAN - Bubonic plague outbreak reported
On 9 July, it was reported that several unofficial sources claim an outbreak of bubonic plague is ongoing in Turkmenistan. A German humanitarian group reported an outbreak with at least 20 deaths in the northern province of Tashauz (also known as Tashhowuz or Dashowuz) during May, while an opposition Web site reported two deaths in that region during the last week of June. The human rights group, Turkmenistan Helsinki Initiative (THI), said 10 people were hospitalized with plague in a district outside the capital, Ashghabad, and that medicines for treatment were unavailable. Based on the rumors, officials in neighboring Uzbekistan have restricted movement of people and livestock across the border. Authorities have reported no cases of plague in Uzbekistan. The plague is caused by a bacterium, Yersinia pestis, carried by wild rodents. People typically become infected through flea bites, but can also acquire the disease through close contact with infected people or animals. Early symptoms are similar to those of influenza including fever, malaise, headache and sore throat. Bubonic plague symptoms include painful, swollen lymph nodes near the site of a flea bite.
UKRAINE - Typhoid outbreak reported
On 8 July, authorities in Odessa reported an outbreak of typhoid fever. Reports of the total number of cases vary, but sources reported at least eight to 12 cases within the first week of July. The source of the outbreak is under investigation. Officials claim tests on the local water supply have revealed no trace of the bacteria that causes typhoid. Authorities are scrutinizing local food establishments.
UNITED KINGDOM - Officials launch raids against Tamil crime gangs
On 8 July, hundreds of British police launched raids in a major crackdown on the Sri Lankan Tamil's organized crime gangs based throughout London. Officials arrested thirteen Sri Lankan men in connection with crimes linked to violence, drugs and fraud. Officials have linked some of the Tamil gangs in London to a series of crimes including 10 murders over the past several years. Officials have not yet linked the arrest of the Tamil Tigers to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) though they did indicate there is a possible connection between the two groups. Metropolitan Police also announced that some of the proceeds of the financial crimes could be funneled to the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka. Officials expect to make additional arrests in the future in hopes of making progress to eliminate violence associated with the Tamil crime gangs in and around London.
UNITED STATES - DHS reiterates belief extremists planning major attack
On 8 July, the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) gave a press conference at which he reiterated his assessment that Islamic extremists linked to or inspired by Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida network are planning to carry out attacks in the U.S. in the run-up to the November presidential elections. There is no specific intelligence regarding the location or timing of a potential attacks.
** Sources reviewed for today's product include: The Ackerman Group, Associated Press, BBC, CNN, CRG, IJet/Pinkerton, International SOS, ******* and U.S. State Department.** Courtesy H.C.S.D.
8 July 2004
This Travel Warning alerts American citizens that, while the ordered departure of Embassy officers and families has been lifted, the security situation in Haiti remains unpredictable and potentially dangerous. U.S. citizens are encouraged to defer non-emergency travel to Haiti. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued May 25, 2004.
Although many areas have calmed considerably since earlier this year and major commercial air carriers have resumed their operations into and out of Haiti, the Department warns U.S. citizens that travel in Haiti still involves serious risks. Visitors and residents must remain vigilant due to the absence of an effective local police force in Haiti; the potential for looting; the presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the police which may disrupt travel; and the possibility of random violent crime, including kidnapping. Travel can be hazardous within Port-au-Prince, and Embassy staff is not allowed to travel to some parts of the city. The Embassy has imposed a curfew, which could change periodically, from midnight to 5:00 a.m. Staff members must remain in their homes or in U.S. Government facilities during the hours covered by the curfew. The U.S. Embassy has limited travel by its staff outside of Port-au-Prince and the ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port-Au-Prince remains extremely limited. For further information see http://travel.state.gov.
AFGHANISTAN- Election process under siege
On 8 July, a woman was killed in a bomb attack on election workers in Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan. Seven Afghan soldiers and two Al-Qaida fighters were killed in clashes in the border areas of Farah and Herat provinces of Afghanistan. According to reports, Taliban chased some truck engineers into Azizabad, a border area of Herat and Farah provinces and came face to face with Afghan troops that resulted in an exchange of fire.
BRAZIL - Councilman assassinated
On 7 July, police authorities announced that a councilman of the conservative Liberal Front Party was assassinated on 6 July in Rio de Janeiro. Four assassins apparently stopped his car at the Avenida Brazil and fired several times at the bullet proof car, killing the councilman and wounding his driver. It is not clear why the councilman was murdered; the assassins did not take any belongings from the victims. He was shot on the first day of campaigning and was running for re-election.
DRC – Clashes near gold mine
On 9 July, fighting broke out in the northeast area of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Two rival militias were battling over a gold mine, 100km north of Bunia. Some 50 fighters were killed. There are no figures for civilian casualties but he UN says that several villages have been deserted. The latest fighting was in the little town of Ngote.
GEORGIA – Car blast kills 2
On 8 July, two senior police officials from Altai were killed when an explosion ripped through their car in North Ossetia region. They were killed as they headed through Mozdok to the North Caucasus airport in Mineralniye Vody after a working trip to neighboring Chechnya. Investigators initially thought the explosion was a terrorist attack, but the North Ossetian interior ministry later said it may have been caused by the careless handling of a flash-bang grenade. The investigation is continuing.
IRELAND – Letter bombs found
On 8 July, the police shut down Northern Ireland’s mail sorting headquarters after postal workers discovered three incendiary bombs hidden in letters. British army experts safely defused all three bombs, which the police described as “crude but viable.” Politicians and the police blame the Irish Republican Army dissidents for the letter bombs, which were addressed to Roman Catholic police-reform officials and the governor of Northern Ireland’s main prison. No group has claimed responsibility.
ISRAEL – World Court rules barrier illegal
On 9 July, the U.N.’s highest judicial authority decided Israel’s planned 425 mile long barrier in the West Bank violates international law and must be dismantled, according to court documents that were leaked ahead of the announcement. As it began reading its decision, the International Court of Justice said it had jurisdiction to rule on the legality of the barrier, which Israel is building in response to Palestinian suicide bombings that have killed hundreds of Israelis. The Tel Aviv newspaper, Haaretz, quoting court documents, reported that by a 14-1 vote the judges found the barrier, along its planned route, “gravely infringes” on the rights of Palestinians and cannot be justified by military needs or national security and violates international law.
LIBYA - Security forces issue ultimatum
On 8 July, the Chadian rebel group the Movement for Democracy and Justice in Chad (MDJT) reported that Libya had given it an ultimatum to hand over a group of Algerian militants within 48 hours or face military action. Libya has not officially confirmed that an ultimatum was issued, and it is unclear whether military operations will be carried out if the deadline is missed. Military action would strengthen Libya’s message that it has no tolerance for Islamic radical groups operating in the region.
MADAGASCAR - Grenade attacks reflect increasing tension
On 8 July, two grenades exploded in the early morning in separate attacks in the central town of Fianarantsoa and in the capital Antananarivo. The explosions mark the latest in a series of grenade attacks that have targeted local political leaders and buildings associated with them. Personnel should remain vigilant and should avoid political rallies and other large gatherings.
SWAZILAND - Clashes likely
On 8 July, the leader of the banned anti-monarchist People’s United Democratic Movement (PUDEMO) said that PUDEMO planned to hold a rally at Salesian High School in Manzini (19 miles (30km) from the capital Mbabane) on 10 July to mark its 21st anniversary, despite a police ban. If the rally takes place, clashes between demonstrators and the police are likely. Personnel should avoid all large gatherings.
THAILAND - Dozens surrender as attacks intensify
On 8 July, at least 100 suspected militants surrendered to authorities in Thailand's deep south ahead of a 11 July deadline set by the Thai Army. After 11 July, the army plans to launch a major crackdown on militants and will try all arrested militants after that date in military courts, which do not allow appeals. Meanwhile, attacks in the south continue to intensify, particularly against civilians. On 8 July, gunmen killed a Buddhist hospital worker and critically injured another civilian while riding on motorcycles. On 7 July, a truck carrying police and teachers narrowly missed a bomb attack while police escorted the teachers between school and a nearby village. Also, on 7 July, gunmen killed a retired border patrol police officer and a teacher.
TURKMENISTAN - Bubonic plague outbreak reported
On 9 July, it was reported that several unofficial sources claim an outbreak of bubonic plague is ongoing in Turkmenistan. A German humanitarian group reported an outbreak with at least 20 deaths in the northern province of Tashauz (also known as Tashhowuz or Dashowuz) during May, while an opposition Web site reported two deaths in that region during the last week of June. The human rights group, Turkmenistan Helsinki Initiative (THI), said 10 people were hospitalized with plague in a district outside the capital, Ashghabad, and that medicines for treatment were unavailable. Based on the rumors, officials in neighboring Uzbekistan have restricted movement of people and livestock across the border. Authorities have reported no cases of plague in Uzbekistan. The plague is caused by a bacterium, Yersinia pestis, carried by wild rodents. People typically become infected through flea bites, but can also acquire the disease through close contact with infected people or animals. Early symptoms are similar to those of influenza including fever, malaise, headache and sore throat. Bubonic plague symptoms include painful, swollen lymph nodes near the site of a flea bite.
UKRAINE - Typhoid outbreak reported
On 8 July, authorities in Odessa reported an outbreak of typhoid fever. Reports of the total number of cases vary, but sources reported at least eight to 12 cases within the first week of July. The source of the outbreak is under investigation. Officials claim tests on the local water supply have revealed no trace of the bacteria that causes typhoid. Authorities are scrutinizing local food establishments.
UNITED KINGDOM - Officials launch raids against Tamil crime gangs
On 8 July, hundreds of British police launched raids in a major crackdown on the Sri Lankan Tamil's organized crime gangs based throughout London. Officials arrested thirteen Sri Lankan men in connection with crimes linked to violence, drugs and fraud. Officials have linked some of the Tamil gangs in London to a series of crimes including 10 murders over the past several years. Officials have not yet linked the arrest of the Tamil Tigers to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) though they did indicate there is a possible connection between the two groups. Metropolitan Police also announced that some of the proceeds of the financial crimes could be funneled to the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka. Officials expect to make additional arrests in the future in hopes of making progress to eliminate violence associated with the Tamil crime gangs in and around London.
UNITED STATES - DHS reiterates belief extremists planning major attack
On 8 July, the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) gave a press conference at which he reiterated his assessment that Islamic extremists linked to or inspired by Osama bin Laden’s al-Qaida network are planning to carry out attacks in the U.S. in the run-up to the November presidential elections. There is no specific intelligence regarding the location or timing of a potential attacks.
** Sources reviewed for today's product include: The Ackerman Group, Associated Press, BBC, CNN, CRG, IJet/Pinkerton, International SOS, ******* and U.S. State Department.** Courtesy H.C.S.D.