OSAC's Daily Selection of Global Security News 7/20/23

July 20, 2023

Today's Headlines - OSAC's daily selection of global security news

Africa

Kenya - Two killed, hundreds arrested in Kenya protests (YAHOO!News)

Two people were killed on Wednesday following anti-government protests in Kenya, a hospital official said, as the interior ministry announced the arrest of over 300 others in connection with the demonstrations.

Malawi - Malawi Faces Another Nationwide Fuel Shortage (Voice of America)

Malawi has been facing recurring fuel shortages since August 2022, largely because the country lacks enough foreign currency. The Reserve Bank of Malawi said in June that the government's foreign exchange reserves were not enough to last a month.

South Africa - Suspected underground gas explosion rips open roads, flips cars in South Africa, injuring 9 people (ABC)

Authorities in South Africa say at least nine people were injured when a suspected underground gas explosion during evening rush hour ripped open roads and flipped more than 20 cars in Johannesburg.

Europe

Russia / Ukraine - White House says Russia is preparing for attacks on civilian ships in Black Sea (The Associated Press)

Days after Russia suspended participation in a wartime deal that allowed grain to flow from Ukraine to countries around the world, the White House on Wednesday warned that the Russian military is

Russia / Ukraine - At least 21 injured in third night of Russian air attacks against southern Ukraine (The Associated Press)

A third night of Russian air attacks targeted Ukraine's southern cities, including the port city of Odesa, and wounded at least 21 people, Ukrainian officials said Thursday. At least 19 people were

Middle East & North Africa

Iraq - Iraq expels Swedish ambassador over planned Koran burning (Reuters)

Iraq expelled the Swedish ambassador on Thursday in protest at a planned burning of the Koran in Stockholm that had prompted hundreds of protesters to storm and set alight the Swedish embassy in the Iraqi capital.

Israel - Protesters trek on highway to Jerusalem ahead of judicial vote (Reuters)

Hundreds of Israelis opposed to the government's judicial overhaul plans are trekking under a scorching summer sun on the main highway to Jerusalem in hope of drumming up support ahead of a reform vote next week.

Israel / Palestinian Territories - Israeli army fire kills Palestinian man during clashes at West Bank shrine (AP)

Israeli troops shot and killed a Palestinian man near a shrine in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, Palestinian health officials said, in the latest bloodshed in a cycle of violence that has gripped the region.

Western Hemisphere

El Salvador / Guatemala / Honduras - State Department sanctions 2 former Salvadoran leaders, dozens of officials in Central America (AP News)

The State Department announced Wednesday it was imposing sanctions on two former Salvadoran presidents and dozens of other officials and judges in Central America.

Mexico - Mexican volunteer searchers find 27 hacked-up bodies in northern border city (AP News)

Searchers have found 27 corpses in clandestine graves in the Mexican border city of Reynosa, across from McAllen, Texas, and many of them were hacked to pieces, volunteer searchers said Wednesday.

Panama - Ex-President Sentenced as Panama Makes Progress Against Impunity (InSight Crime)

Former Panamanian president Ricardo Martinelli was sentenced to 10 years in prison for money laundering, putting him closer than ever to facing justice after years of avoiding charges for the numerous corruption allegations he faces.

Peru - Protesters take to Peru's streets, some met with tear gas in capital (Reuters)

Tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets in Peru on Wednesday in marches organized by groups opposed to President Dina Boluarte, while police took anti-riot measures against some demonstrators, arresting at least six.

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OSAC Analysis - Unclassified OSAC analytical reports and other resources

Africa

Guinea-Bissau - Guinea-Bissau Country Security Report

Published: July 18, 2023

OSAC produces this Country Security Report (CSR) in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar. Travelers and security managers should use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security in Guinea-Bissau. OSAC will...

East Asia & Pacific

Australia - Australia Country Security Report

Published: July 18, 2023

OSAC reissued this Country Security Report (CSR) on July 18, 2023 to update the sections on the Travel Advisory, Drug Crime, Terrorism, Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies, Public Transportation Safety, Safety Concerns for Women Travelers, S...

Australia / New Zealand - OSAC Daily Update: FIFA Women’s World Cup (July 20)

Published: July 20, 2023

The OSAC Daily Update for the FIFA Women’s World Cup highlights relevant security and logistical considerations for the U.S. private sector operating in Australia and New Zealand. To receive the reports directly in your inbox each day, sign up here:...

Australia / New Zealand - OSAC Assessment: FIFA Women’s World Cup (Australia & New Zealand)

Published: July 10, 2023

This report provides an overview and security assessment for the U.S. private sector operating in Australia and New Zealand during the FIFA Women's World Cup. To receive a daily situation report directly in your inbox during the World Cup (July 20 -...

Middle East & North Africa

Israel / Palestinian Territories - Israel and the West Bank Situation Update: July 18

Published: July 18, 2023

This OSAC report format provides an update on the security events in Israel and the West Bank released on an ad hoc basis. This report reviews recent judicial reform protests, violence in the west bank, and friction at the Israel-Lebanon border.

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Consular Messages - Department of State travel advisories and alerts

Africa

Angola - Demonstration Alert: Luanda (Angola), Protests Planned for July 22

Published: July 20, 2023

Protest of subsidies of Angolan deputies, Saturday July 22, 2023, from 10:00. The protest is expected to be nonviolent. Plan for blocked streets and higher than normal traffic in that area.

Europe

Sweden - Demonstration Alert: Stockholm (Sweden), Protests at Iraqi Embassy

Published: July 20, 2023

Demonstrations are expected to take place near the Iraqi Embassy in Stockholm on July 20, 2023, beginning at/around 1:00pm.   Demonstrations have the potential to spark counterdemonstrations and protests.