Anti-Israel protests across the Middle East and Europe: Thousands of anti-Israel demonstrators gathered in cities across the Middle East and Europe yesterday to protest against a raid by Israeli security forces which intercepted a Gaza Strip-bound aid flotilla; the raid left at least ten people dead and a number of others wounded. Violence was reported at a number of protest gatherings near Israeli diplomatic offices in Turkey, France, the UK and Greece, while peaceful protests were also reported in Iraq, Jordan and Italy, among other countries. The raid, which occurred early yesterday, prompted the Israeli security forces to be placed on high alert in fear of possible retaliation from Gaza Strip- or Lebanon-based militants. There is a high probability that protests linked to the Israeli military action will continue in the days to come in cities around the world. These demonstrations are likely to occur near Israeli embassies, consulates and other facilities and interests with a clear link to Israel. Travellers are advised to monitor local media for further information on protests in their area of travel and should avoid all related gatherings as a precaution against violent civil unrest.
1 June 2010
Militants attack naval base in south eastern Turkey
At least six soldiers were killed and several more wounded yesterday in a rocket attack on a naval base in Iskenderun in Hatay province in south eastern Turkey. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, it is believed to be linked to the activities of Kurdish rebels, as it comes in the wake of recent military offensives against these militants and subsequent clashes in the south eastern provinces of Hakkari, Siirt, Tunceli, Diyarbakir and Bingol. In addition, an attack on the offices of a mining company in Hatay on 29 May left a security guard dead, and is also suspected to have been carried out by Kurdish rebels. The Turkish government's peace initiatives with Kurdish militants, including the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), have largely stalled in recent months, raising the possibility of renewed clashes, including in locations outside the main area of conflict. Due to the ongoing low-level conflict between Kurdish militants and the Turkish military in the south east of the country, red24 advises against all non-essential travel to the provinces of Erzincan, Tunceli, Bingol, Elazig, Diyarbakir, Mardin, Batman, Mus, Bitlis, Siirt, Sirnak, Hakkari, Van and Agri, as well as Mount Ararat (also known as Mount Agri) in nearby Igdir province.
Anti-government protests in several Russian cities lead to clashes with police
Violent clashes between anti-government protesters and police in several cities across Russia yesterday left a number of people injured; around 100 protesters were detained. Russia's capital, Moscow, saw the largest anti-government rally with about 1,000 activists gathered in Triumfalnaya Square in the city centre; around 300 people met in the central Nevsky Prospekt of Russia's second largest city, St Petersburg. Riots broke out in both cities as the police attempted to disperse the protesters. In the southern city of Rostov several dozen people gathered peacefully near where President Dmitry Medvedev was meeting with EU leaders. The anti-government protests are part of a campaign by Russian opposition groups who last year began to hold regular rallies on the last day of each month in defence of the constitutional right of assembly. As these protests often turn violent, travellers and residents are advised to stay away from any related demonstrations and to monitor the media for announcements of any planned protests.
Protests against austerity measures expected across Romania
A series of protests against austerity measures by the Romanian government began yesterday across the country. In an attempt to reduce Romania's budget deficit, the government recently announced financial cuts affecting salaries, pensions and social benefits. Almost 50 trade unions and over 25,000 government employees across Romania are expected to take part in the protest actions, which are likely to last until 4 June. The protests will include a strike by public transport workers in Romania's capital, Bucharest. Services on the underground railway system, trams and trolleybuses in the city will be disrupted today between 04:00 and 16:00. As the issue remains unresolved, an extension of the protests is likely and travellers in Romania should be prepared for further transport and service disruptions.
Egypt to hold Shura Council elections today
Egypt will hold elections for its Shura Council (the upper house of parliament) today. The poll is likely to be accompanied by increased security measures across the country, particularly near polling stations, government facilities and political party offices. Any accusations of fraud during or after the poll may result in protests or demonstrations. Travellers in Egypt are advised to monitor local developments closely and should avoid polling stations and all large political gatherings as a precaution.
Heightened tensions along the border of Uzbekistan's Sokh enclave in Kyrgyzstan
Tensions are currently high along the border of
Uzbekistan's Sokh enclave in Kyrgyzstan's Batken oblast following disputes between ethnic Uzbeks and Kyrgyz over grazing in the region. Incidents of vandalism and clashes between residents from both sides of the border in recent days have prompted security to be stepped up in the region. In addition, the Kaitpas border crossing has reportedly been closed. Ethnic tensions stemming from territorial disputes are common in the southern parts of Kyrgyzstan. Borders for the Central Asian republics were not drawn along ethnic or natural geographic lines following the fall of the Soviet Union and led to the creation of Uzbek enclaves in Kyrgyzstan. This latest incident comes amid heightened political tensions in the country following the ousting of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev and his administration on 8 April. As such, red24 advises against all non-essential travel to Kyrgyzstan, including the Batken oblast. Travellers already in the region are advised to avoid all large protest gatherings or concentrations of security personnel as a precaution.
Militants attack hospital in Pakistan
Gunmen attacked the Jinnah Hospital in Lahore in eastern Pakistan yesterday, killing at least five people and injuring dozens more. The militants fled the scene after a brief shoot-out with security forces. It is believed that the attackers were trying to either kill or free an incarcerated fellow militant being treated at the hospital; the individual is suspected of involvement in the 28 May suicide and grenade attacks on the minority Ahmadi sect in Lahore, which killed over 90 people. Due to numerous security risks red24 advises against all travel to Pakistan, including Lahore. Persons currently in the city are advised to avoid the area around the Jinnah Hospital and to expect heightened security measures at this time.
Flash floods in Mindanao in the southern Philippines displaces thousands
Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall have displaced more than 47,000 people in Mindanao in the
southern Philippines since 26 May, according to reports released yesterday. The worst affected regions include the Sultan Kudarat province and the Sultan Mastura municipality. Tropical storms are common in the Philippines between May to November and further heavy rainfall conducive to flooding is likely in coming weeks. In addition, red24 advises against all travel to the southern region of Mindanao, including the Sulu Archipelago, due to extreme threats from conflict and terrorism. Operations against rebels and terrorists, frequent bomb attacks and the risk from kidnapping are all ongoing threats in this region. Persons already in Mindanao are advised to monitor local weather reports for the latest information regarding storm systems. Disruptions to travel and essential services, such as water and electricity supplies, should also be expected.
Disruptions on N2 highway in Cape Town, South Africa
Traffic on the N2 highway in Cape Town, South Africa, was disrupted by protesters earlier today. The protests took place at Mew Way near Cape Town International Airport; however, police have since cleared the highway and it has been re-opened to traffic. The unrest is related to the removal of 65 unenclosed toilets from the Makhaza informal settlement, which is located nearby. The toilets were removed by the municipality after their enclosures were destroyed last week by members of the community and the ANC Youth League, the youth wing of the ruling African National Congress. A similar protest occurred in the Walter Sisulu area of Makhaza yesterday. Travellers are advised to keep abreast with local developments as further disruptions on the N2 between Cape Town and the international airport are possible. In addition, all large protest gatherings should be avoided due to the threat of civil unrest.