Low profile & light touch support for ‘Inside The Real Narcos’

Filmed across Central and South America, as part of a television documentary series with Jason Fox (SAS: Who Dares Wins) following the illegal narcotics trade and those within the drugs cartels. Meet the Drug Lords: Inside The Real Narcos has been commissioned for Channel 4 by Specialist Factual Commissioning Editor, Alf Lawrie. The production company is Plum Pictures, produced by Tom Pearson and Jason Fox is Consultant Producer. The series Meet the Drug Lords: InsideThe Real Narcos will be televised on Channel 4 on 2 August 2018. Assessing the risk There are 22 countries in Latin America, each very much with its own identity. With a regional population of over 600m and with an expected global trade influence of 40% by 2030, the region is predicted to become more influential with time. There is, therefore, international concern not only for how these countries operate from a business perspective but for the safety and security of visitors, travellers and local people within the country borders. Illicit drugs and mass migration are two of the most pressing security challenges in Latin America. Drug cartels and criminal gangs have a major presence across parts of Central America and violence associated with these groups can occur without warning. Several Central American countries have very high levels of violent crime. Honduras, El Salvador, Belize and Guatemala consistently have some of the highest homicide rates in the world. Much of this violence is drug and gang-related. Jason (main image) travelled to cartel-controlled parts of Mexico, Peru and Colombia –navigating the criminal underworld of the drugs network. His aim: to understand the people he once used to fight. Speaking to Channel 4, Jason Fox said: “Trying to understand the motivations and inner workings of the people inside the cartels was always something I was fascinated with when fighting against them. Meeting the Narcos, unarmed, on their own turf was an incredible and sometimes terrifying experience – it opened my eyes even further to the power they hold and to some of the social and economic pressures which are constantly at play behind them.”

5 years ago, Jason was himself battling on the front line in the war on drugs, as part of his work in Britain’s elite Special Forces. As he came face to face with the kind of people he once targeted – from cocaine cooks and cartel enforcers to underworld kingpins and traffickers – Solace Global, as the Risk Management provider, was in place to ensure that should anything occur prior to, during, or after Jason’s tasks, his team were kept informed and kept up-to-date of any developing threat. Maintaining a low profile With filming highly dependent on integrity, in-country partners and overarching support, Solace Global helped to manage a low-profile support service that included the provision of monitoring (inSIGHT) services*, including pro-actively communicating real-time vicinity incidents and tracking of the team’s movements. This proactive capability along with access to Solace Global main platform (Solace Secure) provided the team with information and intelligence at the necessary times to make decision required to complete the task.

*inSIGHT (Security/Intelligence/Guidance/Help/Tracking) ensures your people and assets are in constant view of the Solace 24/7 response team. Our pro-active monitoring service will monitor your personnel and assets for you, and respond to vicinity risks and incidents. InSIGHT forms part of our Protect series of services which also includes, Tracking & Technology (Solace Secure) and Journey Management: Executive Protection & In-Country Security, Crisis Management, Evasion and Response Services.

“We knew that maintaining a low profile was vital for the success of the project and we worked alongside the Channel 4 commissioned team and Jason, to ensure we provided enough cover to mitigate any immediate or growing risk while being respectful of his aims, the local environment, and the required movement of the crew.” Emily Roberts, Director of Solace Global (Risk) The sensitivity of the task required discretion on all parts and at all levels. Solace Global was entrusted with the role to provide the necessary on-the-ground information and intelligence without alerting the suspicion of local and regional cartels. Our trusted and experienced partners in country were able to supply new and current information while verifying incidents that they were alerted to from our main global HQ here in the UK. Prior to the team departing they were briefed in person on all aspects of what the planned task could involve from a risk and security perspective and provided with our Latin America reports: Special Reports, Election Guides and Country Reports provide all travellers with an overall background on the location of travel as well as an analysis of threats and dangers the team may encounter. Supporting a media trip can pose logistical issues that attract unnecessary attention. The movement of camera equipment especially, large protected support cases, and high-profile people can always raise suspicion in airports and locations that are not used or speculative of filming and film crews. There are many areas, especially in this region, where security advice and mitigation procedures needed but ensuring that minimal attention is received while in transit can often help keep ‘noise’ to a minimum. Jason and his team would use contacts from both the criminal underworld and law enforcement to gain extraordinary access to a stunning array of characters on the frontline of this often unreported complex area. Emergency support on-and-offline Should the need have arisen to provide emergency support, Jason and his team have their experience to draw upon but thanks to Solace Global’s vetted support teams, the necessary and appropriate level of assistance was on hand at all times. Combining in-country physical assistance with technology and a robust Response and Communications Plan, the team were as prepared as they could be to confront any known or unforeseen threats.

As part of the reaction and response plan, all personnel operating on the ground had access to Solace Global’s tracking capability and online platform, Solace Secure. The functionality on the app allowed the teams to ‘check-in’ if asked to at any time especially with a nearby incident underway, and provided the ability to hit an SOS alarm which would notify the necessary support team’s in-country and back at Solace Global HQ.

As a trusted supplier to major media broadcasters, Solace Global understands the extensive risk management needs of media organisations providing enhanced intelligence, check-in monitoring, overarching support through Solace Secure plus 24/7 Response Assistance and Crisis Management. Further information about Solace Global can be found here www.solaceglobal.com Images of The Real Narcos credited to Channel 4 and Plum Pictures.

Solace Global – Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 29

Headlines From this Week

Israel Approves Jewish Nation-State Bill – The Israel parliament, or Knesset, approved a controversial bill which categorises Israel as a Jewish state and elevates the Hebrew language over Arabic. The passing of the bill saw furious scenes in the parliament building. This move is likely to bring protests not only within Israel but also on the borders of the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the West Bank.

Trump and Putin Meeting Fallout – President Trump faced widespread condemnation from across the US political spectrum for statements made after meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, Finland. Trump has fluctuated between stating that Russia did and did not meddle in the 2016 election. A further meeting between the two, which has also seen widespread opposition, has been penned for Autumn 2018.

48 Dead in Mongolia Flooding – Widespread flooding, notably in the capital Ulaanbaatar and in provinces of Bayan-Ölgii, Khovd, Uvs, and Govi-Altai, have left at least 48 people dead in Mongolia. The adverse weather conditions have led to evacuations, damage to travel infrastructure, and power outages. Further heavy rainfall is forecast in parts of western, northern, and central Mongolia in the coming days, with the potential to exacerbate flooding and cause further disruption and risk to life.

Protests Continue in Iraq – Protests, which began in the southern city of Basra 08 July, have continued this week. At least 11 fatalities have been reported as the unrest over a lack of basic services, namely electricity shortages, has spread from Basra all the way to the capital Baghdad. 500 injuries have also been reported (including 300 members of the security forces) Demonstrators have also voiced grievances with corruption, unemployment, and water shortages. Security personnel have used live ammunition and water cannons to disrupt protests and telecommunications have been intermittently suspended.

Deadly Flooding in Niger – At least 13 people have been killed nationwide after heavy rainfall and flooding in Niger, with the most affected areas being Maradi, Agadez, and Diffa. In total, the adverse weather conditions have affected more than 17,000 people. Further rainfall is expected over the coming days.

Nicaragua Government Occupies Masaya – Pro-government forces retook the opposition stronghold of Masaya on 18 July after nearly 24 hours of skirmishes. Protesters and barricades have been cleared from the streets. Three fatalities were reported as a result of this operation. Unrest is set to continue nationwide.

What To Look Out For Next Week

Pakistan General Election – The 2018 general election in Pakistan is set to be held on 25 July. The election may prove to be only the second democratic transfer of power in the country’s history. Former-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been banned from running in the election over corruption charges. The campaign period has seen a number of terror attacks targeting rallies and politicians. Pakistan’s security forces, a powerful political element in the country, have been accused of actively favouring the candidacy of Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party

Anti-IMF Protest in Argentina – Activists have planned another protest against the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to take place in the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, on 21 July. The demonstration has been arranged to coincide with the visit of IMF chief Christine Lagarde. Activists are set to gather at the intersection of the Pueyrredon and Las Heras avenues starting at 1100hrs local time. It is unclear how many attendees should be expected but previous anti-IMF unrest has seen violence.

Mali Presidential Election – Mali will elect a new president on 29 July 2018. President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita has announced he will be running for a second term. The president of Mali is elected via a two-round system, with the victor requiring at least 50 per cent of the vote to win a five-year term in office. There are more than a dozen other candidates in the running for Mali’s top post. The election period is likely to lead to a spike in civil unrest and terrorism – much of Mali remains outside of the control of the central government in Bamako. Mali is also one of the world’s poorest countries and corruption is endemic.

Elections in Cambodia – Cambodia goes to the polls on 29 July 2018 to elect members of the sixth National Assembly. There are 125 seats to be contested with 63 required for a majority. The ruling party, the Cambodian People’s Party led by Hun Sen, is expected to win as the opposition and free media has been decimated by the government. Demonstrations are certainly possible before the election on 29 July but are more likely to be in favour of the regime. Travellers should avoid discussion of the alert as it may lead to arrest or a forceful response from local security officials.

Les Fetes de Bayonne – Bayonne Festival, dubbed the largest festival in France, is set to take place between 25 and 29 July in the French Basque city of Bayonne. The event is inspired by the Festival of San Fermin in Pamplona, Spain. A series of events occurs over these days and the city is expected to be crowded with tourists – this raises the potential for criminality.

Significant Dates and Events

07 to 29 July – France – Tour de France Cycle Race
19 to 22 July – United States – Summer X Games in Minneapolis
19 to 22 July – United Kingdom – The Open golf championship at Carnoustie
20 to 22 July – United Kingdom – Baggage handlers plan to strike at London Luton Airport
20 to 22 July – Germany – Formula One race weekend near Heidelberg
24 July – Ireland – Ryanair pilots to strike
20 to 22 July – United States – Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco
21 July – Belgium – National Day
21 July – Guam – Liberation Day
21 July – Germany – Pro-refugee rally in Dusseldorf
21 July – France – Planned anti-violence march in Beaumont-sur-Oise
21 July to 05 August – United Kingdom – Women’s Hockey World Cup, London
21 and 25 July – Bangladesh – Garment rallies in Dhaka
22 July – Gambia – Revolution Day
22 July – Israel – Pro-LGBT nationwide strike
23 July – Egypt – Anniversary of the Revolution
23 July – Papua New Guinea – National Remembrance Day
23 July – Philippines – Anti-Duterte rally planned in Quezon City
23 July – Oman – Renaissance Day
23 and 26 July – Guinea – Further nationwide strikes scheduled for 23 and 26 July
25 July – Puerto Rico – Constitution Day
25 July – Spain – Ambulance workers in Malaga to strike
25 July – Cuba – National Revolution Day
25 July – Tunisia – Republic Day
26 July – Liberia – Independence Day
27-29 July – Hungary – Formula One race weekend in Budapest
28 July – Peru – Independence Day
28 July – United Kingdom – Eurostar staff at St Pancreas station to strike
28 July – Russia – Anti-pension reform rally planned in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Click the following link to download this report as a PDF: Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 29 The Weekly Risk Roundup highlights significant events from the last week and what to look out for next week. Week 29 Weekly Risk Roundup was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Week 28 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot

Indian Ocean HRA – Maritime Security Incidents

11 July 18: Suspicious Approach near Hanish Islands, Southern Red Sea. A merchant vessel sighted a group of skiffs at 13°22’N 042°45’E. One skiff, carrying eight persons, approached to within 0.2nm of the MV, and ladders were sighted. Embarked security personnel displayed their weapons and the skiff moved away.

Mediterranean – Maritime Security Incidents

17 July 18: Libyan Coastguard Reportedly Destroyed Migrant Vessel. At least three people were reported to have died after refusing to board a Libyan Coastguard vessel after the Coastguard took action to scupper their boat and return the occupants to the Libyan shore. Details remain sparse, however accusations have been made against commercial ship operators for failing to rescue the group, with some Non-Governmental Organisations suggesting that these deaths are directly tied to the Italian Government’s recent practice of barring ships carrying migrants from their ports.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

03 July 18: – Late Report – Tug Approached South West of Beyelsa, Nigeria. A tug boat was approached by a fishing boat and skiff. At 01°49’N 003°12’E. The skiff approached to within 0.5nm, but repeated attempts to come alongside were prevented by heavy swell and evasive actions. After five hours, the skiff moved away.

South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

06 July 18: – Late Report – Theft from Tug in Pulau Batam. Four coils of towline were stolen from a Singapore-flagged tugboat operating near Pulau Batam between 0130LT and 0330LT. Coastguard reported that the tug appeared to be followed by two Sampans for approximately two hours before the theft was discovered. All crew were unharmed 10 July 18: Theft at Anchor, Sandakan, Malaysia. An unknown number of robbers boarded a berthed tanker in Sandakan and escaped with ship’s properties. The theft was later discovered by duty crew members. Vessel and crew otherwise unharmed.

Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 28 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 28 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Solace Global – Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 28

Headlines From This Week

Nawaz Sharif Returns to Pakistan and Election Update – The Pakistan election season is in full swing. The former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, will return to the country late on 13 July after a court in Pakistan found him guilty on corruption charges which he argues are politically-motivated. His arrival will be met by a large crowd of supporters. In a separate incident, an election event in Peshawar held by the leftist, secularist ANP was attacked by the Pakistani Taliban. 20 were killed including a leader of the party. Further violence has occurred and should be expected until the 25 July polling day.
Unrest in Haiti – The poorest country in the Americas faced days of unrest after a 50 per cent hike in the price of fuel. Protesters set cars alight in the capital and other cities, resorting to looting in places. At least four people have been confirmed dead and many others injured. Despite the price hike, agreed with the IMF, being scrapped, protests look set to continue and further violence may also occur. A vote of no-confidence in the prime minister is set to be held on 14 July.
NATO Summit – President Trump publicly recommitted US support for NATO at the annual summit this week, though it was a tense affair given Trump’s recent actions and rhetoric. Indeed, behind closed doors, Trump reportedly ruffled a number of feathers, notably those of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. There has also been some disagreement over the commitments to be made regarding defence spending. President Trump followed the trip to Brussels with his first to the United Kingdom, where he has been greeted with protests. He has also induced friction with Prime Minister Theresa May, criticising her plans for Brexit and praising the former foreign minister, Boris Johnson, who left his post earlier in the week.
Unrest in Northern Ireland – 12 July marked the annual commemoration of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, with marches by Orangemen in various locations across Northern Ireland. The marches were preceded with days of unrest. In Belfast 13 vehicles were set on fire, while there were five nights of violence in the Bogside area of Derry, including the throwing of petrol bombs at police. Police also warned that the loyalist paramilitary force the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) planned to “orchestrate and participate in serious disorder” in east Belfast. While unrest was expected, events were more violent than in 2017.
Flooding in Japan – More than 200 people were killed and 54 are missing after heavy rains led to flash floods and landslides across central Japan. Those most severely hit were villages in the countryside and the area was unprepared for a series of meteorological phenomena all occurring at the same time.

What To Look Out For Next Week

Putin and Trump to Meet – The long-awaited meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin will take place from 16 July in the Finnish capital of Helsinki. President Trump has already said that the meeting with Putin may be his easiest while in Europe. Some American policymakers have reported fears that the US president will be outmatched by his Russian counterpart. Issues of Russian involvement in the 2016 US election, Ukraine, Syria, Iran, sanctions on Russia, and perhaps North Korea will feature heavily at the summit.
FIFA World Cup Final – After a month of competition, the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia comes to end as France plays Croatia on 15 July. The game will be played at the Luzhniki Stadium in Russia’s capital, Moscow, beginning at 1600hrs local time. Travellers can expect disruption in this area, and in France and Croatia where the game is likely to be most closely followed. The competition has been spared many of the security threats that were expected beforehand, though isolated incidents have occurred.
Bastille Day in France – France celebrates its national day, also known as Bastille Day, on 14 July. It marks the storming of the Bastille prison, where political prisoners were held, by rebels in 1790. This began an uprising which led to the overthrow of the monarchy. In Paris, the day is celebrated with a military parade from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde where President Macron will be assembled with other dignitaries. In 2016, a terrorist drove into crowds along the Promenade des Anglais. Bastille Day will also be celebrated in French overseas territories, including French Guiana.
Sandinista Revolution Anniversary – Nicaragua commemorates the victory of the National Liberation Army over the Somoza dictatorship on 19 July. This is likely to have greater meaning and impact this year as the country is in the throes of a civil uprising which has been ongoing since 18 April 2018, during which time at least 264 people have been killed in clashes. Unrest is ongoing, with the 19 July expected to be a day of heightened protest as it is the third and final day of a general strike.
Protests in Guinea – Protests are set to take place in Conakry, Guinea on 16 July. Previous protests have been deadly. It is strongly advised to avoid all large gatherings and maintain heightened levels of situational awareness in Guinea at all times. Travellers can also expect heightened security measures and travel disruption. It is unclear how well attended any demonstrations will be.

Significant Dates and Events

07 to 29 July – France – Tour de France Cycle Race
14 July – Italy – Pro-migrant rally to take place in Ventimiglia
14 July – Iraq – Republic Day
14 July – Israel – Anti-Netanyahu rally in Tel Aviv
14 July – South Korea – Anti-refugee rally in Seoul
14 July – Serbia – Anti-corruption march planned in Belgrade
14 July – Spain – Pro-Catalan independence march in Barcelona
15 July – Brunei – His Majesty the Sultan’s Birthday
15 July – Turkey – Democracy and National Solidarity Day (Anniversary of 2016 attempted coup)
16 July – Chile – Virgen del Carmen Day
16 July – Brazil – Doctors to strike in Porto Alegre
16 to 17 July – Botswana – President’s Day
17 July – Lesotho – King’s Birthday
17 July – South Korea – Constitution Day
18 July – Uruguay – Constitution Day
18 July – Argentina – Anniversary of the 1994 terror attack on the Jewish community centre, Buenos Aires
19 to 22 July – United States – Summer X Games in Minneapolis
19 to 22 July – United Kingdom – The Open golf championship at Carnoustie
19 July – Myanmar – Martyr’s Day
20 July – Greece – Rail workers to strike
20 to 22 July – United Kingdom – Baggage handlers plan to strike at London Luton Airport
20 and 24 July – Ireland – Ryanair pilots to strike
20 July – Spain – Security staff to strike at Ibiza Airport
20 to 22 July – United States – Rugby World Cup Sevens in San Francisco
20 July – Colombia – Independence Day
21 July – Belgium – National Day
22 July – Gambia – Revolution Day
23 July – Egypt – Anniversary of the Revolution
23 July – Oman – Renaissance Day

Click the following link to download this report as a PDF: Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 28 The Weekly Risk Roundup highlights significant events from the last week and what to look out for next week. Week 28 Weekly Risk Roundup was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Week 27 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot

Indian Ocean HRA – Maritime Security Incidents

04 July 18: Suspicious Approach ENE of Muscat. Two white-hulled skiffs approached to within 500m of a merchant vessel at 24°02’N 059°55’E. Vessel and crew were reported safe. 04 July 18: Merchant Vessel Fired Upon in the Southern Red Sea. A merchant vessel transiting northwards in the Red Sea was approached by three high-speed skiffs at 13°33’N 042°40’E, near the Hanish islands. Each skiff contained up to eight armed persons, who fired upon the MV as they closed. Armed security personnel returned fire and compelled the attackers to abort their approach. Vessel and crew were reported safe.

Mediterranean – Maritime Security Incidents

08 July 18: Italian Interior Minister to Bar Access to Rescue Vessels. Matteo Salvini, the Italian interior minister, announced his intent to close Italian ports to vessels conducting rescues of migrants in the Mediterranean. It remains possible that such a bar may extend to commercial vessels which rescued migrants under SOLAS obligations.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

03 July 18: Vessel Boarded in Lagos, Nigeria. A vessel anchored at 06°16’N 003°11’E was boarded by a lone intruder using the cover of darkness. The intruder was spotted by duty personnel and escaped in a small boat moored to the anchor chain.

South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

03 July 18: Vessel boarded in Chittagong, Bangladesh. Eight robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored at 22°19’N 091°43’E. They tied up the duty watchman, and escaped having stolen the aft mooring rope. 03 July 18: Tug and Barge Boarded near Tanjung Piai. A tug boat and barge carrying a cargo of scrap metal was boarded by 10 individuals from six sampans at 01°12’N 103°33’E. The perpetrators stole cargo from the barge and fled as the alarm was raised.

Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 27 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 27 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Solace Global – Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 27

Headlines From This Week

Terror Attack in Mali – Insurgents in northern Mali conducted a significant improvised explosive attack against French and Malian forces in the Gao region. At least four civilians were killed and numerous civilians and soldiers were wounded during a direct attempt to destroy French armoured fighting vehicles. This attack may represent a step-change in insurgent capabilities in the region.

China Floods – At least 16 people have been killed and 10 others are wounded after heavy rainfall led to flooding in southwest China. Rains struck the provinces of Guangxi, Yunnan, Hunan, and most notably Sichuan. In Sichuan province alone, seven people have been killed, 120,000 impacted, and thousands forced to evacuate. Flooding has also been reported in Shaanxi in northwest China, the reservoir at the Three Gorges Dam is set for the first flood of the year.

Mexican Election – The Mexican General Election was held on 01 July and resulted in a resounding victory for the leftist candidate, Andres Obrador. Between 100-200 candidates were killed during the campaign season, particularly those standing for local administrative positions. It remains to be seen whether this violence will persist in the aftermath of the vote. The election itself took place relatively smoothly, with minimal disruption, and no noteworthy unrest. The new president’s focus against corruption is likely to face staunch resistance from lower levels of government where the influence of drug cartels is pervasive and widespread.

Malaysia’s Ex-Prime Minister Arrested – Najib Razak was arrested on 03 July, two months after losing a re-election bid, following widespread allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds. Investigations into Razak, his wider party, and family are ongoing, with further arrests likely due to the theft of at least $4.5 billion dollars, laundered through a minimum of six other countries. No noteworthy unrest has yet occurred in response; however, if the investigation appears to become politically motivated, Razak’s supporters may be motivated to resist the investigation.
Rioting in Nantes – The French city of Nantes experienced two nights of rioting following the police shooting of a man during a stop and search. Rioters and police exchanged stones and teargas in the city centre on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, with public buildings, a community centre, and several vehicles set alight. Arrests are likely to follow. The police initially justified the shooting by claiming that the victim attempted to run officers down, however eyewitnesses claim the vehicle was static at the time of the shooting. The police officer who fired has been taken into custody whilst the investigation is ongoing and may face criminal charges.

What To Look Out For Next Week

Typhoon Maria – Typhoon Maria is anticipated to strike the southern Japanese island of Okinawa as a category four storm between 09 and 10 July. This classification means that the island is likely to be struck with winds of up to 156 miles per hour, as well as significant and violent rain. The outer edges of the storm are likely to cause disruption to air and sea travel to surrounding nations, including China, Taiwan, and mainland Japan.

President Trump to visit Europe – President Trump is scheduled to undertake a tour of Europe, attending a NATO summit in Belgium, a working visit to the UK, and a one-on-one meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. President Trump’s itinerary is almost certain to attract widespread disruption and protest due to a widening gulf between Trump’s policy measures and the political positions of the European population; permits have already been issued for extensive demonstrations in London.

Naadam Festival in Mongolia – The national holiday of Naadam is scheduled to take place in Nepal between 10-13 July. The festival attracts extensive crowds to engage in and spectate competitions of wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The largest event is due to be held around the capital of Ulaanbaatar, however smaller events are likely to be held in most regions throughout the country. Normal services and business activities are likely to suffer extensive disruption.

Orange Parades in Northern Ireland – The anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne on 12 July is scheduled to be commemorated with widespread parades by the Protestant Orange Institution. The parades remain highly contentious in an environment where religious and social divides remain apparent after centuries of unrest and conflict. Travel disruption around urban areas is highly likely, and violent unrest remains a possibility. Overtly heightened security measures are likely to be in place.

Cambodian People Party Rally – The Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) has planned to hold a rally in the Koh Pich (Diamond Island) area of Phnom Penh on 07 July. Preliminary estimates suggest that this pre-election rally is likely to attract upwards of 100,000 people from its start time of 05:30 locally. Traffic disruption and delays should be expected around the city, including around the airport. Several processions will take place to and from the event from various areas of the city until around 14:00. Other rallies will be held between now and the general election on 29 July 2018. Avoid large gatherings, demonstrations and political meetings.

Significant Dates and Events

02 to 15 July – United Kingdom – Wimbledon tennis tournament
06 to 08 July – United Kingdom – Formula One race weekend
06 to 12 July – Japan – Dozens of ANA flights cancelled due to engine inspections
06 to 13 July – Spain – Festival of San Fermin in Pamplona
06 to 07 July – Nicaragua – Opposition groups plan 48-hour general strike
07 to 29 July – France – Le Tour de France cycling race
07 July – United Kingdom – London Pride Parade
07 July – Cote d’Ivoire – Independence Day
07 July – Tanzania – Saba Saba Day
07 July – Spain – Madrid metro workers plan to strike
07 July – United Kingdom – Far-right group plan rally in Leeds
07 July – South Korea – Pro-Choice rally in Seoul
09 July – Argentina – Independence Day and Anti-IMF protest planned in Bueno Aires
09 July – South Sudan – Independence Day
09 July – Croatia – Croatia Airline staff to strike
10 July – Bahamas – Independence Day
10 July – Mauritania – Armed Forces Day
11 July – Belgium – Day of the Flemish Community
12 July – Sao Tome and Principe – Independence Day
12 July – Ireland – Ryanair pilots in Ireland to strike
13 July – Montenegro – Statehood Day
14 July – France – Bastille Day
14 July – Italy – Pro-migrant rally to take place in Ventimiglia
14 July – Iraq – Republic Day
15 July – Brunei – His Majesty the Sultan’s Birthday
15 July – Turkey – Democracy and National Solidarity day (Anniversary of 2016 attempted coup)
16 – 17July – Botswana – President’s Day
16 July – Brunei – Sultan’s Birthday, national holiday
17 July – Lesotho – King’s Birthday, national holiday
18 July – Uruguay – Constitution day

Click the following link to download this report as a PDF: Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 27 The Weekly Risk Roundup highlights significant events from the last week and what to look out for next week. Week 27 Weekly Risk Roundup was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Week 26 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot

Indian Ocean HRA – Maritime Security Incidents

28 June 18: BMP5 Replaced BMP4. Counter piracy and maritime security best practices have been updated, with BMP 5 being issued in response to the evolution of the threat picture in the Indian Ocean High Risk Area. Whilst region specific, a number of the guidelines and measures are applicable to vessels transiting other regions. 23 June 18: Unilateral Humanitarian Ceasefire. Internationally supported Yemeni government forces have conducted a unilateral “pause” in their offensive operations in Al Hudaydah, ostensibly to provide a window for humanitarian relief efforts. Initial estimates suggest a resumption of combat operations in early July, unless a significant breakthrough in negotiations follows. There is a possibility that the UN may seek control over the port as a neutral party to ensure continuing aid supply.

Mediterranean – Maritime Security Incidents

25 June – 02 July 18: Over 160 Migrants Rescued off Spain. At least 160 migrants were rescued in a series of operations off the Spanish coast as the so-called “western route” to Europe appears to become more popular with traffickers. This may, in part, be a direct response to Italy’s recent efforts to halt the flow of migrants between itself and Libya. The sea journey between Africa and Spain is also significantly shorter than the Libya-Italy route, although Algeria and Morocco are less permissive to traffickers than the failed Libyan state. This increase in traffic may lead to increased disruption to commercial vessels as SOLAS obligations may force diversions and delays to rescue those in need.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

01 July 18: Vessel Attacked South of Bonny Island, Nigeria. A vessel came under attack by pirates at 04°08’N 006°57’E, 20 nm from Bonny Island, at 1040hrs. The vessel and crew were later reported safe. Further details of the attack remain unclear.

South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

27-29 June 18: Joint India-Bangladesh Naval Exercises. India and Bangladesh conducted their first joint naval exercise in the Bay of Bengal. The aim of the exercises were to enhance cooperation and interoperability against maritime crime and militancy in the region. 02 July 18: Human Trafficking Vessel Capsized off Penerang, Malaysia. An overloaded speedboat containing at least 44 illegal immigrants capsized 6nm off the coast of Penerang, southern Malaysia. At least one died, with a further 18 missing. Recovery and law enforcement operations led to an increase in air and marine traffic in the area.

General – Maritime Security Incidents

Maritime Global Security. A series of international shipping organisations have launched www.maritimeglobalsecurity.org to act as a repository for resources and information relating to maritime security threats and mitigations strategies around the world. This was launched concurrently with the issue of BMP5 for the Indian Ocean HRA.

Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 26 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 26 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Solace Global – Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 26

Headlines From This Week

Possible Assassination Attempts in Africa – On 23 June, two possible assassination attempts occurred in African nations. In the morning, two people were killed and dozens more injured at a rally held by Ethiopia’s reformist prime minister Abiy Ahmed in the capital Addis Ababa. In the afternoon, an explosion occurred at a rally in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where President Mnangagwa had spoken. The president has accused a group with links to the former first lady, Grace Mugabe, for the attack which killed two and injured many more.
Ceasefire in South Sudan – South Sudan President Salva Kiir and his rival Riek Machar have agreed to a “permanent” ceasefire, which is due to take place within 72 hours of the agreement of the deal on 27 June. While both leaders have vowed that this ceasefire would be permanent, other such agreements have been broken. This agreement does form a foundation on which to build a lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Vietnam Flooding – Floods and landslides in northern Vietnam have left at least 22 dead and 11 more missing. Lai Chau and Ha Giang are the hardest hit provinces. Millions of dollars of damage have been reported. While rescue efforts are underway, access to many of the worst hit areas has been cut off.
Protests in Tehran – Iran’s capital has been beset by unrest this week over a dramatic depreciation in the value of the country’s currency, the rial. At one point, protesters shut down Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, an economic centre and a place which gained notoriety in the 1979 revolution. Economic and labour protests are likely to continue or intensify as the reinstatement of US-led sanctions takes hold.
Herders in Nigeria Conduct Further Attacks – At least 86 people were confirmed dead after clashes between nomadic Fulani herdsmen and villagers in Nigeria’s Plateau State. In response to the violence, a curfew has been implemented between 1800 and 0600hrs local time in the state. Issues related to overpopulation, ethnicities, religion, and climate change have contributed to the conflict. The death toll from herdsmen attacks since 2015 has exceeded those inflicted by the Islamist terror group Boko Haram for the same period.
Mass Shooting in Maryland, USA – The 154^th mass shooting in the United States this year took place on 28 June at the Capital Gazette newspaper headquarters in Annapolis, Maryland, in an attack which killed five people. The attacker was subsequently arrested and is alleged to be an individual with a personal grievance with the newspaper; police are yet to confirm this. In the aftermath of the attack, the New York Police Department deployed a counterterrorism team to protect media outlets including the New York Times.

What To Look Out For Next Week

Continued Protests in Nicaragua – Activists are set to rally in Managua on 30 June in opposition to what they see as repressive government policies – at least 285 have been killed, 1500 injured, and 156 reported missing in more than two months of protests. The protest is set to begin in morning hours, with thousands expected to attend. While it is intended to be peaceful, clashes with security forces are possible, meaning that all gatherings should be avoided. Activists have also accused the government of using paramilitary groups to help carry out its repressive measures.
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day – 01 July marks the transfer of Hong Kong from British to Chinese control on the same date in 1997. It is common for this day to be met with protests by civil and human rights groups demanding universal suffrage and other democratic norms. Clashes and disruption are possible this year as activists will march from Victoria Park’s football pitches, then head down Hennessy Road towards Admiralty. Authorities in the Chinese territory had previously ordered that the protest takes place at Victoria Park’s Central Lawn.
Wimbledon Tennis Tournament Begins – The annual Wimbledon tennis championship begins on 02 July ending on 15 July. Security is set to be at its highest level ever in 2018, with staff trained in ‘behaviour detection’. Armed police officers will patrol the All England Club, and thorough searches will take place at all gates. Those attending the event should allow plenty of time to pass through security checks.
Pamplona Bull Run – The Festival of San Fermin, known by many as the Pamplona Bull Run, takes place between 06 and 13 July 2018. In the 2017 event, five men, known as the “wolfpack”, were accused of raping an 18-year-old woman but were only convicted of sexual abuse. The ruling, and the subsequent release of the men, was met by significant unrest. The 2018 event is likely to be met with protests in locations across the country including in Pamplona; demonstrations by animal rights activists are possible too.
Le Tour de France Begins – The most prestigious annual cycling event, the Tour de France, begins on 07 July in Noirmoutier-en-L’île. The 105^th edition of the event will finish on Paris’s Champs-Elysees on 29 July after 21 days of racing. Unusually, all stages of the race will occur in France, minus a 15km entry into Spain during a day in the Pyrenees. The event often leads to road closures and travellers can expect enhanced security measures, especially at the final stage in Paris.

Significant Dates and Events

25 June to 02 July – Mauritania – African Union summit in Nouakchott
29 June to 01 July – Austria – Formula One Grand Prix
30 June – Norway – Oslo Pride parade
30 June – DR Congo – Independence Day
30 June – Sudan – Revolution Day
30 June – Seychelles – Independence Day
30 June – Ecuador – LGBT Pride Parade
01 July – Hong Kong – HKSAR Day and Pro-democracy rally
01 July – Mexico – General Election
01 July – Russia – Protests planned nationwide
01 July – China – Chinese Communist Party founding day
01 July – Canada – Canada Day
01 July – Ghana – Republic Day
01 July – Rwanda – Independence Day
01 July – Somalia – Independence Day
01 July – Turkey – LGBT Pride Parade in Istanbul
02 – 03 July – Zambia – Heroes’ Day followed by Unity Day
03 July – Belarus – Independence Day
04 July – Rwanda – Liberation Day
05 July – Algeria – Independence Day
05 July – Armenia – Constitution Day
05 July – Venezuela – Independence Day
05 July – Czech Republic/Slovakia – Saints Cyril and Methodius’ Day
06 July – Comoros – Independence/National Day
06 July – Lithuania – Statehood Day
06 July – Malawi – Independence Day
07 July – Cote d’Ivoire – Independence Day
07 July – Tanzania – Saba Saba Day
07 July – Spain – Madrid metro workers plan to strike
07 July – United Kingdom – Far-right group plan rally in Leeds
07 July – South Korea – Pro-Choice rally in Seoul

Click the following link to download this report as a PDF: Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 26 The Weekly Risk Roundup highlights significant events from the last week and what to look out for next week. Week 26 Weekly Risk Roundup was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Week 25 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot

Indian Ocean HRA – Maritime Security Incidents

19 June 18: CMF Releases Bulletin to Shipping Industry. In response to two recent attacks on 3 June on WHO vessel VOS Theia, and 13 June attack on a Saudi warship, both of which occurred off the coast of Al Hudaydah, a bulletin was released to inform shipping operators of the risks on merchant vessels transiting the High Risk Area. Since the attack on the MV Ince Inebolu, there have been no further reports on merchant vessels. The more recent attacks on the aforementioned vessels are due to their being involved in or affiliated with the conflict. Although the risk to merchant vessels not involved in the current Yemeni conflict remains unchanged, there is potential for the conflict to spill-over. The risk of being misidentified, or being susceptible to collateral damage, is a realistic possibility. Vessels are recommended to utilised the Maritime Security Transit Corridor and maximise the distance from Yemen’s islands and coastline. Vigilance should be maintained and be supported by timely reporting of encounters or incidents to the UKMTO. 26 June 18: Suspicious Approach in Bab El Mandeb, Red Sea. The vessel was approached by two speedboats in position 13°30’24N, 42°43’42E at 0708UTC. Each carried 8-10 persons on board. The embarked armed security team showed weapons and the speedboats departed. Speedboats had previously approached two other MVs in the area.

Mediterranean – Maritime Security Incidents

June 18: Merchant Vessel Caught in Migrant Dispute with Italy, with 113 Migrants Onboard. Due to SOLAS, captains of merchant vessels are required to rescue individuals in distress at sea. Media reports the container Alexander Maersk remains anchored off Pozzallo, Italy after responding to an emergency call and rescuing 113 migrants. Italy’s ports currently remain closed even to military vessels of NATO allies which have migrants on board. The USNS Trenton was delayed off Augusta, Sicily and could not bring 41 rescued migrants ashore. As the political debate continues, there are likely to be further costs and delays to merchant shipping.

South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

18 May 18: Late Report of Armed Robbery on Bulk Carrier; Tarahan Anchorage, Indonesia. Five robbers armed with knives boarded an anchored bulk carrier in position 5°32’S, 105°18’80E at 1935UTC. They took hostage the duty man and threatened him. The robbers stole ships property and engine spares and escaped. The duty man was able to free himself and raise the alarm. The crew mustered and a search was conducted on the ship.

Click link to Download PDF: 20180625 – Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 25 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 25 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Solace Global – Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 25

Headlines From This Week

Flooding in Abidjan – At least 18 people have been confirmed dead after heavy rainfall overnight on the 18-19 June in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. The government has called for evacuations from flood-prone areas of the city after flood waters rose to 2.5 metres in places. The military has been deployed to undertake disaster relief. Cote d’Ivoire is currently in its rainy season, with heavy rains forecast until the end of the month.
Push for Peace in South Sudan – President Salva Kiir and his former deputy turned rebel leader Riek Machar held face-to-face talks on 20 June in Addis Ababa, brokered by Ethiopia’s new prime minister, Abiy Ahmed. The two South Sudanese political heavyweights last met at the outbreak of deadly fighting in Juba in July 2016. Machar has since been living in exile. South Sudan has been in a state of almost consistent civil conflict being formed in 2011.
Significant Earthquake in Japan – Three people were killed after a magnitude-6.1 earthquake struck Osaka prefecture on 18 June. A further 350 people were reported injured. While no tsunami warning was issued in the aftermath of the quake, fears remain that there will be stronger seismic events in the coming weeks which could cause cataclysmic damage.
Macedonia Naming Deal – On 17 June, Macedonian and Greek leaders agreed to end a 27-year dispute regarding the name of Macedonia, with the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) changing its name to the Republic of North Macedonia. The dispute has been bitter and has prevented Macedonia joining NATO and the EU. The Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras narrowly survived a vote of no-confidence due to the deal, which still needs to be ratified by both
Death Sentence for Aman Abdurrahman – On 22 June 2018, a court in Jakarta found Aman Abdurrahman guilty of inciting others to commit terrorism and sentenced him to death. He stands accused of being the leader of an Indonesian affiliate of Islamic State. This act may cause Aman to become a martyr in the eyes of many radical Muslims in Indonesia and further afield, increasing the potential for retaliatory terror attacks.
Tit-For-Tat Trade Tariffs – The EU retaliatory tariffs on a series of US imports, issued in response to President Trump’s tariffs, came into effect on 22 June. Meanwhile, India has announced it will raise taxes on 29 US products from 04 August. There is a significant potential for a trade war between the United States and its traditional allies, further damaging the post-World War Two western alliance system.

What To Look Out For Next Week

General Election in Mexico – The Mexican general election is to be held on 01 July, electing thousands of positions from local councillors to the president. Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a leftist populist, is most likely to win the presidential election, heading a politically-mixed coalition. The campaign period has been beset by unrest and violence, with at least 100 political candidates killed.
Nationwide Local Elections in Indonesia – Local elections are due to take place in Indonesia on 27 June. The elections come on the back of recent terror attacks in the country and there is the potential that militants will seek to disrupt the vote. Political unrest may occur nationwide, with a heightened risk in Papua, Maluku, and West Kalimantan provinces.

Unions Call for General Strike in Argentina – The largest union in Argentina, the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT), has announced plans to launch a general strike on 25 June. The move comes in opposition to the economic policies of President Macri, who recently agreed on a multibillion-dollar loan with the International Monetary Fund. Public demonstrations have not been planned at this time. Travel to, from, and within Argentina is expected to be significantly disrupted around this date.

AU Summit in Mauritania – 31st Ordinary Session of the African Union Summit is due to take place in Nouakchott, Mauritania between 25 June and 02 July. Increased security measures and travel restrictions should be expected across the city, notably at the Conference Centre located within the vicinity of OumTounsy Airport. France’s President Macron is set to visit during the summit, departing on 03 July.

General Strike in Costa Rica – Labour unions are planning a general strike to take place on 25 June. Those in the country can expect extensive travel delays and the potential for related protests, with the capital San Jose likely to be most significantly affected. If the general strike does take place, it is expected to cost the economy somewhere between $10 million and $15 million dollars.

Alexei Navalny Plans 01 July Protests – Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny is urging Russians to take to the streets on 01 July in response to the government’s plans to increase the retirement age. Navalny has filed requests for demonstrations in 20 cities but they are not set to conflict with any FIFA World Cup matches. Russian authorities are likely to make arrests before and during the protests; violence is possible.

Significant Dates and Events

22-24 June – France – Formula One Grand Prix
23 June – Estonia – Victory Day
23 June – Finland and Latvia – Midsummer’s day holiday
23 June – Luxembourg – National Day
23 June – Ethiopia – Pro-government rally in Addis Ababa
23 June – Burkina Faso – Opposition rally planned in Ouagadougou
23 June – United Kingdom – Pro-EU “People’s Vote March” in London
23 June – Angola – Protest planned in Uige province
23 June – United States – Pro-immigration rally in San Francisco
23 June – United States – Anti-poverty rally in Washington DC
23 June – Kazakhstan – Anti-Nazarbayev rallies planned
23 June – Portugal – Festival of Sao Joao de Porto
23 June – South Korea – Anti-North Korea protest in Seoul
24 June – Philippines – Manilla Day
24 June – Turkey – General Election
24 June – Niger – Unsanctioned anti-finance law protest in Niamey
25 June – Croatia – Statehood Day
25 June – Mozambique – Independence Day
25 June – Canada – Anti-Trump protest in Montreal
26 June – Azerbaijan – Armed Forces’ Day
26 June – Madagascar – Independence Day
27 June – Djibouti – Independence Day
27 June – Sri Lanka – Poson Full Moon holiday
27 June – Tajikistan – National Unity Day
28 June – Ukraine – Constitution Day
28 June – France – Potential general strike
29 June – Seychelles – Independence Day
29 June to 01 July – Formula One Grand Prix
30 June – Norway – Oslo Pride parade
01 July – Hong Kong – HKSAR Day and Pro-democracy rally

Click the following link to download this report as a PDF: Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 25 The Weekly Risk Roundup highlights significant events from the last week and what to look out for next week. Week 25 Weekly Risk Roundup was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Week 24 – Maritime Weekly Security Snapshot

Indian Ocean HRA – Maritime Security Incidents

13 June 18: Houthis Report Strike on Coalition Warship. The location of the incident is unknown, local Yemeni media stated the warship was seen burning and rescue operations were conducted for the crew. This incident is unconfirmed. 18 June 18: Houthis Detain French Sailor in Hodeidah Port. According to regional media reports, a French sailor has been detained for two weeks by Houthi forces in Hodeidah, although this is unconfirmed. He was forced to call at the port after a storm led to a technical malfunction on his sailboat MY Jehol 11. 18 June 18: UN Aim to Control Hodeidah Port, Yemen. Hodeidah is the main distribution point for commercial and humanitarian supplies to Yemen. The Saudi-led coalition hopes to seize the port militarily from the Houthis; however, a UN envoy is aiming to broker a deal for the port to be administered independently.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

09 June 18: Tanker Boarded in Lagos. At least one robber was reported to have boarded a tanker in position 6°27’00N, 003°22’18E. A hose was inserted into a cargo tank. After being seen, the robber escaped the vessel and into a nearby speedboat. 13 June 18: Supply Vessel Boarded in Takoradi Anchorage. Robbers boarded a Singapore-flagged supply vessel anchored at 4°53’60N, 1°42’30W at 0245UTC. Watchmen shouted at the robbers and raised the alarm. Seeing the alerted crew the robbers escaped. 18 June 18: Militant Groups Threaten to Attack Oil Facilities in Niger Delta. Niger Delta Activists Forum have warned of planned attacks on oil facilities belonging to Agip. These threats were made in response to the group’s claim that previous agreements have not been implemented, as well as pollution of the area.

South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

31 May 18: Tanker Boarded Near Mersing, Malaysia. A late report was released of an oil tanker that was boarded whilst at anchor in position 2°25’30N, 104°25’11E at 0104UTC. Fourteen robbers stole personal belongings from the crew and fled via a stolen vessel. Malaysian Special Forces were able to track and apprehend the robbers who were armed with knives and machetes. Two crew members were injured during the attack.

Click link to Download PDF: 20180618 – Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 24 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 24 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Solace Global – Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 24

Headlines From This Week

Coalition Assault on Al-Hudaydah – The Saudi-backed Yemeni government has commenced ground operations in an effort to retake the port city of Al-Hudaydah on Yemen’s Red Sea coast. The offensive has been accompanied by a massive escalation in airstrikes into the city, and at least one Coalition landing craft was critically damaged. As the port is the main entry point for aid, the assault is likely to significantly worsen the humanitarian crisis in the surrounding region and may result in a longer-term increase in both migration and maritime criminality.

Vessel Collision on the Volga – At least 11 of the 16 people aboard a tour vessel in Volgograd were reported dead following a collision with a cargo barge on the Volga river on 12 June. Preliminary investigations suggest that the captain of the ferry was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. The issue highlights poor safety measures and accountability in Russia’s leisure sector at a time when significant numbers of foreigners are in the country for the FIFA World Cup.

Nationalist Protests in Vietnam – Dozens were arrested on 10 and 11 June as protesters clashed with police in a series of Vietnamese towns and cities scheduled to become part of new Special Economic Zones. Whilst the some protests were relatively contained, in larger towns police were forced to deploy water cannons to clear streets as officers were pelted with improvised weapons. The proposed zones include special privileges to foreign businesses establishing themselves in the region, and would particularly benefit Chinese companies. Tensions between China and Vietnam have risen lately over a series of territorial and resource disputes along their maritime border.

Peruvian Police Ambushed – Four Peruvian police officers were killed when an improvised explosive device was detonated against their vehicle on the Churcampa-Anco highway in Huaccoto on 08 June. The officers were returning from providing enhanced security during Flag Day when the attack was launched. Another patrol which responded to the initial attack also came under fire and was forced to fight their way to the site. Despite efforts at reconciliation since 2000, small rebel groups persist in rural areas of the country and intermittently conduct attacks against security forces.

Insurgent Clashes in Davao – Philippine troops clashed with insurgents in the southern region surrounding Davao on 10 June. Government releases suggest that the group involved in the conflict was affiliated with the Islamic State group. At least 15 insurgents were reported killed, and arms caches and a bomb-making facility were also discovered during the raid.

What To Look Out For Next Week

Afghan Ceasefire – The Afghan Taliban agreed to a three-day ceasefire with government forces over the holiday of Eid at the end of Ramadan, likely to be 15-18 June, in direct response to the government’s unilateral declaration in early June. Despite the planned duration only being short, and foreign troops being excluded, this marks the first such concession in over 16 years of fighting. It remains unclear if all the disparate elements of the Taliban will abide by the ceasefire. Other groups such as Islamic State will not be included.

People’s Vote March – The movement for a “People’s Vote” on the terms of the UK’s Brexit from the European Union is due to hold a march to London’s Parliament Square on 23 June. Previous events organised by groups opposed to Brexit have resulted in turnouts of several thousand people, with the potential for significant localised travel disruption. The rally is also likely to attract counter-protesters and limited instances of violence may occur.

Colombia’s Presidential Run-Off – Colombia’s land borders will be closed across 16 and 17 June, with some closures persisting longer, as part of the security measures implemented during the election period. The scheduled vote is the runoff for the presidential election, and is likely to see political rallies across the country as populist right- and left-wing candidates face off. The election also has potential ramifications for the county’s peace agreements, as the leading candidate, Ivan Duque, remains opposed to the present treaty with the FARC group or any future compromise with the ELN.

Turkish General Election – On 24 June, Turks will go to the polls to elect officials to an array of local and national positions. This will be the first election following a close and controversial referendum to impose sweeping constitutional changes, moving the centre of power from parliament and the prime minister to the presidency. The election retains an ethnic and cultural dimension, and reports of voter suppression efforts have surfaced. A deadly confrontation between a candidate’s security details and Kurdish citizens in Suruc highlighted the risk of instances of violent unrest in the lead up to the poll, particularly in mixed areas.
Togo General Strike – Togo’s main opposition group have called for a nationwide strike on 18 June in response to persistent government efforts to suppress protests and dissent. This call follows a protracted and failed effort to negotiate a return to the rule of law and the 1992 constitution. Businesses and services across the country are likely to adhere to the strike, with Lomé almost certain to suffer the greatest disruption. It is likely that many of the strikers will attend protests or rallies, and these may become violent when confronted by police.

Significant Dates and Events

16 June – Austria – Pride parade to be held in Vienna
16 June – Malaysia – Hari Raya Puasa holiday
16 June – South Africa – Youth Day
16 June – Israel – Anti Netanyahu rallies to be held in Tel Aviv
17 June – Argentina – Martin Miguel de Guemes Day
17 June – Iceland – Independence Day
17 June – Dominican Republic – Anti-corruption rally to be held in Santo Domingo
17 June – Ukraine – Gay pride march to be held in Kiev
18 June – Bermuda – National Heroes Day
18 June – Cambodia – King’s Mother’s Birthday
18 June – Seychelles – Constitution Day
19 June – Trinidad and Tobago – Labour Day
19 June – Uruguay – Artigas’ Birthday, national holiday
20 June – Argentina – National Flag Day
21 June – Bolivia – Andean New Year
21 June – Greenland – Ullortuneq national holiday
22 June – Croatia – Anti-Fascist Struggle Day
22 June – Fiji – National Sport and Wellness Day
22 June – Finland and Sweden – Midsummer eve holiday
23 June – Estonia – Victory Day
23 June – Finland and Latvia – Midsummer’s day holiday
23 June – Luxembourg – National Day
24 June – Philippines – Manilla Day
25 June – Croatia – Statehood Day
25 June – Mozambique – Independence Day
25 June – Costa Rica – Nationwide public service strike
26 June – Azerbaijan – Armed Forces’ Day
26 June – Madagascar – Independence Day
27 June – Djibouti – Independence Day
27 June – Sri Lanka – Poson Full Moon holiday
27 June – Tajikistan – National Unity Day

Click the following link to download this report as a PDF: Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 24 The Weekly Risk Roundup highlights significant events from the last week and what to look out for next week. Week 24 Weekly Risk Roundup was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Week 23 – Maritime Security Weekly Snapshot

Indian Ocean HRA – Maritime Security Incidents

13 June 18: Assault on Al Hudaydah. Yemeni government forces have begun offensive operations aimed at seizing the port of Al Hudaydah from the Houthi, following the expiry of a ceasefire. An increase in military activity in the vicinity is highly likely. The Houthi may seek to attack Saudi vessels in response. June 18: Piracy Threat During Monsoon Season. The International Maritime Bureau released a statement indicating that the impeding monsoon season may drive pirate attacks in the more sheltered waters of the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. Storm conditions are likely to force IUU fishermen from elsewhere into this region, and the increase in competition may lead to an increase in ad-hoc piracy.

Gulf of Guinea – Maritime Security Incidents

03 June 18: Theft at Anchor, Lagos. Two robbers boarded a bulk carrier anchored at 06°16’N, 003°21’E. Crew members and armed security spotted the robbers and fired a warning shot. Robbers fled with ship’s stores. 12 June 18: Naval Operations in Delta. The Nigerian naval officer in command of forces in the Delta region reported that amphibious operations efforts to clear out illegal oil refineries in the region would push ahead. Operations in the preceding month have been deemed successful, despite widespread reports of pollution from destroyed facilities.

South East Asia – Maritime Security Incidents

08 June 18: India Called for Enhanced Intelligence Sharing. The Indian Prime Minister called for enhanced intelligence sharing in order to better combat threats to maritime security in Asia. He was addressing the East Asia Summit. 12 June 18: ReCAAP 2018 Conference. The ReCAAP 2018 Piracy and Sea Robbery Conference was held in Hong Kong, focused on developing proactive and intelligence-led anti-piracy operations. Efforts were also made to encourage engagement from Chinese ship owners. 31 May 18: -Late Report- Robbery at Anchor, Mersing, Malaysia. Two crew members were wounded when up to 14 men boarded a tanker at 02°25’N, 104°25’E. The robbers escaped with ship stores, but were later apprehended by the Malaysian Navy

Click link to Download PDF: Solace Global Maritime Security Snapshot – Week 23 A roundup of maritime security incidents – an easy to read format collating suspicious approaches, vessel attacks, boardings, hijacks and media reports. The week 23 Maritime Security Snapshot was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

2018 FIFA World Cup Risk Summary

The 2018 FIFA World Cup is set to begin in Russia on 14 June 2018. Travel to the country brings a unique set of challenges and issues to overcome. For more on the Games, how to prepare and, what to expect when travelling to Russia, please take a look at our risk summary below or download this information as a PDF from the following link: 2018 FIFA Football World Cup Risk Summary – Event Advisory

Estimated Population: 144.3 million (Russia, 2016 estimated)
Geographic Area: 17.1 million Km²
Language: Russian and 27 other regional languages
Religion: Christianity, non-religious, Islam, and other beliefs
Climate: Varied dependent on location.
GMT: +2 to +12
Capital: Moscow
Currency: Russian Ruble
Emergency Services: 112

2018 FIFA WORLD CUP KEY FACTS

COUNTRIES: 32 31 countries and territories have qualified for the 2018 FIFA Football World Cup and are joined by Russia as the host nation. 20 teams are making back-to-back appearances while Panama and Iceland are making their debuts at the event. ATHLETES: 23 Each team is limited to a final squad of 23 players submitted by 04 June 2018. A provisional squad of 35 players must be submitted by 14 May 2018. SPECTATORS: 2.5MILLION A total of 2.5 million tickets will be made available for the 64 matches at the World Cup. The event is oversubscribed with more than four million ticket applications in the second round alone. More than 1.5 million tickets have been allocated as of 03 April 2018. SECURITY: 40,000 40,000 personnel from the Emergencies Ministry are to be deployed to ensure safety and security during World Cup matches across the country. A tourist police force has also been created for the event. HOST CITIES: 11 There are 12 venues hosting matches for the World Cup in 11 host cities. These are: Moscow, St Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Volgograd, Saransk, Sochi, Rostov-on-Don, and Yekaterinburg. All 32 competing countries will also have training camps.

SECURITY CONCERNS

Criminality: Low-level criminality is a long-term challenge for travellers to Russia and the largest potential threat posed to travel. In host cities, especially Moscow and St Petersburg, travellers are at a heightened risk of petty crime in busy areas and are actively targeted. Theft from hotel rooms is also not uncommon. Kidnappings are uncommon and usually personal in nature. Foreigners should be particularly aware in bars and nightclubs, where violent crime is often reported. Moreover, criminals have drugged some travellers at bars or taken strangers back to their lodgings only to be drugged, robbed, and/or assaulted. Hooliganism: During the European Football Championships in 2016, Russian fans were at the centre of troubles and violence which led to a suspended disqualification and a €150,000 ($167,392) fine for the Russian Football Union. Hooliganism is a longstanding issue in Russian football. As recently as February 2018, a police officer died as Athletic Bilbao and Spartak Moscow fans clashed before a Europa League match in the Spanish city; several other injuries were also reported. At least nine people were subsequently arrested as some fans arrived with batons and knives. Russian football hooligans, known as ultras, are described as being very effective and well organised. While most countries, notably England, have issues with hooliganism, Russian fans are often singled out for their serious intent to carry out barbaric violence. Commentators have suggested that the Russian political leadership has historically encouraged far-right hooliganism. Russian authorities have begun cracking down on hooliganism, with strong penalties for minor offenses; ‘ultras’ have complained of harassment by security forces ahead of the World Cup. Foreign hooligans, or those in their presence, are likely to face a firm response from police. Corruption: Corruption is endemic in Russia, with strong ties between politicians and business. Public officials and police officers may demand bribes from travellers, including traffic police. Moreover, criminals and police frequently work together and act with near impunity. Reports suggest that the average bribe has increased substantially in recent years. Russia was ranked 135 of 180 countries on Transparency International’s 2017 Corruption Perceptions Index. Corruption scandals involving state-owned or state-linked enterprises may bring civil unrest. Terrorism: Historically, Russia has been threatened by Islamic militancy from a number of sources. Chechnyan terrorists have previously conducted attacks in the Caucuses region and further afield, including Moscow. It is highly like that terror groups such as Islamic State or Al Qaeda will seek to conduct attacks before and during World Cup events. In 2017, Islamic State published propaganda directly targeted at the World Cup. Russia has an advanced security apparatus and is likely to prioritise anti-terror operations to mitigate any threats. Indeed, on 27 April 2018, it was announced that the FSB security service had thwarted a planned Islamic State attack in an area of Moscow where World Cup matches are due to take place. Russia, like countries in the West, is dealing with the threat of returning fighters as Islamic State’s territorial losses mount in the Middle East. Cyber Security: Cybercrime is a well-documented threat of travel to Russia. Hackers based in Russia have been accused of interfering in the US 2016 elections, as well as targeted attacks on companies including Yahoo. There is a significant risk that cyber criminals or ‘cyber-activists’ will target underprepared foreign travellers to Russia. Unsecured WiFi hotspots are especially at risk and should be avoided. Politics and International Relations: Russia’s degrading relationship with the West is continually present in the media. Over the past six to 12 months, tensions have increased dramatically, with the poisoning of a former Russia spy, Sergei Skripal, in the UK and coalition airstrikes against Syrian government targets just brief highlights in 2018 alone. However, the effects on individual travellers to Russia for the World Cup are unlikely to be significant. As with the Winter Olympics in 2014, the World Cup forms an aspect of Russia’s soft power initiative. Moreover, the event is expected to generate significant income for Russian industry. It is therefore in Russia’s interest to ensure that foreigners have a positive experience. Foreign travellers may experience some xenophobia when visiting the event. Domestically, President Putin and his supporters maintain a strict control over the political process in Russia and have crushed most forms of dissent. Political protests are possible during the Games, possibly led by anti-corruption campaigner Alexei Navalny, but are unlikely to reach the size, scale, or impact of unrest in Brazil four years ago. Cultural Differences: Within Russian society, there are vocal nationalistic, reactionary tendencies. Hate crimes and racist murders have risen in recent years, often targeting those from the Caucasus or Central Asia. Russian football has commonly been associated with racism. In March 2018, FIFA opened an investigation into racist abuse of French players by Russian fans. In 2013, a law banning the promotion of ‘non-traditional sexual relations’ came into force. The law is purposely vague and may lead to the arrest, imprisonment, or deportation of foreign nationals. LGBT travellers may face harassment and acts of violence, instances of which have reportedly increased since the law came into force.

EVENT LOCATION INFORMATION

There are 12 stadiums for the 2018 World Cup in 11 host cities: 1. Moscow, Russia’s capital, is home to two stadiums which are set to host World Cup matches. The final will be held at the Luzhniki Stadium on 15 July 2018. 2. St Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city and will host a semi-final match and the third place play-off. 3. Kaliningrad is the westernmost host location and a Russian enclave between Lithuania and Poland. It is difficult to reach without air travel. 4. Kazan is known as the ‘Sports Capital of Russia’ and will host a quarter-final match. 5. Nizhny Novgorod, Russia’s fifth largest city, will host one quarter-final and a handful of group games. 6. Samara is Russia sixth largest city and will host six games in total. 7. Volgograd, formerly named Stalingrad, will host four group games but none in the knockout stages. 8. Saransk, in the Republic of Mordovia, will host four games. 9. Sochi hosted the 2014 Olympic Games and will host a quarter-final game. 10. Rostov-on-Don is the closest host city to Ukraine, where an insurgency by Russian-backed rebels is ongoing. 11. Yekaterinburg is the easternmost host city and will only hold four group games.

GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE

All travel to Russia should be planned carefully in advance.
Travellers to Russia should maintain a low-profile, a slightly heightened level of situational awareness. and sensible security precautions at all times.
Travellers should be especially vigilant in crowded areas.
Take extra care of passports, credit cards, and wallets/purses when in crowded or tourist areas. Take extra care when travelling alone, at night, or on public transport, due to the greater potential for crime.
Be sure to carry a form of ID as well as details of your next of kin. Avoid carrying any valuables in a backpack as this is an easy target for thieves.
Road safety in Russia is poor. Russians are known to drive aggressively and routinely ignore road signs. If driving, a defensive style should be implemented. Due to the different culture and language, travellers should consider the use of a prearranged driver for all travel.
Russia is generally a cash-based economy. Outside of Moscow and St Petersburg, ATMs may be difficult to find.
On entering Russia, travellers are required to sign a migrant card which is needed when exiting Russia. All passports should be signed; those with unsigned passports may not be permitted entry into Russia.
You can be arrested for attempting to leave the country with antiques, even if they were purchased legally. Certificates should be sought from the Russia Ministry of Culture.
Photographing military establishments and strategically important sites (such as airports) is not permitted and may lead to detention or arrest.

SECURITY CONCERNS

Russian security authorities have experience of hosting global events, having held the 2014 Winter Olympics and the Football Confederations Cup in 2017. Security at these events was notably tight. Russian police practice intelligence-led security, with a focus of being proactive rather than reactive. A series of regulations are set to be in place for the World Cup:

Road closures and high security on trains and planes which transport competitors between venues.
Controlled and prohibited zones in venue cities.
Total bans of planes and ‘flying devices’, such as drones around World Cup stadiums.
Rigorous ID checks ensuring that the identities of fans are known in advance.
Bans on maritime movements close to stadiums.
There will be strong restrictions on sales of arms, explosives, poisons, and narcotics near venue locations.
Factories manufacturing dangerous goods are set to be closed for the duration of the event.
Severe constraints on selling and consuming of alcoholic beverages in venue cities before and after matches.

SCAMS

ATM Skimmer: Skimmers on ATM machines are not uncommon. Always make sure the slot where you insert your card has nothing attached to it. These devices may be disguised to look like regular parts of an ATM, so check carefully. Try to use ATMs inside banks if possible.
The Money Drop: This scam is especially common around Red Square in Moscow. Although there are variations, it looks like the following. Somebody is going past you and “accidentally” drops some cash, another individual sees it as well. He starts picking up the money and offers to share it 50-50. You look for the owner of the money, and he is long gone. You take your share of it and walk away. A minute later, the real owner of the money asks for the full amount back and is not alone. As you only have half, you will need to visit the closest ATM to make up the amount to get away unhurt. The best advice is to ignore items which are dropped.
Fake Tickets: In this situation, scammers prey on desires to see World Cup games. Often fake websites for ‘free tickets’ will be found online in advertisement boxes or via an email. These require the user to put in their credit card details for ‘security purposes’. Always search the website of the company offering free tickets, such as Coca-Cola, rather than following a link or an advert.
The Airport Pickup: Fake drivers work at the airport. As you walk out of your gate you unexpectedly see a driver with your name on a board and knowledge of your hotel (information which has probably been fed to them by a member of cabin crew). En route to your hotel, your driver stops and demands money as fare, which you feel obliged to pay. Travellers should not accept unexpected trips and should follow journey management plans if pre-arranged drivers have been organised.
Taxis Parked in Front of Your Hotel: Many four and five-star hotels have taxis waiting outside all day. Despite appearances, these taxis are not associated with the hotel. These drivers may not switch on their meters when picking up passengers and instead insist on an excessive charge whilst already in motion. Travellers should avoid taxis waiting outside of hotels. Ask your hotel to order one for you from a reputable company and ensure they meter your journey. If the vehicle has a meter, it should be used. Taxi drivers have also been reported as taking intentionally extended journeys in order to overcharge fares.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

All travellers to the World Cup should visit their doctor at least six to eight weeks before arriving in Russia.
Travellers should ensure that they are up to date with all routine vaccinations before travelling, this includes tetanus, tuberculosis, polio, and measles, mumps and rubella. Other recommended vaccinations may include: hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, and tick-borne encephalitis.
Certain travellers may also be required to provide a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Travellers to the World Cup should take the necessary precaution against sun- and heat-related illnesses. Sun creams with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or above and 4 or 5 star UVA (ultraviolet A) protection should be used. Travellers should also ensure that they drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
If taking long-term prescribed medication, travellers should contact their local Russian diplomatic mission to ensure that the import of such medication does not contravene any local laws. Travellers should also ensure that they maintain the original prescription, consider having it notarised and translated, and that they have more than enough to cover the length of their stay.
Health facilities in Russian cities are generally adequate with some private hospitals offering western-level care. However, such care can be expensive. Travellers should ensure that they have adequate medical insurance to also cover repatriations.
Travellers should avoid drinking tap water, drinks with ice, or uncooked food such as salads. Bottled water is widely available.

KEY DATES

14 May

Preliminary World Cup squads must be named

04 June

Final 23-man squad must be submitted to FIFA

14 June

Group stages of the World Cup begin as Russia plays Saudi Arabia in Moscow
Eight groups of four teams compete in a total of 48 matches

30 June

The second round begins
16 teams compete in eight games between 30 June and 03 July

06 July

Quarter-finals begin
Four matches will be played on 06 and 07 JulY

10 July

Semi-finals begin
The final four teams compete in two games from 10 to 11 July, with matches held in Moscow and St Petersburg

14 July

Third-place playoff
The two losing semi-finalists compete for third place in St Petersburg

15 July

The World Cup final
The two victorious semi-finalists compete at Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.

LOCAL ETIQUETTE

Many Russian are very patriotic. It is advisable to avoid criticism of Russia or discussion of current political events. Topics including ethnic minorities and the holocaust should also be avoided.
Russians are considered to be reserved, which may be confused with rudeness at times. Staring is common while ‘excuse me’ and ‘thank you’ are not.
Punctuality to social events or business meetings is considered important in Russia.
Communication is typically direct.
Putting your thumb through your index and middle fingers or making the “OK” sign are considered very rude gestures in Russia.
Russians love entertaining guests in their homes. They will often put more food on the table than can be eaten to indicate there is an abundance of food (whether there is or not). Guests who leave food on their plates honour their host. It means they have eaten well.
Business dress remains formal; for meetings, men generally wear shirts and jackets, and women, typically modest dresses. Wearing very light or bright colours might make you appear lazy or unreliable to a Russian.
Greetings and introductions are often carried out with handshakes and on first-name terms. The use of titles and family names is unlikely in the majority of situations, and insisting on their use may come across negatively. Shaking hands should not be undertaken over a threshold as this is considered bad luck.
Business cards are important to Russian business culture and are given out liberally. The ceremony of presenting and receiving business cards is important.
Learning Russian, even just a small amount, will go a long way to helping you in a business or social situation.
Drinking alcohol is an important cultural pastime in Russia. When drinking occurs, it is rarely done in moderation; it is advisable to be prepared for an all-or-nothing affair. After a toast, Russians like to clink glasses. This should not be done with a non-alcoholic drink.
Tipping is not mandatory, but a tip of approximately 10 per cent is common in restaurants. In less formal settings, such as shops or cafés, servers may simply be told to “keep the change”.
An overtly masculine culture still exists to a degree. Men will be expected to hold open the door for women, pay for meals etc.
Never show the soles of your shoes as it is considered rude and they are considered dirty; do not let them come in contact with a seat.

SOLACE GLOBAL SERVICES

Solace Global remains available to provide the full range of Travel Risk Management services to clients. Solace Global is also able to provide comprehensive travel tracking, crisis management, in-country journey management, meet and greet, 24/7 monitoring, response, and evacuation services. For further details please contact +44 (0)1202 795 801 or email sgr@localhost.

Solace Global – Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 23

Headlines From This Week

Volcan de Fuego – A series of eruptions of the Guatemalan Volcan de Fuego has resulted in at least 99 fatalities, numerous injuries, and disruption to air travel across the country. Some reports suggest over 1000 people remain unaccounted for, and evacuation orders remain in place for a number of villages in the vicinity of the volcano. The closest of these has been almost entirely buried by ash from the eruption.
Jordanian PM Resigns – The prime minister of Jordan was forced to resign on 04 June following several days of widening protests across Amman, and other major Jordanian cities. The protests were initiated by a series of proposed reforms to the tax, benefits, and subsidies system which supports a significant proportion of the Jordanian population; and seen principally to benefit the elite. King Abdullah spoke in favour of the protesters, whilst emphasising that some reforms remained necessary. It remains to be seen if an appropriate compromise can be reached.
Zimbabwean Opposition Protests – Members of the Movement for Democratic Change, Zimbabwe’s dominant opposition party, held large protests in Harare on 05 June. They focused on allegations the ruling party has manipulated voter rolls ahead of the July 2018 election and were seeking to use intimidation or ballot tampering to swing the election. Whilst these protests occurred peacefully, the first election since the departure of the former dictator, Robert Mugabe, is highly likely to see further protests, and outbreaks of violence are a realistic probability.

Sadr City Explosion – At least 18 people were killed, and 38 were wounded when an explosion tore apart a Shiite mosque and 20 residential buildings in Baghdad’s Sadr City on 07 June. Preliminary investigations suggested that the blast occurred when a paramilitary group’s weapons cache, stored in the mosque, was accidentally detonated. The blast demonstrates that the highly pervasive nature of explosives and weapons ownership in Iraq remains a significant threat to life, even when those weapons are not being intentionally used.
Madagascar PM Resigns – The Madagascan prime minister (PM) was forced to resign on 06 June, following persistent, violent, and widespread unrest against the introduction of laws seen to prevent opposition candidates from contesting elections. The new PM, Christian Ntsay, was appointed by the president as a consensus candidate, although a history of defections between parliamentary parties since the last election threatens to undermine the balance of power within the legislature and may prevent a resolution to the crisis.

What To Look Out For Next Week

Singapore Nuclear Summit – On 12 June, US President, Donald Trump, is scheduled to meet the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-Un, for a summit concerning North Korea’s nuclear programme and elevated tensions on the Korean peninsula. The summit is scheduled to be held on an island off the Singapore coast. Those in the city should expect significantly heightened security measures to be in place throughout the duration of the summit, and travel disruption is highly likely. The relative success or failure of the summit will have significant political and military effects on the Asia-Pacific region.

South Korean General Elections – South Korean citizens will head to the polls to elect local officials and to fill a series of seats vacant in the national assembly. Elections in South Korea are generally peaceful in nature, however, their proximity to the North Korea Summit, representing key issues in South Korean foreign and domestic politics, may lead to a higher level of unrest than is typical.
FIFA World Cup – The first match of the football world cup is due to kick off on Thursday 14 June in Moscow, Russia. The Russian government has announced a sweeping range of security measures to be implemented across the country, centred on the cities where games are to be held. Those in Russia are advised to remain aware of games scheduled in their vicinity and plan their journeys accordingly; a large transient population and significantly increased security are likely to impact the host cities on days surrounding each match.

Eid-al-Fitr – The festivals marking the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan is scheduled to begin on 14 June. The celebrations may occur on this date or shortly after, as there is no consensus among the international Muslim community as to the exact rules concerning the lunar observations which set the festival’s date. Travellers throughout the Middle East, and other countries with significant Muslim populations, should expect widespread disruption to travel and the provision of essential services as it is typically observed as a national holiday.

US Pride Parades – Major cities across the United States are due to hold Gay Pride parades on 09 June. These parades vary in size and may include numerous other official events related to the main parade. LGBT rights remain contentious in many locations across the US, with a number of political and religious groups staunchly opposed to the ongoing liberalisation of laws and society in relation to LGBT relationships. It is therefore likely that parades will attract counter-protesters, and there remains potential that some limited instances of violence may occur.

Significant Dates and Events

09 June – Uganda – National Heroes Day
09 June – Bulgaria – Pride parade and counter-protests to be held in Sofia
09 June – United States – Pride parades to be held in major cities
09 June – DR Congo – Opposition rallies to be held in Kinshasa
09 June – Austria – Anti-Israeli groups to rally at Vienna’s Bundeslanderplaz
10 June – DR Congo – Reconciliation Day
10 June – Portugal – National Day
10 June – Georgia – Protests scheduled in Tbilisi in response to murder acquittal
11 June – South Africa – Civil servants to conduct nationwide strike
11-12 June – Bangladesh – Night of Destiny (national holiday)
11 June – Colombia – Sacred Heart (national holiday)
11-12 June – Russia – National Day
11 June – Paraguay – Chaco Armistice Day
11-14 June – Haiti – Workers to strike and protest in Port-au-Prince
12 June – Philippines – Independence Day
12 June – Sri Lanka – Railway workers to begin nationwide indefinite strike
12-13 June – Portugal – Rail workers’ strike
13 June – South Korea – Local elections
14 June – Eid al-Fitr – National holiday in many Muslim-majority countries
15 June – Azerbaijan – National Salvation Day
15 June – Bangladesh – Jumatul Bidah
16 June – Austria – Pride parade to be held in Vienna
16 June – Malaysia – Hari Raya Puasa holiday
16 June – South Africa – Youth day
17 June – Argentina – Martin Miguel de Guemes day
17 June – Iceland – Independence Day
18 June – Bermuda – National Heroes Day
18 June – Cambodia – King Mother’s birthday
18 June – Seychelles – Constitution Day
19 June – Trinidad and Tobago – Labour day

Click the following link to download this report as a PDF: Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 23 The Weekly Risk Roundup highlights significant events from the last week and what to look out for next week. Week 23 Weekly Risk Roundup was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.

Solace Global – Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 22

Headlines From This Week

Terror in Belgium – Islamic State has claimed responsibility for a terror attack which left two police officers and a bystander dead in the Belgian city of Liege on 29 May. The attacker was reportedly radicalised in prison, from where he had been temporarily released on 28 May.
Armed Attack in Saudi Arabia – A police officer was killed by two assailants who then stole his weapons in the Saudi Arabian city of Taif on 31 May. The assailants subsequently attacked a National Guard facility, injuring several. One of the attackers was wounded and arrested, while the other escaped.
First Storm of Atlantic Hurricane Season – Tropical Storm Alberto, the first storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, made landfall in the Caribbean and the United States this week. At least eight people were killed including four in Cuba and four in North Carolina, USA. Flooding conditions have been reported across the United States in Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, the Carolinas, West Virginia and Illinois. Four North Carolina Dams are close to rupturing and are being assessed by state authorities.
Brazil Strikes – Brazil has been beset by strikes over the past two weeks which have caused significant disruption. Truck drivers began their strike on 20 May and were joined by oil workers on 30 June. The strikes and related protests led to a significantly reduced supply of fuel, food, and essential items nationwide, as well as significant travel disruption. The economy, still emerging from a devastating recession, is set to be hard hit by these strikes.
Government Formed in Italy – Months after inconclusive election results, a government has been formed in Italy. The government will be led by the independent Giuseppe Conte with ministries headed by officials from the Five Star Movement and the League, both are populist, Eurosceptic parties. There are fears of what this could mean for the EU as Italy is the bloc’s fourth largest economy.
Jihadist Attack in Mozambique – At least 10 people have been beheaded by Islamic militants in the northern Mozambique region of Cabo Delgado. The attack, which took place on 29 May, appears to have targeted those involved in extractive industries. Islamists groups have conducted sporadic attacks over the past year.
Political Change in Spain – Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy of the People’s Party lost a vote of no-confidence on 01 June brought about after corruption allegations. He has been replaced by Socialist Party leader Pedro Sanchez, but political instability remains as no party has a majority in parliament.

What To Look Out For Next Week

Tiananmen Square Commemorations – Activists are set to gather in Taipei, Hong Kong, and other locations on 04 June to commemorate 29 years since protesters in Tiananmen Square, Beijing were brutally crushed by Chinese security forces. Chinese censors and authorities are kept on alert for any signs of commemorations; expect higher than usual levels of security within the vicinity of Tiananmen Square.
G7 Summit – Charlevoix, Canada plays host to the 44th Summit of the Group of Seven (G7) nations on 08-09 June 2018. Disruption is probable and serious unrest possible due to planned protests. All heads of state/government of the G7 nations are set to attend, as well as EU leaders and especially invited guests.
Naksa and International Quds Day – 05 June marks the “day of the setback” or Naksa which commemorates the displacement of Palestinians after Israel’s victory in 1967 Six-Day War. Clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters are common on this day and all border regions should be avoided. International Quds day, a day of solidarity with the Palestinian people, takes place on 08 June. Rallies should be expected around the world in the days surrounding this date.
Peru Strike – Truck and coach drivers are set to strike in Peru from 05 June after talks between unions and the government broke down. The strike does not have an end date at this time. Travellers are advised to take the necessary provisions for travel and ensure that they have plenty of non-perishable food prepared as any strike may make the availability of foodstuffs limited.
Madrid Metro Strikes – After striking on 01 June, Madrid metro workers have announced plans to strike on 04, 08, and 15 June. The strikes will all begin at 06:05 to last until 10:15 and then restart at 13:20 and finish at 21:30. A minimum of 69 per cent of services will be running on the morning strike and 55 percent on the afternoon strike. Travellers should note there is the potential for protests alongside the strikes.
New York Gun Control March – Saturday 02 June is anticipated to see large numbers of demonstrators rallying in support of further gun control measures following a recent series of school shootings, and inaction from state and federal legislators. The protestors have announced their intent to rally at the Korean War Veterans’ Memorial in Brooklyn, before moving to Foley Square in Manhattan. Gun control remains an emotive topic across the United States, and the event may attract counter-protests from pro-Second Amendment groups. Violence remains unlikely, but some disruption should be anticipated.

Significant Dates and Events

02 June – Brunei – Nuzul Al-Quran
02 June – Macedonia (FYROM) – Opposition plan protest in Skopje
02 June – Sweden – Stockholm Marathon
02 June – Mali – Opposition rally in Bamako
02 June – Spain – Pro-Spanish language group to protest in Valencia
02 June – United Kingdom – Marriage equality march in Belfast
02 June – Israel – Anti-Netanyahu rally in Tel Aviv
02 June – United States – Rally for hurricane victims in New York City
02 June – Italy – Republic Day
02 June – Jordan – Protest planned over income tax law
03 June – Uganda – Martyrs’ Day
03 June – Slovenia – Legislative Elections
04 June – Mexico – Teaching union to launch indefinite strike
4-5 June – Bolivia – University strike, El Alto
05 June – France – Activists plan rally against the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
05 June – Zimbabwe – Opposition plans nationwide protest
06 June – Chile – Student march planned in Santiago
06 June – Iran – Martyrdom of Imam Ali
08 June – France – RATP workers plan rally in Paris
09 June – Uganda – National Heroes Day
10 June – Congo – Reconciliation Day
10 June – Portugal – National Day
11-12 June – Bangladesh – Night of Destiny (national holiday)
11 June – Colombia – Sacred Heart (national holiday)
11 June – Russia – National Day
12 June – Philippines – Independence Day
12-13 June – Portugal – Rail workers’ strike
13 June – South Korea – Local elections
14 June – Eid al-Fitr – National holiday in many Muslim-majority countries.

Click the following link to download this report as a PDF: Weekly Risk Roundup – Week 22 The Weekly Risk Roundup highlights significant events from the last week and what to look out for next week. Week 21 Weekly Risk Roundup was compiled by Solace Global’s in-house intelligence team.