Iran Launches Attack on Israel; Airspace Closures Across the Middle East
North and Central AmericaÂ
On 9 April, around 10:30 hours (local time), a lawyer fatally shot his former daughter-in-law and another attorney during a deposition at a law firm situated on the corner of Charleston Boulevard and Pavilion Centre Drive in Summerlin. The shooter, representing his son in the deposition, targeted his son's former wife and the opposing counsel, who was representing his own wife. After the shootings, the shooter took his own life. The incident led to the evacuation of hundreds of people from nearby businesses, and authorities are investigating the motive behind the incident.
The existing State of Emergency (SoE) in El Salvador has been further extended until 10 May. Initially, the measures were enforced after gang-related attacks in March 2022. The extension upholds the suspension of three constitutional rights: the right to defence, the 72-hour limit on detention without a hearing, and the requisite judicial authorization for access to telecommunications. Be alert and vigilant of your surroundings if travelling in El Salvador. Follow the advice of the local authorities.
South AmericaÂ
Since 11 April, water rationing measures have been implemented on a rotational basis in Bogotá and eleven surrounding municipalities due to the impact of water scarcity. The decision to extend the measure will be evaluated every 15 days. Affected municipalities include Soacha, Funza, Madrid, Cota, Mosquera, La Calera, ChÃa, Cajicá, Sopó, Gachancipá, Tocancipá, and zones 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 of Bogota. Expect and prepare for disruptions caused by an interrupted water supply. Travellers are advised to follow the instructions of local authorities. While travelling, carry extra drinking water to avoid inconvenience.
So far this year (2024), the dengue fever epidemic has claimed the lives of 117 people. Overall, almost 112,700 people have been infected. The most affected areas include La Libertad, Lima, Piura, Ica, and Ãncash. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities where dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes are found. The risk of acquiring dengue during travel depends on the destination, season, duration of the trip, and activities during the trip. Severe dengue and death are relatively rare in general travellers but more frequently in those visiting friends and relatives.
All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Many people with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate.Â
Europe
On 9 April, authorities raised security concerns after a media outlet supporting the Islamic State group published threats against UEFA Champions League venues. The outlet posted several images of stadiums hosting quarterfinal matches on 9 and 10 April. UEFA confirmed that the Madrid and Paris matches would go ahead as planned. On 10 April, Atletico Madrid played Borussia Dortmund at the Estadio CÃvitas Metropolitano in Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain played Barcelona at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place in and around these targeted stadiums. Extensive checks and traffic restrictions were also in place. Continue to monitor the local media. Follow instructions from local authorities. Be prepared for increased police presence, crowds around stadiums, and road closures before and after games. To minimize security risks, avoid the area around high-profile sporting events. Be alert and aware of your surroundings. Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.Â
On 10 April, the Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority reported air quality levels ranging from subpar to poor in Helsinki due to the season of urban dust. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare warned that exposure to street dust can cause symptoms such as rhinitis and eye irritation for many, including healthy individuals, during work or school commutes or while spending time outdoors. Particularly vulnerable are children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic respiratory and heart diseases.
Street dust affects regions nationwide, with its onset and duration differing across the country. During high levels of smoke, there is a risk of respiratory difficulties, especially for people with pre-existing lung disease, asthma, allergies, and heart conditions. Older individuals, children, and those with respiratory diseases are advised to stay indoors as much as possible when these pollutant levels are high. If travelling in the affected areas, wear a mask to reduce the risks of smog exposure.
The Mayor's Office in the municipality of Russian-occupied Mariupol is reporting a major outbreak of cholera among school children. The number of infected people is not reported. Most infected individuals, approximately 75%, do not show any symptoms. However, of those who do exhibit symptoms, only a small proportion develop a severe form of the disease. All travellers can minimize the risk of exposure to this disease.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Strictly observe all food and water precautions in any area where there is cholera. If gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting and profuse watery diarrhoea) develop while visiting the affected area, travellers should seek medical care at once.Â
Â
Middle East and Asia Pacific
On 13 April, around 20:00 hours (local time), Iran launched more than 300 suicidal drones and missiles toward Israel. The aerial strike was in retaliation for a suspected Israeli attack on Damascus, Syria, in which several high-profile Iranian officials were killed. Prior to the attack, many countries had issued travel advisories for their citizens, advising against all travel to the region. During the attack, explosions were heard across Israel, including in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Air raid sirens were sounded in over 720 areas.
Israel claimed to have intercepted at least 99% of the projectiles, with minor infrastructural damage in some regions. The aerial attack prompted widespread airspace closures across the Middle East, disrupting air travel significantly. Major airlines were forced to cancel, reschedule, or divert flights as a result. While several countries have since reopened their airspaces, it's crucial to note that these could be shut down again with little to no warning. There is a high likelihood of retaliatory attacks by Israel. Check with your travel agent or the airline to determine if your travel plans are affected. If impacted by cancellations, know your compensation rights. Many countries advise against all travel to the Middle East due to the unstable safety and security situation. The situation in the region is constantly changing and can be unpredictable.
Health authorities are concerned that there may be a significant increase in dengue infections this year. So far in 2024, 5,581 people have been infected, compared with 2,611 cases in the same time period in 2023. The risk of exposure will vary from place to place and may be high in many localities where dengue fever-carrying mosquitoes are found. The risk of acquiring dengue during travel depends on the destination, season, duration of the trip, and activities during the trip. Severe dengue and death are relatively rare in general travellers but more frequently in those visiting friends and relatives. All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Many people with dengue fever do not seek medical care and are not reported to health authorities. There may be many more cases in the community than the reports indicate. Travellers should also be aware that where the dengue fever virus is active, there is a possibility in some locations that the chikungunya virus may be present, since it is transmitted by the same mosquito that transmits the dengue virus.
On 13 April, around 15:10 hours (local time), six people were killed and several others injured when an attacker randomly stabbed people at the popular Westfield shopping mall in Sydney. The attacker was killed by a police officer on the scene. Parts of the shopping mall were cordoned off while investigations were underway. If you encounter any suspicious activity, report it to the local authorities immediately. Be alert and vigilant about your surroundings.
On 08 April, more than 10,000 residents of Tin Son Village fled to safer locations. The villagers left due to the ongoing fighting between the military and the rebel forces. Two days prior, on 06 April, the fighting intensified in the southern part of Kale township as the military dispatched a team from Nye Tha village towards Tin Son village. There were weapons being fired, and the phone lines were disconnected. The conflict remains ongoing near the Bo Santharet Forest and Myin School regions.
Avoid these areas due to escalating tensions and the ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar. If travelling in Myanmar, exercise increased caution. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Myanmar due to the dangerous safety and security situation. Â
Africa
On 11 April, violent conflict broke out between rival armed groups in Surman City and Tripoli. Heavy firing was reported near Tripoli airport, central Tripoli, and Surman. Locals were evacuated from popular entertainment venues and advised to avoid high-risk localities. The military presence was heightened across the city to ensure law and order. Avoid the area until tensions subside. If travelling, exercise increased caution. Expect and prepare for localized travel disruptions. Many countries advise their citizens to avoid all travel to Libya due to the dangerous safety and security situation.
The emergency committee in Khartoum North has reported more than 50 suspected cases of dengue fever, along with three deaths. Due to a lack of laboratory services, the diagnosis of dengue fever has not been confirmed. All travellers to areas where the dengue fever virus is active can reduce their risk of exposure by taking all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Disclaimer: This newsletter and all of the information it contains are provided “as is†without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The newsletter is a summary of travel and health-risk events in the world on a given date and is provided as a service to our customers or readers. Sitata Inc. and its affiliates and/or subsidiaries are not responsible for the accuracy of the reporting. The use of this information is at your own risk. Â