News Watch
Current advisories
The US Department of State posts up-to-date travel advisories on every country and many territories, ranking each 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel).
Iraq suicide bombing
Two suicide bombers targeted an outdoor market in Baghdad, Iraq, on Jan. 21, killing at least 32 people and injuring more than 100. It was the first major terrorist attack in Baghdad in three years. The previous terrorist attack, in January 2018, occurred in the same market and killed 27.
Tunisia COVID-19 riots
Thousands of Tunisians rioted on multiple nights, starting in mid-January, over COVID-19 policies, clashing with police, vandalizing property and looting. More than 600 people were arrested, most ages 14 and 15.
Indonesian plane crash
A Sriwijaya Air flight to Borneo crashed into the sea shortly after takeoff from Jakarta, Indonesia, on Jan. 9, killing all 50 passengers and 12 crew. No distress calls were issued by the pilot or copilot before the plane disappeared from radar.
India farmers protesting
Farmers protesting new regulations in India broke through police barricades and stormed the Red Fort in Delhi on Jan. 26. During the incident, one police officer was killed and at least 80 farmers were injured.
COVID-19 update
At press time, active COVID-19 infections had been confirmed in 192 countries and territories, with more than 101 million cases and, resulting from those, more than 2.2 million deaths. The country with the most confirmed cases was the US, with 25.8 million.
Indonesia landslide
Heavy rains and flooding caused two landslides to occur in Cihanjuang, West Java, Indonesia, on Jan. 10. As rescuers were attempting to save victims from the first landslide, the second occurred, burying them. At least 40 people were killed and 25 injured, with many more still missing at press time.
Suicide bombing in Cameroon
Militants attacked the town of Mozogo in northern Cameroon, near the border with Nigeria, on Jan. 8, culminating in a suicide bomber’s killing at least 15 people.
Norway landslide
A massive landslide occurred on Dec. 30 within the city of Gjerdrum, Norway, about 25 miles north of Oslo. It swept away more than a dozen houses and other buildings, killing at least six people and injuring at least 10.
Central African Republic armed rebellion
Armed rebels moved toward Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), in December, taking control of some neighboring towns. The rebels came into direct conflict with UN peacekeepers and Rwandan troops who were present at the request of the CAR government.
Croatia earthquake
An earthquake measuring 6.4 in magnitude struck central Croatia, near the city of Petrinja, on Dec. 29, killing at least seven people and injuring at least 20 others.
Ethiopia village attacked
In western Ethiopia on Dec. 23, a group of armed men attacked a village in the region of Benishangul-Gumuz, killing more than 100 people and injuring more than 30. The identities of the attackers were unknown at press time.
Current advisories
The US Department of State posts up-to-date travel advisories on every country and many territories, ranking each 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), 2 (Exercise Increased Caution), 3 (Reconsider Travel) or 4 (Do Not Travel).
Puerto Vallarta assassination
The Mexican government increased the number of federal police stationed in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, after a former governor of the state, Aristóteles Sandoval, was assassinated, and one of his bodyguards was injured, at a restaurant in the popular tourist city on Dec. 18.
COVID-19 update
At press time, active COVID-19 infections had been confirmed in 191 countries and territories, with more than 83 million cases and, resulting from those, more than 1.8 million deaths. The country with the most confirmed cases was the US, with 19.9 million.
Ethiopia civil war
In northern Ethiopia, a local militia took control of the Tigray region in October, leading to an ongoing violent civil war that has led to the deaths of hundreds of people, many of them civilians. Thousands of people have been displaced. Both sides accused the other of war crimes.
COVID-19 update
As of Dec. 7, active COVID-19 infections had been confirmed in 191 countries and territories, with more than 67 million cases and, resulting from those, more than 1.5 million deaths. The country with the most confirmed cases was the US, with 14.8 million.
Storm damages Philippines
Typhoon Goni made landfall with the strength of a super typhoon at Catanduanes island, northeast Philippines, on Nov. 1, killing at least 16 people and damaging upwards of 90% of the city of Virac, home to more than 70,000 people. As the storm approached, more than 370,000 people evacuated the region.
Mogadishu suicide bombing
A suicide bomber targeted an ice cream parlor in Mogadishu, Somalia, on Nov. 27, killing six people and wounding eight. No group claimed responsibility for the bombing, but the Islamist terrorist group al-Shabaab is believed to have been involved.