2 July 2009
Health emergency in Argentina
Officials in Argentina declared a health emergency in the capital, Buenos Aires, and the surrounding province on 30 June after the number of deaths from influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu in the area rose to at least 29. School holidays have been extended in an effort to contain the spread of the virus; however, shops and business will remain open. Several other provinces have declared health emergencies in recent weeks amid criticism that the national government has been slow to respond to the outbreak. Argentina has the third highest number of swine flu deaths in the world after Mexico and the United States. Travellers to the country are advised to take precautions against contracting the virus; for more information on the global outbreak of H1N1/swine flu, please click here.
Soldiers killed in clashes in Colombia
Six soldiers were killed and two wounded in clashes with the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) in eastern Colombia, official sources reported yesterday. The violence occurred after rebels ambushed an army patrol in the Arauca department near the border with Venezuela. FARC has been involved in a decades-long armed struggle to overthrow the Colombian government. Due to the continuing instability in Colombia, red24 currently rates the country as a high-risk destination and advises against all travel to several departments, including Arauca.
Honduras political crisis - Update
Honduras' recently ousted president, Manuel Zelaya, announced yesterday that he would delay his return to the country by 72 hours after previously stating he would return today. The prospect of his return remains a potential flashpoint in the evolution of the crisis, and comes after an Organization of American States statement yesterday that the interim Honduran president, Roberto Micheletti, has three days to reinstate Zelaya or face suspension from the regional body. Due to the current political instability and the risk of civil unrest, red24 advises against non-essential travel to Honduras. For more information on the current situation in the country, please click here.
Heightened security for summit in Libya
The 13th African Union summit opened in the town of Sirte in northern Libya yesterday. Numerous heads of state and dignitaries are attending the event amid heightened security. Security is expected to be particularly tight at the summit venue, government installations and the local airport. Road closures are also possible in places. Travellers in the area are advised to follow the directives of the local authorities and to expect potential travel disruptions.
High alert at seaports in Gujarat, India
Major and minor seaports along the coastline of India's Gujarat state were placed on high alert yesterday following information that terrorists may be planning attacks against maritime facilities along the Indian west coast. Maharashtra and Goa states were also warned of the threat. The authorities indicated, however, that there was no information to suggest that an attack was imminent. This follows a similar threat to the aviation sector on 28 June, which saw airports across India placed on high alert. The threat of terrorism is rated as high in India, and attacks occur regularly. For security advice regarding terrorist bombings, please click here.
US military launches new offensive in Helmand, Afghanistan
Several thousand United States troops, along with hundreds of Afghan soldiers, launched a new large-scale offensive today against Taleban militants in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province. The province is considered to be a Taleban stronghold and the offensive is an attempt to secure the region ahead of general elections, due to be held in the country on 20 August. The risk of retaliatory terror attacks across the country is high, particularly in the southern regions. Due to several ongoing security concerns, Afghanistan is considered an extreme-risk destination and all travel to the country should be avoided.