October 27, 2008 by Tim McDowell.

 A meeting between President Alvaro Uribe and indigenous leaders did not take place as planned on 26 October 2008 due to a disagreement over the venue. Reports indicate that Uribe refused to meet the leaders at the Municipal Administrative Center of Cali due to security concerns; the leaders refused to change the venue. The meeting has been tentatively rescheduled for 2 November in Popayan, the capital of the department of Cauca. At least 40,000 indigenous protesters are currently in Cali, mainly in the Universidad de Valle area. Approximately 10,000 sugarcane workers are expected to arrive in the city on 27 October to join the protests. It is currently unclear how long the protesters intend to remain in the city. Travelers should continue to anticipate transportation disruptions and violent clashes between protesters and police officers.

Posted in HLD | Print | No Comments »

October 27, 2008 by Tim McDowell.

The U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv released the following Warden Message on 24 October 2008: “This Warden Message replaces the Warden Message dated October 10, 2008, entitled ‘Warden Message — Riots in Acre, Israel.’

“American citizens are urged to continue to maintain a high level of vigilance and situational awareness while traveling to mixed neighborhoods. Based upon past events, Americans should be alert to the possibility of demonstrations and other actions throughout Israel. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if they are within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.”

Posted in HLD | Print | No Comments »

October 27, 2008 by Tim McDowell.

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi released the following Warden Message on 24 October 2008: “The U.S. Embassy and the Consulates wish to alert our American citizen residents and tourists in India to maintain a high level of vigilance during the upcoming Diwali festival. Diwali is considered the most important Indian holiday of the year; markets and transportation centers will be full of shoppers and travelers. You are reminded to consider the level of security present when visiting public places. Recent terrorist attacks in India targeted large crowded urban areas such as shopping centers, trains and train stations, cinemas, mosques, and restaurants; most took place during busy evening hours. Terrorist attacks, however, can occur anytime and anywhere. Although foreigners have not been specific targets of these attacks the risk of being a victim is ever present. You are reminded to be vigilant about security at all times.

“Fireworks, or ‘crackers,’ are a necessary component of Diwali, which is also known as the Festival of Lights. Fireworks can range from simple homemade devices and sparklers to massive explosions, which can be frightening to the unprepared, especially children and pets. Children should be prohibited from playing with fireworks and warned that the streets could be littered with fireworks that have malfunctioned. These fireworks should not be handled due to their unstable nature.”

Posted in HLD | Print | No Comments »

October 27, 2008 by Tim McDowell.

 The United States allegedly conducted a helicopter raid in the Syrian village of al-Sukkiraya in the Abu Kamal area, located approximately 5 mi/8 km from the Syria-Iraq border, at 1645 local time on 26 October 2008. At least eight people were killed, while 14 others were injured. Such raids inside Syrian territory are very rare. U.S. and Iraqi officials have indicated that the operation targeted an area used by insurgents. Approximately 90 percent of the foreign militants who operate in Iraq enter the country through the Syrian border. The Syrian government has strongly denounced the raid. The incident will likely increase anti-American sentiment in Syria.

Posted in HLD | Print | No Comments »