Hot Spots Report
AMERICAS
Ecuador (Security threat level - 3): As previously announced in Hot Spots, several thousand people staged protests
in cities throughout Ecuador, including in Quito and Guayaquil, on 19 March 2015 to protest plans to eliminate term
limits for elected officials; the protest also drew attention to various labor and land issues. Members of unions and
student and indigenous groups participated in the rallies, which remained largely peaceful; however, some protesters
clashed with police officers at the conclusion of the main gatherings.
AUSTRALASIA
Australia (Security threat level - 2): Severe Tropical Cyclone Nathan made landfall in northeastern Queensland
early on 20 March 2015. Reports indicate that the storm came ashore at approximately 0400 local time (1800 UTC on
19 March) near Cape Flattery, which is located 62 mi/100 km north of Cooktown. An initial assessment has revealed
relatively little damage, as the storm mostly affected largely unpopulated areas. Nathan has lost strength as it
continues to cross over land on the Cape York Peninsula. According to meteorologists at Wilkens Weather
Technologies, as of 0900 UTC, Nathan was located approximately 205 mi/330 km northwest of Cairns and was
moving in a westerly direction at 10 mph/9 kt. The storm had maximum sustained winds of approximately 80 mph/70
kt and gusts of up to 98 mph/85 kt. Forecasts indicate that the storm will regain some strength as it moves offshore
into the Gulf of Carpentaria late on 20 March or early on 21 March. It is then expected to hug the coastline of the
Northern Territory’s Gove Peninsula. The Australia Bureau of Meteorology has a Warning zone in effect on the Cape
York Peninsula from Port Stewart to Bathurst Head on the east coast and from Aurukun to Kowanyama on the Gulf of
Carpentaria coast; a Watch zone is in effect from Numbulwar to Maningrida in the Northern Territory.
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Yemen (Security threat level - 5): On 20 March 2015, three suicide bombers attacked two mosques in central
Sanaa. The attacks took place at al-Badr and al-Hoshosh mosques during Friday prayers. At al-Badr, one suicide
bomber set off an explosion inside the mosque, while a second attacker targeted worshipers at the gate, as they
attempted to flee. At least 77 people were killed and more than 120 others were injured in the attacks. Separately, a
bombing targeted a mosque in the northern city of Saada; only the bomber was killed in that incident. There has been
no claim of responsibility thus far, but the targeted Sanaa mosques were known to be used by Shiite Houthi rebels,
and Saada is also a Houthi stronghold, suggesting a sectarian motivation for the attacks.
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Chile (Security threat level - 2): On 19 March 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Santiago issued an Emergency Message,
which reads in part as follows: "The U.S. Embassy would like to call attention to news reports of vehicles being
attacked with stones and other debris in the areas between La Dehesa and Cerro Dieciocho / La Ermita. These
areas, both north and south of the river, could be at risk for further attacks. The U.S. Embassy urges caution in these
areas, be aware of crowds gathering, and always leave enough space between your car and the car in front of you in
case you need to quickly exit the area. The Carabineros are aware of these attacks and are increasing their presence
in the area."
India (Security threat level - 3): On 19 March 2015, the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi issued a Security Message,
which reads in part as follows: "This Message alerts U.S. citizens to the latest information regarding human cases of
H1N1 Influenza A, formerly known as swine flu. The Indian Ministry of Health has reported over 23,000 confirmed
cases of swine flu in India, with over 1,200 deaths. Local authorities have recommended vaccinations for health care
workers, established working groups to monitor the situation, set up a public information number at 011-23921401,
and recommended Oseltamivir for treatment."
Mali (Security threat level - 4): On 19 March 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Bamako issued a Security Message, which
reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy provides the following information and security guidance to U.S. citizens
following the March 7 attacks at La Terrasse. Malian authorities report that the suspects involved in the attacks are
still at-large. While there are no specific restrictions on public venues, official U.S. government personnel are advised
to reduce exposure to places frequented by westerners until the hunt for suspects-at-large is concluded. As a result
of the continuing investigation, Malian and international security forces have developed leads that may indicate
potential future attacks in the capital. Therefore, the U.S. Embassy has reemphasized general security guidance
provided earlier this week, and has informed official U.S. government personnel of the following additional measures:
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The Embassy is in regular communication with the American International School of Bamako (AISB)
regarding its security posture, including transport and physical security.
Official U.S. government personnel lodging in local hotels will no longer be concentrated into a few hotels.
Personal travel by official governmental personnel outside Bamako is prohibited in March and April, at which
time the restriction will be reassessed.
Additional guidance will be distributed in coming days about possible movement restrictions for official U.S.
government personnel around Bamako on the two upcoming holidays, March 26 and April 6.
“Although the Embassy is not aware of any specific threat information at this time, Malian security forces continue to
show a heavy presence around Bamako, including roadblocks and random police checkpoints, especially from dusk
to dawn. U.S. citizens are reminded to exercise caution, remain vigilant, maintain situational awareness at all times,
vary routes, and take appropriate security precautions to ensure their own safety, as should be standard operating
procedure at all times. Ensure your personal communications devices are usable in a crisis, and fully employ any
safety measures (locks, grills, alarms, etc.) at your residence.”
Niger (Security threat level - 4): On 19 March 2015, the U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a Security Message, which
reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that, due to ongoing security concerns, schools
attended by officials of U.S. citizens now require the presence of armed guards.
“The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Niger to exercise caution, maintain a high level of vigilance, take
appropriate steps to increase security awareness, and pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
“The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the importance of taking precautions that can help you avoid being a target.
Please follow these good personal security practices:
“Avoid crowds or large gatherings when traveling in public;
“Reduce exposure to places where Westerners frequently congregate, such as hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs,
and grocery stores;
“Know where you are going and have an exit plan in the event you encounter demonstrations or violence;
“Tell family member, co-workers, or neighbors where you’re going and when you intend to return;
“Minimize your profile while in public;
“Follow the instructions of local authorities;
“Be prepared to postpone or cancel activities for personal safety concerns;
“Always carry a cell phone and make sure you have emergency numbers pre-programmed into your phone such as
the U.S. Embassy number tel. (227) 20-72-26-61 and the after-hours emergency number, (227) 20-72-31-41.
“Report concerns you may have to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.”