Hot Spots
4/06/2015
Contents
ASIA
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Malaysia
Philippines
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
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Mali
Uganda
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
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Bangladesh
Yemen
Hot Spots Report
ASIA
Malaysia (Security threat level - 3): On 6 April 2015, Malaysian officials announced the arrest of 17 people
suspected of plotting a terror attack in Kuala Lumpur. According to the police chief, two of the suspects had recently
returned from Syria; however, aside from that detail, he provided no information regarding the target of the attack, the
intended method, or when the suspects planned to carry it out.
Analyst Comment: This is the second coordinated attack foiled by Malaysian security officials in less than a year.
Officials released details of the first plot in August 2014, which reportedly involved a group of 10 attackers carrying
out bombings against popular Kuala Lumpur bars and restaurants, as well as a brewery located in the capital city
area. The news of the second plot confirms the concerns that security officials have repeatedly expressed in the last
year; namely, that Malaysia has become a more prominent target for terrorists, rather than merely a staging ground
for international terrorist groups. Additionally, the fact that two people were able to re-enter the country after having
fought in Syria highlights concerns of the quality of border controls in the country.
Philippines (Security threat level - 4): As expected, Tropical Storm Maysak, formerly categorized as a typhoon,
made landfall in the northern Philippines on 5 April 2015. The storm weakened significantly before making landfall,
and no storm-related deaths have been reported. Upon making landfall, the storm registered sustained winds of 60
mph/52 kt and dropped significant amounts of rain. Approximately 24,000 people evacuated low-lying areas ahead of
the storm’s arrival. Additionally, sea travel off the coast of Luzon Island was suspended, leaving approximately 600
people stranded in major eastern ports.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Mali (Security threat level - 4): At approximately 0800 local time/UTC on 3 April 2015, an explosion occurred at a
residence in Sirakoro Meguetana, a town located approximately 5 mi/8 km southeast of Bamako. Officials stated that
one person was killed and four others were injured in the blast. Investigators stated that the explosion was caused by
the mishandling of explosives inside the property and that they had uncovered plans to carry out a terrorist attack;
however, they gave no further details. The explosion comes amid increased tension among the expatriate community
in Bamako, following the attack on a restaurant frequented by foreigners in the Hippodrome district on 7 March, in
which both a French and Belgian national were killed.
Uganda (Security threat level - 4): On 3 April 2015, Ugandan security officials went on high alert due to intelligence
indicating that the militant Islamist group al-Shabab could be planning attacks on an educational institution located
along the Kampala-Jinja highway. The warning comes in the wake of an attack on the Garissa University College in
neighboring Kenya on 2 April that killed at least 147 students. Ugandan officials went on to warn that vigilance should
be heightened at all public places due to the possibility that the intelligence indicating a threat to schools could be a
cover to help facilitate an attack elsewhere. On 25 March the U.S. Embassy in Kampala issued a message warning of
the possibility of an attack targeting locations frequented by foreigners. The warning identified no specific locations,
but the statement indicated that hotels were among the potential targets.
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Bangladesh (Security threat level - 4): On 6 April 2015, the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office
(FCO) issued updated travel advice for Bangladesh. The updated portion reads in part as follows: "Nationwide strikes
(hartals) on 7 and 8 April have been called by the Jamaat-e-Islami party following the upholding of a death penalty
verdict on a senior Jamaat leader. There is likely to be an angry response from elements of Jamaat-e-Islami and its
student wing Bangladesh Jamaat Chhatra Shibir. Avoid areas prone to politically inspired street disorder.
"There is tension between the government and opposition parties. Since January 2015 the opposition have called for
a nationwide blockade of road, rail and river transport. They’re also holding a programme of rolling general strikes
(hartals), usually taking place during the working week (Sunday to Thursday)."
Yemen (Security threat level - 5): On 3 April 2015, the U.S. Department of State issued an updated Travel Warning
for Yemen, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the high security
threat level in Yemen due to terrorist activities and civil unrest. On February 11, 2015 due to the deteriorating security
situation in Sanaa, the Department of State suspended embassy operations and U.S. Embassy Sanaa American staff
have been relocated out of the country. All consular services, routine and/or emergency, have been suspended until
further notice. The Department urges U.S. citizens to defer travel to Yemen and those U.S. citizens currently living in
Yemen to depart when you are able to safely do so. This supersedes the Travel Warning for Yemen issued on
February 11, 2015.
“The level of instability and ongoing threats in Yemen remain severe. There are no plans for a U.S. governmentcoordinated evacuation of U.S. citizens at this time. We encourage all U.S. citizens to shelter in a secure location until
they are able to depart safely. U.S. citizens wishing to depart should do so via commercial transportation options
when they become available. Keep vital records and travel documents close at hand; U.S. citizens should be
prepared to depart at a moment’s notice. The airports are currently closed, but may open unexpectedly; other
unforeseen opportunities to depart may also suddenly arise.
“Additionally, some foreign governments may arrange transportation for their nationals and may be willing to offer
assistance to others. There is no guarantee that foreign governments will assist U.S. citizens in leaving Yemen. U.S.
citizens who choose to seek foreign government assistance in leaving Yemen should only do so if they can safely
make their way to the point of embarkation and have received confirmation that there is space available. Even if
assured there is space aboard transportation, U.S. citizens should be aware that there is no guarantee that they will
be permitted to board the transport, or may have to wait an indefinite period until they can do so. There is also no
guarantee of where travelers will go. For U.S. citizen inquiries, you may send an email to
YEMENEMERGENCYUSC@state.gov."
The full text of the Travel Warning may be viewed here.