Security Info - International SOS Security Information

Current Situations

Situation Updates are listed chronologically for the last 30 days,
with the most recent information listed first.

Greece May 01, 2001
Pope Visit 4-5 May, Protests Expected

More than 2,000 monks and Greek Orthodox activists rallied in Athens yesterday to protest the upcoming visit to the city by Pope John Paul II. The Pope is scheduled to visit May 4-5. This will be the first papal visit to the city in nearly 13 centuries. Members of the Greek Orthodox Church b More...

Thailand May 01, 2001
Three Killed In Border Clash

According to Thai officials, at least three Thais were killed and a dozen others, including two soldiers, were injured early this morning after members of a Yangon-allied militia opened fire on a border army base. Apparently, approximately 30 troops believed to be members of the Democratic K More...

United Kingdom May 01, 2001
May Day Protests Occurring

Direct Action organizations are planning a series of protests in London starting today (May 1). Police expected close to 10,000 peaceful demonstrators to march through London today. Weather will be a factor as it is currently raining in London. Protests were expected to focus on strategic si More...

West Bank-Gaza Strip May 01, 2001
Truce Talks Underway, Violence Continues

The violence continued today as a Jewish settler was shot and killed in a roadside ambush. Responsibility was immediately claimed by Islamic militants who stated that they were retaliating for two explosions that killed three Palestinian militants and two children. Israel was blamed for the More...

Bolivia April 30, 2001
Confrontations Continue

The Bolivian government is supposed to meet today with various groups of protesters, including angry coca-growers about the recent bout of civil unrest and demonstrations. Government officials opened discussions Saturday with the groups. The country has been hard hit by the protests and stri More...

Germany April 30, 2001
May Day Protests Expected In Berlin

Large scale protests are expected tomorrow (May 1) in Berlin. Trade unions and far-right political activists are expected to stage demonstrations and counter-demonstrations in Berlin, Dresden and Leipzig. A Berlin court has banned a demonstration by far-left militants. German police officials

Indonesia April 30, 2001
Demonstrations Low Key In Jakarta

More than 3,000 supporters of President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) staged a march in Central Jakarta this morning. The march comes as legislators vote on whether to censure the president for his alleged role in two financial scandals. No major violence was reported in the rally. Officials b

Philippines April 30, 2001
Pro-Estrada Rallies Continue

More than 200,000 supporters of former President Joseph Estrada peacefully rallied in Manila, demanding that police officials release Estrada from jail. There have been several days of demonstrations where thousands of pro-Estrada supporters gathered as a show of support. Today, a rally was

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 30, 2001
Gaza Attacks Continue

Three Palestinians were killed today in car bombings in the Gaza Strip and another Palestinian was killed trying to evade arrest in the West Bank. The sources believe that one of the bombings was a trap for a suspected member of Hamas. The Palestinian who tried to evade arrest, was shot and

Indonesia April 29, 2001
Quiet Prayer Meeting In Jakarta On Sunday Marred By Two Small Explosions

An estimated 20 000 people attended this morning's NU Islamic Party prayer meeting held in Jakarta that was lead by spiritual party leader and President, Abdurrahman Wahid. This number is far fewer than the expected 200 000 predicted earlier this week. Two glass bottles exploded close to the

Philippines April 29, 2001
Estrada Supporters Continue Protest Vigil

The majority of protesters are very poor and are being paid to attend this activity. They say they will continue to do this until he is released from jail and re-instated as President. President Arroyo addressed the crowd on Saturday ensuring that Estrada would be cared for while in custody. S

Philippines April 29, 2001
Explosion in Manila injures 35 people

It is thought that the explosion was caused by a grenade but no person or group has come forward to claim responsibility.

Congo, DRC April 27, 2001
Six Red Cross Workers Found Dead

Six workers from the International Red Cross (ICRC) were found dead yesterday in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The group was last seen conducting a medical survey between the towns of Djugu and Fataki. They were traveling in vehicles clearly marked with the ICRC emblem on a road that

Philippines April 27, 2001
Massive Pro-Estrada Rally In Manila, More Expected

More than 150,000 protestors gathered in front of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Manila to protest the arrest of former President Joseph Estrada. By this morning, the crowd had dropped to around 15,000. Estrada is being held on a charge of economic plunder, which is a non-bailable o

Singapore April 27, 2001
Rare Rally To Be Held

Political opposition supporters are calling for a rally tomorrow (April 28). The rally will be held to pay legal bills for an opposition politician. The politician, J. B. Jeyaretnam, owes more than owes 235,000 Singapore dollars (130,000 US) from a defamation suit. Crowds are expected to be

United Kingdom April 27, 2001
May Day Protests Expected

Direct Action organizations are planning a series of protests in London starting May 1. Police expect close to 10,000 peaceful demonstrators to march through London on May Day. But they estimate that a hard core of 1,000 people may be planning serious violence. Protesters are using a version

United States April 27, 2001
Police Expect Small Crowd For IMF/World Bank Meetings

More than 3,500 extra police officers are deployed in Washington DC in order to prevent possible disturbances from protests related to World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) meetings in the city this weekend. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank will be holding

Honduras April 26, 2001
Tourist Assaults And Robbery Increases

Honduran police officers have increased their presence around the San Pedro Sula International Airport. The added patrols follow a series of violent assaults on tourists. Large numbers of tourists leaving the airport for San Pedro Sula, Villas Kitur, El Polvorin and Celeo Gonzales have been

Indonesia April 26, 2001
Female Passengers Targeted At Jakarta Airport

According to police sources, there were two armed robberies earlier this week involving ethnic-Indonesian female passengers of domestic flights arriving at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. Police officials state that they will be tightening security measures at the airport. Th

Tanzania April 26, 2001
Opposition Group Plans Demonstrations April 28

The main opposition party in Tanzania, the Civic United Front (CUF) party is calling for new protests in Zanzibar this weekend. They are demanding fresh elections in the Zanzibar and Pemba islands. They have been granted permission for demonstrations, provided demonstrators avoid certain publi

Ukraine April 26, 2001
Prime Minister Ousted

Prime Minister Viktor Yushchenko and his government were dismissed today by the Communist-dominated parliament. Yushchenko and his cabinet were the most successful cabinet since Ukraine gained independence in 1991. The parliament, or Verkhovna Rada, voted 263-69 to approve a Communist- sponso

Zimbabwe April 26, 2001
Urban Violence Increases

A group of Zimbabwe's war veterans have increased their attacks against businessmen in the country in an effort to stop opposition to President Robert Mugabe's reelection campaign for next year. The militants plan to target foreign embassies and aid agencies to gain back urban votes for the

Bolivia April 25, 2001
Coca Farmers Protests To Continue

Marching coca farmers will attempt to block the main Cochabamba-Santa Cruz highway today (25 April). Military forces are likely to intervene in any action. Violent clashes are expected and protest activity will severely affect travel on the highway. The protestors were blocked by police yest

India April 25, 2001
Strike Paralyzes Mumbai

The labor unions in the western state of Maharashtra have gone on a 24- hour strike today, paralyzing Mumbai (Bombay). Taxis and buses have been out of service, and many people stayed home due to fears of violence. Most businesses were badly hit because of the lack of public transport. The st

Philippines April 25, 2001
Estrada Arrested, Tensions High

Former President Joseph Estrada was arrested today by the Philippine National Police. The arrest warrant was issued by the Philippine Anti- Graft court. An angry crowd of supporters for the ousted president stoned police as they cleared a path to escort him from his home in the first arrest o

United States April 25, 2001
IMF, World Bank Meeting In Washington DC Unlikely To be Violent

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank will be holding their spring meeting at the end of this week (April 26-30). Major protests are not expected to disrupt the meetings. This is in sharp contrast to last year's summit when protesters and police clashed, streets were close

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 25, 2001
Independence Day Celebrations May Cause Violence

Israel sealed off the Palestinian territories today, fearing attacks during upcoming Independence Day festivities. There is a total blockade on the West Bank and Gaza on the evening of the 24 April. It will remain in place until early on the morning of 27 April. This action was prompted by a

Bangladesh April 24, 2001
Anti-Government Strikes Continue Throughout The Country

A three-day anti-government strike began yesterday. This strike is just the latest in a series of protests that have been called for by the opposition Bangladesh National Party (BNP) which is attempting to speed up the government's announcement of general elections. Anti-government strikes i

Bolivia April 24, 2001
Protestors Stopped In La Paz

Hundreds of protestors were stopped by police roadblocks from reaching the central parts of La Paz. Farmers in Bolivia have been protesting US-backed government plans to eradicate 1,700 hectares (4,199 acres) of coca leaf plantations, the raw material used to produce cocaine, insisting the p

China April 24, 2001
Hong Kong Police Prepared For Economic Forum May 8-10

Hong Kong security forces are preparing for violent protests at an upcoming Finance Forum scheduled to be held in Hong Kong May 8-10. Based what has happened in previous economic conferences in Seattle, Washington DC and last weekend in Quebec, the police are preparing for the worst. More th

China April 24, 2001
Falungong Demonstration Planned For Tomorrow

Security at Beijing's Tiananmen Square has been increased ahead of tomorrow's planned demonstration tomorrow by the outlawed Falungong movement. The demonstration, if allowed, will be commemorating the second anniversary of a 1999 demonstration, which saw 10,000 of its followers surround Chi

India April 24, 2001
Major Strike In Maharashtra State Set For April 25

Local labor unions are expected to hold a strike (bandh) throughout Maharashtra State tomorrow, April 25. The strike was called to protest against what unions and left-wing parties have dubbed an "anti-worker" national budget, looks set to paralyze life in Maharashtra and its capital city Mu

United Kingdom April 24, 2001
Anti-Nuclear Protests Expected In UK And Germany

A shipment of highly radioactive nuclear waste left Germany today for treatment in Britain. The train was three hours behind schedule after anti- nuclear protestors again tried to block the shipment. Police arrested 60 people in a crowd of 100 demonstrators who tried to block the road to the

Bolivia April 23, 2001
Marchers Scheduled To Reach La Paz Today

The continuing protests in Bolivia have threatened to escalate. Last week, more than 1,500 farmers, students and union workers began a march from Cochabamba to La Paz. The protestors are schedule to reach La Paz today. They are marching and demonstrating against the Bolivian government plans

Ethiopia April 23, 2001
Violent Demonstrations Continue

Last night in Addis Ababa two explosions occured that authorities are calling an accident. No injuries were reported. The explosions were caused by rocket-propelled grenades that were fired accidentally. This comes after as many as 41 people died in the last week when thousands of demonstrat

Greece April 23, 2001
Home-Made Bomb Explodes In Athens

A home made bomb exploded yesterday outside the office of the patriarch of Constantinople, located in central Athens. The bomb caused minor damage but no injuries according to police sources. An anonymous caller claimed responsibility for the explosion on behalf of "Anti-Power Struggle", an

Israel April 23, 2001
Deadly Bombings In Israel And West Bank

A third bomb attack in the last two days occured early this morning in a Jewish settlement in the West Bank town of Ariel. This attacked happened near a bus and is guessed to be the work of Palestinian militants. This bombing follows an explosion Sunday when a suicide bomber blew himself up

Tanzania April 23, 2001
Large Demonstration Planned For April 29

The main opposition party in Tanzania announced plans that they will hold large anti-government demonstrations. The Civic United Front (CUF) stated that the demonstrations will occur on April 29 on both Pemba and Unguja islands (Zanzibar). These types of demonstrations have been banned in the

Canada April 20, 2001
Summit For The Americas, Protests Expected

The Summit of the Americas begins today in Quebec City. Leaders from 34 American nations will be discussing various trade matters. The city of Quebec has been turned into a virtual fortress in preparation for expected protests. Seven people have already been arrested and more arrests are exp

Ethiopia April 20, 2001
Student Protests Intensify, 24 Killed

Student protests in Addis Ababa have left twenty-four people dead and more than fifty more injured. Opposition groups in the country are blaming the Ethiopian government for the two days of violence. Security forces reportedly opened fire when the students began throwing stones at government

Indonesia April 20, 2001
Wahid Issues Warning About Possible Violence

President Abdurrahman Wahid issued a formal warning to his business leaders and diplomats yesterday. He stated that a "national rebellion" would occur if a second censure were issued against him. Wahid claims that more than 400,000 of his loyal supporters from the island of Java and the sout

Senegal April 20, 2001
Protests Likely Prior To Elections

On April 29, national legislative elections are scheduled to be held. There is a strong possibility that campaign activities and related demonstrations could turn unruly and result in civil unrest. Previous elections in the country have caused violent protests and injured innocent bystander

Canada April 19, 2001
Activists Arrested In Quebec City

Six people were arrested yesterday in Quebec City. The police seized weapons including tear gas canisters, baseball bats and military-issue flares that they allege the men were planning to use to disrupt the Summit of the Americas that will take place in the city from 20-22 April. Police off

China April 19, 2001
Chinese Americans Warned About Travel To China

The US Department of State issued a warning today to expatriates living in China, stating that it "cautions Americans, especially Americans originally from China, that there may be a risk of being detained upon returning to China if they have at any time engaged in activities or published wr

Germany April 19, 2001
Disruptions Expected Throughout Country This Week

Travel disruptions throughout the country may occur today through next week. The German government recently implemented new routes for commercial aircraft travelling through German airspace. These new routes are likely to cause serious disruption to airline service between 19 and 26 April as

Nepal April 19, 2001
Further Protests Expected 20, 26 April

The Nepal Communist Party-United Marxist and Leninist (NCP-UML) announced plans yesterday for two anti-government rallies in the coming weeks. The first rally will take place tomorrow at the Singha Durbar (Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's office). The second will take place on April 26

Taiwan April 19, 2001
Mass Protests Expected May 1

Thousands of people are expected to stage mass protests in Taipei on May 1. They will be protesting the government's inability to stop the rising unemployment. The Taiwan Organization of Trade Unions is scheduled to hold one rally. They are asking that all of their 300,000 members participate.

United Kingdom April 19, 2001
Expect Travel Disruptions May 1-3

Direct Action organizations are planning a series of protests in London starting May 1. Police expect around 10,000 peaceful demonstrators to march through London on May Day. But they estimate that a hard core of 1,000 people may be planning serious violence. Protesters are using a version o

Bolivia April 18, 2001
Marches To Cause Severe Disruptions

A large group of coca farmers plan on blocking major roads in La Paz (April 23). They are joined by agriculture and union activists who are marching from Yungas/Coroico and Cochabamba to the city of La Paz. They are scheduled to arrive in the city around April 22-23. The national Campesino

Brazil April 18, 2001
Peasant Protests Expected To Continue

Thousands of landless peasants protested in several cities throughout Brazil, including in Campo Grande, Recife, São Paulo and Uruguaiana, to mark the April 1996 deaths of numerous landless peasants at the hands of police officers. The demonstrators shouted slogans and marched through the ci

Burundi April 18, 2001
Burundi Army Puts Down Coup Attempt

A group calling themselves the Patriotic Youth Front claims to have overthrown the government of Pierre Buyoya in a coup. Buyoya was in neighboring Gabon for peace talks with the leader of the main rebel group fighting the government in Burundi's 7 1/2-year civil war. There were reports of s

Colombia April 18, 2001
27 Oil Workers Still Being Held

According to government sources, Colombian rebels are still holding twenty- seven oil workers. The rebels kidnapped 92 oil workers yesterday and within hours, released 73 of them. The mass abduction appears to have been carried out by members of the National Liberation Army (ELN). Twenty-five

Ethiopia April 18, 2001
Student Riots Continue For Second Day

Tensions are still high at the campus of the Addis Ababa University this morning after some students demonstrators were arrested by the riot police. Riots occurred today in Addis Ababa for a second straight day in relation to a student university strike. Students threw rocks at vehicles and

Indonesia April 18, 2001
Demonstrations Continue In Jakarta

President Abdurrahman Wahid is pleading with his supporters not to travel to Jakarta to show their support for him if he is censured. More than 30,000 members of the Front for the Defenders of Truth (FKP) have pledged to fight in order to keep Wahid in power. Some members of the FKP are supp

Philippines April 18, 2001
Riot Police Prepared For Trouble If Estrada Is Arrested

Riot police are on alert in the Philippines because of the anticipated arrest of former President Joseph Estrada on plunder charges. Estrada supporters are angry over the arrest warrant for the former president that was issued on Monday of this week. A small group of supporters rallied in fr

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 18, 2001
Israeli Troops Withdraw From Gaza Strip

Israeli military forces pulled out of Palestinian territory in Gaza yesterday after holding it less than one day. Israel seized the territory early Tuesday morning in retaliation for a mortar attack on a small Israeli desert town. The seizure of Palestinian territory was sharply criticized b

Cambodia April 17, 2001
Three Separate Explosions Occur, More Possible

Two explosions at separate locations in the southern Cambodia killed three women and injured 30 other people last night and this morning. The explosions occured at gambling casinos in the province of Kampot, 87 miles southwest of Phnom Penh. At this point, the motive for the explosions is no

Colombia April 17, 2001
Oil Workers Kidnapped, Some Released

Rebels in the left wing National Liberation Army (ELN) kidnapped up to 92 oil workers in one of the largest mass kidnappings ever. More than 70 of the hostages were later released. Military officials in Colombia report that at least 12 oil workers are still being held. This incident occured

Congo April 17, 2001
Border Closed With DRC

The government of Congo has closed its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for security reasons. The closing took affect late Saturday evening. The DRC has long accused the Republic of Congo of allowing rebels to operate from Brazzaville. Former President Kabila increased secur

Indonesia April 17, 2001
High Potential For Violent Confrontations In Jakarta

A group of supporters for President Abdurrahman Wahid announced today that more than 30,000 members of the Front for the Defenders of Truth (FKP) have pledged to fight in order to keep Wahid in power. The FKP members are supposedly already in Jakarta. The Indonesian Parliament is scheduled to

Malaysia April 17, 2001
Internet Cafe Crime Increases

Late night patrons of Internet cafes are being robbed in Selangor State, outside Kuala Lumpur. The seven man "Cybercafe Gang" of robbers targets their victims in the many Internet cafes in the area. The thieves strip their victims, stealing their valuables such as cash, jewelry and mobile te

Nepal April 17, 2001
Protests Continue For Second Day

For the second straight day, protests continued in Kathmandu. Groups composed of thousands of people opposed to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala protested in front of his office and several other locations around the city today. The protesters threw rocks at buildings and government vehi

Pakistan April 17, 2001
Violent Confrontations Occur In Sindh Province

Police clashed with protestors yesterday in Karachi over water scarcity issues in the Sindh province. The protestors attempted to reach Governor House to complain when police stepped in to control the crowds. Demonstrations are illegal in Pakistan since the new military leadership came to po

United Kingdom April 17, 2001
Marching Season Begins In Northern Ireland

Yesterday was the beginning of Northern Ireland’s marching season. This normally triggers ethnic conflict as Protestants hold parades commemorating key historical events in their history. These parades generally anger the Catholic minority who find the events degrading. An estimated 3,500 se

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 17, 2001
Israeli Forces Establish Control In Gaza

Palestinians located in the Gaza Strip fired five mortar shells into the Israeli town of Sderot. The military wing of Hamas is claiming responsibility for the attack. Israeli military forces retaliated quickly with helicopters firing missiles at the headquarters of Force 17, Yasser Arafat's

Bolivia April 16, 2001
Marches To Cause Severe Disruptions

A large group of coca farmers plan on blocking major roads in La Paz (April 23) and in Cochabamba on Wednesday (April 18). Numerous roadblocks have already been erected and many more are possible this week. According to police sources, at least 60 peasants marching to protest the eradication

Canada April 16, 2001
30,000 Protestors Expected At Summit

Approximately 30,000 protestors are expected at the Summit of the Americas conference later this week (April 20-22). Security officials believe that they are prepared for the massive crowds and possible demonstrations. Thousands of police officers will form a "human wall" to ensure safety and

Philippines April 16, 2001
Estrada Arrest Warrant Issued, Demonstrations Possible

Former President Joseph Estrada turned himself in to Philippine authorities this morning, just hours after the anti-corruption court issued a warrant for his arrest. Estrada avoid being jailed by posting a $3000 bond, but he was fingerprinted and he submitted photos for mug shots. The warran

Turkey April 16, 2001
Future Demonstrations Likely

Turkish civil servants and small businessmen staged a massive rally in Istanbul over the weekend. They were protesting the government's handling of an economic crisis that hit the country in mid-February. More than 30,000 people were at the rally demanding the immediate resignation of the cu

United Kingdom April 16, 2001
London Authorities Fear More Bombings

Because of Saturday's bomb explosion at an empty postal office in Hendon, there are fears of a new wave of terrorist attacks. It is believed that this bomb was the work of the dissident Real IRA commemorating the 1916 Easter Uprising. No injuries were reported. The empty building was a small

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 16, 2001
Violence Continues, Airstrikes Against Syrian Targets In Lebanon

Nearly seven months of Israeli-Palestinian violence continued Sunday when a pipe bomb exploded at an Israeli military checkpoint near the West Bank town of Qalqilya. There were no injuries or damage reported in the incident. The blast followed two similar incidents Saturday in the nearby Isr

Bangladesh April 13, 2001
Opposition Leaders Call For More Strikes

Opposition leaders in Bangladesh announced earlier this week that they have plans for another anti-government strike. The strike is scheduled to occur early next week (April 17-18) and last for a minimum of 48 hours. The last anti-government strike ended this week and caused major disturbanc

Bolivia April 13, 2001
Future Anti-Government Protests Expected

Police and government authorities are expecting more strikes in the near future after this week's violent confrontation between police and angry businessmen. Police were forced to use tear gas to break up demonstration held by the National health Workers. They were angry of the privatization

Burundi April 13, 2001
Ethnic Fighting Kills 20 Civilians

At least 20 civilians have been killed in fighting between Hutu rebels and government troops in the town of Rubirizi. The town is located approximately 6 mi/10 km north of Bujumbura. The fighting started after the rebels attacked a military post in the town, and those killed were caught in t

Canada April 13, 2001
Quebec Prepares For Protests

Members from 34 different countries will be in Canada next week (April 20- 22) for the Quebec City Summit of the Americas. Security is expected to be tight for the conference. More than 20,000 protestors are expected to try and disrupt the summit. Thousands of police officers will form a "human

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 13, 2001
Clashes Continue, No End In Sight

Clashes continued in the Gaza Strip last night following intense Israeli military operations. At least one man was shot and killed by Israeli soldiers near the Khan Yunis refugee camp. There were additional reports of violence in the town of Rafah, on the border with Egypt as Israeli tanks s

China April 12, 2001
US Aircrew Released

China agreed to release the 24 American servicemen and women detained on Hainan Island. They are due to arrive in hawaii early this afternoon, and they swiftly flew off in a chartered US airliner today for debriefings in Hawaii with the promise of returning home to their families by Easter. Th

France April 12, 2001
Transport Strikes Paralyze Some Cities

Municipal transport strikes tied up traffic in dozens of French cities today. Today's strikes, combined with ongoing strikes by national rail workers adds to the frustrations felt by French commuters. Today's strike was called by the bus and subway drivers. They are demanding that the early

Haiti April 12, 2001
Opposition Plans Month Of Demonstrations

Supporters of the ruling Lavalas Family (FL) party have announced that there will be a mass demonstration sometime this month. The protest is directed at the opposition Convergence party in an attempt to eliminate opposition activities. This announcement by the ruling party will serve to fan

Indonesia April 12, 2001
Further Clashes Feared In Jakarta

Muslim leaders of groups loyal to President Abdurrahman Wahid are warning that they will send thousands of their members to Jakarta as sign of support if there are further attempts to remove him from office. Indonesian legislators are expected to vote at the end of this month on whether to

Russia April 12, 2001
Explosive Device In Novorossiesk Injures One Person

A small explosive device left on a street in Novorossiesk yesterday injured a local elderly woman who picked it up. The device was most likely left on the street by a local criminal gang and was not left to injure the victim. The city of Novorossiesk has significant importance as it is at th

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 12, 2001
Despite Peace Talks, Fighting Continues

The violent clashes increased yesterday and last night in the Gaza Strip. Israeli tanks and bulldozers destroyed a group of buildings, which sparked a violent reaction from Palestinians. The fighting left two people dead and more than 50 people injured. Palestinians fired mortar shells at a

Bangladesh April 11, 2001
General Strikes Continue

At least two people died and dozens more were injured as the general strike in Bangladesh enters its second day. The strike is scattered across the country but cities like Dhaka and Chittagong have been the most affected. At least six people died in similar strikes last week. Most of whom di

Guyana April 11, 2001
Police And Protestors Clash In Georgetown

The President of the People's National Congress (PNC), Robert Corbin, was beaten and arrested earlier this week. The arrest came after Guyanese police fired upon protestors at the presidential offices. The leader of the Reform coalition was also arrested. The protests are occurring because o

Malaysia April 11, 2001
Protest Scheduled In Kuala Lumpur On April 14

A major protest sponsored by supporters of imprisoned former deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and other opponents of the government is being planned for April 14 in Kuala Lumpur. This protest will be held to mark the second anniversary of the former Prime Minister being found guilty on ch

Nigeria April 11, 2001
Ethnic Clashes Kill Two

Two people were killed yesterday in the Mushin suburb of Lagos when police officers clashed with members of the outlawed ethnic militant Odua People's Congress (OPC). The Nigerian government banned the OPC last year following a period of unrest that killed hundreds of people in Lagos. Elsewh

Thailand April 11, 2001
Another Bombing, More Likely

A bomb in the southern province of Yala destroyed a high-voltage electricity pylon this morning. This bomb is the latest in a series of unexplained explosions to hit southern Thailand. Authorities blame the blasts on the Muslim separatist umbrella group Bersatu, although these attacks may in

Turkey April 11, 2001
Violent Protests In Ankara, Izmir

More than 70,000 demonstrators fought with police today in Ankara. The protestors are demanding the immediate resignation of the government as a result of the country's ongoing financial crisis. Police had to fire warning shots into the air and used batons, water cannons and tear gas to con

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 11, 2001
Attacks Intensify In Gaza

Israeli military forces continued their heavy strikes on Palestinian targets in the Gaza Strip. These attacks are retaliation for the recent round of mortar attacks on Jewish Settlements. This round of attacks killed two people, including a Palestinian military doctor and injured 30 others.

Canada April 10, 2001
Police Prepared For Violence At Summit In Quebec

The Summit of the Americas meeting will be held in Quebec City between April 20-22. More than 34 leaders from most of the Western Hemisphere will be in attendance. The key issue of the summit is the controversial Free Trade of the Americas agreement. The topics covered by the proposed trade

Germany April 10, 2001
Anti-Nuclear Activists Expected Today

Anti-nuclear activists are expected to try and block a shipment of nuclear waste from reaching a nuclear storage facility in Gorleben, Germany. Hundreds of protestors rallied near the Gorleben facility and at a nuclear plant in Philippsburg on Sunday attempting to block a shipment scheduled

Italy April 10, 2001
Bomb Explodes In Rome

A large, powerful bomb exploded early this morning at the entrance of a building near Rome's central Piazza del Popolo. The bomb caused serious damage to a building that hosts two political studies organizations. There were no injuries reported and there has been no claim of responsibility a

Malawi April 10, 2001
Elections Cancelled Due To Violence

A major election in Malawi scheduled for April 24 has been cancelled due to political clashes that have left one person dead. The Malawi Electoral Commission announced the indefinite postponement of the by-election in the Blantyre Rural East constituency. Police sources report that the one dea

Netherlands April 10, 2001
Farmers Protest Against Cattle Killings

Hundreds of farmers protested yesterday in the village of Kootwijkerbroek. They are trying to protect the slaughter of healthy cattle as a result of foot and mouth disease restrictions. Police responded with water cannons to disperse the protestors. The farmers set up numerous roadblocks that

Zimbabwe April 10, 2001
Student Deaths Prompt Violent Clashes

Demonstrations continued today at the University of Zimbabwe following the death this weekend of a student. Police fired tear gas into the crowds and along the highway into the capital, Harare yesterday to disperse the protestors. The protests were fueled by non-payment of college grants and

Bangladesh April 09, 2001
Two People Killed In Anti-Government Violence

Two people were killed today as Bangladesh opposition parties began enforcing a 72-hour strike as part of a drawn out campaign to force Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed to resign. Several dozen people were arrested for their suspected role in the violence. Life in the city of Dhaka was sev

Cote d'Ivoire April 09, 2001
Increased Security On University Campuses

Ivorian security personnel are being deployed at the nations universities following weeks of student violence that has left at least one dead and several more injured. Major clashes last week between rival factions of the country's main student union, FESCI, left one student dead. Police wer

Sudan April 09, 2001
SPLA Threatens Foreign Oil Workers

According to a BBC news report, the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) is threatening to attack foreign oil workers in southern Sudan and to disrupt oil exports. The report makes no mention of any specific threats and does not indicate any change in SPLA tactics against oil operatio

Thailand April 09, 2001
Muslim Separatists May Continue Bombing Campaign

On Saturday 7th April, two bombs exploded in southern Thailand. The first bomb was in a bag that was left at the information counter at Hat Yai railway station. This bomb exploded at 2:24 PM, killing one young boy and injuring at least 40 other people. The second bomb exploded five hours la

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 09, 2001
Passover Violence Kills One

Israeli military forces fired on the Palestinian town of Beit Lahaya last night. One of the targets was an office used by the Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat's political party. The political office was damaged as well as five homes. The Palestinians claim that the military used

Ecuador April 06, 2001

According to a US State Department spokesman, the U.S. embassy in Quito, Ecuador and the U.S. consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador, were closed to the public today because of security concerns. The official declined to provide details on the specific reasons for the closures. Employees were expec

Guatemala April 06, 2001
Tourist Assaults Increasing

More than 60 police officers are conducting a massive search for a gang that has been assaulting tourists. Groups of Italians, Germans and American tourists have been attacked in the area of Petén. The police have not had any arrests as of yet, although they concluded that the assailants wer

Paraguay April 06, 2001
US Embassy Closed For Weekend

According to a US State Department spokesman, the U.S. embassy in Paraguay will be closed to the public today because of security concerns. The official declined to provide details on the specific reasons for the closures. Employees were expected to report to work and a decision was to be ma

Peru April 06, 2001
General Elections To Be Held April 8

General elections will be held this Sunday, April 8. Voters will go to the polls to replace deposed president Alberto Fujimori. According to recent opinion surveys, Alejandro Toledo, who lost last year's election to Fujimori, is ahead. However, he is not expected to receive the 50 percent ne

South Africa April 06, 2001
Racial Incidents Increase

South African police were forced to break up an angry demonstration by firing rubber bullets into the crowd. The clash erupted after a South African court postponed a bail hearing for nine white men that were charged with beating a black teenager to death. More than 1,500 angry black demonst

Uruguay April 06, 2001
US Embassy Closed For Weekend

According to a US State Department spokesman, the U.S. embassy in Uruguay was closed to the public today because of security concerns. The official declined to provide details on the specific reasons for the closures. Employees were expected to report to work and a decision was to be made ov

Argentina April 05, 2001
Buenos Aires Demonstrations Begin Today

More than 10,000 protestors are expected in Buenos Aires today through Saturday (April 7). Finance ministers from 34 North, South and Central American countries began gathering here yesterday to discuss prospects for a hemispheric free trade agreement under tight security as anti- globalizati

Bangladesh April 05, 2001
Activist’s Riot Over Opposition Leader's Arrest

Police in Bangladesh today fired tear gas at student activists protesting over the arrest of an opposition party leader. The activists retaliated by throwing home made bombs. The activists belonged to the Jamaat-e-Islami fundamentalist party and they were protesting the arrest of Jamaat secr

France April 05, 2001
Rail Strike Heats Up

French railway workers plan to stage strikes in the next 48 hours. An ongoing strike by train conductors has disrupted traffic for over a week. The rail workers are demanding higher pay, better benefits and for officials to stop restructuring plans. The work stoppage, which began last Thur

Haiti April 05, 2001
US Man Shot to Death

A US man was shot to death on April 3 when he refused to stop for a group of carjackers. According to police, the man, an expatriate mechanic, drove away from a group of carjackers in the dangerous Drouillard district of Port-au-Prince. The would-be thieves fired shots into the car and a b

Indonesia April 05, 2001
Bus Strike Leaves Thousands Stranded

More than 1,500 employees of the state bus firm Perum PPD went on strike yesterday demanding last month's salary, pension and insurance payment. The strike left thousands of bus passengers stranded. The striking employees held a rally outside the transportation ministry in central Jakarta fo

Netherlands April 05, 2001
Strike Paralyzes Railway System, Strands Commuters

A union that represents approximately two-thirds of the staff of the railway company Nederlandse Spoorwegen began a national 48-hour strike today. This rail strike, the second in four months was due to run through Friday. The railway workers were objecting to a new scheduling system that wil

Serbia -Montenegro April 05, 2001
Pro-Milosevic Stage Demonstrations In Belgrade

More than 300 supporters of former president Slobodan Milosevic staged a peaceful demonstration outside the Belgrade central prison yesterday. The protestors shouted insults at Belgrade's reformist authorities, whom they called "a gang of traitors." These same protestors tried to form a human

Argentina April 04, 2001
48-Hour Strike Begins Today

Numerous Argentine groups are planning to take part in a nationwide 48- hour strike starting today. They are protesting the country's current economic policies. The strike coincides with this week's conference on a Pan-American free trade deal. Trade officials from 34 different countries will

Brazil April 04, 2001
Dockworkers Continue Strike

More than 9,000 port workers at Brazil's port of Santos voted yesterday to continue an eight-day strike until managers meet their restructuring demands. Earlier in the day, a bomb exploded in the port, causing no injuries but heightening tension. The strike turned violent Monday when a group

Indonesia April 04, 2001
Police Ordered To Use Live Ammunition To Maintain Control

Members of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Muslim lawmaking organization say Islamic law permits them to use violence to prevent the removal of President Abdurrahman Wahid's ouster, which they liken to a rebellion against the state. Today, Wahid condemned some of his fanatical supp <

Philippines April 04, 2001
Charges Filed Against Estrada

Today the office of the Chief Corruption Prosecutor, Aniano Desierto, formally filed charges of "corruption and plunder" against deposed President Joseph Estrada. A list of eight enumerated charges was logged. The government is alleging that Estrada took bribes worth up to US$82 million du

Russia April 04, 2001
Protests In Moscow Likely For This Weekend

Protests continued today at Russia's only independent national television network, NTV. The state run company, Gazprom is attempting to takeover the television station. Gazprom owns 46 percent of the company and wants to replace the board of directors with people of their choice. The NTV staff

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 04, 2001
Israeli Forces Intensify Attacks

Israeli helicopters attacked Yasser Arafat's security forces headquarters yesterday. Over 70 rockets were fired at the buildings housing Force 17, a Palestinian security service and Arafat's personal bodyguards. The building was next door to the Palestinian Authority President's home. Palest

Haiti April 03, 2001
Protests In Port-Au-Prince

Numerous supporters of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide were demonstrating in the streets yesterday in and around Port-Au-Prince yesterday demanding the reopening of negotiations between the government and opposition representatives that were called off when Aristide was inaugurated in Febru

India April 03, 2001
Transit Strike Continues to Hamstring New Delhi

A chaotic rush hour led to violence in New Delhi today, the first working day since strict pollution measures forced hundreds of taxis and buses off the road. A mob of angry commuters set six buses and several shops alight. Police also received reports of bus tires being slashed and window

Macedonia April 03, 2001
Gunfire Exchanged Between Rebels And Government Troops

According to reports, Macedonian security forces are claiming that they exchanged gunfire yesterday with three gunmen who were attempting to enter Selce, a village in the hills above the city of Tetovo, by an unauthorized route. The report stated that one of the gunmen was wounded, and the oth

Sierra Leone April 03, 2001
Rebels Announce End to War

Today, rebels fighting the decade-long civil war in Sierra Leone announced plans to end their armed aggression against the government. A spokesman for the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) said if the elections planned for later this year are fair and monitored by international officials, they

South Africa April 03, 2001
Farmers Threaten Violence If Attacks Continue

Yesterday, hundreds of white farmers threatened to use violence to resist a wave of violence, which they believe is intended to drive them off their land. Approximately 500 white farmers have been killed in farm attacks since 1995. Yesterday, approximately 800 farmers gathered at the funeral

West Bank-Gaza Strip April 03, 2001
Violence Continues In Bethlehem

Gunshots were heard throughout the night in Bethlehem. According to witnesses, one Israeli soldier was killed and at least 6 Palestinians were injured in last night's clashes. Israeli tanks fired shells into the town yesterday striking a tourist hotel. Two floors of the hotel were destroyed.

Bangladesh April 02, 2001
Nationwide Strike Turns Violent

Yesterday, at least one person was killed and more than 200 people were injured during the first day of a three-day nationwide general strike. A series of bomb attacks preceded the strike. Then clashes between police and activists led to several arrests. Today, police again clashed with p

Greece April 02, 2001
New Airport Causes Severe Disruptions

As expected, there have been numerous delays with baggage handling and aircraft delays at the new airport in Athens. The airport, Eleftherios Venizelos in Spata opened for service on March 29. Olympic Airways, Greece's national carrier, modified their flight schedule because of problems and

Korea, South April 02, 2001
Protests Expected To Continue

This past weekend, numerous clashes occured when police officers attempted to stop approximately 5,000 protesters from marching in central Seoul. The protestors were angry over layoffs following President Kim Dae-jung's corporate restructuring program. Protesters threw rocks and dirt at police

Nepal April 02, 2001
Rebels Launch Major Assault

This weekend, Maoist rebels in Nepal launched several concerted attacks on police targets in the country's remote hill districts. The first attack came shortly after midnight last night when rebels attacked a police station in Rukumkot, a village in the Rukum district, about 400 km (250 mil

Sri Lanka April 02, 2001
Concert Blasts Kill 11 and Injure 200

Some 100,000 spectators were enjoying a concert by two popular Indian singers yesterday when two grenade blasts caused a stampede that left 200 people injured and 11 people dead. The concert took place at a football stadium in Kurungala, about 100 km (60 miles) northeast of Colombo. Witnes