GREECE -  The U.S. State Department alerts U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Greece of the possibility of disruptions to banking services - including credit-card processing and servicing of ATMs - throughout Greece in light of developments within the local economy.  International and local media are reporting that banks will remain closed starting on Monday, June 29, 2015, and that capital controls may be imposed before they re-open.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry more than one means of payment (cash, debit cards, credit cards), and make sure to have enough cash on hand to cover emergencies and any unexpected delays.

 

The State Department recommends you maintain a high level of security awareness and avoid political rallies and demonstrations as instances of unrest can occur.  Exercise caution and common sense: Avoid the areas of demonstrations, and if you find yourself too close to a demonstration, move in the opposite direction and seek shelter.  Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a website with information about anticipated demonstrations, rallies, and strikes. We encourage all U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans, remain aware of their surroundings, including local events, and monitor local news stations for updates.  U.S. citizens should maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance their personal security.  Exercise vigilance to protect against pickpocketing and secure valuables in hotel rooms when traveling.  

 

Greece has assured business travelers they will not be affected by new rules that limit the amount people can withdraw from cash machines to €60. The Greek government made the announcement after banks were closed and capital controls imposed to prevent a financial crash in the country following the breakdown in talks with the country's international creditors. Τhe ministry for economy, infrastructure, shipping and tourism has reassured business and leisure travellers that they will still be able to withdraw the maximum limit set by their own bank and the rules are only for locals. It said in a statement: "The ministry does not anticipate any disruptions in visitor's every day holiday experiences, neither in the islands nor in mainland Greece, as there are adequate fuel supplies, products and services." The limits for locals are expected to stay in place for six days and the UK Foreign Office has advised travellers to Greece to be aware of a shortage of cash in ATMs and has advised taking enough Euros in cash to cover "emergencies, unforeseen circumstances and any unexpected delays".

 

If you are traveling to Greece, please review the following suggestions: 

1. Purchase euros ahead of time - before departing the U.S. at your bank or use your ATM card if connecting in another E.U. country.
2. Call your credit card companies - advise you will be out of the country so they don't flag your card if they see unusual activity.
3. Make sure your ATM card can be used outside the U.S.
4. Find out which of your credit cards do not charge a fee for foreign currency transactions.
5. Make a copy of the information pages of your passports and keep them in separate part of your luggage.

UNITED STATES(CALIFORNIA) - The National Weather Service (http://www.weather.gov/) has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Sacramento, the US state capital of California, on 30 June. The warning is expected to remain in effect until 3 July, mainly affecting northern and central Sacramento, increasing the threat of wildfires and heat-related illnesses such as exhaustion and heat stroke. A heat-inducing, high-pressure system over the state of California has resulted in a bout of excessive heat-related wildfires, with evacuations issued in San Bernardino County on 25 June. Dry weather conditions have recently resulted in several large wildfires across the US west coast, stretching from Alaska to California. Persons operating in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media and the National Weather Service website for updates and advisories from the authorities. A heightened level of caution is advised when travelling in all affected areas. Clients are advised to remain hydrated and out of direct sun exposure. In the event of wildfires when travelling by car, ensure that all windows are closed and that the air conditioning system is adjusted to prevent smoke from entering the vehicle. 

YEMEN(ADEN) - (Update) Houthi forces fired a barrage of rockets from their Dar Saad positions in Aden, southern Yemen, into the Mansoura area of Aden on 1 July. The barrage reportedly killed 20 civilians and wounded dozens more. The barrage coincides with ongoing ground fighting between Houthis against forces loyal to Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi in the city that left hundreds dead since March. Elsewhere, military forces loyal to former president, Ali Saleh, and allied to the Houthis reportedly freed hundreds of prisoners from a jail in Taiz city on 30 June. The release was triggered by a suspected Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) assault on the facility. The conflict in Yemen shows no signs of abating as negotiations between the various armed groups have failed to achieve any meaningful results. Ground conflict remains concentrated in three broad areas. In and around Aden, Houthis/pro-Saleh forces continue to battle pro-Hadi forces. In central and eastern Yemen, various armed groups, including Sunni tribes, pro-Houthi, pro-Saleh and Sunni extremists, including AQAP, continue to fight for control of territory while along the northern border Houthi clashes with Saudi Arabian ground forces are regularly reported. Saudi Arabia-led air strikes also persist and are targeting Houthi and Saleh positions across the country. This conflict has coincided with a spike in acts of terrorism in the capital, Sanaa. Recent attacks have been claimed by Islamic State (IS)-linked militants. IS is ideologically opposed to AQAP, which remains loyal to al-Qaeda. Further bombings are likely, including in areas unaffected by ground conflict. Due to numerous security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Yemen, excluding the Socotra archipelago. In light of the recent conflict escalation since March 2015, clients in the country should depart immediately, where safe and possible to do so.  

LEBANON(SAADIYAT) - Clashes were reported between rival groupings in Saadiyat, located 25km south of Lebanon's capital, Beirut, overnight on 30 June/1 July. At least eight people were wounded in the confrontations between members of the Resistance Brigades, a Shiite and Hezbollah-linked grouping, and local Sunni residents aligned to the Future Movement (FM), a Sunni political grouping and main rival of Hezbollah. Residents of nearby Harat al-Naameh blocked roads in protest and the security forces deployed to the area following the violence. Clashes between persons linked to opposing political groupings are a frequent occurrence in the country. Given the recent violence, tensions are likely to be heightened and further confrontations are possible in the area and its immediate surrounds. An increased police and military presence is also anticipated in the area over the near-term. Additional patrols and checkpoints should be expected. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Lebanon due to various security concerns. Clients in or planning to travel near the Saadiyat area over the near-term should avoid all large public gatherings and minimise time spent near security force facilities and personnel.

 

LIBYA(AIN MARA) - Fighting between Libyan National Army (LNA) forces and Shura Council of Mujahideen in Derna (SCMD) militants since 27 June in the Ain Mara area, located between Derna and Qubbah in north eastern Libya, has left at least 21 combatants dead. The LNA advance towards Derna follows recent SCMD victories over Islamic State (IS)-linked militants in Derna. The LNA offensive is likely an attempt to take advantage of the SCMD focus on IS in order to take territory. The LNA is linked to the House of Representatives (HoR), one of two competing governments in Libya. The HoR is based in Tobruk and controls territory between Ain Mara and Benghazi. Further clashes in the Ain Mara area are anticipated over the near-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya due to ongoing political instability and conflict in key locations. Personnel operating in Libya are advised to adopt stringent security measures, obtain regular risk assessments from their security provider and ensure that contingency plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

 

EGYPT(NORTH SINAI GOVERNORATE) - Suspected Islamist militants have launched a number of attacks in Egypt's North Sinai governorate on 1 July. The attacks have involved car bombs, mortar barrages and gun attacks and reportedly targeted military checkpoints and a police station in and around Sheikh Zuwayid and Rafah. Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least 30 security force personnel have been killed. The North Sinai governorate has experienced elevated levels of conflict and terrorism in recent years. Multiple militant groups operate in this area and frequently engage the local police and military forces in low-level attacks; mass-casualty incidents have been reported occasionally. In light of the recent confrontations, further violence is possible over the near-term as government forces may initiate counter-assaults against suspected militant positions. Clients are advised against all travel to the North Sinai governorate. Persons in or planning to travel in the area should do so with a close protection officer and conduct travel during the day only.

 

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA - There is an elevated risk of acts of terrorism being perpetrated during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan (18 June to 17 July) and coinciding with the one-year anniversary of the declaration of the caliphate by the Islamic State (IS) on 29 June in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). IS and its linked groupings or provinces (wilayats) have issued several threats to conduct attacks against opposing states and Shiite Muslims during the current Muslim holy month. Recent high-profile IS-linked violence outside of areas where acts of terrorism are frequently reported in the MENA region (Iraq, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and Yemen) have occurred in Saudi Arabia (22 and 29 May), Kuwait (26 June) and Tunisia (26 June). Further actual or attempted attacks outside of traditionally elevated at-risk and frequent terrorism-affected states are anticipated, including, possibly, in states where security measures are already elevated. These include Israel (and the Palestinian territories), Algeria, Lebanon, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Jordan, Oman, Bahrain, Iran, Qatar, Morocco and the UAE. Recent high-profile attacks have occurred on Fridays and impacted on Shiite Muslim mosques. These targets remain the most likely to be affected by further violence; however, IS groupings may also target strategic state sites, Christian communities, rival militant groupings, public areas and foreign nationals directly. This action may be coordinated through primary militant groups or local terrorist cells. Attacks could take the form of bombings or shootings. Clients in the MENA region should remain aware of the general terrorism risk. Persons operating in the MENA region should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness during the current Ramadan period, particularly on Fridays (3 July, 10 July and 17 July). Travellers should seek to limit travel near Shiite religious sites and state security forces and facilities. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities. Clients concerned about security in their specific area of travel should contact their travel provider for an update.

 

BURUNDI - Burundi's Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) is expected to announce the results of the country's 29 June parliamentary elections within three days. The announcement is set to take place amid heightened tensions and ongoing political instability in the country. As such, the election results carry the potential to catalyse further violent unrest in Burundi. Burundi's security environment remains unstable due to political instability resulting from Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial decision to contest the Burundian presidency for a third successive term, as well as violent anti-government protests in response to this decision. Due to the ongoing unrest in the country, the legislative and presidential elections were deferred. Opposition groups are currently boycotting the new election calendar and accuse the government of designating new polling dates without consultation. It should be noted that the election period has been marred by a spate of grenade attacks; recent reports indicate that at least two people were injured in such an attack in the capital, Bujumbura, early on 1 July. There have been additional reports of clashes between police and protesters in the city's Cibitoke area as well. Given that the primary grievance fuelling unrest in the country has yet to be resolved, further unrest and politically motivated violence is likely to continue for the near-term. Precedent suggests that the Bujumbura will continue to serve as a focal point for anti-government agitation. Due to the uncertain political situation in Burundi, clients are advised to defer all travel to the country at this time. Furthermore, given the limited options to depart Burundi in the event of a further deterioration in the security environment, persons in the country should consider departing where safe and possible to do so.  

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