News Watch

May 2010 issue | Appears on page 19

Current warnings for May 2010

As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 30 destinations: Iran, Kenya, Haiti, Mexico, Colombia, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Yemen, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Sudan, Somalia, Mauritania, Chad, Mali, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Algeria, Guinea, Lebanon, Côte d’Ivoire, Philippines, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Israel/West Bank/Gaza, Afghanistan, Burundi, Nigeria, Uzbekistan and Georgia.

For details, call the State Department at 202/647-5225 or visit http://...

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April 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

Earthquake in Chile

An earthquake measuring 8.8 struck 30 miles off the central coast of Chile on Feb. 27, near Concepción, Talca and Santiago. At press time, it was known that more than 700 people had been killed and 1,500,000 buildings damaged.

Highway overpasses and bridges crumbled, the Pan-American Highway was severed and a terminal roof collapsed at the Santiago airport. Five people on nearby Robinson Crusoe island were killed by tsunami waves. More than 90 aftershocks (one as strong as 6.1) added...

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April 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

Western Europe floods

A major storm, named Xynthia, struck Western Europe on Feb. 27-28, killing at least 62 people, more than 50 of whom were on France’s southern seacoast, where ocean surges flooded the towns of l’Aguillon sur Mer and La Faute sur Mer. Xynthia caused death and damage in Spain, Portugal, Belgium and Germany as well.

Wind speeds of 108 mph were measured at the tip of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. 

April 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

Military coup in Niger

In Niger on Feb. 18, a military junta seized control of the government and deposed president Mamadou Tandja and his ministers. A 4-hour gun battle at the presidential palace in Niamey ended with the captivity of Tandja and at least three soldiers dead.

President Tandja has been unpopular since he changed the constitution to extend his term of office by three years, delayed elections indefinitely and dissolved parliament when they protested. At press time, the new government had not...

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April 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

Egypt / Gaza protests

A protest on Jan. 6 against Egypt’s policy of blocking smuggler tunnels and aid missions to Gaza erupted into violence and gunfire on the Gaza side of the border crossing in Rafa. There were demonstrations in Al-Arish, Egypt, as well. The US Embassy in Cairo advised travelers to avoid the northern Sinai region as well as areas with crowds assembling or heavy police presence.

April 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

Sabah, Malaysia, alert

A key leader of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, based in the Philippines, was among those killed by Philippine troops on a remote southern island in February. The militant leader was involved in the kidnapping of 21 people from a resort in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, in 2000.

Because of possible reprisals, the US Department of State is urging caution in areas of eastern Sabah, including the town of Semporna and the islands of Mabul and Sipadan.

April 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

India security concerns

The US government continues to receive information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks in India. Terrorists and their sympathizers have demonstrated their willingness to attack targets where Westerners are known to congregate or visit. 

April 2010 issue | Appears on page 18

Saudi Arabia on watch

The last major terrorist attack directed against the civilian population in Saudia Arabia was one against French nationals in 2007. At the US Embassy in Riyadh, family members now have been authorized to return. Improvements made by Saudi security and intelligence forces have greatly advanced the security environment.

Still, due to the continued presence of terrorist groups, the Department of State warns of an ongoing security threat in areas and other facilities where Westerners...

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