World Hot Spots
Submitted by Templar Titan on Mon, 06/28/2004 - 16:27.
| HOT SPOTS Snapshots of Today's Events 12 March 2003 Colombia (Country threat level - 5): On 11 March 2003, a large truck bomb exploded outside a refreshment stand on a rural road near Arauca, located approximately 290 mi/465 km northeast of Bogotá, killing one person and injuring several others. In a separate incident, attackers hurled Molotov cocktails into four Transmilenio public buses in Bogotá, the capital, destroying one bus. There were no reports of injuries. Government officials suspect that members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are responsible for the attacks. |
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ASIA Japan (Country threat level - 2): On 11 March 2003, Japanese police officers announced the discovery of two metal cylinders, equipped with a timing device, pointed in the direction of the Defense Agency in Tokyo. Authorities suspect the cylinders to be projectile launchers; similar devices were used in guerilla attacks against a U.S. military installation in November 2003. An investigation is currently underway. Philippines (Country threat level - 4): On 12 March 2003, police officers in Taguig City in Metro Manila arrested a man who is a suspected member of a radical Islamic group allegedly plotting to attack targets in Metro Manila out of sympathy for the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Members of the group were also reportedly planning to retaliate against targets in the capital should a U.S.-led war against Iraq occur. The suspect was apparently in possession of two grenades and a cell phone containing "text messages from and phone numbers of suspected Muslim extremists." He is a reported leader of the Balik Islam group and is a member of a group called the Raja Solaiman Movement, an alleged radical Islamic group. Members of the group have allegedly been "conducting surveillance" of possible targets in the capital in recent days or weeks. No further information is currently available. EUROPE Belgium (Country threat level - 3): On 12 March 2003, more than 20,000 people marched through the city of Liege to protest a steel company's plans to stop investment in a nearby plant. Bankers, tradesmen, students and other supporters joined steel workers during the peaceful march, which brought central Liege to a standstill. Public transportation and local businesses closed. Europe: The European Trade Union Confederation has called on the 60 million workers it represents to stop work briefly on 14 March 2003 to protest a possible U.S.-led attack on Iraq. Concurrent demonstrations may take place. In a separate action, the European Transport Workers' Federation has called on railway workers to strike on the same day to protest possible layoffs due to ongoing liberalization of the European Union's rail network. Serbia - Montenegro (Country threat level - 4): On 12 March 2003, at approximately 1145 local time, unidentified gunmen shot Zoran Djindjic, Serbia's prime minister, in front of the main government building in Belgrade. Djindjic died later of his wounds. Police officials have arrested two people in connection with the shooting, but no information is available at present regarding the suspected perpetrators or motives behind the assassination. On 21 February 2003, Djindjic survived an apparent attempt on his life, when a truck swerved into a convoy, aiming for the prime minister's vehicle. Djindjic attributed that attempt to organized crime. Turkey (Country threat level - 3): Turkish police officers clashed with approximately 150 communist protesters on 12 March 2003 after the protesters attempted to break into the port of Iskenderun, located in southern Turkey, near the border with Syria and approximately 65 mi/105 km southeast of Adana. The U.S. military is using the port as a staging area for troops and equipment against a possible war with Iraq. Police officers in riot gear fired several rounds into the air above the protesters. After some brief scuffles between protesters and officers, the protesters dispersed. Police officers arrested several people. SIGNIFICANT DATES 12 March Mauritius: (Independence/Republic Day) Turkey: Kemal Ataturk's Birthday (Not an official holiday, but some stores close and some outdoor celebrations are organized) Gabon: Renovation Day 14 March Islam (Shi'a community): Ashura 15 March Belarus: Constitution Day (Adopted in 1994 - Offices, Shops and Businesses close) France: Renewed demonstrations will take place on 15 March 2003 to protest a potential U.S.-led attack on Iraq. In Paris, demonstrators will rally at the place de la Nation at 15h00 (local time). Hungary: Revolution Day (Commemorates attempt to gain independence from Habsburg Empire in 1848. Offices and businesses close. Outdoor celebrations organized, the largest in front of the National Museum in Budapest) Liberia: Birthday of national figure J.J. Roberts 17 March United States: St. Patrick's Day United Kingdom: St. Patrick's Day in Northern Ireland Ireland: St. Patrick's Day 18 March India: Holi (Culminating day) (Inter-caste "festival of color." Boisterous celebrations include throwing colored water and powder at friends) Aruba: Aruba Day (Public holiday) businesses close. 19 March Costa Rica: Feast of St. Joseph (San Jose only. Celebration of Catholic saint. Businesses close except for banks) Colombia: San Jose Spain: Feast of San Jose 20 March Tunisia: Independence Day (Public holiday. Most offices and businesses close) 21 March South Africa: Human Rights Day (anniversary of 1961 protests when police opened fire, killing 69 people) (Public holiday - Government offices close) Japan: Vernal Equinox (Shunbun no Hi) Namibia: Independence Day (Everything closes) Tunisia: Youth Day (Public holiday. Most offices and businesses close) Turkey: Kurdish New Year (authorities often increase security measures in the southeast and other areas with a Kurdish population. Kurdish demonstrations are possible and may turn violent) Nowruz (Persian New Year. Occurs on the vernal equinox, on 20, 21 or 22 March each year) Mexico: Benito Juarez's Birthday. Celebration of Mexican president's birthday. Public holiday, businesses close. 27 March Angola: Victory Day (unofficial holiday, widely celebrated) Puerto Rico: Emancipation Day (Commemorating day slaves on the island were freed. Some businesses and schools close) ASI THREAT LEVEL DEFINITIONS 1 - A minimum threat of physical harm. Petty crime is the most common threat. 2 - A low threat of physical harm. Petty crime and infrequent demonstrations are the most common threats. 3 - A medium threat of physical harm. Petty crime and demonstrations are common and violent acts do occur. 4 - A high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, demonstrations or terrorism. 5 - A very high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, terrorism, demonstrations or war. Submitted to TTS by Spartacus Security 3-12-03 |
