Travel Brief – April 20, 2018

Today’s travel brief is culled from the travel warnings and travel alerts found via news media, government and social networks.

Nicaragua - Demonstrations continue through 23 April, areas have devolved into extreme violence

#Nicaragua: Demonstrations are scheduled to occur in many cities until April 23. Follow the advice of local authorities and avoid demonstrations, as they can turn violent with little to no warning. https://t.co/HAQdcjWiKX

— travel.gc.ca (@TravelGoC) April 19, 2018

Similar alerts from the US and UK governments. Media reporting of violence is consistent.

New York Times reports:

More protests and clashes broke out Thursday in Nicaragua over a planned social security reform, and the government ordered off the air five independent TV channels that have been covering the unrest. A day after the disturbances began in the capital, Managua, and in Leon, they spread to three other cities: Esteli, Masaya and Granada. At the National Agrarian University in Managua, a student protester lost an eye in clashes after riot police arrived to quell the demonstration. Several people were seen being detained in video images transmitted by media not controlled by the government and on social networks, though police have not given official figures on arrests. At least eight people were injured Wednesday.

Al menos tres muertos ya se contabilizan por las protestas en toda #Nicaragua. Un policía y un joven en Tipitapa son las nuevas víctimas #SOSNicaragua #ResistenciaCiudadana https://t.co/XrPQAaZr1h

— La Prensa Nicaragua (@laprensa) April 20, 2018

Translation: At least three dead are already counted by protests throughout #Nicaragua. A policeman and a young man in Tipitapa are the new victims

Previously travel briefs featuring Nicaragua include:

19 April 2018 - Travel Brief - Demonstration Alert from U.S. Embassy Managua Nicaragua noting demonstrations planned throughout the country April 18-30.

11 April 2018 - Travel Brief - Large forest fire in the Indio Maiz Nature Reserve. The Government of #Nicaragua has issued a Yellow Alert for the area and is working to contain the fire. Avoid travel to the affected area until the fire is under control.

Germany - Disarming World War 2 era bomb in Berlin

#Germany 🇩🇪: On Friday 20 April 2018, a World War 2 era bomb will be defused in the Mitte district of central #Berlin. Nearby buildings will be evacuated incl the central train station. Expect disruptions to travel. Follow the advice of local authorities https://t.co/S1aJ1AHeMR

— Smartraveller (@Smartraveller) April 20, 2018

Colombia - Warnings of kidnappings in Nariño

#Colombia Security Alert: Recent reporting indicates threat of continued kidnappings in the department of #Nariño. Embassy personnel may not travel to Nariño without express permission. The embassy has limited ability to assist US citizens in the region. https://t.co/a4R5BROjHP pic.twitter.com/3QEePoT0Qj

— Travel - State Dept (@TravelGov) April 19, 2018

Previously travel briefs featuring Colombia include:

18 April 2018 - Travel Brief - Bomb attack on police vehicle in northern Antioquia. Deteriorating security situation along Colombia-Ecuadorian border, and in Norte de Santander.

17 April 2018 - Travel Brief - Regional advisory – Avoid all travel Avoid all travel to the following areas due to the risk of kidnapping and violent crime posed by the presence of illegal armed groups and other criminal organizations: the area within 20 km of the border with Venezuela; the area within 20 km of the border with Panama; and, the ports of Buenaventura and Tumaco.

13 April 2018 - Travel Brief - On 11 April – 8 policemen were killed in a bomb attack on their vehicle in rural Urabá, northern Antioquia. The UK FCO advises against all but essential travel to the area.

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