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July 04, 2022 - Russian and Syrian vessels have been turning off their transponders and have been accused of deceptive shipping practices in order to sell crude oil and stolen Ukrainian grain while evading the heavy sanctions placed on Russia due to its war on Ukraine. Read more
June 30, 2022 - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on June 21st that the BRICS countries, which include Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa (Iran and Argentina have applied but not yet accepted) are currently working on setting up a global reserve currency to cut their financial reliance on the West. Read more
June 25, 2022 - List of travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State from June 1st, 2022 to June 24th, 2022. KEY: Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | Level 4: Do Not Travel. For a clickable list visit the OSLINT Advisories post. Read more
June 20, 2022 - Over 200 people have been killed in Oromia, Ethiopia, according to witnesses. Most of those killed were ethnic Amhara, a Semitic-speaking ethnic group that is indigenous to Ethiopia. Read more
June 8, 2022 - The World Bank put out a statement saying that less developed countries in the world face a major recession as a result of the war in Ukraine, as well as the consequences of the COVID-19 lockdowns as the cost of energy and food continue to rise globally. Read more
June 6, 2022 - Over 50 Catholic worshipers were killed after gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Nigeria during church service. Although most were killed by gunfire, some were killed by explosions as the gunmen detonated explosives on the church compound. Read more
May 16, 2022 - The United States is deploying up to 500 soldiers to Somalia, Africa in order to establish "persistent presence" there in order to combat the increasing terrorist activity in the country by a branch of Al Qaeda called Al-Shabaab. Read more
May 14, 2022 - ISIS fighters in Nigeria have murdered 20 Christians in retaliation for the deaths of several of the group's leaders that occurred in the Middle East. Read more
April 2, 2022 - Over 200 Islamist militants have been killed by a state military operation in Mali, Africa in late March involving both land and air forces. Read more
February 7, 2022 - A cyclone that occurred in Madagascar has killed at least 10 people, destroyed homes and cut power as it hit the eastern coast of the country with wind speeds of over 100 miles per hour. Read more
January 29, 2022 - At least 14 people have been killed in Mogadishu, Somalia Africa, most of which were civilians after a dispute between soldiers happened in response to stolen food sacks Read more
January 28, 2022 - The U.S. State Department has put out a security alert stating that the curfew in Burkina Faso, West Africa has been updated: From 12:00 am to 4:00 am. Read more
January 27, 2022 - The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has put out an alert for Kenya stating that there are 'serious threats against Westerners in Kenya' and a real risk of being targeted in public places frequented by foreign nationals. Read more
January 27, 2022 - After the coup in Burkina Faso many people celebrated the takeover and said that they want a partnership with Russia saying "Long live Russia!" and have said "No! to France". Read more
January 27, 2022 - Ethiopia has lifted its state of emergency due to a diminishing security threat according to the office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. Read more
January 24, 2022 - There has been another coup in Burkina Faso, Africa. The army has ousted President Roch Kabore. Read more
January 23, 2022 - 130 soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard have returned home from their 10 month deployment to Africa. Read more
January 23, 2022 - A top military official says that the Ethiopian army plans to enter Mekelle, the capital of Tigray and 'eliminate' rebellious forces Read more
January 23, 2022 - Internet in Burkina Faso has been severely disrupted according to Netblocks after soldiers opened fire on military bases and the country imposed curfew. Read more
January 21, 2022 - A large blast in Bogoso, Ghana has reportedly left 17 dead and 59 wounded. Read more
January 17, 2022 - Sudanese security forces have opened fire on protesters in Sudan, Africa who were protesting the military coup, firing on them with live rounds killing at least seven people and wounding around 100. Read more
January 11, 2022 - An airstrike in Tigray, Ethiopia in the town of Mai Tsebri has killed 17 people and wounded dozens of others. Read more
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Russian Vessels Turning Off Their Transponder Trackers - Russian and Syrian vessels have been turning off their transponders and have been accused of deceptive shipping practices in order to sell crude oil and stolen Ukrainian grain while evading the heavy sanctions placed on Russia due to its war on Ukraine. Read Full Article
Putin: BRICS Countries Setting Up Global Reserve Currency To Cut Financial Reliance On West - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on June 21st that the BRICS countries, which include Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa (Iran and Argentina have applied but not yet accepted) are currently working on setting up a global reserve currency to cut their financial reliance on the West.
Putin stated at the BRICS business forum, "The issue of creating an international reserve currency based on a basket of currencies of our countries is being worked out". The Russian President also said that the BRICS member states are in the process of developing reliable alternative mechanisms for making international payments.
The BRICS group had previously stated that it was working on setting up a payment network that would cut financial reliance on the West, and have been increasing using local currencies in mutual trade with one another, according to the Economic Times.
Travel Advisories: June 1st - June 24th, 2022 - List of travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State from June 1st, 2022 to June 24th, 2022. KEY: Level 1: Normal Precautions | Level 2: Increased Caution | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | Level 4: Do Not Travel. For a clickable list visit the OSLINT Advisories post.
Cabo Verde Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 23, 2022
Hong Kong Travel Advisory Level 4 - June 22, 2022
Ecuador Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 22, 2022
Democratic Republic of the Congo Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 22, 2022
China Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 22, 2022
Republic of the Congo Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 22, 2022
Moldova Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 21, 2022
Ethiopia Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 21, 2022
El Salvador Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 21, 2022
Tanzania Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 21, 2022
Tanzania Travel Advisory Level 2 -June 21, 2022
Kenya Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 21, 2022
Guinea Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 21, 2022
Ghana Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 21, 2022
Bolivia Travel Advisory Level 2 -June 21, 2022
Sweden Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Sint Eustatius Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Romania Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Fiji Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Comoros Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Botswana Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
Bhutan Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 21, 2022
United Arab Emirates Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 14, 2022
Mexico Travel Advisory Other -June 13, 2022
Iraq Travel Advisory Level 4 - June 13, 2022
Belarus Travel Advisory Level 4 - June 13, 2022
Honduras Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 13, 2022
Maldives Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 13, 2022
Cuba Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 13, 2022
Saba Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 13, 2022
Saba Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 13, 2022
Malawi Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 10, 2022
The Bahamas Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 8, 2022
Suriname Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 8, 2022
French Guiana Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 8, 2022
Denmark Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 7, 2022
Libya Travel Advisory Level 4 - June 6, 2022
Iran Travel Advisory Level 4 - June 6, 2022
Lebanon Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 6, 2022
Guyana Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 6, 2022
Guatemala Travel Advisory Level 3 - June 6, 2022
Zimbabwe Travel Advisory Level 2 - June 6, 2022
Saint Kitts and Nevis Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 6, 2022
Poland Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 6, 2022
Namibia Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 6, 2022
Mongolia Travel Advisory Level 1 - June 6, 2022
Russia Travel Advisory Level 4 -June 1, 2022
Over 200 People Killed During Attack In Oromia, Ethiopia - Over 200 people have been killed in Oromia, Ethiopia, according to witnesses. Most of those killed were ethnic Amhara, a Semitic-speaking ethnic group that is indigenous to Ethiopia.
Abdul-Seid Tahir, who is a resident of Gimbi county spoke to the Associated Press after having escaped the massacre on Saturday and stated, "I have counted 230 bodies. I am afraid this is the deadliest attack against civilians we have seen in our lifetime".
"We are burying them in mass graves, and we are still collecting bodies. Federal army units have now arrived, but we fear that the attacks could continue if they leave", he added.
Multiple witnesses of the attack were carried out by the Oromo Liberation Army, but an OLA spokesman named Odaa Tarbii denied the accusations stating in a message to AP News, "The attack you are referring to was committed by the regime’s military and local militia as they retreated from their camp in Gimbi following our recent offensive".
"They escaped to an area called Tole, where they attacked the local population and destroyed their property as retaliation for their perceived support for the OLA. Our fighters had not even reached that area when the attacks took place", Tarbii added.
World Bank: Less Developed Countries Facing Major Recession - The World Bank put out a statement saying that less developed countries in the world face a major recession as a result of the war in Ukraine, as well as the consequences of the COVID-19 lockdowns as the cost of energy and food continue to rise globally.
David Malpass, the President of the World Bank says that there is also a major risk of high inflation and small growth, which is also called 'stagflation'.
Malpass said that "The war in Ukraine, lockdowns in China, supply-chain disruptions, and the risk of stagflation are hammering growth. For many countries, recession will be hard to avoid".
"Subdued growth will likely persist throughout the decade because of weak investment in most of the world. With inflation now running at multi-decade highs in many countries and supply expected to grow slowly, there is a risk that inflation will remain higher for longer".
Although the countries that will be immediately affected in 2022, according to a World Bank forecast are Russia and Ukraine, it warned of long term effects [from the war and COVID lockdowns] that will likely have much wider effects.
Malpass said "Even if a global recession is averted, the pain of stagflation could persist for several years - unless major supply increases are set in motion".
More Than 50 Dead After Gunmen Attack Nigerian Church, Explosives Used - Over 50 Catholic worshipers were killed after gunmen attacked St. Francis Catholic Church in Nigeria during church service. Although most were killed by gunfire, some were killed by explosions as the gunmen detonated explosives on the church compound.
Gunmen entered the church and began firing on the members inside, killing many who were caught unaware by the sudden attack, after which the gunmen set off explosives within the Church compound, killing others.
Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu tweeted on Sunday, "Our hearts are heavy. Our peace and tranquillity have been attacked by the enemies of the people".
Authorities did not release a death toll officially, but it is estimated that over 50 people have been killed. The number may rise as many were rushed to receive medical attention.
The Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari condemned the attacks that he said were 'heinous' and said "No matter what, this country shall never give in to evil and wicked people, and darkness will never overcome light. Nigeria will eventually win".
Pope Francis, in Rome responded to the attack, with the Vatican press office stating, "The pope has learned of the attack on the church in Ondo, Nigeria and the deaths of dozens of worshipers, many children, during the celebration of Pentecost. While the details are being clarified, Pope Francis prays for the victims and the country, painfully affected at a time of celebration, and entrusts them both to the Lord so that he may send his spirit to console them".
U.S. Deploying Up To 500 Soldiers To Somalia To Establish 'Persistent Presence' - The United States is deploying up to 500 soldiers to Somalia, Africa in order to establish "persistent presence" there in order to combat the increasing terrorist activity in the country by a branch of Al Qaeda called Al-Shabaab.
A senior administration official said that "Fewer than 500" U.S. soldiers that are currently already stationed in nearby countries will be transported to Somalia over time as conditions allow for intelligent and secure implementation.
The official said that Al-Shabaab is now a notable priority for the U.S. counterterrorism mission and has become Al Qaeda's "largest and wealthiest global affiliate". They said the group has also "ability and intent to target Americans in the region".
On Monday Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby spoke to reporters and said that a permanent presence is the best option in order to counter the persistent threat from Al-Shabaab as it eliminates the training disruption and time expended on "constant coming and going".
Kirby also said that this is "not a deployment with an end date" and said that it is instead just a "change of posture" and that "It will allow us to do a better, more consistent job".
ISIS Retaliates For Deaths Of Leaders By Murdering 20 Nigerian Christians - ISIS fighters in Nigeria have murdered 20 Christians in retaliation for the deaths of several of the group's leaders that occurred in the Middle East.
The murders of the Nigerian Christians were carried out by masked Daesh militants carrying knives and guns as they stood behind the Christians who were kneeling on the ground.
200 Militants Killed By Local Military Operation In Mali, Africa - Over 200 Islamist militants have been killed by a state military operation in Mali, Africa in late March involving both land and air forces.
A statement put out by the military said, "This operation follows very precise information that made it possible to locate the holding of a meeting between various (militants) in Moura".
Cyclone Kills At Least 10 People In Madagascar - A cyclone that occurred in Madagascar has killed at least 10 people, destroyed homes and cut power as it hit the eastern coast of the country with wind speeds of over 100 miles per hour.
Cyclone Batsirai is the second cyclone to hit the Indian Ocean in the last couple of weeks. The torrential rains that the two cyclones brought has caused floods which eroded buildings until they collapsed and cut power officials stated on Sunday.
The town of Nosy Varika was hit the worst, with 95% of its buildings completely destroyed "as if we had just been bombed" reported the Jerusalem Post who quoted a Madagascar official.
The other cyclone that hit within the last few weeks was named 'Ana' which killed 55 people and displaced 130,000 others.
Rueters reported that Nirina Rahaingosoea who is a resident of Fianarantsoa which is 420 kilometers from the capital said "We saw only desolation: uprooted trees, fallen electric poles, roofs torn off by the wind, the city completely under water".
Willy Raharijaona who is a technical adviser to the vice president of Madagascar's Senate stated "It's as if we had just been bombed. The city of Nosy Varika is almost 95% destroyed. The solid houses saw their roofs torn off by the wind. The wooden huts have for the most part been destroyed".
At Least 14 People Killed In Somalia, Africa Due To Clashes Over Food Aid - At least 14 people have been killed in Mogadishu, Somalia Africa, most of which were civilians after a dispute between soldiers happened in response to stolen food sacks.
The fighting between the soldiers started after some of the soldiers attempted to steal food sacks that were meant for displaced people. Upon noticing the theft, other soldiers that were guarding the food stopped them according to Colonial Isaq Hassan.
20 or more people were injured during the fighting, some of which were placed in critical condition, Mohamed Ahmed, a nurse working at the Baido'a hospital told the Associated Press.
There is currently a severe drought in the region and according to AP news "Tens of thousands of people have been fleeing to Baidoa and other Somali cities in search of food and support".
U.S. State Department: Burkina Faso, Africa Curfew Updated - The U.S. State Department has put out a security alert stating that the curfew in Burkina Faso, West Africa has been updated: From 12:00 am to 4:00 am.
The State Department advises Americans in the region to 'follow the curfew' and monitor all methods of communication as well as contacting the embassy if you have an emergency.
French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Puts Out Alert For Kenya - The French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has put out an alert for Kenya, Africa stating that there are 'serious threats against Westerners in Kenya' and a real risk of being targeted in public places frequented by foreign nationals.
The Ministry stated that conflicts related to land issues and drought have increased in Kenya over the last few months 'north of a line linking kitale to Garissa.
"The conflicts have resulted in casualties among the local population, as well as the evacuation of some tourist areas" the statement said and also stated that "The counties of Samburu, Isiolo, Laikipia, Meru and Baringo are among those affected".
"Travelers planning to visit these counties are advised to check with their tour operator or accommodation beforehand".
"Particular vigilance should be exercised in the current context for any travel to the west of Laikipia County, in the areas of Rumuruti Town, Kinamba, and Ol Moran".
"Travel north of the Kitale/Archers' Post/Garissa line is not recommended unless there is a compelling reason to do so".
"There is a real risk targeting public places frequented by foreign nationals (restaurants, hotels, places of leisure, shopping malls...), especially in Nairobi" the notice stated.
The notice said that people in Kenya are advised to be 'extremely vigilant' and to avoid frequenting these places in the coming days, including on the weekend.
Burkina Faso: We Want Russia's Help - After the coup in Burkina Faso many people celebrated the takeover and said that they want a partnership with Russia saying "Long live Russia!" and have said "No! to France".
The president, who was elected democratically has been arrested and detained by mutinying soldiers who have taken power in the country. Supporters of the coup are now wanting to forge and reshape the country's alliances, particularly with Russia.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs twitter account however put out a statement on January 27th saying, "Zaitsev: We are following the developments in BurkinaFaso, where the head of state was overthrown in a military coup on Jan 24. We call for the immediate release of Burkina Faso President Roch Kabore, as well as for civilian rule to be restored in the country without delay".
Ethiopia Lifts State Of Emergency Due To Diminishing Security Threat - Ethiopia has lifted its state of emergency due to a diminishing security threat according to the office of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Ethiopian council members lifted the state of emergency on the country on Wednesday with a statement saying "The situation that led to the declaration of an emergency has changed, and the threat is now at a level that can be countered by formal law enforcement action, so it became necessary to shorten the state of emergency".
The state of emergency had been declared in November and was originally going to be in effect for six months time as fighting between the country's federal army and Tigray People's Liberation Front continued.
Army Deposes President During Coup In Burkina Faso, Africa - There has been another coup in Burkina Faso, Africa. The army has ousted President Roch Kabore.
After the military took control of Burkina Faso, they suspended the constitution, dissolved the government as well as the national assembly and closed the country's borders off.
The announcement was signed by Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba and read by a different officer over state television.
The announcement stated that there had been no violence during the coup and it happened without violence. It also said that those that were deteained were in a secure location.
The U.S. State Department said that they are aware of reports that Kabore has been detained by the military and has called for his release.
The State Department also said that it's 'too soon' to officially characterize developments happening in Burkina Faso.
Corinne Dufka who is the West African director at Human Rights Watch stated that Kabore's government had shown that it was unable to tackle a wide range of problems.
"The coup, and apparent support for it, lays bare the inadequacies of Kabore's government to address deep-seated problems with corruption, governance and civilian protection, which were all made exponentially worse by the armed Islamist threat" she stated.
Maine National Guard Returns Home From 10 Month Africa Deployment - 130 soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard have returned home from their 10 month deployment to Africa.
The soldiers were greeted by Senior leaders on Saturday on the flight line before marching in to music performed by the 195th Maine Army National Guard Band where their family members waited according to WABI-TV.
The soldiers included Bravo Company, 172nd Infantry Regiment and 3rd Battalion according to the Facebook page for the Maine National Guard.
In Africa the soldiers were deployed to provide security and enhance partnerships.
Ethiopian Army Plans To 'Eliminate' Forces In Tigray - A top military official says that the Ethiopian army plans to enter Mekelle, the capital of Tigray and 'eliminate' rebellious forces according to Reuters.
Diplomats from the United States flew to Addis Ababa in order to try to push for a ceasefire in the region and calm relations between Tigray and Ethiopia along with releasing political prisoners.
During an interview with state run media, Fana broadcast on Friday Ethiopian defense forces (EDF) deputy army chief General Abebaw Tadesse stated that Ethiopia would not be at peace until the Tigray People's Liberation From (TPLF) was eliminated.
"Tigray is part of Ethiopia and no force will stop us from entering. We will enter and we will eliminate the enemy. There shouldn't be any confusion about this" Tadesse stated.
"The people of Ethiopia shouldn't think that it is over, it is not over. The main thing here is we have stopped because we have to prepare ourselves. This enemy is still there, and it has to be absolutely eliminated. We will not negotiate with them" he added.
Internet Severely Disrupted As Burkina Faso Imposes Curfew After Soldiers Opened Fire On Military Bases - Internet in Burkina Faso has been severely disrupted according to Netblocks after soldiers opened fire on military bases and the country imposed curfew.
The government has imposed an overnight curfew after the day of unrest where it opened fire on military bases across the country early Sunday.
The curfew begins at 8 p.m. local time and ends at 5:30 a.m. according to a government statement put out on state broadcaster Radiodiffusion Television du Birkina.
The motive for the soldiers opening fire on the army barracks is still not clear, however earlier in the month a dozen soldiers were arrested on the suspicion that they were plotting a coup.
The Defense Minister General Bathelemy Simpore has denied rumors that President Roch Marc Kabore had been arrested, and denies rumors of a coup happening after soldiers opened fire on several army barracks.
Large Explosion In Ghana, Africa Leaves 17 Dead And Wounds 59 - A large blast in Bogoso, Ghana has reportedly left 17 dead and 59 wounded. 500 buildings were also destroyed in the blast.
A vehicle that was transporting mining explosives collided with a motorcycle near the town of Bogoso, causing the explosion and creating a large crater beside the road.
A team of police and army experts were deployed to the scene to 'avoid a second explosion' and secure the scene according to the government.
Sudanese Forces Open Fire On Protesters Killing At Least 7 People - Sudanese security forces have opened fire on protesters in Sudan, Africa who were protesting the military coup, firing on them with live rounds killing at least seven people and wounding around 100.
The killings mark one of the deadliest days since the military coup took place in October of last year when the military took over.
The death's on Monday bring the total number of people killed in the almost daily protests to at least 71 people.
The United Nations has condemned the 'use of lethal force against the demonstrators' in a statement by U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric on Monday.
Airstrike In Ethiopia Kills 17, Mostly Women - An airstrike in Tigray, Ethiopia in the town of Mai Tsebri has killed 17 people and wounded dozens of others. Most of the dead were women according to aid workers serving in the area.
The airstrike comes as fighting between federal forces and rebels in Tigray continue in the region.
