July 14, 2017

Two tourists have been killed in an attack at Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Hurghada.

BBC News is reporting:

Two Ukrainian tourists, reported to be women, have been killed in mass stabbings at a hotel in the popular Red Sea resort of Hurghada, Egyptian medical officials say. At least four other people were injured and a man has been arrested.

The suspect is being questioned by police to determine his motives, the interior ministry said.

The attacker appears to have swum from a nearby public beach to gain access to the resort, officials say.

It is renowned for its scuba diving.

Three foreign tourists were stabbed at the same resort in January 2016 by two suspected militants from the so-called Islamic State (IS) group.

According to the UK’s Telegraph:

An Egyptian security official quoted by Associated Press said the victims of the attack included the two Ukrainian tourists, three from Serbia and one from Poland. It is believed the Ukrainian victims were both women.

The Interior Ministry said a preliminary investigation showed the man appeared to have swam from a nearby public beach to access the holiday resort.

Hurghada stretches for 40km of Egypt’s Red Sea coast and is renowned for scuba diving. It is a hub for tourism, with many resorts, restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

The attack came hours after five policemen were shot to death in Cairo’s twin city of Giza when suspected Islamic militants opened fire on their vehicle early in the morning.

Egypt’s security forces are fighting an Islamist insurgency in the Sinai Peninsula and militants have carried out attacks in the past on the tourism industry.

It should be noted that the U.S. State Department maintains an active Travel Warning for Egypt.

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July 14, 2017

Yesterday, a U.S. federal judge ruled that grandparents, as well as in-laws and other extended family members are exempt from the temporary ban on travelers from six Muslim-majority.

Fox News reports:

A federal judge in Hawaii on Thursday expanded the list of “bona fide” family relationships needed by people seeking new visas from six majority Muslim countries to avoid President Trump’s travel ban.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson ordered the U.S. not to enforce the travel ban on grandparents, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins of people in the U.S.

“Common sense, for instance, dictates that close family members be defined to include grandparents,” Watson said in his ruling. “Indeed grandparents are the epitome of close family members.”

The travel ban affects those trying to enter the U.S. from Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iran and Yemen.

According to The Washington Post:

Grandparents and other extended relatives are exempt from President Trump’s travel ban, a federal judge in Hawaii declared late Thursday, again stopping the administration from implementing the president’s controversial executive order in the way that it wants.

U.S. District Judge Derrick K. Watson wrote that the government’s “narrowly defined list” of who might be exempt was not supported by either the Supreme Court decision partially unfreezing the ban or by the law.

The government had argued that it drew its definition of who counted as a close family member from immigration law. The ruling is a blow to the administration, though it almost certainly won’t be the last word on the case. Both those suing over the ban and the government lawyers defending it indicated earlier they thought the question of who could properly be kept out after the Supreme Court unfroze the ban was a matter destined for appellate courts.

And while the Supreme Court partially unfroze Trump’s travel ban, it did so only temporarily, indicating it would truly take up the case in the fall. By that time, the bans might have expired. The barring of new visas to those from six countries is supposed to last 90 days, and the barring of refugees is supposed to last 120 days.

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July 14, 2017

In Jerusalem, three attackers killed two police officers and wounded another outside of the compound known as the Temple Mount – or Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) to Muslims. The sacred site is closed, pending a police investigation.

The New York Times reports:

In an extraordinarily brazen assault early Friday, three Arab citizens of Israel armed with guns and knives killed two Israeli police officers guarding an entrance to Jerusalem’s holiest site for Jews and Muslims, an emotional and volatile focal point of the Israeli-Arab conflict.

The police announced that they had evacuated and closed the compound, and helicopters circled above the area after the attack.

The closing of the holy site is an exceptional and potentially explosive measure; Israeli-imposed restrictions on Muslim entry to the compound have prompted rioting in Palestinian areas in the past.

The police said the site would remain closed to worshipers until the investigation of Friday’s events was completed, and said searches were underway in the area. In an apparent effort to head off more violence and criticism, the police emphasized that the measures did not signify a long-term change to the delicate status quo at the holy site. They added that the assailants had been armed with two automatic weapons, a handgun and at least one knife, and said officers were making sure that other weapons were not being stored at the site.

According to BBC News:

Police say the gunmen opened fire as they made their way from the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif towards Lions’ Gate, an opening in the Old City walls about 100ft (30 metres) away. The attackers were then pursued back to the compound, where they were killed.

In the wake of the incident, police sealed off the site to search it for weapons. It is the first time in decades that the compound, which contains the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque, has been closed for Muslim Friday prayers, which normally draws thousands of worshippers.

The site is administered by an Islamic authority (Waqf), though Israel is in charge of security there. Police are investigating how the attackers managed to smuggle in a handgun, sub-machine gun and knife.

The Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif is the holiest site in Judaism and third holiest in Islam and is one of the most politically sensitive sacred places in the world.

It is located in East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel since the 1967 Middle East war. Israel considers the entire city its sovereign capital, while Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of their sought-after future state.

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Thursday, July 6, 2017

Alert – Germany: Protests in Hamburg

Protesters have clashed with riot police in Hamburg, Germany, ahead of the G20 summit that beings tomorrow. The summit is a meeting of leaders from the 20 largest economies in the world.

The U.S. Embassy in Berlin issued a Security Message for U.S. citizens:

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Hamburg, Germany, to possible travel delays and security concerns related to the G20 Summit in Hamburg, on July 7th and 8th, 2017.

Hamburg and German federal authorities are preparing for potential protests from both international and local groups due to the event. These demonstrations and planned security measures may disrupt travel. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.

The U.S. Embassy in Berlin recommends that you avoid G20 host sites, particularly the security zones around the Hamburg Messehallen (Convention Center) and Elbphilharmonie from the 2nd through the 8th of July. Avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations. Be alert and aware of your surroundings and pay attention to what the local news media has to say about local conditions.

Expect delays on all forms of transportation throughout Hamburg from the 2nd through the 9th of July, including roads, subways, buses, and at airports. It may be difficult to find hotels or other forms of lodging in the greater Hamburg area.

The UK’s Guardian is reporting:

German police have used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse an anti-capitalist protest march in Hamburg just as world leaders started to arrive in Germany’s second city for the summit of 20 major economies.

The “Welcome to Hell” march was due to move from Hamburg’s historic harbour area towards the venue where the G20 summit is due to be held on Friday and Saturday but the demonstration came to halt around 300 metres into its route after police blocked protesters’ paths.

Marchers chanted and waved banners during a stand-off that lasted around 40 minutes.

Police asked a group of hardcore demonstrators to remove their masks, after which they were attacked with bottles and stones by some marchers. They then decided to separate the group from the rest of the approximately 12,000-strong demonstration by force.

German media reported further skirmishes in Hamburg’s St Pauli and Altona districts in the early hours of the evening. Several cars were reportedly set on fire and barricades thrown up in the streets.

More than 100,000 protesters are expected for further protest marches on Saturday.

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July 5, 2017

As noted last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the “electronics ban” could be removed, if the 10 airports impacted comply with the new directive and enhanced security measures. Emirates, Etihad and Turkish Airlines are now allowing passengers travelling to the U.S. to take their laptops onboard.

BBC News is reporting:

Emirates, which flies to the US from its Dubai hub, said it worked with US authorities to meet new security rules.

Turkish Airlines said it was also now allowing passengers travelling to the US to take their laptops onboard.

The two airlines are now in the same position as Etihad, which saw the ban lifted on Sunday for its flights from Abu Dhabi.

Dubai, Istanbul and Abu Dhabi airports are reported to have put tighter security checks in place.

It leaves Qatar, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait waiting to have the ban lifted.

Saudia, the flagship carrier for Saudi Arabia, said passengers would be able to take the electronics on US flights from 19 July.

According to Reuters:

The United States has lifted the in-cabin ban on laptops and other large electronic devices on U.S.-bound flights from Dubai and Istanbul, Emirates and Turkish Airlines said on Wednesday.

The announcements come three days after the ban was lifted on Etihad Airways’ flights to the United States from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

U.S. and British officials carried out inspections of security measures at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport on Tuesday, the Dogan news agency reported earlier.

The U.K. ban does not apply to flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Security officials were seen examining passengers’ laptops at Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport on Wednesday following the lifting of restrictions.

The ban on U.S. flights from Dubai International, the world’s busiest airport for international travel, has been lifted after new security measures announced by the U.S. last week were implemented, an Emirates spokeswoman said in a statement.

For additional information on the current restrictions, see the DHS website: FAQ and Fact Sheet.

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June 30, 2017

A small plane crashed on the southbound 405 Freeway at MacArthur Boulevard in Irvine, CA, just short of the John Wayne Airport runway.

According to the Los Angeles Times:

The 405 Freeway in Orange County was shut down in both directions Friday morning after a small plane crash-landed on the southbound lanes, the California Highway Patrol said.

The plane landed north of MacArthur Boulevard — next to John Wayne Airport — about 9:30 a.m., Officer Latos Quin said.

Two people were on board the twin-engine Cessna 310 when it crashed under unknown circumstances. Their condition was not immediately known. Officials say the plane crashed short of the airport runway.

All arrivals to John Wayne Airport were closed temporarily but since have reopened, airport officials said. Departures were not affected.

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June 29, 2017

Yesterday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced “enhanced security screening measures for all commercial flights to the United States.”

It also stated that the “electronics ban” could be removed, if the 10 airports impacted comply with the new directive and enhanced security measures.

Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly stated:

We cannot play international whack-a-mole with each new threat. Instead, we must put in place new measures across the board to keep the traveling public safe and make it harder for terrorists to succeed.

Today, I am announcing a first step toward this goal by requiring new security measures to be applied to all commercial flights coming into the United States. These measures will be both seen and unseen, and they will be phased in over time.

They will include enhanced screening of electronic devices, more thorough passenger vetting, and new measures designed to mitigate the potential threat of insider attacks.

We will also lay out a clear path to encourage airlines and airports to adopt more sophisticated screening approaches, including better use of explosive detection canines and advanced checkpoint screening technology.

Additionally, we will encourage more airports to become Preclearance locations. This not only enhances security, it also increases convenience by allowing international travelers to go through customs and border security screening before boarding their flights to the United States.

The DHS Fact Sheet specifically states:

Have the current restrictions changed regarding carrying on large personal electronic devices (PEDs) from 10 last point of departure airports with flights to the United States?

The current PEDs restriction implemented in March 2017 will be removed should the 10 airports comply with the enhanced security measures outlined in the TSA directive issued June 28, 2017 and when such procedures are verified by TSA inspectors. For additional information on the current restrictions, visit DHS website: FAQ and Fact Sheet.

According to Travel Weekly:

The DHS isn’t saying much about the details of the new directive. But it will require airlines to implement enhanced screening of passengers and electronic devices larger than a cell phone, as well as more thorough screening of public areas in airports.

The news could be viewed as a positive by airlines, which have grown weary of DHS threats to expand the carry-on electronics ban on inbound U.S. flights beyond the current 10 airports in the Middle and North Africa. Last month, Kelly said the ban could be expanded to 71 airports worldwide.

The DHS said Wednesday that the ban will end at the 10 existing airports, which include the hubs of major global carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and Turkish Airlines, once carriers at those airports comply with the new directive.

“It’s up to the carriers how quickly they want to move,” the official said.

The official added that he expects 99% of airlines to comply with the directive. But airlines that do not will face a ban on all electronic devices larger than a cell phone, both as carry-ons and in checked bags.

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June 28, 2017

In preparation for an upcoming cabin crew strike, British Airways has started cancelling some flights in July. Only Heathrow airport is expected to be affected.

British Airways released a statement about the strike:

All British Airways customers will be able to fly to their destinations, despite further proposed industrial action by Mixed Fleet Unite between Saturday 1 July and Sunday 16 July (inclusive).

The union represents one of our five cabin crew fleets.

We recognise the uncertainty that Mixed Fleet Unite’s threat is causing and would like to reassure customers that the vast majority of our services will be unaffected.

We can already confirm the following details:

All flights to and from London Gatwick, London City and Stansted will operate as normal as will our recently launched weekend only Mediterranean services to and from Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester.

The vast majority of flights to and from London Heathrow will operate as normal.

The Sun reports:

The airline has managed to limit the cancellations to just a number of flights that depart from Heathrow, while operating a full schedule at Gatwick and London City airports.

But some Heathrow flights are being merged.

Passengers who are being affected by the cancellations are being contacted by BA and rebooked on separate flights.

A BA spokesperson told Sun Online: “Once again we will be able to fly all customers to their destinations, despite industrial action by Mixed Fleet Unite.

“We will operate a full schedule at Gatwick and London City airports as well as the vast majority of our Heathrow schedule.”

They added: “We will merge a very small number of Heathrow services, and all affected customers are being contacted in advance and will be rebooked to alternative flights.”

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June 27, 2017

Dozens of people were injured after a New York subway train derailed in Upper Manhattan this morning, halting service on four busy lines.

According to The New York Times:

The incident happened aboard southbound A train between 135th Street and 125th Street. Officials say the emergency brake had been activated, sending the train careening off the tracks.

Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro says 34 people were being treated for minor injuries, including smoke inhalation. There were about 800 people in the tunnel after the accident and it took more than an hour for all of them to get out.

CNBC is reporting:

Service was halted on the A, B, C, and D trains, major lines running through Manhattan and into neighboring boroughs. The train that derailed was badly damaged.

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June 26, 2017

The Supreme Court will allow a “limited version” of the U.S. travel ban to go into effect. Travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and all refugees who lack any “bona fide relationship with any person or entity in the United States” will be subject to the rules outlined in the March 6 executive order.

The Supreme Court will hear full arguments on the U.S. travel ban this fall.

The Washington Post is reporting:

The Supreme Court agreed Monday to allow a limited version of President Trump’s ban on travelers from six mostly Muslim countries to take effect and will consider in the fall the president’s broad powers in immigration matters in a case that raises fundamental issues of national security and religious discrimination.

The court made an important exception: It said the ban “may not be enforced against foreign nationals who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.”

In the unsigned opinion, the court said that a foreign national who wants to visit or live with a family member would have such a relationship, and so would students from the designated countries — Libya, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen — who were admitted to a U.S. university.

The court said it would hear the case when it reconvenes in October. But it also indicated in the ruling that things may change dramatically by then. It asked the parties to address whether the case would be moot by the time it hears it; the ban is supposed to be a temporary one while the government reviews its vetting procedures.

And the justices said they “fully expect” the government to be able to conduct its review within the 90-day span the executive order proposes.

That affects the ban on travel from the six countries and a 120-day ban on all refugees entering the United States, with the exceptions noted by the court.

Trump said last week the ban would go into effect 72 hours after receiving an approval from the courts.

According to Fox News:

The Supreme Court on Monday lifted key components of an injunction against President Trump’s proposed ban on travel from six majority-Muslim nations, reinstating much of the policy and promising to hear full arguments as early as this fall.

The court’s decision means the justices will now wade into the biggest legal controversy of the Trump administration — the president’s order temporarily restricting travel, which even Trump has termed a “travel ban.” The court made clear that a limited version of the policy can be enforced for now.

“An American individual or entity that has a bona fide relationship with a particular person seeking to enter the country as a refugee can legitimately claim concrete hardship if that person is excluded,” the court wrote. “As to these individuals and entities, we do not disturb the injunction. But when it comes to refugees who lack any such connection to the United States, for the reasons we have set out, the balance tips in favor of the Government’s compelling need to provide for the Nation’s security.”

The justices decided to review the broader constitutional issues over executive authority on immigration with oral arguments to be held in the fall.

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