New York | London | Singapore Severe High Medium Threat rating* Piracy threat Severe High Kenya Colombia Global Threat Map 2017 Low Insignificant Venezuela NYA locations linkedin.com/company/nya-international @NYAIntl nyainternational.com [email protected] *NYA’s Global Threat Map considers threats including crime, extortion, political and civil unrest, ethnic and sectarian violence, terrorism, insurgency and maritime piracy. Each country is coloured according to its overall risk rating, although the same colour does not necessarily mean the same threats. For more information please visit www.nyainternational.com or email [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM IRELAND FRANCE SPAIN ITALY GERMANY POLAND SWITZERLAND BELGIUM NETHERLANDS DENMARK NORWAY SWEDEN FINLAND ESTONIA LATVIA LITHUANIA BELARUS UKRAINE MOLDOVA ROMANIA BULGARIA GREECE TURKEY ALBANIA BOSNIA & HERZ. HUNGARY CZECH REPUBLIC MALTA ANDORRA GIBRALTAR RUSSIA KAZAKHSTAN TURKMENISTAN AFGHANISTAN PAKISTAN IRAN AZERBAIJAN GEORGIA ARMENIA SYRIA IRAQ LEBANON PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES ISRAEL JOR- DAN EGYPT SAUDI ARABIA KUWAIT QATAR UAE OMAN YEMEN SUDAN ERITREA DJIBOUTI SOMALIA ETHIOPIA CROATIA SLOVENIA UGANDA KENYA TANZANIA MALAWI MOZAMBIQUE DEMOCRATIC REBUBLIC OF THE CONGO CONGO GABON ANGOLA NAMIBIA BOTSWANA ZIMBABWE ZAMBIA SWAZILAND SOUTH AFRICA MADAGASCAR CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC NIGER CHAD NIGERIA BENIN COTE D’IVOIRE LIBERIA SIERRA LEONE GUINEA GUINEA-BISSAU THE GAMBIA SENEGAL MAURITANIA MALI ALGERIA MOROCCO TUNISIA LIBYA INDIA CHINA MONGOLIA THAILAND MYANMAR BANGLADESH CAMBODIA LAOS VIETNAM BORNEO AUSTRALIA PAPUA NEW GUINEA NEW CALEDONIA VANUATU SOLOMON ISLANDS FIJI TUVALU WALLIS AND FUTUNA TONGA AMERICAN SAMOA TOKELAU NEW ZEALAND JAPAN PHILIPPINES SOUTH KOREA NORTH KOREA SRI LANKA CAPE VERDE ICELAND GREENLAND CANADA MEXICO GUATEMALA BELIZE EL SALVADOR HONDURAS NICARAGUA COSTA RICA PANAMA JAMAICA CUBA THE BAHAMAS HAITI COLOMBIA ECUADOR PERU BOLIVIA CHILE ARGENTINA BRAZIL URUGUAY FALKLAND ISLANDS GUYANA SURINAME FRENCH GUIANA UNITED STATES CAMEROON RWANDA BURUNDI HAWAII KYRGYZSTAN TAJIKISTAN LUX. MACAU HONG KONG MALDIVES MAURITIUS MONACO PALAU SAMOA SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE BURKINA FASO COMOROS DOM REP PUERTO RICO EAST TIMOR EQUATORIAL GUINEA FAROE ISLANDS VENEZUELA M’NEGRO KOS. MACE. MALAYSIA BARBADOS ST LUCIA DOMINICA ANTIGUA & BARBUDA MARTINIQUE ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES GUADELOUPE SOUTH SUDAN BAHRAIN LESOTHO TAIWAN CYPRUS SEYCHELLES GRENADA TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO SINGAPORE BHUTAN TOGO GHANA WESTERN SAHARA NEPAL INDONESIA UZBEKISTAN PORTUGAL AUSTRIA SLOVAKIA PARAGUAY SERBIA LIECH. Abidjan Basrah Benghazi Bulawayo Cape Town Chittagong Davao Fes Herat Isfahan Istanbul Johannesburg Karachi Kolkata Lagos Lahore Maiduguri Marrakesh Melbourne Mombasa Mosul Mumbai Perth Port Harcourt Shanghai Shiraz St Petersburg Tel Aviv Vladivostok Ottawa Nuuk Mexico City Belmopan Tegucigalpa San José Panama City Bogotá Quito Georgetown Nassau Havana Santo Domingo Kingston Port-au-Prince Paramaribo Cayenne Caracas Guatemala City Managua San Salvador Washington, D.C. Lima Brasilia Sucre Asuncion Santiago Buenos Aires Montevideo Stanley La Paz Moroni Pretoria Mbabane Harare Kinshasa Abuja Kigali Nairobi Yaoundé Yamoussoukro Porto Novo Lomo Accra Addis Ababa Juba Bangui Asmara Riyadh Muscat Abu Dhabi New Delhi Dhaka Thimphu Beijing Ulaanbaatar Tokyo Pyongyang Seoul Taipei Manila Bandar Seri Begawan Kathmandu Naypyidaw Malé Kotte Vientiane Hanoi Kuala Lumpur Jakarta Dili Port Moresby Suva Port Vila Noumea Honiara Apia Canberra Wellington Bangkok Phnom Penh Tehran Moscow Helsinki Minsk Berlin Copenhagen Warsaw Kiev Bucharest Budapest Kuwait City Doha Manama Sana’a N’Djamena Niamey Khartoum Dijbouti Mogadishu Kampala Bujumbura Lusaka Brazzaville Libreville Malabo Monrovia Freetown Conakry Banjul Dakar Laayoune Rabat Lisbon Reykjavík Dublin Oslo Stockholm Tallinn Riga Vilnius London Algiers Andorra la Vella Nouakchott Bamako Ouagadougou Praia Bissau São Tomé Luanda Lilongwe Maputo Maseru Bloemfontein Windhoek Gaborone Port Louis Antananarivo Tunis Rome Tirana Paris Cairo Amman Dama scus Baghdad Kabul Islamabad Jerusalem Tripoli BRUNEI Tbilisi Ankara Beirut Athens Valletta Sofia Baku Yerevan Bishkek Astana Tashkent Dushanbe Ashgabat Madrid Andorra la Vella Dodoma The threat in Afghanistan is considered severe due to high rates of criminal activity, numerous international terrorist organisations operating across the state, and the unpredictable security situation. Much of the criminal activity is related to the illicit drug trade. However, the country is challenged by varying levels of criminal activity, ranging from individual thefts to high-profile attacks against international and private sector institutions. The lack of basic infrastructure and emergency health facilities serve to compound the challenges. Further instability is linked to a growing insurgency contesting the current government’s authority and hampering its ability to deliver services. Afghanistan The threat of terrorism and moderate levels of crime are the primary concerns in India. There is an elevated threat in areas bordering Pakistan, especially regions in India-controlled Kashmir where an on-going territorial conflict has resulted in frequent violent incidents. Petty crime is pervasive and concentrated in urban centres and on transportation routes. Sexual harassment and assault of women is common in most areas, especially New Delhi. India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activity. The most active insurgent group is the Maoist Naxalites, who target government officials and buildings, public institutions and engage in kidnappings. India High rates of terrorist activity, political instability and sectarian violence heighten security concerns for all foreign travellers to Pakistan. The presence of several foreign and domestic terrorist organisations creates an environment characterised by bombings, targeted killings, extortion, kidnap for ransom and violent crime. Regional organised crime networks are pervasive throughout the northwest where Pakistan shares a porous border with Afghanistan. Criminal groups engaged in the narcotic trade operate in this area transiting opiates in to Pakistan. Political demonstrations and civil disorder are common across the country, in addition to outbreaks of violent ethnic conflict. Pakistan Political instability, high rates of criminal activity and the underlying threat from terrorism underpin the poor security environment in Bangladesh. Common criminal activities range from financial scams and petty drug crime, to violent assaults and homicide. International terrorist organisations such as Islamic State and al-Qaeda in the Indian Sub-continent have influenced actors within Bangladesh to carry out attacks. Incidents of political and civil unrest often escalate to violence resulting in civilian casualties and significant property damage. Nationwide strikes are common and can be highly disruptive, often involving the shutdown of transport networks and commerce. Bangladesh The threat of kidnappings and militant attacks remains severe in Syria. The wide array of actors involved in the on-going civil war makes it unlikely a lasting resolution will be reached in the short-term. Syria continues to suffer from criminality, terrorism, sectarian strife, humanitarian crises and an absence of effective law-enforcement. All of these factors contribute to making Syria extremely dangerous for foreign nationals, as they continue to be targeted in kidnap for ransom incidents for both financial and political gain. Syria The southern Philippines, particularly western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago continues to suffer from insecurity and a high kidnap for ransom threat. The threat emanates from the on-going conflict between government and insurgency groups, Abu Sayyaf in particular. Abu Sayyaf and affiliates espouse an Islamist ideology; the organisation’s priority however is strictly financial. The group predominately targets foreign nationals to obtain the highest possible ransom. Domestic nationals of ethnic origin face a particularly high kidnap threat from criminal groups operating in the country’s major cities, but foreign nationals remain an active target in these areas also. Philippines As pirate activity off Somalia remains minimal, shipping companies and inter-governmental agencies continue to adapt to the current threat landscape. While EU NAVFOR’s counter-piracy operation off Somalia will extend to December 2018, NATO’s equivalent operation formally ended in December 2016 following a seven-year deployment. The success of these missions has been made evident with the concurrent deployment of armed guards onboard vessels, however, the lifting of such security measures could expose new vulnerabilities. Combating the root causes of Somali piracy, including political instability and illegal fishing, remains a key necessity for the long-term outlook. In the short-term, pirate groups remain capable of launching offshore attacks, albeit with a reduced capacity to hold a vessel for a prolonged period in Somalia. Yemen’s on-going conflict has contributed to an elevated threat against vessels transiting the southern Red Sea. As Houthi rebels combat forces loyal to Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, and militant groups exploit the weakened state, intentions to target vessels off the coast have surfaced. Houthi rebels and unidentified assailants have launched attacks on naval and merchant vessels with rocket-propelled grenades, explosives and firearms from both land and sea. With poor security conditions in Yemen likely to continue throughout 2017, threats to vessels transiting in close proximity to the country will remain high. Piracy: East Africa The hijacking threat in Southeast Asia has shifted from mainly extended duration cargo theft around Malaysia, to crew kidnappings in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. The Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf, which maintains a militant stronghold within the Sulu Archipelago, increasingly targeted vessels over the second half of 2016 with the aim of kidnapping crewmembers for ransom. Fishing and cargo vessels, bulk carriers, oil barges and a private yacht were among the targeted vessels, demonstrating indiscriminate attempts to board having successfully developed their capability. While regional cooperation between the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia to combat Abu Sayyaf hijackings remains a challenge, the hijacking threat is likely to remain high throughout 2017. Piracy: Southeast Asia The on-going conflict with Islamic State will dictate the security environment in Iraq throughout 2017, particularly in Baghdad and the north-west of the country. Terrorist groups, a profusion of militias, sectarian conflict, high levels of corruption, and widespread criminality all contribute to the high level of insecurity in the country. The Iraqi government is struggling for legitimacy and has limited ability to provide security for its citizens. The kidnap threat across the country is severe as Islamist groups and militias often use kidnap for ransom for financial gain and media exposure. Iraq Yemen remains a fertile ground for kidnappings and militant attacks due to on-going conflict and a lack of institutional capacity to safeguard security. The humanitarian situation in the country continues to deteriorate amid a conflict stalemate, putting additional pressure on already limited public services. The kidnap threat is severe across the country, including in Sana’a and Aden. The majority of kidnap incidents are carried out by Houthi rebels who consistently target individuals perceived as unsympathetic to their political agenda. The threat from kidnap incidents carried out by Islamist militants is elevated in south and eastern Yemen. Though the majority of kidnap victims are domestic nationals, all foreign nationals constitute an attractive kidnap target. Yemen Mexico continues to suffer from an acute lack of domestic security, and incidents of kidnapping are frequent throughout the country. The level of insecurity emanates from on-going localised conflicts between security forces and highly organised drug cartels. Ineffective law enforcement capacity is exacerbated by endemic corruption and the cartels’ significant resources. Government tactics of targeting senior leaders have resulted in increased fragmentation and violence. The majority of kidnap incidents target domestic nationals, particularly those involved in drug trafficking, as well as middle class citizens of perceived wealth. Foreign nationals remain an attractive kidnap target and are regularly the subject of high-profile incidents. Mexico Incidents of guerrilla attacks and kidnapping have declined to historically low levels following a signed peace deal between the government and leftist guerrillas in November. The emerging threat to Colombia’s national security comes from organised criminal groups, otherwise known as BACRIMs. The north-eastern border with Venezuela remains a persistent area of instability. The kidnap threat is moderate across the country, with elevated levels in rural western and central western areas. The majority of kidnap for ransom incidents are perpetrated by common criminals targeting domestic business personnel and landowners of perceived wealth. Colombia Political instability and a collapsed economy have contributed to a deteriorating security situation in Venezuela. Hyperinflation, high unemployment and a shortage of basic goods have contributed to rising crime rates. Clashes between the opposition-controlled parliament and the central government continue to exacerbate political tensions. In addition, drug trafficking and illegal arms trading continue to pose a significant criminal threat. There is a high threat of kidnapping in Venezuela, with foreign nationals perceived as wealthy often targeted, though the majority of victims are domestic nationals. Violent crime remains a significant issue, with civilian fatalities frequently reported. Venezuela Egypt is still undergoing a period of significant political and economic turmoil, resulting in sporadic protests. Though parts of Egypt are considered safe, North Sinai remains a hotspot for terrorist activity given the presence of Islamic State-aligned Sinai Province – formerly known as Ansar Beit al-Maqdis. The group has also been responsible for isolated incidents in South Sinai and Cairo. The majority of terrorist incidents target security forces. Incidents of foreign nationals being abducted in remote desert areas of Egypt have been reported, with some resulting in fatalities. Terrorist attacks have also occurred in the capital as terrorist groups seek to raise their public profile. Egypt Libya faces a plethora of threats emanating from terrorism, militancy, political instability and ineffective security. The country remains dangerous for both domestic and foreign nationals due to the lack of effective security forces in the country. The UN-backed Government of National Accord in Tripoli is not considered legitimate by many in the country, and struggles to exert its authority. Until rival political factions and militias come to a consensual agreement on a political solution to Libya’s problems, widespread grievances, economic problems and insecurity will persist. These all contribute to a severe threat from kidnap and terrorism. Libya The main threat to Algeria emanates from Islamist insurgencies, both domestic and from neighbouring countries. The porous border with Libya and Mali in particular poses a significant security threat. Cross border terrorist operations and kidnappings remain a prominent threat. Foreign nationals are specifically targeted for kidnappings, particularly in the southern border regions, motivated by both financial gain and political leverage. The threat from terrorism emanates primarily from the presence of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Islamic State. Foreign nationals have been targeted in recent terrorist attacks, though the threat is diminished in major urban centres in central and northern Algeria. Algeria The lack of effective governance throughout the country has in turn created a security void exploited by several militant groups. The threat from terrorism is significant given the presence of Islamist groups including both the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Terrorist attacks have been indiscriminate, including in areas frequented by foreign nationals. Following the French military intervention in 2013, Western nationals have often been targeted in high-profile kidnap incidents. Violent crime and kidnapping has been reported along the northern borders of the country. Mali The piracy threat in West Africa emanates almost entirely from Nigeria, where pirate groups have transitioned from targeting tankers for oil theft to targeting various vessel types for kidnapping crewmembers for ransom. Partly owing to depreciated oil prices, the shift to crewmember kidnappings has resulted in more than a hundred crewmembers being kidnapped in 2016, the majority being foreign national senior crew targeted for high ransom demands. While some militant groups in the Niger Delta have shown a willingness to negotiate with the government in an effort to alleviate continued attacks on oil and gas infrastructure, militant threats to suspend talks consistently surface, underpinning the fragile security situation for 2017. Piracy and militant threats against vessels are likely to remain high for the long-term. Piracy: West Africa High crime rates, a stubborn Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, and renewed Niger Delta militancy in the south underpin the volatile security environment in Nigeria. Political stability is also a concern, with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari largely unable to respond effectively to key security issues, as well as endemic corruption. Civil conflicts between rival tribal and religious groups occur regularly. Kidnap for ransom is a threat to both local and domestic nationals. While the northeast and Niger Delta regions are particularly high threat environments, criminal elements regularly kidnap individuals for ransom across Nigeria. Nigeria The presence of militant groups, political instability and heightened levels of criminality underpin the threat level in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A number of conflicts, including in North and South Kivu provinces linger, and numerous militia groups continue to perpetrate attacks on civilians and security forces for both financial and ideological gains. Both domestic and foreign nationals face an elevated threat of kidnapping in conflict-prone areas. Persistent political instability has resulted in frequent bouts of civil unrest throughout the country, with the potential to turn violent, especially in Kinshasa. Democratic Republic of the Congo Sudan is beset by conflict, political instability and civil unrest. Terrorists groups such as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb are believed to exploit the volatile situation in Sudan to recruit people and establish logistical bases in remote places. The rate of criminal activity increases in areas where the conflict is more violent, like West Kordofan and South Darfur. The majority of crimes concern property, car theft, burglary and arson. Kidnappings frequently occur, especially in Darfur and Khartoum as a key source of income. Sudan Civil war fuelled by violence between government and opposition forces has contributed to political instability, corruption and social tensions in South Sudan. Border disputes with Sudan and internal ethnic violence has hindered the country’s development since independence, which remains vulnerable to terrorist threats. Peaceful protests against the government occasionally take place, primarily in Juba. Petty crime such as pick-pocketing and theft from vehicles is pervasive, especially in Juba. Violent crime including incidents of armed robbery and carjacking occur mainly at night. Kidnap for ransom is a concern for both domestic and foreign nationals, with Liech State and Darfur being the primary hotspots. South Sudan Extreme political instability, widespread lawlessness and militia activity has rendered the Central African Republic (CAR) a severe threat location. These issues, in addition to socio-economic concerns have led to frequent occurrences of civil unrest, generally concentrated in the capital Bangui. As a consequence of varied security concerns the kidnap for ransom threat remains high. While domestic nationals are frequently targeted, reports indicate that foreign nationals, predominantly foreign aid workers, have also been abducted for ransom. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in CAR has to date failed to stem the flow of violence since its initiation in 2014. Central African Republic The high threat rating for Kenya reflects the prevalent security threats from terrorism, kidnap for ransom and civil unrest. The primary threat emanates from Islamist group al-Shabaab, which has carried out cross-border terrorist attacks since Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia began in 2011. Despite relative political stability following the 2013 presidential election, incidents of civil unrest continue to be reported regularly, and can turn violent. The threat from petty and violent crime, including kidnap for ransom, is assessed to be high throughout Kenya, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa. Kenya There is an extreme threat from terrorism and kidnap for ransom in Somalia, primarily perpetrated by the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab, active throughout the southern and central parts of the country. In addition, an emergent local affiliate of Islamic State also poses a notable threat in Puntland. Incidents of civil unrest are a longstanding and prevalent concern, particularly in Mogadishu where protesters tend to gather sporadically. Somalia Turkey faces threats from terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and political instability. In the last year at least 20 terror attacks were reportedly carried out by groups such as Islamic State, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and Kurdistan Freedom Falcons. Turkey’s southern border regions are particularly hazardous due to the presence of both Kurdish militants and Islamic State in northern Syria. President Erdogan’s government must also contend with domestic opposition following further restrictions on freedom of press, increasing the likelihood of anti-government unrest. It may also lead to deepening tensions between secular and more socially conservative segments in the country. Turkey Kidnap victim nationality, 2016* *This data is drawn from open source material, including news articles. Given the selectivity and incomplete or inaccurate nature of some reporting, the data is not exhaustive. Any conclusions should take these limitations into account. Foreign 9% Kidnap incidents by region, 2016* Domestic 91% Asia 44% Middle East 4% Europe & CIS 3% Africa 37% Americas 12% Kidnap Statistics Piracy Statistics Piracy incidents by type, 2016* Piracy incidents by region, 2016* Hijack 16% Suspicious approach 9% PAG 6% Attack 17% Boarding 3% Criminal boarding 49% Southeast Asia 31% Americas 19% East Africa 9% West Africa 41% *This data is drawn from open source material, including news articles. Given the selectivity and incomplete or inaccurate nature of some reporting, the data is not exhaustive. Any conclusions should take these limitations into account.
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New York | London | Singapore
Severe
High
Medium
Threat rating* Piracy threat
Severe
High
Kenya
Colombia
Global Threat Map 2017
Low
Insignificant
Venezuela
NYA locations
linkedin.com/company/nya-international
@NYAIntl
nyainternational.com
[email protected] *NYA’s Global Threat Map considers threats including crime, extortion, political and civil unrest, ethnic and sectarian violence, terrorism, insurgency and maritime piracy. Each country is coloured according to its overall risk rating, although the same colour does not necessarily mean the same threats. For more information please visit www.nyainternational.com or email [email protected]
UNITED KINGDOM
IRELAND
FRANCE
SPAIN
ITALY
GERMANY
POLAND
SWITZERLAND
BELGIUM
NETHERLANDS
DENMARK
NORWAY
SWEDEN
FINLAND
ESTONIA
LATVIALITHUANIA
BELARUS
UKRAINE
MOLDOVAROMANIA
BULGARIA
GREECETURKEY
ALBANIA
BOSNIA& HERZ.
HUNGARY
CZECH REPUBLIC
MALTA
ANDORRA
GIBRALTAR
RUSSIA
KAZAKHSTAN
TURKMENISTAN
AFGHANISTAN
PAKISTAN
IRAN
AZERBAIJAN
GEORGIAARMENIA
SYRIA IRAQLEBANON
PALESTINIAN TERRITORIESISRAEL
JOR-DAN
EGYPT
SAUDI ARABIA
KUWAIT
QATARUAE
OMAN
YEMENSUDAN ERITREA
DJIBOUTI
SOMALIA
ETHIOPIA
CROATIASLOVENIA
UGANDAKENYA
TANZANIA
MALAWI
MOZAMBIQUE
DEMOCRATIC REBUBLIC OF THE CONGO
CONGOGABON
ANGOLA
NAMIBIABOTSWANA
ZIMBABWE
ZAMBIA
SWAZILAND
SOUTH AFRICA
MADAGASCAR
CENTRAL AFRICAN
REPUBLIC
NIGER
CHAD
NIGERIABENINCOTE
D’IVOIRELIBERIA
SIERRA LEONE
GUINEAGUINEA-BISSAU
THE GAMBIA
SENEGAL
MAURITANIAMALI
ALGERIA
MOROCCOTUNISIA
LIBYA
INDIA
CHINA
MONGOLIA
THAILAND
MYANMAR
BANGLADESH
CAMBODIA
LAOSVIETNAM
BORNEO
AUSTRALIA
PAPUANEWGUINEA
NEW CALEDONIA
VANUATU
SOLOMON ISLANDS
NAURU
MARSHALL ISLANDS
FEDERAL STATE OF MICRONESIA
FIJI
TUVALU
WALLIS AND FUTUNA
TONGA
AMERICAN SAMOA
TOKELAU
NEWZEALAND
JAPAN
PHILIPPINES
SOUTH KOREA
NORTH KOREA
SRI LANKA
CAPEVERDE
ICELAND
GREENLAND
CANADA
MEXICO
GUATEMALA BELIZE
EL SALVADOR
HONDURAS
NICARAGUA
COSTA RICA
PANAMA
JAMAICA
CUBA
THE BAHAMAS
HAITI
COLOMBIA
ECUADOR
PERU
BOLIVIA
CHILE
ARGENTINA
BRAZIL
URUGUAY
FALKLAND ISLANDS
GUYANASURINAME FRENCH GUIANA
UNITED STATES
CAMEROON
RWANDABURUNDI
HAWAII
KYRGYZSTAN
TAJIKISTAN
LUX.
MACAU
HONGKONG
MALDIVES
MAURITIUS
MONACO
PALAU
SAMOA
SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE
BURKINAFASO
COMOROS
DOM REP PUERTO
RICO
EAST TIMOR
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
FAROE ISLANDS
VENEZUELA
M’NEGROKOS. MACE.
MALAYSIA
BARBADOS
ST LUCIA DOMINICA
ANTIGUA & BARBUDAMARTINIQUE
ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
GUADELOUPE
SOUTH SUDAN
BAHRAIN
LESOTHO
TAIWAN
CYPRUS
SEYCHELLES
GRENADATRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
SINGAPORE
BHUTAN
TOGOGHANA
WESTERNSAHARA
NEPAL
INDONESIA
UZBEKISTAN
PORTUGAL
AUSTRIASLOVAKIA
PARAGUAY
SERBIA
LIECH.
Abidjan
BasrahBenghazi
Bulawayo
Cape Town
Chittagong
Davao
Fes HeratIsfahan
Istanbul
Johannesburg
Karachi
Kolkata
Lagos
Lahore
Maiduguri
Marrakesh
Melbourne
Mombasa
Mosul
Mumbai
Perth
PortHarcourt
ShanghaiShiraz
St Petersburg
Tel Aviv
Vladivostok
Ottawa
Nuuk
Mexico City
Belmopan
Tegucigalpa
San JoséPanama City
Bogotá
Quito
Georgetown
Nassau
Havana
SantoDomingoKingston
Port-au-Prince
ParamariboCayenne
Caracas
Guatemala City
Managua
San Salvador
Washington, D.C.
Lima
Brasilia
Sucre
Asuncion
SantiagoBuenos Aires Montevideo
Stanley
La Paz
Moroni
PretoriaMbabane
Harare
Kinshasa
Abuja
KigaliNairobi
Yaoundé
Yamoussoukro PortoNovoLomo
Accra
Addis Ababa
JubaBangui
Asmara
Riyadh
Muscat
Abu Dhabi
New Delhi
Dhaka
Thimphu
Beijing
Ulaanbaatar
Tokyo
PyongyangSeoul
Taipei
Manila
BandarSeri Begawan
Kathmandu
Naypyidaw
MaléKotte
Vientiane
Hanoi
Kuala Lumpur
Jakarta
DiliPort Moresby
Suva
Port Vila
Noumea
Honiara
Apia
Canberra
Wellington
Bangkok
Phnom Penh
Tehran
Moscow
Helsinki
Minsk
Berlin
Copenhagen
WarsawKiev
Bucharest
Budapest
KuwaitCity
Doha
Manama
Sana’a
N’Djamena
Niamey Khartoum
Dijbouti
Mogadishu
Kampala
Bujumbura
Lusaka
Brazzaville
Libreville
Malabo
Monrovia
FreetownConakry
BanjulDakar
Laayoune
Rabat
Lisbon
Reykjavík
Dublin
Oslo Stockholm Tallinn
Riga
Vilnius
London
Algiers
Andorrala Vella
Nouakchott
Bamako OuagadougouPraia
Bissau
SãoTomé
Luanda
Lilongwe
Maputo
MaseruBloemfontein
WindhoekGaborone
Port Louis
Antananarivo
Tunis
Rome Tirana
Paris
Cairo
Amman
Damascus
Baghdad
KabulIslamabad
JerusalemTripoli
BRUNEI
Tbilisi
Ankara
Beirut
Athens
Valletta
Sofia
BakuYerevan
Bishkek
Astana
Tashkent
DushanbeAshgabat
Madrid Andorrala Vella
Dodoma
The threat in Afghanistan is considered severe due to high rates of criminal activity, numerous international terrorist organisations operating across the state, and the unpredictable security situation. Much of the criminal activity is related to the illicit drug trade. However, the country is challenged by varying levels of criminal activity, ranging from individual thefts to high-profile attacks against international and private sector institutions. The lack of basic infrastructure and emergency health facilities serve to compound the challenges. Further instability is linked to a growing insurgency contesting the current government’s authority and hampering its ability to deliver services.
Afghanistan
The threat of terrorism and moderate levels of crime are the primary concerns in India. There is an elevated threat in areas bordering Pakistan, especially regions in India-controlled Kashmir where an on-going territorial conflict has resulted in frequent violent incidents. Petty crime is pervasive and concentrated in urban centres and on transportation routes. Sexual harassment and assault of women is common in most areas, especially New Delhi. India continues to experience terrorist and insurgent activity. The most active insurgent group is the Maoist Naxalites, who target government officials and buildings, public institutions and engage in kidnappings.
India
High rates of terrorist activity, political instability and sectarian violence heighten security concerns for all foreign travellers to Pakistan. The presence of several foreign and domestic terrorist organisations creates an environment characterised by bombings, targeted killings, extortion, kidnap for ransom and violent crime. Regional organised crime networks are pervasive throughout the northwest where Pakistan shares a porous border with Afghanistan. Criminal groups engaged in the narcotic trade operate in this area transiting opiates in to Pakistan. Political demonstrations and civil disorder are common across the country, in addition to outbreaks of violent ethnic conflict.
Pakistan
Political instability, high rates of criminal activity and the underlying threat from terrorism underpin the poor security environment in Bangladesh. Common criminal activities range from financial scams and petty drug crime, to violent assaults and homicide. International terrorist organisations such as Islamic State and al-Qaeda in the Indian Sub-continent have influenced actors within Bangladesh to carry out attacks. Incidents of political and civil unrest often escalate to violence resulting in civilian casualties and significant property damage. Nationwide strikes are common and can be highly disruptive, often involving the shutdown of transport networks and commerce.
Bangladesh
The threat of kidnappings and militant attacks remains severe in Syria. The wide array of actors involved in the on-going civil war makes it unlikely a lasting resolution will be reached in the short-term. Syria continues to suffer from criminality, terrorism, sectarian strife, humanitarian crises and an absence of effective law-enforcement. All of these factors contribute to making Syria extremely dangerous for foreign nationals, as they continue to be targeted in kidnap for ransom incidents for both financial and political gain.
Syria
The southern Philippines, particularly western Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago continues to suffer from insecurity and a high kidnap for ransom threat. The threat emanates from the on-going conflict between government and insurgency groups, Abu Sayyaf in particular. Abu Sayyaf and affiliates espouse an Islamist ideology; the organisation’s priority however is strictly financial. The group predominately targets foreign nationals to obtain the highest possible ransom. Domestic nationals of ethnic origin face a particularly high kidnap threat from criminal groups operating in the country’s major cities, but foreign nationals remain an active target in these areas also.
Philippines
As pirate activity off Somalia remains minimal, shipping companies and inter-governmental agencies continue to adapt to the current threat landscape. While EU NAVFOR’s counter-piracy operation off Somalia will extend to December 2018, NATO’s equivalent operation formally ended in December 2016 following a seven-year deployment. The success of these missions has been made evident with the concurrent deployment of armed guards onboard vessels, however, the lifting of such security measures could expose new vulnerabilities. Combating the root causes of Somali piracy, including political instability and illegal fishing, remains a key necessity for the long-term outlook. In the short-term, pirate groups remain capable of launching offshore attacks, albeit with a reduced capacity to hold a vessel for a prolonged period in Somalia.
Yemen’s on-going conflict has contributed to an elevated threat against vessels transiting the southern Red Sea. As Houthi rebels combat forces loyal to Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi, and militant groups exploit the weakened state, intentions to target vessels off the coast have surfaced. Houthi rebels and unidentified assailants have launched attacks on naval and merchant vessels with rocket-propelled grenades, explosives and firearms from both land and sea. With poor security conditions in Yemen likely to continue throughout 2017, threats to vessels transiting in close proximity to the country will remain high.
Piracy: East Africa
The hijacking threat in Southeast Asia has shifted from mainly extended duration cargo theft around Malaysia, to crew kidnappings in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. The Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf, which maintains a militant stronghold within the Sulu Archipelago, increasingly targeted vessels over the second half of 2016 with the aim of kidnapping crewmembers for ransom. Fishing and cargo vessels, bulk carriers, oil barges and a private yacht were among the targeted vessels, demonstrating indiscriminate attempts to board having successfully developed their capability. While regional cooperation between the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia to combat Abu Sayyaf hijackings remains a challenge, the hijacking threat is likely to remain high throughout 2017.
Piracy: Southeast Asia
The on-going conflict with Islamic State will dictate the security environment in Iraq throughout 2017, particularly in Baghdad and the north-west of the country. Terrorist groups, a profusion of militias, sectarian conflict, high levels of corruption, and widespread criminality all contribute to the high level of insecurity in the country. The Iraqi government is struggling for legitimacy and has limited ability to provide security for its citizens. The kidnap threat across the country is severe as Islamist groups and militias often use kidnap for ransom for financial gain and media exposure.
Iraq
Yemen remains a fertile ground for kidnappings and militant attacks due to on-going conflict and a lack of institutional capacity to safeguard security. The humanitarian situation in the country continues to deteriorate amid a conflict stalemate, putting additional pressure on already limited public services. The kidnap threat is severe across the country, including in Sana’a and Aden. The majority of kidnap incidents are carried out by Houthi rebels who consistently target individuals perceived as unsympathetic to their political agenda. The threat from kidnap incidents carried out by Islamist militants is elevated in south and eastern Yemen. Though the majority of kidnap victims are domestic nationals, all foreign nationals constitute an attractive kidnap target.
Yemen
Mexico continues to suffer from an acute lack of domestic security, and incidents of kidnapping are frequent throughout the country. The level of insecurity emanates from on-going localised conflicts between security forces and highly organised drug cartels. Ineffective law enforcement capacity is exacerbated by endemic corruption and the cartels’ significant resources. Government tactics of targeting senior leaders have resulted in increased fragmentation and violence. The majority of kidnap incidents target domestic nationals, particularly those involved in drug trafficking, as well as middle class citizens of perceived wealth. Foreign nationals remain an attractive kidnap target and are regularly the subject of high-profile incidents.
Mexico
Incidents of guerrilla attacks and kidnapping have declined to historically low levels following a signed peace deal between the government and leftist guerrillas in November. The emerging threat to Colombia’s national security comes from organised criminal groups, otherwise known as BACRIMs. The north-eastern border with Venezuela remains a persistent area of instability. The kidnap threat is moderate across the country, with elevated levels in rural western and central western areas. The majority of kidnap for ransom incidents are perpetrated by common criminals targeting domestic business personnel and landowners of perceived wealth.
Colombia
Political instability and a collapsed economy have contributed to a deteriorating security situation in Venezuela. Hyperinflation, high unemployment and a shortage of basic goods have contributed to rising crime rates. Clashes between the opposition-controlled parliament and the central government continue to exacerbate political tensions. In addition, drug trafficking and illegal arms trading continue to pose a significant criminal threat. There is a high threat of kidnapping in Venezuela, with foreign nationals perceived as wealthy often targeted, though the majority of victims are domestic nationals. Violent crime remains a significant issue, with civilian fatalities frequently reported.
Venezuela
Egypt is still undergoing a period of significant political and economic turmoil, resulting in sporadic protests. Though parts of Egypt are considered safe, North Sinai remains a hotspot for terrorist activity given the presence of Islamic State-aligned Sinai Province – formerly known as Ansar Beit al-Maqdis. The group has also been responsible for isolated incidents in South Sinai and Cairo. The majority of terrorist incidents target security forces. Incidents of foreign nationals being abducted in remote desert areas of Egypt have been reported, with some resulting in fatalities. Terrorist attacks have also occurred in the capital as terrorist groups seek to raise their public profile.
Egypt
Libya faces a plethora of threats emanating from terrorism, militancy, political instability and ineffective security. The country remains dangerous for both domestic and foreign nationals due to the lack of effective security forces in the country. The UN-backed Government of National Accord in Tripoli is not considered legitimate by many in the country, and struggles to exert its authority. Until rival political factions and militias come to a consensual agreement on a political solution to Libya’s problems, widespread grievances, economic problems and insecurity will persist. These all contribute to a severe threat from kidnap and terrorism.
Libya
The main threat to Algeria emanates from Islamist insurgencies, both domestic and from neighbouring countries. The porous border with Libya and Mali in particular poses a significant security threat. Cross border terrorist operations and kidnappings remain a prominent threat. Foreign nationals are specifically targeted for kidnappings, particularly in the southern border regions, motivated by both financial gain and political leverage. The threat from terrorism emanates primarily from the presence of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and Islamic State. Foreign nationals have been targeted in recent terrorist attacks, though the threat is diminished in major urban centres in central and northern Algeria.
Algeria
The lack of effective governance throughout the country has in turn created a security void exploited by several militant groups. The threat from terrorism is significant given the presence of Islamist groups including both the Movement for Unity and Jihad in West Africa and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. Terrorist attacks have been indiscriminate, including in areas frequented by foreign nationals. Following the French military intervention in 2013, Western nationals have often been targeted in high-profile kidnap incidents. Violent crime and kidnapping has been reported along the northern borders of the country.
Mali
The piracy threat in West Africa emanates almost entirely from Nigeria, where pirate groups have transitioned from targeting tankers for oil theft to targeting various vessel types for kidnapping crewmembers for ransom. Partly owing to depreciated oil prices, the shift to crewmember kidnappings has resulted in more than a hundred crewmembers being kidnapped in 2016, the majority being foreign national senior crew targeted for high ransom demands. While some militant groups in the Niger Delta have shown a willingness to negotiate with the government in an effort to alleviate continued attacks on oil and gas infrastructure, militant threats to suspend talks consistently surface, underpinning the fragile security situation for 2017. Piracy and militant threats against vessels are likely to remain high for the long-term.
Piracy: West Africa
High crime rates, a stubborn Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast, and renewed Niger Delta militancy in the south underpin the volatile security environment in Nigeria. Political stability is also a concern, with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari largely unable to respond effectively to key security issues, as well as endemic corruption. Civil conflicts between rival tribal and religious groups occur regularly. Kidnap for ransom is a threat to both local and domestic nationals. While the northeast and Niger Delta regions are particularly high threat environments, criminal elements regularly kidnap individuals for ransom across Nigeria.
Nigeria
The presence of militant groups, political instability and heightened levels of criminality underpin the threat level in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A number of conflicts, including in North and South Kivu provinces linger, and numerous militia groups continue to perpetrate attacks on civilians and security forces for both financial and ideological gains. Both domestic and foreign nationals face an elevated threat of kidnapping in conflict-prone areas. Persistent political instability has resulted in frequent bouts of civil unrest throughout the country, with the potential to turn violent, especially in Kinshasa.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Sudan is beset by conflict, political instability and civil unrest. Terrorists groups such as al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb are believed to exploit the volatile situation in Sudan to recruit people and establish logistical bases in remote places. The rate of criminal activity increases in areas where the conflict is more violent, like West Kordofan and South Darfur. The majority of crimes concern property, car theft, burglary and arson. Kidnappings frequently occur, especially in Darfur and Khartoum as a key source of income.
Sudan
Civil war fuelled by violence between government and opposition forces has contributed to political instability, corruption and social tensions in South Sudan. Border disputes with Sudan and internal ethnic violence has hindered the country’s development since independence, which remains vulnerable to terrorist threats. Peaceful protests against the government occasionally take place, primarily in Juba. Petty crime such as pick-pocketing and theft from vehicles is pervasive, especially in Juba. Violent crime including incidents of armed robbery and carjacking occur mainly at night. Kidnap for ransom is a concern for both domestic and foreign nationals, with Liech State and Darfur being the primary hotspots.
South Sudan
Extreme political instability, widespread lawlessness and militia activity has rendered the Central African Republic (CAR) a severe threat location. These issues, in addition to socio-economic concerns have led to frequent occurrences of civil unrest, generally concentrated in the capital Bangui. As a consequence of varied security concerns the kidnap for ransom threat remains high. While domestic nationals are frequently targeted, reports indicate that foreign nationals, predominantly foreign aid workers, have also been abducted for ransom. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in CAR has to date failed to stem the flow of violence since its initiation in 2014.
Central African Republic
The high threat rating for Kenya reflects the prevalent security threats from terrorism, kidnap for ransom and civil unrest. The primary threat emanates from Islamist group al-Shabaab, which has carried out cross-border terrorist attacks since Kenya’s military intervention in Somalia began in 2011. Despite relative political stability following the 2013 presidential election, incidents of civil unrest continue to be reported regularly, and can turn violent. The threat from petty and violent crime, including kidnap for ransom, is assessed to be high throughout Kenya, particularly in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Kenya
There is an extreme threat from terrorism and kidnap for ransom in Somalia, primarily perpetrated by the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab, active throughout the southern and central parts of the country. In addition, an emergent local affiliate of Islamic State also poses a notable threat in Puntland. Incidents of civil unrest are a longstanding and prevalent concern, particularly in Mogadishu where protesters tend to gather sporadically.
Somalia
Turkey faces threats from terrorism, militancy, civil unrest and political instability. In the last year at least 20 terror attacks were reportedly carried out by groups such as Islamic State, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party and Kurdistan Freedom Falcons. Turkey’s southern border regions are particularly hazardous due to the presence of both Kurdish militants and Islamic State in northern Syria. President Erdogan’s government must also contend with domestic opposition following further restrictions on freedom of press, increasing the likelihood of anti-government unrest. It may also lead to deepening tensions between secular and more socially conservative segments in the country.
Turkey
Kidnap victim nationality, 2016*
*This data is drawn from open source material, including news articles. Given the selectivity and incomplete or inaccurate nature of some reporting, the data is not exhaustive. Any conclusions should take these limitations into account.
Foreign 9%
Kidnap incidents by region, 2016*
Domestic 91%
Asia44%
Middle East4%
Europe & CIS3%
Africa37%
Americas12%
Kidnap Statistics Piracy StatisticsPiracy incidents by type, 2016* Piracy incidents by region, 2016*
Hijack16%
Suspiciousapproach
9%
PAG6%
Attack17%
Boarding3%
Criminalboarding
49%
Southeast Asia31%
Americas19%
East Africa9% West Africa
41%
*This data is drawn from open source material, including news articles. Given the selectivity and incomplete or inaccurate nature of some reporting, the data is not exhaustive. Any conclusions should take these limitations into account.
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