SITREP, June 2025

The Month in Review

America

USA: More U.S. children have died this flu season than at any time since the swine flu pandemic 15 years ago, according to a federal report released on May 2nd. The CDC estimated at least 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths from flu this season. The agency noted that since flu season is still ongoing, data is still preliminary and may change.

Mexico: Jorge Humberto Figueroa Benítez, known as “El Perris,” was a key figure in Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa cartel and was responsible for drug smuggling and numerous murders, with a $1 million bounty on his head from the U.S. He was killed by a Mexican special forces unit during an attempt to arrest him. Figueroa was an enforcer for the “Los Chapitos,” the sons of notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, who now lead the cartel and are considered major players in smuggling fentanyl into the United States.

Colombia: The U.S. government has issued a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory for Colombia as of April 17, 2025, due to ongoing civil unrest, high crime rates, and a significant yellow fever outbreak, with certain regions like Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), Norte de Santander, and the Colombia-Venezuela border deemed especially dangerous. Colombia’s yellow fever emergency, declared after cases appeared in nine departments (including areas not previously affected), has resulted in confirmed deaths, prompting health authorities to urge travelers to vaccinate before visiting. The total number of confirmed YF-related deaths in Tolima is 23.

Europe

Europe: Several European countries currently have a U.S. “Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution” travel advisory, primarily due to the risk of terrorism and related security concerns. As of late May 2025, these countries include Italy, Germany, France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland. The advisories cite persistent threats of terrorist attacks, which may occur with little or no warning, in crowded public spaces such as tourist sites, transportation hubs, hotels, restaurants, and during major events, prompting travelers to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance.

Austria: Austria has held a minute of silence for 10 people killed in a school shooting, after thousands gathered for a candlelight vigil for the victims on the 10th of June. Police said the 21-year-old suspect, a former student, took his own life in a school bathroom shortly after the gun attack in Graz on the 10th, the deadliest in the country’s recent history. In a statement on Wednesday, police said they found a “farewell letter” and a non-functional pipe bomb during a search of the suspect’s home.

UK: Merseyside Police have said that the incident of a car colliding with pedestrians in Liverpool city center during Liverpool Football Club’s Premier League victory parade is not being treated as terrorism. The police confirmed the arrest of a 53-year-old white British man from the Liverpool area, and in a news conference, the assistant chief constable said they believe him to be the driver of the car. A total of 47 people were injured.

Asia

India/Pakistan: India and Pakistan agreed on May 20th to withdraw troops and completely redeploy their forces to peacetime positions by the end of May. The withdrawal of troops will further strengthen their ceasefire agreement over Kashmir.

Iran: Tensions between Israel and Iran have spiked in June 2025, with Israel reportedly preparing to strike Iran’s nuclear sites. The US is on alert, evacuating some staff from the region, as Iran threatens to target American bases if attacked. This standoff has raised fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.

Bangladesh: Leaders and activists from several left-leaning student organizations at Dhaka University held a protest march after Jamaat-e-Islami leader ATM Azharul Islam was acquitted in a war-crimes case, expressing outrage at what they called an attempt to rewrite history and rehabilitate figures linked to 1971 atrocities. The march, which faced brief police obstruction, culminated in a rally where speakers condemned the interim government for releasing individuals accused of war crimes and warned of public backlash. Protesters chanted slogans against pro-Pakistani elements and declared that those responsible for 1971’s crimes have no place in Bangladesh.

Africa

South Africa: A recent study by Numbeo, a global database providing quality-of-life insights, has ranked South Africa as the fifth most dangerous country to visit in 2025. Based on a crime index evaluating 147 nations, the ranking places South Africa just behind Afghanistan. Venezuela topped the list as the most dangerous destination, scoring 80.7 out of 100.

Kenya: The U.S. Department of State has advised Americans not to travel to some areas of Kenya due to heightened risks of terrorism, kidnapping, and banditry, especially near the borders with Somalia and Ethiopia. These advisories reflect ongoing concerns about violent crime, civil unrest, and limited access to medical care, as well as recent increases in human rights abuses and government crackdowns on dissent. International organizations, including Amnesty International, urge Kenya and visiting dignitaries to address these human rights issues and ensure accountability for recent abuses.

Somalia/South Sudan/Sudan: Somalia, South Sudan, and Sudan are the most dangerous African countries to visit in 2025, each facing extreme risk due to ongoing armed conflicts, terrorism, and widespread lawlessness. In Somalia, militant groups like Al-Shabaab frequently target civilians, officials, and foreigners, while piracy remains a concern; South Sudan is plagued by political instability, inter-ethnic violence, and limited access to essential services; and Sudan continues to experience widespread violence and humanitarian crises following the escalation of conflict in 2023.

Keep Your Belongings Safe!

One of the most common risks travelers face worldwide is theft, especially in crowded tourist hotspots, public transportation, and bustling city centers. In 2025, as international travel rebounds and destinations grow busier, safeguarding your valuables is critical to ensure your trip remains stress-free and enjoyable.

Anti-Theft GearUse anti-theft bags or backpacks with lockable zippers, cut-resistant straps, and RFID-blocking compartments. Money belts or neck pouches worn under your clothes offer an extra layer of security for passports, cash, and credit cards, making it much harder for pickpockets to access valuables. I love the bags from Pacsafe for my everyday belongings.

Stay DiscreetAvoid displaying expensive jewelry, electronics, or large amounts of cash publicly. When using your phone or camera, be mindful of your surroundings and keep these items out of sight when not used. If you need a wallet, keep it in a front pocket or a zipped compartment rather than a back pocket or an open bag.

Be Aware of Your SurroundingsThieves often work in teams and target distracted tourists, especially in busy areas or during significant events. Stay alert in crowds, be cautious if someone tries to distract you, and always keep a hand on your bag or backpack. When sitting at a café or restaurant, loop your bag strap around your chair leg or keep it on your lap.

Community Q and A

While not mandatory, it is highly recommended to register your trip with your country’s embassy or consulate to receive important safety alerts and enable easier assistance in emergencies:

• U.S. travelers should enroll in the free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides real-time security updates and helps the nearest embassy contact you in case of emergencies.
• German travelers can use the Auswärtiges Amt’s ELEFAND crisis preparedness registration.
• Canadian travelers should register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) service for emergency updates and support.
• Austrian travelers are encouraged to register with the Austrian Foreign Ministry via the online portal or the Service Abroad app, enabling quick assistance and emergency notifications during their stay abroad.

Registering or using these programs increases your safety and ensures you receive timely, relevant information during your travels.

Have a question? Reply to this email, and we might feature it in next month's Q&A!

From the Team

The Safety Huddle No. 18, with Olcay Sancar, on internal investigations inside companies: who runs them, why whistleblowers matter more than most organizations admit, and how to keep the process fair while it is happening.

Medics on Tour

Medics on Tour is our exchange program for medical practitioners who want to work inside the South African emergency system: ambulance, response car and emergency room shifts alongside experienced local paramedics, hosted by Medi Response in Johannesburg.

It is open to paramedics, doctors and nurses. Details at medicsontour.com.