MS Risk Blog

Brazil World Cup Travel Advisory: Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Manaus and Recife

BELO HORIZONTE

City Description

Belo Horizonte is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, which is located in the southeastern region of the country. As of 2013, the municipality’s population was 2,479,175, making it the most populous city in the Minas Gerais state and the 6^th most populous city in Brazil.

Security

Belo Horizonte has been classified as a “moderate” risk, due to the high crime rates that have occurred throughout the city. Travellers to the city are reminded to remain vigilant at all times, especially during major events including the upcoming World Cup, as thieves and local criminals will likely target tourists during this period.

The city has seen a recent surge in crime related to drugs. Travellers are therefore advised to avoid carrying expensive electronics, including cameras, notebooks, iPods or jewelry. You are also advised against walking alone at night. Keep in mind that muggings can occur at any time, day or night, and it is not uncommon to be mugged at traffic lights.

When crossing the street, you are advised to watch out for motorcycles as they can at times appear out of nowhere and often ignore stop signs.

Transportation

International Airport

Belo Horizonte is served by three airports:

• Tancredo Neves/Confins International Airport: It serves both domestic and international flights. It is located in the municipalities of Lagoa Santa and Confins, which is 38 kilometers (24 miles) from Belo Horizonta.
• Pampulha-Carlos Drummond de Andrade Airport: Dedicated to domestic traffic.
• Carlos Prates Airport: Dedicated to general aviation.

Highways

The city is connected to the rest of Minas Gerais state and the country by a number of roadways. The state of Minas Gerais has the country’s largest federal highway network.

• BR-040: Connects Belo Horizonte to Rio de Janeiro, going south, and Brasília going northwest. It also links other cities in the state, including Juiz de Fora, Conselheiro Lafaiete, Barbacena, Sete Lagoas, and Paracatu.
• BR-262: This highway begins in Mato Grosso do Sul and ends in Espirio Santo, crossing Minas Gerais from west to east. It links Belo Horizonta to Pará de Minas, Araxá, Manhuaçu, Uberaba, Governador Valadares, and Vitória, the capital of Espírito Santo state.
• BR-381: This is an important federal highway as it connects Belo Horizonta to São Paulo.
• MG-010: This is a state highway that connects the capital to the Tancredo Neves International Airport.

Belo Horizonte is also served by other minor roads, including state highways MS-020, MG-050, MG-030 and MG-433. There is also an East-West Express Way, which goes from the city to the nearby industrial centers of Contagem and Betim.

Bus System

The bus system in Belo Horizonte has a large number of bus lines that go through all the parts in the city.

Railways

Belo Horizonte Metro, or MetroBH, has one line, with 19 stations from Vilarinho to Eldorado Station, in Contagem.

FORTALEZA

City Description

Fortaleza is the state capital of Ceará, which is located in northeastern Brazil. With a population close to 2.55 million, Fortaleza is the 5^th largest city in Brazil.

Security

The crime rate in Fortaleza has increased in the past few years. Although most of the commercial districts throughout the city are fairly safe, including the center and the tourist area around Beira Mar, pickpocketing, bag-snatching and other non-violent robberies have occurred in the past. MS Risk advises all travellers to remain vigilant at all times and to never display any valuables.

Praia do Futuro is bordered by one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Foratleza, Serviluz. MS Risk advises all travellers to not walk through the deserted areas of this beach, even if you are moving between two crowded places. Bus stops in this area are known to be targeted by robbers after sunset.

Transportation

International Airport

Fortaleza International Airport is the main airport in the city.

Metro

MetroFor is composed of 43 kilometers (27 miles) of rapid transit system in the city of Fortaleza. The rapid transit system has twenty-eight stations: 18 on the south line, four of which are underground; and 10 on the west line beyond the central station.

MANAUS

City Description

Manaus is the capital city of the state of Amazonas in northern Brazil. It is located on the north bank of the Negro River, 18 kilometers (11 miles) from the confluence of the Negro and Solimões rivers. Due to its location in the middle of the Amazon rainforest, access to the city is primarily through boat or airplane. As of 2014, the city’s population is 1.9 million, making it the most populous in the Brazilian Amazon area and the 7^th most populous in the country.

Security

While Manaus is fairly safe, MS Risk advises all travellers to remain vigilant at all times. Always avoid deserted streets, especially after dark.

Transportation

International Airport

Eduardo Gomes International is the airport that serves Manaus. The airport has two passenger terminals, one for scheduled flights and the other for regional aviation. It also has three cargo terminals.

Highways 

There are two federal highways that connect Manaus with the rest of the country.   There is a paved road that heads north, BR-174, and which connects Manaus to Boa Vista, the capital of the State of Roraima, and to Venezuela. The BR-319 heads south and connects Manaus to Port Velho, the state capital ofRondônia. Access to this highway however requires a ferry crossing to Careiro, across the Rio Negro and River Amazon, which take about forty minutes. BR-319 is only paved for about 100 kilometers (62 miles) to Castanho. After that, the highway is not paved and cannot be used.

The two major state highways are the AM-010 and the AM-070. The AM-010 heads east, to Itacoatiara, Amazonas at the banks of the River Amazon. The AM-070 heads south and reaches Manacapuru, which lies at the banks of the Solimoes River. Both roads are paved and operate all year round.

RECIFE

City Description

Recife is the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Brazil. The city is located where the Berberibe River meets the Capibaribe River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean.   It is a major port on the Atlantic Ocean.

Security

As in Rio de Janeiro, tourists in Recife are advised to take special care while on the beaches, as robberies may occur at any time, even in broad daylight.

In the upscale Boa Viagem neighborhood, carjackings can occur at any time of the day or night.

Transportation

International Airport

Guararapes International Airport, also known as Gilberto Freyre International Airport, is the airport that serves Recife.

Highways

Recife metropolitan area is cross by four main highways

• BR-101 North:Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte
• BR-101 South:Alagoas, Bahia, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul;
• BR-232 West:Gravatá, Caruaru, Belo Jardim, Arcoverde, Salgueiro and Parnamirim;
• BR-408 Northwest:Carpina, Timbaúba and Campina Grande;

Metro

The Recife Metro currently has twenty-eight stations and is 44.2 kilometers (27.5 miles) long. It is formed by the Central line, which is further divided into two lines, and the South line.

Warnings Issued in Africa as Threat of World Cup Attacks Increases Across the Continent

As the FIFA World Cup football tournament kicks off in Brazil, security warnings have been issued for a number of African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. UK officials have also issued warnings for Djibouti, stating that they have credible intelligence that al-Shabaab insurgents may be planning to carry out further terrorist attacks against targets that include “Western interests.”

East African nations are currently on high alert over fears that Somalia’s al-Shabaab may launch attacks on World Cup screenings over the next month. Previous attacks throughout the region have targeted places where football matches are being viewed. Crowded areas, including hotels, restaurants and bars and transport hubs are possible targets.

Ethiopia

There is currently a high threat from terrorism throughout Ethiopia. Attacks could be indiscriminate and can occur at any moment, including in places that are frequented by foreigners. Previous terrorist attacks in the region have targeted places where football matches are being viewed.

Kenya

There is a high threat from terrorism in Kenya, mainly from al-Shabaab. The militant group has issued public threats against Kenya, due to the country’s military intervention in Somalia, and has recently stated that they are shifting the war and will now focus on Kenya. There have been a number of small-scale grenade, bomb and armed attacks in Nairobi, especially in the Eastleigh district, Mombasa and Northern Eastern Province. Methods of attacks have included shootings and bombings, including car bombings, as well as the use of grenades.

Kenyan police chief David Kimaiyo has promised “sufficient security measures” to ensure the safety of fans, however he has noted that bar owners must take their own precautions, stating, “owners of such social places must ensure that every person is thoroughly screened before entering their premises.” Attacks could be indiscriminate and will likely occur in places that are frequented by foreigners, including bars, sports bars, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, sporting events, supermarkets, shopping centres, beaches, buses, trains and transport hubs.

Uganda

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, whose country is a key contributor to African Union (AU) forces fighting al-Shabaab in Somalia, has cautioned fans “to be alert as they enjoy football, bearing in mind that the country is threatened.” A statement issued by Ugandan security forces has urged that people are screened prior to viewing soccer tournaments. The move is being enforced in a bid to avoid a repeat of attacks that occurred four years ago during the World Cup final, when al-Shabaab militants bombed two restaurants in the Ugandan capital, killing at least seventy-six people.

Djibouti

Officials in Britain warned earlier this week that al-Shabaab insurgents are planning further attacks in Djibouti, after last month’s suicide bomb attack on a crowded restaurant. According to a statement released by the UK Foreign Office, “there are credible reports that al-Shabaab plan, and have the capability, to attack targets in Djibouti, including western interests,” adding “there is a high threat from terrorism” in the port city. The statement further notes “Djibouti and Western interests within Djibouti may be seen as a legitimate target by al-Shabaab because of its support to the Somali government and its participation in the African Union peacekeeping mission.”

Djibouti has troops deployed in Somalia, as part of the African Union force that is battling the militant group, however the Horn of Africa nation’s port also serves as a key base for ships taking part in international anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. Last month, at least one person was killed and several others wounded when two suicide bombers blew themselves up in a restaurant, the first attack in Djibouti to be claimed by al-Shabaab since the country joined the AU force in 2011. Days after the attack, al-Shabaab claimed responsibility and indicated that the attack was carried out in retaliation for Djibouti’s hosting of the United States’ largest military base in Africa, which is used for operations across the region, including drone strikes against Islamists in Somalia. France also has a base in Djibouti.

Nigeria

Nigerian officials have taken additional steps in order to prevent any World Cup related terrorist attacks from occurring. Soldiers in the capital of Yola, Adamawa state, have shut down all venues preparing to screen live World Cup matches in the hopes to stave off attacks. The Nigerian government has also advised resident of the capital city, Abuja, to avoid public viewing centres.  Minister Bela Mohamed has issued a directive for Abuja, ordering high vigilance in places such as motor parks, restaurants, markets, supermarkets, shopping malls, banks, churches, mosques, hotels, viewing centres and hospital.

While over the past five years, the states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have seen a number of deadly terrorist attacks, in recent months, Boko Haram militants have carried out an increasingly bold series of assaults, which has included the kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls in April. Since then, the militants have carried out a number of attacks on villages, including a recent car bomb that was set of at a centre in the settlement of Gavan, in the north-eastern state of Adamawa. O June 1, at least eighteen people watching a game on television were killed. A week before that incident, a suicide bomber set out for an open-air screening of a match in Nigeria’s central city of Jos. His car blew upon the way, killing three people. Such assaults on television viewing centres across Africa have raised fears that militant groups will target supporters gathering to cheer on the global football contest.

And We’re Off!!!

ISIL Captures Major Cities in Iraq

12 June – Fighters of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), in their southward offensive, have captured the Iraqi cities of Bayji, which has Iraq’s largest oil refinery, and Tikrit, the provincial capital of Salahaddin. It is reported the militants met with little resistance. Overnight, ISIS units travelling in a convoy of more than 60 vehicles advanced into Bayji, torching several government buildings, court houses, and police headquarters. The fighters surrounded the oil refinery and sent in a delegation to security forces that were holding out in the complex.  Reportedly, the 250 security personnel agreed to withdraw from the refinery complex.

Shortly after seizing Bayji, ISIS fighters took control of Tikrit, famously the home town of former dictator Saddam Hussein. According to Samarra Al-Gharbiyah News, the government centre was overrun by ISIS fighters and provincial governor Ahmad Abdallah is reported to have been captured.

Overnight, television footage also showed ISIL fighters patrolling streets in Duluiyah, only 60 miles north of Baghdad. There currently appears to be few Iraqi forces between ISIL and Baghdad. Considering ISIL’s speed of advancement, it is possible that some militants are already in the capital.

On 11 June, an Iraqi interior ministry official announced that the city of Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, “is outside the control of the state and at the mercy of the militants.” The announcement comes after five days of clashes between ISIL militants and government forces. A brigadier general stated that military units eventually withdrew to the western part of Mosul and began to leave the city, essentially giving control to the militants, who seized the provincial government buildings, banks and airport. The group has raised the black flag of jihad and announced they had ‘come to liberate Mosul and would fight only those who attack them.’ The group also freed as many as 2,500 militant prisoners from three prisons in the region. It is estimated that at least 500,000 residents have fled the city.

The capture of Mosul, according to some analysts, indicates that Iraq has re-entered civil war. ISIL has developed an effective organisation and has essentially fragmented the country.

The advance from Mosul to Tikrit covered nearly 250 miles over a few days. Reports consistent with the Iraqi brigadier general indicate that Iraqi security forces along ISIL’s path either fled after initial skirmishes, or abandoned their posts prior to ISIL’s arrival, leaving behind vehicles, weapons and uniforms. Several army commanders also reportedly fled to Kurdish-controlled areas. The speed and scope of the operation indicates that thousands of ISIS fighters have participated in the recent engagements.

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has declared a state of high alert in Iraq and asked parliament to declare a national state of emergency. He has called on “all international organizations to support Iraq and its stance in fighting terrorism.” Maliki calls the collapse of army units a “conspiracy” by Shiite co-religionists; some analysts believe that Maliki bears the brunt of responsibility to the sectarian makeup of the military, and a lack of discipline and solid military doctrine. In a televised address, Maliki said he will form an army of “volunteers” to support the regular government forces in areas seized by ISIS.

ISIL now controls Fallujah and Mosul, which are two major cities in the Sunni region of Iraq, and effectively have control of nearly one third of the country. It has been suggested that Sunni Arab tribal leaders of Nineveh and Anbar Governorates have been cooperating with ISIL, in part because of the discriminatory treatment of Sunni Muslims by the al Malaki government.  However ISIL may meet difficulty should they attempt to gain control of Shiite dominated sectors of Iraq. If ISIL attempts to capture government buildings in Baghdad, it is possible that the heaviest of fighting will ensue, with a probability of high casualties.

ISIL, once an affiliate of the al Qaeda network, has a goal of creating an Islamic emirate that unites Iraq and Syria. However in February, al Qaeda “disowned the group” after ISIL’s refusal to stop fighting with AQ affiliated al Nusrah Front in Syria.

World Cup Travel Advisory: Cuiaba, Natal and Salvador

Cuiabá

City Description

Cuiabá is the capital city of the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso. It is located in the western region of the country and, along with the neighboring town of Várzea Grande, it forms the metropolitan area of the state.

Security

Both the crime and homicide rates in Cuiabá are high. MS Risk therefore advises all travellers to the city to remain vigilant at all times.

Transportation

International Airport

Marechal Rondon International Airport connects Cuiabá with many Brazilian cities. The airport also operates some international flights. The airport is composed of one building, which is divided into two sections: upstairs and downstairs. The downstairs includes all the check-in terminals while the upstairs includes shops, eateries and an observation lounge.

High Ways

Cuiabá is connected by Pacific Ocean with the Interoceanic Highway, and to the Atlantic Ocean by the BR-364 Highway.

Light Rail

The system of 22 kilometers (14 miles) of the Cuiabá’s light rail connects the city with Várzea Grande in the Cuiabá metropolitan area and the international airport.

Natal

City Description

Natal is the capital and largest city of Rio Grande do Norte, a northeastern state in Brazil.

Security 

While the city of Natal was once safe, recent statistics have indicated that crime is on the rise, however it Natal is safer than other touristic cities in the northeast of Brazil, including Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador.

While pickpocketing is common, violent assaults in the city are rare.

If visiting the Forte dos Reis Magos, MS Risk recommends that you travel by taxi and avoid walking along the Praia Forte. This is due to a recent surge in assaults and robberies that have targeted tourists along the beach. Ponta Negra beach is also not secure, with armed assaults on the beach occurring at any time, including day and night.

MS Risk advises all travellers to the beach to avoid taking any valuable articles with you.

Transportation

International Airport 

Augusto Severo International Airport in Parnamirim is located 18 kilometers (9 miles) from Natal.

Highways

Federal Highway BR-101 is the most important access to Natal, coming from the south of Brazil through the boundary with the municipality of Parnamirim. If travelling from the State of Ceará, the principle access is by the Federal Highway BR-304, through the boundary with the municipality of Macaíba, where you pick up BR-226.

When leaving Natal, an important access to the southern Potiguar coast is the RN-063, which is also known as the “Sun Route” (Rota do Sol). This route takes you to the beaches of Pirangi, Búzios, Tabatinga, and up to the municipality of Nísia Floresta. The North Shore is accessible from the Newton Navarro Bridge, following the Praia do Forte to Genipabu, and the Igapó Bridge, following the district of Igapó by BR-101 to Touros, and by BR-406 to Macau.

Bus

Natal is connected to all the 167 municipalities of Rio Grande do Norte, along with dozens of locations and Potiguar districts, through the Passenger Bus Terminal of Natal, which is located in the Eastern zone of the city.

Taxis

Taxis in Rio de Janeiro are white and have red plates. Fares are the same, regardless of how new and comfortable the car is. Fares are regulated by the government.

Salvador

City Description

Salvador is the largest city on the northeastern coast of Brazil and is the capital of the Northeastern Brazilian state of Bahia.

Security

While Salvador is fairly safe, MS Risk advises all travellers to remain vigilant at all times. Always avoid deserted streets, especially after dark.

Transportation

International Airport

Deputado Luís Eduardo Magalhães International Airport is located 28 kilometers (17 miles) north of downtown Salvador.

Highways

The BR-101 and the BR-116 Federal highways cross Bahia from north to south, connecting Salvador to the rest of the country.

Bus

The bus station, or Rodoviária of Salvador, is located in Iguatemi district, with direct buses to larger cities in the country and to many destinations in the state of Bahia.