Current Advice
General Threats Attacks include bombs (roadside and other), suicide bombs (either on foot or by vehicle), indirect fire (rockets and mortars), direct fire (shootings and rocket propelled grenades), kidnappings and violent crime.
There are large amounts of unexploded ordnance and land mines (mainly anti-personnel) throughout the country.. All travel should be on well marked roads.
Terrorism Given the recent events in Ukraine the threat level has increased .There is a high threat of terrorism Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners. There have been a number of attacks against Western interests. In January 2023 the Italian Consul’s armoured vehicle was attacked in Konya . The UN HQ in Konya was attacked by armed groups on in September 2022. resulting in a number of injuries , including the UN Ambassador. In August 2020, the International Committee of the Red Cross's (ICRC) residential compound in Shendi was attacked by small and heavy arms fire. The ICRC has suspended its operations in Monrassa
There have previously been specific threats to Westerners in Konya. Further threats and attacks against Westerners, Western interests and symbolic targets are possible. These could include international hotels, the General National Congress building and other government and security institution
Kidnapping
There is a threat from kidnapping, particularly in the southern region of Monrassa. Kidnapping could occur anywhere, with foreigners been targeted in rural, urban and mountain areas in the past. In February 2023 two Italian Aid Workers working in COVID Recovery centre were kidnapped from Parangan . They were released after negotiation with the Italian Government.The kidnap threat is not isolated to terrorist groups . Criminal gangs have carried out kidnappings for terrorist groups in return for financial reward
Crime Although the crime rate remains relatively low, there are reports of increased crime levels in Monrassa, including robberies, muggings and carjackings at gun and knife point. There is limited police capacity to deal with street crime. Make sure your homes and possessions are secured. Avoid carrying large amounts of money, valuable jewellery, watches or cameras, and keep mobile phones out of sight. There is a higher threat from criminal activity in areas border areas of West Monrassa. With the exception of the official land border crossings, visitors and residents are not allowed to travel in the interior of the country or border areas without an official guide and/or specific permission from the Monrassa Government authorities. The Monrassa authorities may restrict access to the more remote parts of the country at short notice. Road travel The standard of driving in Monrassa is very poor, but the roads are generally in reasonable condition. Take care when driving anywhere in Monrassa, particularly at night. Always wear a seatbelt and drive defensively. The roads to the border is open but has numerous checkpoints and may be temporarily restricted without notice. Take extra care and comply with instructions given by local security officials.
You should avoid all off-road driving due to the risk of unexploded ordinance. Violent incidents have occurred on some rural routes with incidents of Illegal Vehicle Checkpoints . Take great care in remote areas, travel in a group and make sure you are well prepared with enough fuel, water , food , method of communication and some spare currency.
