International SOS International SOS

A team from International SOS recently conducted an in-country assessment in Lebanon to assess secure accommodation and evacuation routes. This was done amid concerns that persisting tensions between Israel and Hizbullah pose a heightened risk of an escalation. International SOS currently recommends deferring all travel to Lebanon and evacuating all workforce from the country. Security Specialist, Assistance Gracia Moussa and Lead Security Analyst covering the Middle East and North Africa, Polina Vynogradova offer this update.

Disruption was reported at airports, banks, media organisations and other businesses worldwide following a widespread IT outage on 19 July. Healthcare, transport and payment systems were also affected. The outage has been linked to a software update from a cybersecurity firm. International SOS' Security and Medical experts have been monitoring the situation and offer this update.

International SOS recently conducted an in-country assessment of Ghana’s operating and security environment. The country is suffering from widespread power cuts and economic pressures that could impact protest activity. Lead Security Analyst Baani Gambhir, who carried out the assessment, offers advice for business travellers planning to visit Ghana on how they can adequately prepare. She also talks about attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community in Ghana in the context of elections later this year.

Travel to Jamaica can resume with precautions after Hurricane Beryl caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure in southern areas. The hurricane is the earliest category five Atlantic hurricane for around 100 years and expert projections forecast as many as 25 named storms, 13 hurricanes and seven major hurricanes this season. International SOS’ Chief Security Analyst - West, Mike Rogers, and Security Director, Assistance Paul Doucet talk about hurricane preparedness following their recent in-country assessments in Jamaica and Barbados and offer tips to security managers about hurricane planning.

An unprecedented rise in bomb threats over recent months has raised concerns regarding their origins, intent and timing. Threats have been issued against targets such as schools in the capital, New Delhi and Ahmedabad, and airports across the country, leading to mass evacuations and flight disruption. Senior Security Specialist Mikhil Rialch examines the incidence of threats in the context of India's security environment and provides guidance for organisations that may be impacted. 

A team from International SOS recently conducted a trip to the Republic of Congo to assess the security situation, vet accommodation options and confirm security providers' capabilities. Our Security Manager Michel Isidore visited the cities of Brazzaville, Pointe-Noire, Dolisie and Kayes and offers these insights and recommendations for business travellers.