Iraq: Curfew declared on motorcycles after bomb explosion in Mosul May 4 /update 1

Event

Authorities in Mosul declared an indefinite curfew on motorcycles beginning Saturday, May 4, after a bomb attached to a motorcycle exploded in Mosul's Al-Magmoaa area, near the University of Mosul, on the same day. The attack left at least two people wounded. Similar attacks are possible in northern Iraq over the near term. Heightened security measures and nightly movement restrictions are likely in the coming weeks.

Context

While former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi claimed victory over the Islamic State (IS) group in December 2017, the group retains a degree of freedom of movement in parts of the country, particularly in western and northern Iraq.

Advice

Individuals in Mosul are advised to monitor the situation, prepare for nightly movement restrictions, and adhere to instructions by local authorities. Individuals in the affected area are advised to report suspicious objects and behavior to the police, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments. The security environment in Iraq remains complex.

Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.