Latest news with #SmartTraveller
News.com.au
a day ago
- Politics
- News.com.au
A terrorism warning has been issued to Aussie travellers visiting the Maldives
A warning has been issued to Australian travellers following civil unrest in the Maldives. The island paradise is a popular destination that attracted about 35,000 Australians last year and is located about 750km southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. SmartTraveller updated its advice telling holidaymakers visiting the Maldives to avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and to exercise a high degree of caution. 'Public demonstrations could occur and may become violent,' the warning read. SmartTraveller advised there have been several terrorist attacks in the Maldives since February 2020, including three foreigners who were stabbed in Hulhumalé and an Australian who was injured. A police speedboat was set alight in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and an explosive device was detonated in Malé in May 2021, injuring a politician and bystanders. While resort islands were considered generally peaceful and secure, travellers were warned protests and demonstrations could occur in the greater Malé area and inhabited islands or non-resort islands. 'Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local authorities,' travellers were warned. 'Avoid protests and demonstrations, even if they appear calm and peaceful and follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor local media to avoid affected areas. 'Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including greater Malé and inhabited islands.'
Perth Now
a day ago
- Perth Now
Chilling warning for Aussie travellers
A warning has been issued to Australian travellers following civil unrest in the Maldives. The island paradise is a popular destination that attracted about 35,000 Australians last year and is located about 750km southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. SmartTraveller updated its advice telling holidaymakers visiting the Maldives to avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and to exercise a high degree of caution. 'Public demonstrations could occur and may become violent,' the warning read. SmartTraveller advised there have been several terrorist attacks in the Maldives since February 2020, including three foreigners who were stabbed in Hulhumalé and an Australian who was injured. A police speedboat was set alight in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and an explosive device was detonated in Malé in May 2021, injuring a politician and bystanders. While resort islands were considered generally peaceful and secure, travellers were warned protests and demonstrations could occur in the greater Malé area and inhabited islands or non-resort islands. Holidaymakers visiting the Maldives have been told to avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and to exercise a high degree of caution. Credit: Supplied 'Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local authorities,' travellers were warned. 'Avoid protests and demonstrations, even if they appear calm and peaceful and follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor local media to avoid affected areas. 'Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including greater Malé and inhabited islands.' Travellers were warned to avoid affected areas and to follow instructions from security personnel and authorities.
West Australian
a day ago
- West Australian
A terrorism warning has been issued to Aussie travellers visiting the Maldives
A warning has been issued to Australian travellers following civil unrest in the Maldives. The island paradise is a popular destination that attracted about 35,000 Australians last year and is located about 750km southwest of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. SmartTraveller updated its advice telling holidaymakers visiting the Maldives to avoid areas impacted by demonstrations and to exercise a high degree of caution. 'Public demonstrations could occur and may become violent,' the warning read. SmartTraveller advised there have been several terrorist attacks in the Maldives since February 2020, including three foreigners who were stabbed in Hulhumalé and an Australian who was injured. A police speedboat was set alight in Laamu Gan in March 2020 and an explosive device was detonated in Malé in May 2021, injuring a politician and bystanders. While resort islands were considered generally peaceful and secure, travellers were warned protests and demonstrations could occur in the greater Malé area and inhabited islands or non-resort islands. 'Terrorism can occur anywhere at any time. Terrorists may target areas visited by tourists. Follow the advice of local authorities,' travellers were warned. 'Avoid protests and demonstrations, even if they appear calm and peaceful and follow the advice of local authorities. Monitor local media to avoid affected areas. 'Drug-related crime and gang-related violence occurs in urban areas, including greater Malé and inhabited islands.' Travellers were warned to avoid affected areas and to follow instructions from security personnel and authorities.
News.com.au
02-05-2025
- News.com.au
‘Well played': Suspected thief is hit with instant karma
A Chinese tourist in Barcelona has gone viral after he used martial arts to heroically stop a suspected thief who tried to steal his camera. Footage from the streets of Barcelona, shows the suspected thief wailing and gasping for air as the tourist grappled him, holding him across his neck. The suspect could be seen thrashing against the tourist and pleading for help from passer-bys, who were unmoved by his plight. One onlooker tells the suspected thief, 'You are going to hurt yourself,' as he continues to attempt to free himself from the hold. After some time, police officers can be seen taking custody of the thief and sitting him up against a tree as he goes limp. Witnesses were then heard applauding the tourist and police with many shouting, 'Bravo'. The martial arts move, known as a neck choke hold, restricts airflow or blood flow to the brain and is often used in self-defence. It can cause temporary unconsciousness or even death. Gathering over 16 million views online, people were quick to praise the 'heroic' tourist. 'Well played, sir,' said one impressed viewer. 'Good for him to teach that guy a lesson,' said another. 'He came for the camera, but left with a free Kung Fu demo,' joked a third. However, some were unimpressed with the extent of force used on the suspected thief. 'He went too damn far. Was he trying to kill the man?,' said one concerned viewer. 'If the Police are not allowed to do it, I don't think you can,' said another. Barcelona has become notorious for its high theft rates. The city recorded 180,342 crimes in 2024, nearly half of which were thefts. Just last year, Sir Ben Ainslie was robbed of his Rolex watch at knifepoint in Barcelona, ahead of qualification races for the America's Cup, the BBC reported. The most successful Olympic sailor of all time was threatened with a knife by a group who took his Rolex, worth €20,000 ($35,000 AUD). Sir Ben told the BBC at the time that it was 'now a matter with the local authorities.' Smart Traveller warns tourists to be vigilant and take precautions to avoid being a victim of theft when travelling in Barcelona. 'Keep valuable items secure, particularly on public transport and in crowded areas. Carry valuables in front pockets, avoid back pockets, and keep bags closed and close to you.'
