New Zealand: Bomb scare in Wellington causes transportation disruptions

Event

A large area of Wellington has been cordoned off, including streets next to the parliament building, following a bomb square on Tuesday, May 9. Part of Victoria University's Pipitea Campus was also evacuated. As of 15:00 (local time), the area remained cordoned off, and police were widening their parameter to include Lambton Quay, Whitmore Street, Molesworth Street, Hill Street, Bunny Street, and Waterloo Quay.

Bus services and road traffic are facing disruptions, and it is unclear when the security parameter will be lifted.

Context

New Zealand has not been targeted by jihadist groups but remains extremely vigilant against such a threat as several terror attacks have been thwarted in neighboring Australia over the past year.

Advice

Individuals in Wellington are advised to monitor developments in the situation, avoid the city center, and to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities.