Guinea: Heightened security in response to escape of high profile prisoner in Conakry, Nov. 4 /update 1

Heightened security will almost certainly remain in place in Conakry and will likely be elevated nationwide in the coming days following the escape of several high-profile prisoners in Conakry's Kaloum area early Nov. 4. Armed assailants attacked the capital's Central Prison and freed Moussa Dadis Camara, former leader of Guinea (2008-2010) who came to power via a coup, and two others. Camara was incarcerated for his alleged role in the deaths of dozens of protesters in September 2009. Gunfire was reported throughout Kaloum during the morning period amid a significant security response. There have been no immediate reports of casualties. Road access in Conakry has been significantly impacted, Nov. 4.

Officials in Guinea have also reportedly closed the country's borders. Disruptions have also been reported at Ahmed Sekou Toure International Airport (CKY); air traffic control staff have reportedly been unable to travel to work due to roadblocks. Authorities will likely establish patrols and checkpoints along major roads, near strategic government installations, border crossing points, and transport hubs in the coming hours and maintain these until Camara is apprehended and the security situation stabilized. Identify checks and vehicle searches are likely. Officials could implement additional movement restrictive measures, such as curfews. Confrontations between assailants linked to the jailbreak and government security forces are possible. The exact size of the assailant's force is currently unknown.