Solomon Islands: Officials are investigating the stabbing of Japanese national in Honiara as of Aug. 9; crime threat remains moderate

Event

Police are investigating an attack on a Japanese national in Honiara as of Aug. 9. According to belated reports, a man stabbed a member of the Japanese media with a pair of scissors. The victim, who suffered minor injuries, was part of a Japanese delegation at a ceremony at Bloody Ridge to commemorate the Battle of Guadalcanal Aug. 8. Authorities say the assailant suffers from mental health issues and may have experienced a psychiatric episode in the lead-up to the attack.

Context

Although the threat of crime is moderate in Honiara, violent attacks against foreign nationals remain rare. Most criminal activity affecting travelers is opportunistic, with pickpocketing and alcohol-related confrontations most often impacting tourists. Given the background of the aggressor, the incident does not indicate a rise in violent crime in Honiara or other areas of the Solomon Islands.