Article:

Tweet with a location 
  
 You can add location information to your Tweets, such as your city or precise location, from the web and via third-party applications. You always have the option to delete your Tweet location history. Learn more ||||| An American diplomat has been found dead after an apparent attack at his residence in Madagascar's capital, police said on Monday, adding that a suspect had been arrested. 
  
 In the early hours of Sunday morning "after receiving a call from neighbours and private security guards, the gendarmerie night patrol found an American diplomat dead at his home," police spokesperson Herilalatiana Andrianarisaona told AFP. 
  
 The victim was confirmed dead at the scene by paramedics, he said. 
  
 A man "was caught trying to jump the perimeter fence fleeing from the house," he said, adding that a suspect is in custody. 
  
 The police declined to give further details. 
  
 The government has launched an investigation into the case. 
  
 Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world, has been in recent months been rocked by several violent murders, rekindling security fears, less than three months ahead of the country's next general election. 
  
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 By Reuters 
  
 WASHINGTON — A suspect was in custody Monday after an American diplomat was found dead at home while serving in Madagascar. 
  
 State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the death was being investigated by U.S. and local authorities. 
  
 She said the U.S. foreign service officer was found dead during the overnight hours Friday in the capital of the Indian Ocean nation off the east coast of Africa. 
  
 Nauert declined to identify the diplomat or release details on the circumstances of the death. 
  
 "A suspect is currently in custody," Nauert said. ||||| Authorities arrested a suspect after finding a U.S. diplomat in Madagascar dead in his home late Friday night, the State Department confirmed Tuesday. 
  
 U.S. and Madagascar officials are both conducting investigations into the death in the African country's capital of Antananarivo, State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a statement. 
  
 "Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and to the U.S. Embassy Antananarivo community," she added. 
  
 The State Department declined to release the name of the diplomat or discuss details of the death, citing the ongoing investigation and respect for the diplomat's family. 
  
 Police have arrested a suspect "caught trying to jump the perimeter fence fleeing from the house" after what may have been an attack, Antananarivo police spokesperson Herilalatiana Andrianarisaona told the news agency AFP. 
  
 While it does experience particularly high levels of violence, Madagascar, an island nation off the southeast coast of Africa, is one of the world's poorest countries. 
  
 "Driven by poverty and the continuing downward employment trends, the entire country has experienced a dramatic spike not only in the number of crimes, but also in their severity and type, including armed attacks, robberies, and assaults," the State Department's travel office wrote in July of 2018. 
  
 It categorizes Madagascar as a travel advisory level 2, and recommends people “exercise increased caution” when visiting the country. 
  
 "More serious crimes, including home invasions, are not uncommon," the travel office said, with U.S. personnel now forbidden from using minibus taxis because of high risk of robbery and carjackings. ||||| National elections, scheduled for late 2018, have increased civil unrest and elevated the potential for violence. The security situation may deteriorate rapidly. As an example, in June 2016, an unprovoked, but politically-motivated, series of grenade explosions killed three people and injured dozens in Antananarivo during National Day celebrations. In April 2018, opposition groups protested against new electoral laws, resulting in two deaths and sparked additional protests in Antananarivo as well as other major cities in Madagascar. Be especially vigilant in the vicinity of downtown Antananarivo especially near government buildings, the national stadium, and historical monuments, where violent incidents have occurred. 
  
 Violent confrontations between the dahalo (criminal gangs that steal cattle) and security forces have increased in several regions of Madagascar, particularly in areas south and west of the capital. 
  
 Often precipitated by rumors or allegations of injuries to local citizens especially in areas where there are minimal security forces, mob violence and “popular justice” continues but is rarely directed toward foreign nationals. Street altercations and traffic accidents often quickly draw large and sometimes unruly crowds. Exercise caution and remain calm if you find yourself in a dispute, particularly in a public place. If you feel threatened by large crowds, immediately leave the scene, seek the direct intervention of local law enforcement, and contact the U.S. Embassy. 
  
 The cyclone season in Madagascar occurs between December and April. Please monitor media reports, the RSMC Tropical Cyclone Center, and follow all official instructions. 
  
 CRIME: Petty crime in Madagascar is common in urban areas. Skilled pickpockets are very active in downtown Antananarivo, and they primarily target jewelry, purses, and mobile phones. Additionally, criminals have stolen luggage from baggage claim areas at Antananarivo’s Ivato International Airport by simply grabbing items off the conveyor belt and exiting the airport. 
  
 More serious crimes, including home invasions, are not uncommon in Madagascar. Driven by poverty and the continuing downward employment trends, the entire country has experienced a dramatic spike not only in the number of crimes, but also in their severity and type, including armed attacks, robberies, and assaults. U.S. Embassy personnel are instructed not to use taxi-bes (minibuses which operate within urban centers) and taxi-brousses (which travel to outlying regions) due to increased risk of carjacking and highway robbery. The majority of reported crimes were directed at Malagasy nationals but Westerners have likewise been targeted. 
  
 Avoid walking alone especially after dark. 
  
 Do not display cash and valuables. 
  
 Drive with doors locked and windows closed. 
  
 Always carry a color hard copy of your U.S. passport and visa. Keep original documents in a secure location. But be aware that Malagasy law and regulation requires the presentation of the original passport and while most authorities will accept a color hard copy, you may be requested to present the original. 
  
 Coastal cities like Toamasina and Mahajanga have experienced a particularly significant rise in crime over the last year. Violent assaults on foreign travelers in high-traffic tourist areas have been reported in: 
  
 Nosy Be 
  
 Ankarana and Montagne d’Ambre National Parks adjacent to Diego 
  
 Isalo 
  
 area surrounding Tolagnaro (Ft. Dauphin) 
  
 Batteie Beach, north of Toliara (Tuléar) 
  
 Visiting remote sites: While the government has increased the number of dedicated police units at popular tourist sites, only visit remote sites in large groups guided by reputable tour operators. 
  
 Exercise caution when traveling through these designated areas due to violent highway robberies: 
  
 The general area south of the National Route (RN) 7 and RN 27 including the RN 10, RN 13, and the surrounding areas. Except the tourist area on the coastal roads between Ambovombe and Farafangana, including Fort Dauphin/Tolagnaro area. 
  
 The RN 1B, which is located to the west of Antananarivo between Tsiroanomandidy and Maintirano. 
  
 See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams. 
  
 Victims of Crime: 
  
 Report crimes to the local police at 117, 22-227-35, or 22-357-09/10. U.S. citizens can also call the U.S. Embassy at (261) 20-23-480-00 if assistance is needed in communicating with law enforcement officials. 
  
 Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. 
  
 See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas. 
  
 We can: 
  
 help you find appropriate medical care 
  
 assist you in reporting a crime to the police 
  
 contact relatives or friends with your written consent 
  
 explain the local criminal justice process in general terms 
  
 provide a list of local attorneys 
  
 provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. 
  
 provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution 
  
 help you find accommodation and arrange flights home 
  
 replace a stolen or lost passport 
  
 Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. 
  
 For further information: |||||
What is a summary?
– "A suspect is currently in custody." That, and a few sparse details, is all that State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert would offer Monday night on the death of an unnamed US diplomat on the island of Madagascar, NBC News reports. "We are deeply saddened to confirm that a US Foreign Service Officer was found dead in their residence in the early morning hours of Friday, September 21," Nauert said in a statement, adding that a joint probe with US and Madagascar authorities was underway and that there would be no further comment for now. A local police rep tells AFP a man "was caught trying to jump the perimeter fence fleeing from the house." ABC News notes a State Department travel advisory from July warns that Madagascar "has experienced a dramatic spike not only in the number of crimes, but also in their severity and type, including armed attacks, robberies, and assaults," and that while "the majority of reported crimes were directed at Malagasy nationals … Westerners have likewise been targeted."