UNITED STATES (Chicago O'Hare) - The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that as part of the ongoing Mannheim Interchange project, the ramp from southbound Mannheim Road to westbound I-190 will be closed, weather permitting, Thursday, July 16th. The closure is anticipated to last approximately two weeks. Detour routes will be posted. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signing in the work zones, obey posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.

 

ITALY - Unionised airport employees are expected to stage several demonstrations across Italy on 14 July. Air traffic and meteorology personnel will hold a countrywide strike from 14:00 to 18:00 local time on the day, while Meridian Airlines employees across the country are expected to embark on a work stoppage from 10:00 to 18:00. Furthermore, pilots and flight attendants affiliated to the Italian national airline, Alitalia, are scheduled to conduct a 24-hour strike commencing at 00:01 on 14 July. Airport services across Italy are anticipated to experience several service disruptions. For a comprehensive list of affected airports, visit http://scioperi.mit.gov.it/mit2/public/scioperi. Italy's aviation sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action as a result of various labour-related issues. Flight disruptions should be anticipated at the affected airports. Clients intending to transit Italy on 14 July are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).  

GREECE - (Update) Greece's Prime Minister, Alexis Tsipras, recently accepted stipulations for a new financial bailout from the country's creditors. The Greek Parliament is due to vote on the new conditions on 15 July. The stipulations, including cutting pensions and raising taxes, have been criticised by members of Tsipras' own party, Syriza, and numerous unions and activist groups. The Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY) has called for a general strike on 15 July. The All-Workers Militant Front (PAME) has reportedly called for countrywide protests on the same day. These are due to be held during the evening in major squares of cities and towns across Greece, including the capital, Athens, and Thessaloniki. In addition, bank closures are expected to remain in place until midnight on 15 July. ATM cash withdrawals (using Greek bank cards) remain limited to 60 euros a day. The severe financial crisis has already resulted in widespread demonstrations. The majority of the gatherings have been peaceful in recent weeks; however, anger towards the government is growing in light of the recent agreement, and the risk of confrontations between police and protesters could increase further should the Greek Parliament accept the bailout conditions. In addition, widespread disruptions to businesses, government operations and public transportation are possible on 15 July, coinciding with the strike action. Demonstrations may also occur on 14 July in public squares and near prominent government buildings countrywide. Clients in Greece are advised to monitor local political and security developments closely and should minimise time spent in the vicinity of major public squares and government buildings. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Furthermore, persons travelling in Greece on 15 July should reconfirm their travel service(s) with their travel provider or the relevant local transport authority prior to departure. In addition, persons travelling on the aforementioned day should ensure that their itineraries cater for potential delays.

 

THAILAND / UK - Thai Airways has confirmed that it will resume its double-daily non-stop London to Bangkok service from October 25. The national carrier suspended night flights between London Heathrow and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi at the start of the month when it introduced the route's only direct daily A380 service.

But the addition of the Boeing 777 in the airline's vacant TG917/916 slot means passengers will now have two options a day between the two cities. TG917 will depart Heathrow's Terminal 2 at 21:35pm, arriving in Bangkok at 16:00pm, while TG916 will depart Bangkok at 13.20pm, arriving in London at 19:35pm. The A380-800 was introduced on July 01, with TG911 flying daily from Heathrow (T2) at 12.30pm and arriving at Suvarnabhumi at 05.45am. TG910 departs Suvarnabhumi at 01.10am daily, arriving at Heathrow (T2) at 07.15am.

The plane has 507 seats in three classes: 12 in Royal First Class, 60 in Royal Silk (Executive) Class, and 435 in Economy.

 

BRAZIL(SAO PAULO) - Residents of the southern parts of Sao Paulo, Brazil, protested against forced evictions in the area on 13 July. Protesters blocked the Senador Teotonio Vilela avenue near the Largo do Rio Bonita bus terminal and thereafter marched to the Capela do Socorro neighbourhood. Further evictions and protests are anticipated in the city on 14 July. The protests are likely to centre on Jardim Almeida Prado and Senador Teotonio Vilela avenue.  The eviction of illegal structures and the pacification of low-income areas (favelas) in Brazil's major cities remains an ongoing pursuit of the government. The rate of operations against these sites in major urban centres may escalate in the coming months ahead of the 2016 Olympics; these may spark further unrest. The risk of further violence and disruptions during future operations is considered elevated. Clients are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in low-income areas of urban centres; travellers should only visit favelas if accompanied by a reputable tour group or someone with a good knowledge of the area. Clients in major cities are advised to monitor local media for information on forthcoming police operations. These should be avoided as a standard precaution.   

INDIA(GOA STATE) - The North Goa Tourist Taxi Owners Association (NGTTOA) is expected to embark upon a strike and associated road blockade in India's Goa state on 15 July. The strike and associated agitation, which have been called in opposition to the transport ministry's decision to lift a suspension on rental car permits, are expected to commence at 06:00 local time and conclude at 18:00. The taxi owners' association has alleged that a lift on the moratorium on rental car permits would lead to uncompetitive practices and increased competition within the local industry. The associated blockade is likely to see taxi drivers converge at central locations or drive slowly on major roads, which may disrupt traffic and increase congestion. The strike and associated blockade are expected to conclude peacefully; however, the threat of violence cannot be discounted. Persons in Goa on 15 July are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the upcoming strike and associated blockade. Clients are advised to avoid all related gatherings as a standard precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated.

 

CHILE(ATACAMA, COQUIMBO & SANTIAGO METROPOLITAN REGIONS) - Chile's National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry (ONEMI) on 13 June issued a yellow alert as a result of heavy rain affecting the regions of Atacama, Coquimbo and Santiago Metropolitan. The downpour resulted in power outages, affecting thousands of people. A yellow alert is the second highest alert level in a four-tier scale. The alert is in place for the southern areas of Atacama region, including Alto del Carmen, Vallenar and Freirina, as well as in areas of Coquimbo region, including La Higuera, Vicuna, Paihuano and Rio Hurtado. The alert also applies to the Villa Alegre and San Javier areas of Maule region. Reports indicate that approximately 3,400 individuals have been left without power in the Santiago Metropolitan region, and over 7,000 in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions. In the latter, over 30,000 people have been left without drinking water in the Ovalle and Serena areas. Efforts to restore the power are currently underway. No fatalities have been reported as a result of the adverse weather. Heavy rain in Chile often characterises the period between the months of May and September. During this time, there is a heightened risk of flooding in coastal and low-lying areas of the country. While further heavy rainfall is not forecast in the near-term, further disruptions, including to road and rail travel, and continued power outages are likely to persist throughout the affected areas in the short-term at least. Persons in the affected areas are advised to follow directives issued by the relevant authorities and monitor local news for updates. Localised travel disruptions should be expected and travellers should plan accordingly; clients are advised to confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.

GLOBAL - Muslims will commemorate the end of the holy month of Ramadan, known as Eid al-Fitr, on 17 July. Exact dates may vary depending on location. In many states the Eid period is a public holiday, and can span a number of days. Eid al-Fitr is a major religious period in Muslim states and Muslim-majority areas across the globe. During this period, observers will typically travel home to their families to commemorate the end of Ramadan. The large movement of people often results in transportation disruptions and delays. Given the public holidays which frequently correspond with the period, disruptions to business and state operations are also expected at times.  Clients operating in Muslims majority states and regions during the Eid period should reconfirm all transport services with their travel provider or transport authority prior to departure.

 

AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN - There is a heightened threat of attacks across Afghanistan and Pakistan for the Muslim commemoration of Eid al-Fitr, the end of Ramadan, which falls between 17 and 20 July.  Although local officials in Pakistan or Afghanistan have not released any information pertaining to an actual threat of terrorist attacks, there is an extreme threat from terrorism in both countries, and bomb attacks, both actual and attempted, are regularly reported. The threat is posed by Islamist extremist groups who have carried out targeted attacks against symbols of the Pakistani and Afghan state, as well as against religious minorities, particularly Shiite Muslims in Pakistan. This threat is further heightened on religiously-significant holidays such as Eid al-Fitr. Possible targets include foreign diplomatic representations, markets, major hotels, restaurants, transport hubs and Shiite events and mosques, and there is likely to be a visibly heightened security presence at such locations; additional security checkpoints along major routes are also likely. In addition, during the Eid al-Fitr commemorations, clients should anticipate an increased demand for public transport and hotel accommodation, as observers typically travel home to their families to commemorate the end of Ramadan. In both countries, Eid al-Fitr and the days following, until 20 July, are public holidays, during which time business and state operations are reduced.  Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Clients currently in either country are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and vigilance and avoid all religious sites and processions, which are susceptible to attacks by extremists. Finally, clients should anticipate reduced business hours and transport availability, and should adjust their itineraries accordingly.   

MIDDLE EAST/NORTH AFRICA - There is an elevated risk of acts of terrorism being perpetrated in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, from 16 or 17 July. The Sunni extremist group, the Islamic State (IS), and its linked groupings or provinces (wilayats) have issued several threats to conduct attacks against opposing states and Shiite Muslims during the current holy month. The risk is considered particularly acute in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Syria, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. In addition, please note that many states in the region have declared public holidays coinciding with Eid al-Fitr. IS has conducted several high-profile attacks recently, including in Egypt on 11 July, Saudi Arabia on 22 and 29 May as well as in Kuwait and Tunisia on 26 June. Further actual or attempted attacks are possible at the end of Ramadan. Possible targets include Shiite Muslim mosques, strategic state sites, Christian communities, rival militant groupings, public areas and foreign nationals. This action may be coordinated through primary militant groups or local terrorist cells; attacks could take the form of bombings or shootings. In addition, please note that Eid al-Fitr is a major religious period in Muslim states and Muslim-majority areas across the globe. During this period, observers will typically travel home to their families to commemorate the end of Ramadan. The large movement of people often results in transportation disruptions and delays. Given the public holidays which frequently correspond with the period, disruptions to business and state operations are also expected at times. Clients in the MENA region should remain aware of the general terrorism risk. Persons operating in the MENA region should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness during the current Ramadan and forthcoming Eid al-Fitr period. Travellers should seek to limit travel near Shiite religious sites and state security forces and facilities. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities. Clients concerned about security in their specific area of travel should contact their travel provider for an update. In addition, clients operating in Muslim-majority states and regions during the Eid period should reconfirm all transport services with their travel provider or transport authority prior to departure.

 

IRAQ(ANBAR GOVERNORATE) - The Iraq government on 13 July announced the start of a new offensive against the Islamic State (IS) in Anbar governorate. The offensive will include members of the Iraqi military, Shiite Popular Mobilisation Units (PMUs) or al-Hashd al-Shaabi and Sunni tribal forces. The offensive will initially focus on Ramadi, which IS captured in May, and Fallujah, which IS and its allies have held since early 2014.  Conflict in Anbar governorate has continued at heightened levels since late 2013. The ability of the government to coordinate a successful assault in the region remains limited despite the increased support it has received from a US-led air coalition and Shiite militias. IS and its allies are entrenched in Fallujah and similar well placed defences are likely on approaches to Ramadi. The offensive is likely to initially focus on Fallujah and may only escalate after the end of Ramadan on 17 July and during the Eid al-Fitr period. IS may also seek to escalate retaliatory bombings for the remainder of Ramadan in Iraq's major urban centres. IS ground incursions may also escalate in front-line positions over the coming days, as the organisation seeks to make further gains against the government and the Shiite militias. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central Iraqi governorates, including Anbar and Baghdad. Persons operating in Iraq's extreme-risk regions are advised to travel with a close protection officer and should ensure that crisis management plans, including evacuation and contingency plans, are regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with their security provider.  

UKRAINE - Pravy Sektor (Right Sector), a far-right nationalist political and paramilitary organisation, has called for its members and supporters to stage demonstrations outside government buildings countrywide, from 14 July. The largest demonstrations are expected to take place in the capital, Kiev, as well as in Lviv, where the group maintains a strong presence. Related protests on 12 and 13 July were small but disruptive, as the unsanctioned demonstrations prompted large police responses.  Tensions between Pravy Sektor and the government have been elevated since a group of approximately 20 Pravy Sektor militants engaged in a gunfight with police in the western city of Mukacheve on 11 July; three people were killed and nine injured. The militants subsequently fled to a forested area on the border with Slovakia; police are continuing to negotiate the surrender of the group. There are concerns that the situation may destabilise the government's relationship with Pravy Sektor, whose militants are aligned with the Armed Forces of Ukraine against pro-Russia separatist militants in the east of the country. Indeed, the head of the far-right group, Dmytro Yarosh, has engaged in direct negotiations with President Petro Poroshenko and the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) in order to resolve the stand-off without the use of force. Meanwhile, Pravy Sektor leaders have taken a number of actions, including setting up armed checkpoints outside Kiev and staging militant demonstrations near government buildings, presumably in order to pressure the government during the negotiations. The escalating incident also casts further doubt on the ability of the authorities in Kiev to control the activities of the various volunteer battalions legitimised through their role in the anti-government protests and unrest in Kiev that led to the ousting of pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, in February 2014. Recent events have raised concerns that Pravy Sektor supporters may embark on an anti-government campaign in Kiev and elsewhere. The upcoming protests, as well as all future related protests, are deemed to be highly susceptible to violence. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to the regions of Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk and against all non-essential travel to the eastern Kharkiv region. However, regardless of the area of travel, clients are advised to exercise caution and should report all suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles to the local authorities. Clients are further advised to avoid all street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution against civil unrest.

 

BULGARIA(SOFIA) - Activists in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, are set to stage a large demonstration outside Sofia Court House (Sadebna Palata), located on Vitosha Boulevard in the city centre, on 14 July. Participants are expected to gather from 18:30 local time. The upcoming protest has been called in order to demand the resignation of the prosecutor general, Sotir Stefanov Tsatsarov, who opposes judicial reform. The event is set to be well attended and appropriate security measures are expected to be implemented by the authorities. Localised travel disruptions are also expected in the vicinity of Sofia Court House. As Tsatsarov is not expected to resign, further related demonstrations should be anticipated in the near-term. Persons in Sofia at the aforementioned time are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions are also expected.

 

INDIA(MADHYA PRADESH STATE) - The Indian National Congress (INC or Congress) party has called for a general strike, known locally as a bandh, across India's Madhya Pradesh state on 16 July. The protest action has been organised to demand the resignation of Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, amid corruption allegations, known locally as the 'Vyapam scam'. Congress supporters are also calling for an official investigation into the matter to be initiated. The exact starting and ending times of the general strike are unknown. The agitation is likely to be well supported as it is also being supported by four left-wing parties. As such, disruptions to transport and business services are anticipated for the duration of the strike. Prominent urban centres in the state, such as the capital, Bhopal, and largest city, Indore are likely to be worst affected by the strike and associated demonstrations. There is a credible risk of civil unrest at all protests in India; confrontations between protesters and security forces may pose an incidental risk to bystanders.  Persons in Madhya Pradesh on 16 July are advised to monitor local media for developments and updates regarding the strike action and possible associated demonstrations. All street demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Localised disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of any protest action.   

NICARAGUA(MANAGUA) - Nicaragua's opposition group, the Independent Liberal Party (PLI), has called for a protest in the capital, Managua, on 15 July. Participants are expected to gather in the vicinity of the headquarters of the Supreme Electoral Council in the city centre. Further details regarding the protest are currently unclear. The protest forms part of the group's weekly Wednesday campaign to demand fair elections and a change of electoral magistrates ahead of the 2016 presidential vote. The upcoming protest will be the most recent of several anti-government demonstrations that have taken place in the capital. Further such demonstrations are anticipated in the near-term. At the most recent protest on 8 July, several demonstrators were injured in clashes with the police outside the Supreme Electoral Council. The police used teargas to disperse the crowds and blockaded roads in the immediate vicinity, disrupting traffic in the area. In light of this, the risk of low-level clashes at the upcoming protest cannot be discounted. Additionally, localised road travel disruptions are to be expected, particularly near the council headquarters. Clients in Managua on 15 July are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution and adjust itineraries to accommodate for potential road travel disruptions.

 

INDIA(TELANGANA & ANDHRA PRADESH STATES) - The Godavari Maha Pushkaram Hindu festival is currently underway in India until 25 July. The event is taking place at numerous locations along the Godavari river, but will focus on the towns and cities of Basar, Dharmapuri, Koti Lingala, Kaleshwaram and Bhadrachalam in Telangana state, and Rajahmundry, Kovvur, Narasapuram and Antarvedi in Andhra Pradesh state. Tens of millions of people are attending the festival, which takes place once every 144 years. Events in the aforementioned towns will focus on the banks of the Godavari river. As with all significant religious events in India, the possibility exists that celebrations may be targeted by domestic and/or regional terrorist or insurgent groups seeking to highlight their respective causes. As a result of this threat, security is likely to have been heightened; such measures are likely to include roadblocks and increased security checkpoints at points of entry and exit in the city. In addition, road closures are likely to impact on road travel; as such, both delays to public transport and an increased demand for such services should be anticipated, due to the number of people attending the event. There is also an increased risk of petty street crime, as the crowds at various festivities will provide ample cover from which petty thieves may operate. Finally, poor crowd control at such events often results in deadly stampedes. Indeed, at least 22 people were killed in a stampede in Rajahmundry on 14 July, while ten more people were injured. Such incidents pose a clear incidental threat to travellers. Clients in the affected areas of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states on the affected days should anticipate travel disruptions and delays. Clients are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness due to the increased threat from petty crime and terrorism, and to avoid all large religiously motivated gatherings. Finally, due to a number of security concerns, all non-essential travel to the remote and rural areas of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh states is advised against.

 

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