UNITED STATES(NEW YORK)/CANADA(TORONTO) - Various organisations in the United States and Canada have called for "Stop Iran Now" rallies on 22 July. The "Stop Iran Now" rallies are expected to be held in Times Square (42nd Street and 7th Avenue) from 17:30 to 19:30 local time, in the US state of New York. Another rally is expected to be held on the same day from 12:00 to 13:30 local time, opposite the US Consulate (360 University Avenue) in Canada's Ontario province, Toronto. An associated rally is expected to be held on 26 July in the US state of California, in front of the Federal Building (Veteran Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard) located in Los Angeles from 14:00 to 16:00 local time. Over fifty organisations, in co-operation with the Jewish Rapid Response Coalition have called for peaceful rallies in opposition to the Iran nuclear deal. On 20 July the United Nations (UN) Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution which specifies that seven resolutions related to UN sanctions will be terminated when Iran has completed a series of major steps to curb its nuclear programme and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has concluded that all nuclear material in Iran is being used for peaceful activities. The planned anti-Iran nuclear deal rallies are expected to be well attended. Although the rallies are expected to conclude peacefully, clients should nonetheless avoid all related gatherings as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the rallies are expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly. Clients in the affected areas on 22 July are advised to avoid all rallies and associated gatherings as standard precaution. Heightened security measures, including police checkpoints and random identification checks, may be implemented in the vicinity of the before mentioned venues. Clients are further advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays.

 

DENMARK(RYANAIR) - The Ryanair airline has significantly reduced the number of flights it operates to and in Denmark following a decision to close two Ryanair bases, at Kastrup airport in Copenhagen and Billund airport in Jutland, on 17 July. The decision to close the bases was prompted by a labour union threat to stage a strike of indefinite duration against the airline. The airline has cancelled at least two daily flights from London, in the UK, to Denmark, as well as the majority of international flights from or transiting Denmark. Disruptions to Ryanair services, including additional delays and cancellations, remain possible due to the airline's reduced capacity following the base closures. Furthermore, wildcat strike action against Ryanair's continued operations may also take place in the coming days. Clients intending to fly with Ryanair on 21 July or in the coming days are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

INDONESIA(BALI) - (Update) Drifting ash from the Mount Raung volcanic eruption has prompted authorities to once again close Ngurah Rai International Airport (also known as Denpasar International Airport), which serves the island of Bali, on 22 July. Virgin Australia and Jetstar flights had already been cancelled earlier on 22 July, but according to a statement from Indonesia's transport ministry, the closure has extended to the whole facility. Authorities have not indicated when the airport will re-open. Due to the continuing eruption of Mount Raung, significant disruptions are likely to continue to be reported in the near-term. Once the ash cloud has dissipated, flight disruptions are likely to continue due the resultant backlog. Clients scheduled to transit through Ngurah Rai International Airport in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or airline directly to confirm the status of their flight(s).
 

KENYA(NAIROBI) - Security has been across Nairobi for the visit of US president, Barack Obama, to the city. Obama is scheduled to arrive at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport at an undisclosed time on 24 July. The US statesman will be attending the 6th Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), which will take place at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) from 24 to 26 July. Obama will also give a public address at the Moi International Sports Center in the Kasarani area of Nairobi. Although no specific threats have been made against Obama's visit and the associated GES summit, the US Department of State has warned that the event may be a high-value target for Islamist extremist groups such as al-Shabaab. The al-Qaeda-aligned movement has executed a number of attacks in Kenya, including in Nairobi. Consequently, robust security measures, such as road closures, security checkpoints and other movement-restrictive measures will be employed across Nairobi. Such measures will be particularly high in and around the KICC, Moi International Sports Center, as well as the Nairobi Intercontinental, Sankara and Villa Rosa Kempinski hotels, which will host foreign delegations attending the GES summit. Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International and Wilson airports are also scheduled to be closed to air traffic for certain periods on 24 and 26 July.  Clients in Nairobi are advised to adhere to the directives of local authorities, ensure that identification documentation is kept on their person at all times and make allowances for possible travel delays resulting from the enhanced security measures. Clients scheduled to transit through the Jomo Kenyatta International and Wilson airports on 24 and 26 July should contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flights.

CZECH REPUBLIC(STUDENKA) - Rail services in eastern Czech Republic are experiencing significant disruptions following an earlier collision between a high-speed train and a truck at a level crossing on 22 July; at least two people have been reported dead following the accident. Rail services between Olomouc and Ostrava have been suspended and replaced with a bus service. Significant delays have also been reported on international services, including between Prague and Kosice, in Slovakia, as well as services to Katowice, also in Slovakia.  Normal rail services are expected to resume in the late afternoon; however, further delays are possible once the line re-opens. Clients planning to utilise the aforementioned rail services should consider alternative travel options and monitor local media for updates regarding the status of rail services.

SOUTH AFRICA(WESTERN CAPE) - (Update) Strong winds since late on 21 July have continued to cause disruptions to road and air traffic in Cape Town and surrounding areas in the Western Cape, on 22 July. Numerous departing flights at Cape Town International Airport have experienced significant delays, while arriving flights have experienced little disruption. Elsewhere, the Huguenot Tunnel, near Paarl, as well as Bain's Kloof Pass, between Ceres and Worcester, remain closed due to overturned trucks and fallen trees, respectively; it remains unclear when they will be re-opened. Strong winds are expected to persist in the immediate-term; as such, further road closures and disruptions in the Western Cape cannot be discounted. Clients intending to use the aforementioned roads in the immediate-term are advised to use alternate routes. Furthermore, clients intending to transit Cape Town International Airport are advised to contact the airport or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).
 

PAKISTAN(KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA) - Flash flooding triggered by torrential rainfall in the Chitral district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on 22 July has resulted in significant infrastructural damage and population displacement. Authorities have confirmed that at least 300,000 people have been displaced as a result of the flooding. Additionally; at least 80 percent of the water supply in the affected area has been contaminated and deemed unsafe for consumption. Power supply has been affected in Bumburate valley. Significant infrastructural damage has been reported to at least 104 homes, 40 bridges, and 12 roads. The main thoroughfare between Chitral and the Mastuj sub-division, as well as Garam Chashma road, is impassable due to floodwaters. Aid and rescue operations have commenced in the affected region. The ongoing flooding has been caused by the region's annual seasonal monsoon period, which generally affects Pakistan between June and September. Further rainfall is forecast in the coming days; this may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by torrential rainfall. Due to water contamination, there is an elevated threat of waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera. Continued travel delays and disruptions to water supply, electricity, food supply and telecommunications are likely to persist. Ongoing relief efforts are likely to be exacerbated due to floodwaters, which may take several days to recede. Clients in the aforementioned areas in Pakistan are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Furthermore, caution is advised in both low-lying areas and elevated regions due to the respective threats of flooding and landslides. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all travel to Pakistan is advised against.
 
SYRIA(ALEPPO)(ALEPPO GOVERNORATE)) - Three Spanish nationals (journalists), Antonio Pampliega, Jose Manuel Lopez and Angel Sastre, have been reported missing and presumed kidnapped on 12 July after entering Syria's northern city of Aleppo. The trio reportedly entered Syria from Turkey on 10 July. Further details are unavailable. Kidnapping is a significant risk in Syria, particularly in conflict zones, such as Aleppo. There are numerous armed groupings operating in the country which have conducted kidnappings in the past. Locals are the most frequently targeted; however, dozens of foreigners, including many journalists, have also been kidnapped. Motivations vary and can include abductions for political or propaganda purposes or for ransom.  Clients are advised against all travel to Syria due to numerous security concerns, including an elevated risk of kidnapping. Persons continuing with travel to Syria should do so after completing a full route risk assessment with their security provider. Heightened security measures, including the provision of an armed security escort, may be advised.
 

AFGHANISTAN(FARYAB PROVINCE) - At least ten people have been killed and more injured following a suicide bomb attack in the Almar district of Afghanistan's northern Faryab province 22 July. According to reports, the bomber detonated his explosives in the district's primary marketplace, targeting security forces therein. Emergency services are on the scene. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack. There is a countrywide extreme threat of terrorism in Afghanistan. The threat stems from several Islamist organisations, including the Taleban and the Haqqani network. Furthermore, following the near total withdrawal of foreign troops at the end of 2014 and the launch of the Taleban's spring offensive in April 2015, a sharp escalation in incidents of militant violence has been noted. Further such incursions should be anticipated in the short- to medium-term. Due to a number of security concerns, including the threat of terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan. Clients currently in the country are advised to implement maximum personal, travel and residential security protocols.
 
TURKEY - (Update) Protests by Kurds denouncing the suicide bombing in Suruc, Sanliurfa province, on 20 July continue to be reported across Turkey. On 21 July, hundreds of protesters gathered in Istanbul's Kadikoy area. During the gathering, minor clashes were reported with the police. A gathering was also reported in the city's Sisli area. The Sisli demonstration displayed a strong anti-government sentiment and a number of protesters were arrested. Elsewhere, Kurd protesters gathered in Nusaybin (Mardin province) in south eastern Turkey; low-level clashes with the police were reported. On 20 July, protest action was reported in Istanbul (Kucukcekmece, Sultangazi, Eyup, Sariyer, Beyoglu, Istiklal Avenue, Galatasaray High School and Taksim Square areas), Mersin (Mersin province), Bursa (Bursa province) as well as in the Tunceli, Izmir, Sirnal and Diyarbakir provinces. Low-level clashes were reported at some of the gatherings. In response, the authorities in Sanliurfa province have banned protests in the province. The protests since 20 July have displayed strong anti-government sentiment. Many demonstrators have blamed the ruling party, the Justice and Development Party, for not doing enough to prevent the attacks. Some protesters have also alleged that the ruling party is linked to the Islamic State (IS), the suspected perpetrators of the 20 July Suruc bombing. The protests have gained some momentum and may continue over the coming days as many leading opposition parties have led or joined protests condemning the bombing. The parties involved include the primary opposition grouping, the Republican People's Party (CHP), as well as the largest Kurd party, the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP). These parties are likely to continue to seek political capital out of the protest action in an effort to pressure the ruling party during ongoing talks on forming a ruling coalition. Talks have been ongoing since elections were held on 7 June. Further protests are likely in Istanbul and possibly the capital, Ankara. Towns across the country, including predominantly Kurd areas in the south east, may also be affected. The risk of further violence is elevated, particularly in the south east. Elsewhere, the government is likely to advise restraint to its security forces as any escalation in protest activity would serve the political opposition.  Clients in Turkey are advised to monitor local security developments in conjunction with their security provider. All street protests and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided as a standard precaution.
 

INDIA(RAJOURI) - A dusk-til-dawn curfew continues to be in place in the town of Rajouri, in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 July. The curfew was imposed on 21 July; the duration of the curfew is unknown. The curfew was implemented due to communal tensions after supporters of the right-wing Hindu nationalist group, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, burned a flag of the Islamist extremist group, Islamic State (IS), angering local Muslims. Although the Muslims do not support IS, the flag contained the Kalimah Tayyibah, seen by all Muslims as holy text. This resulted in violent protest action by Muslims, as well as clashes between police and protesters in the vicinity of Gujjar Mandi Chowk. Although the situation has since been brought under control, an elevated security force presence remains in place in the town, and all mobile phone services have been suspended. Given the emotive nature of the issue, and elevated communal tensions at this time, further protest action is possible, especially following Friday midday Muslim prayers on 24 July. As such, it is possible that the curfew and security force presence will remain in place until then, at least. Given the imposition of the curfew, security forces are likely to respond swiftly and decisively to any protests; as such, the potential for violence at any related gatherings is considered high. Due to persistent insecurity, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state is advised against, except the eastern Ladakh region. Persons in or planning to travel to Rajouri are advised to monitor local media, abide by the directives of the authorities and the conditions of the curfew and avoid all large public gatherings.
 

MOROCCO(TANGIER, BOUZNIKA, KHOURIBGA & TAOUNATE) - The authorities in Morocco stated on 21 July that they had dismantled an eight-man terrorist cell following the arrest of militants in Tangier, Bouznika, Khouribga and Taounate. The militant cell was reportedly planning attacks against the security forces and 'sensitive sites' on behalf of the Islamic State (IS). The Moroccan authorities frequently issue statements describing the disruption of militant activity in the country. These operations underline the persistent risk of terrorism in Morocco. There is a specific threat from Islamist extremists; however, due to elevated security levels, the number of completed attacks has been low. The last successful terrorist attack in Morocco was in 2011. Areas considered possible future terrorist targets include state facilities and personnel, Western diplomatic representations, as well as businesses and areas where foreigners or tourists congregate. Clients travelling in Morocco are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness, particularly in areas likely to be targeted by militants.
  

BRAZIL - Federacao Unica dos Petroleiros (FUP), a federation of a number of unions representing oil workers employed by the state-owned oil company, Petrobras, has called for a 24-hour strike in Brazil on 24 July. The strike has been called to protest against the sale of state assets and budget cuts, as well as to promote workers' rights. The possibility of associated protests is considered high. Protests, should they occur, are likely in the vicinity of Petrobras facilities and offices countrywide. The risk of violence exists at all related events. Protesters may also seek to block roads near protest venues. The strike coincides with an ongoing corruption scandal involving Petrobras executives, businessmen and Brazilian politicians, which has sparked several high-profile and well-attended anti-government protests in 2015. As such, there is a possibility that anti-government groups could join any possible protest action or initiate separate gatherings on 24 July. Public squares and major government buildings in cities are considered possible protest points. Clients in Brazil on 24 July are advised to monitor local media in their area of travel for updates on the location of possible protests. Persons operating in the oil sector are also advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness on the day. All related protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.
 

PUERTO RICO(SAN JUAN) - A number of political and social activist groups have called for an anti-austerity protest in the capital, San Juan, on 24 July. A large number of participants are expected to gather at the Capitol, the seat of the country's legislature, on Avenida Juan Ponce de Leon, where they will stage a rally from 16:00 local time.  Puerto Rican security forces are experienced in controlling such gatherings, with the upcoming demonstration expected to conclude without incident; however, the possibility of violence during street protests cannot be discounted. In addition, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the rally. Clients in San Juan are advised to avoid the protest gathering as a general precaution against violent civil unrest, and prepare for traffic delays in the vicinity of the rally.

 

BULGARIA - Countrywide protests and associated agitations initiated by agricultural unions in Bulgaria are expected at refuelling stations across the country on 24 July. Farmers are expected to block public fuel stations in opposition to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food's proposed laws regarding fuel level indicators, which are to become mandatory for tanks with a capacity exceeding 1000 litres. Further details regarding the upcoming protests are currently unavailable. The government-proposed legislation regarding the implementation of fuel level indicators has been initiated as a means to prevent the illegal trade of fuel, an increasingly significant concern in the industry. However, farmers have alleged that the installation of the device would be costly. Protests and any accompanying agitations are likely to be well supported; as such, localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all the affected fuel stations. In addition, the risk of low-level violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Bulgaria on 24 July are advised to avoid all large gatherings as a precaution and adjust itineraries to accommodate for any potential localised travel disruptions. Disruptions should be anticipated at all the affected fuel stations.

 

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