AUSTRALIA - Unionised airport employees are expected to participate in a strike at airports across Australia on 3 August. Workers affiliated with the Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) are scheduled to conduct a four-hour work stoppage; members who work in security, counter-terrorism and bio-hazard positions have been exempt from the strike. The industrial action has been called in response to wage and labour-related disputes and is expected to affect international airports in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, Perth and Adelaide.  CPSU has called for civil action in response to what it deems as harsh labour measures being implemented by the Abbot Government. Labour policies implemented by the government have resulted in the loss of more than 17,000 public sector jobs, including those in the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. It should be noted that negotiations between striking workers, the CPSU and the airport or government authorities may lead to changes in the status of the strike action. Flight disruptions should be anticipated at airports in the aforementioned locations. Clients travelling to or from Australia on 3 August are advised to contact their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s). Furthermore, service and flight delays should be expected at the affected airports.
 

ATG is monitoring this event and will advise if any passengers may be affected. 

 

UNITED KINGDOM(BELFAST) - A parade, initiated by the Annadale Heritage and Cultural Society, is expected to take place in Belfast in Northern Ireland, UK, on 31 July. The parade is set to commence at 19:30 local time at Ballynafeigh Orange Hall and proceed to Ormeau Road. In addition, the parade is scheduled to proceed through Ava Avenue, Burmah Street, Kimberley Street, Sunnyside Street, Annadale Flats, Haywood Avenue, Haywood Drive, Candahar Street, Delhi Parade and Blackwood Street. The event has been scheduled by a local Protestant fraternal organisation to commemorate the deaths of two former Ulster Defence Association (UDA) members, Joe Bratty and Raymond Elder, who were allegedly assassinated by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1994. The marching season in Northern Ireland takes place annually between April and September and sees various Protestant pro-union fraternal groups hosting mass rallies and processions, including in Catholic-dominated Irish nationalist areas. Although the majority of these events pass peacefully, they have been known to spark violent clashes between unionist Protestants and nationalist Catholics in the past. Belfast has experienced incidents of violence during numerous previous parades. At a previous parade commemorating former UDA members in 2014, the parades commission are said to have received a significant number of complaints alleging that parade participants intimidated local residents. As such, a significantly heightened police presence is expected throughout the affected area. The parade is expected to be well attended and localised travel disruptions should be expected at affected sites.  Clients in Belfast on 31 July are advised to exercise caution and avoid all associated gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution due to the possibility of violent civil unrest. Clients should make allowances for transport disruptions at parade-affected sites.

FRANCE - A strike by unionised employees of Autoroutes du Sud de la France (ASF) is set to cause significant disruptions to road travel across France from 31 July to 2 August. The industrial action was called in response to various work-related grievances, including salary disputes and staffing concerns. The action is reportedly being supported by three of France's largest trade unions; the National Union of Autonomous Trade Unions (UNSA), Force Ouvriere (FO) and General Confederation of Labour (CGT).  The ASF operates a motorway toll network of approximately 2,714km. Although a service continuity plan is likely to be implemented by the company during the strike period, most booths are expected to be shut, creating delays. It should be noted that the striking workers may attempt to block roads on the affected routes in an attempt to highlight their grievances. Furthermore, as negation efforts are ongoing, the upcoming strike action may be cancelled or postponed on an ad hoc basis. Persons transiting through France during the aforementioned strike period are advised to make allowances for possible road travel disruptions. All protest gatherings should be avoided as a precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the industrial action and affected routes.
 

REUNION(REUNION NATIONAL PARK) - Authorities in Reunion have issued localised evacuation orders following the eruption of Piton de la Fournaise early on 31 July. The volcano, which is located in Reunion National Park on the eastern side of the island, reportedly erupted at approximately 10:00 local time. Flight services from Pierrefonds Airport and Roland Garros Airport remain unaffected at this time. No casualties or infrastructural damage have been reported. Piton de la Fournaise is considered to be one of the most active volcanoes in the world; the volcano has already erupted twice this year. It should be noted that ash emissions from the volcano could lead to air travel disruptions. Further evacuations and possible disruptions to travel and utility services cannot be ruled out at this time, due to the possibility of further eruptions in the near-term.  Persons in the affected area are advised to monitor local media and follow any advisory issued by local authorities. Clients intending to travel in Reunion in the coming days are advised to contact their travel provider for further information regarding the status of services.

 

IRAQ(ARBIL) - The US Consulate General in Arbil issued an Emergency Message for US nationals on 30 July. The consulate general warned of a 'credible threat' to public places in Arbil city and has limited the movement of consular staff on 31 July and 1 August. It has also requested additional Kurd security force deployment to the vicinity of its consulate general offices in Arbil. Further information regarding the nature of the threat has not been provided.  Arbil city is considered a relatively secure destination in northern Iraq. Nonetheless, there is a credible and elevated risk of terrorism stemming from Islamist extremists. The recent US warning likely relates to this risk. An increase in police patrols and checkpoints should be expected in the vicinity of the consulate general offices on 31 July and 1 August. This could result in some additional delays for road users. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Arbil governorate, including Arbil city. Persons operating in the city should travel with a trained security driver or local escort. Heightened caution is advised in public areas and in areas with large concentrations of people over the near-term. Local media should be closely monitored for updates and advisories from the local authorities.

 

LIBYA(SIRTE) - Four Indian nationals employed by the University of Tripoli have reportedly been kidnapped by suspected Islamic State (IS)-linked militants in Sirte, Libya. The abduction occurred on 29 July, when the victims were stopped at a checkpoint in the city. Further details are currently unavailable. The incident is indicative of the elevated operating risks in Libya, particularly in areas outside of the control of either of the country's two rival governments. Sirte and its immediate vicinity are currently controlled by IS militants. The grouping has been responsible for dozens of abductions in recent months. Many of the kidnappings have ended with the execution of the victims. A financial motivation cannot be discounted; however, there have been no reported ransom requests as yet. In addition to IS, there are multiple political and criminal groupings present in the country which have the operational capability to conduct kidnap operations. Kidnappings can be motivated by financial or political concerns. Both locals and foreign nationals are regularly targeted. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons intending to operate in the country should obtain full-route risk assessments prior to departure. Crisis management plans should also be regularly reviewed and updated.

 

TURKEY(POZANTI(ADANA PROVINCE))- Suspected Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) fighters attacked a police station in the Pozanti area of Turkey's southern Adana province earlier on 31 July. The attack and subsequent clashes with police officials left two officers and two fighters dead.  The attacks are the latest to impact on Turkey in recent days. Suspected PKK militants have conducted numerous attacks against state infrastructure, facilities and personnel. These coincide with an increase in Turkish military air strikes against PKK positions in northern Iraq and south eastern Turkey since 24 July. However, the majority of incidents have occurred in the restive south east. Adana province is located outside this area. The incident highlights the national risk stemming from PKK and other militants to the Turkish state. In light of the incident, clients in the affected area should anticipate an elevated level of security. Additional checkpoints and police patrols are possible. As many of the suspects involved in the attack remain at large, further incidents, including clashes, cannot be discounted in the area over the near-term. Clients in the Adana area are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. Travel near state infrastructure, facilities and personnel should be avoided, if possible.

 

TURKEY(BINGOL, IGDIR & KARS PROVINCES) - A Trans-Asia train travelling between Genc (Bingol province) and Suveren (Igdir province) along the Tehran (Iran) to Ankara (Turkey) line was targeted in a suspected Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) attack on 30 July. The militants detonated a bomb along the line, damaging the train and the rail line. In a separate attack, militants bombed another rail line in Sarikamis (Kars province) on 30 July. The militants then waited for repair crews to arrive and opened fire on them, killing one person and wounding one other. The attacks are the latest to impact on south eastern Turkey in recent days. Suspected PKK militants have conducted numerous attacks against state infrastructure, facilities and personnel. These coincide with an increase in Turkish military air strikes against PKK positions in northern Iraq and south eastern Turkey since 24 July. Further incidents are anticipated. The risk to foreign nationals is considered largely incidental. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the provinces of Van, Sirnak and Hakkari due to the risk of conflict between the Turkish military and Kurd rebels, as well as elevated risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime. In addition, heightened caution is advised in all eastern and south eastern provinces of Turkey, particularly in rural areas, due to the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, crime, and Kurd rebel-related conflict. These provinces include Ardahan, Agri, Kars, Igdir, Siirt, Batman, Bitlis, Mus, Bingol, Elazig, Erzincan, Tunceli, Diyarbakir and Erzurum. Travellers in high-risk regions should avoid travel near security force personnel and facilities and persons or buildings associated with the government.

THAILAND(YALA PROVINCE) - At least 18 people have been injured, six seriously so, in a militant attack on a security force outpost in Thailand's southern Yala province early on 31 July. According to reports, approximately 30 to 40 rebels attacked the base, located in the Baroh area, with rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs) and automatic weapons, resulting in the casualties. The rebels stole weapons and ammunition before fleeing the scene. Security forces were hampered from responding to the attack as the rebels had laid obstacles on the road leading to the base. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack. The incident is likely related to the ongoing violent separatist campaign in the provinces of Songkhla, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. The violence stems from allegations of isolation and discrimination against Malay Muslims by Thailand's predominantly Buddhist government. The resulting Islamist insurgency in the region has been accompanied by regular bombings, shootings and skirmishes with Thai security forces, resulting in scores of fatalities in recent years. Although attacks normally target security forces, civilians are regularly killed in associated violence. In addition, although foreign nationals are not usually targeted, the possibility thereof cannot be discounted. As the conflict is ongoing, further similar incidents cannot be discounted.  Due to the ongoing Islamist insurgency and the high risks of conflict and terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to Yala as well as to the provinces of Songkhla, Narathiwat and Pattani. Persons currently in these areas should exercise heightened security awareness and implement robust security measures at all times. 
 

SRI LANKA(COLOMBO) - At least one person has been killed and 12 more wounded after unidentified gunmen opened fire at an election rally in Sri Lanka's commercial capital of Colombo on 31 July. According to reports, the attackers arrived in two vehicles and opened fire randomly. The incident took place after the country's finance minister, who had been campaigning at the rally, had left the scene. Emergency services are in attendance. Further details remain unavailable at present. This is the latest incident of election-related violence in Sri Lanka ahead of the 17 August general elections, which have already been marred by several acts of violence between supporters of the ruling United National Front coalition and the opposition United People's Freedom Alliance coalition. The previous elections held in the country in January 2015 passed without major incident. However, these latest incidents have the potential to escalate political tensions. Given this dynamic, further incidents of violence should be anticipated; these are likely to target election-related events such as campaign rallies, but may also involve isolated attacks by one group of supporters on rival supporters. Finally, in the days leading up to the elections, additional security force deployments are likely at key locations throughout the country as a precautionary measure, to minimise the threat of politically motivated violence.  Clients in Sri Lanka during the upcoming election period are advised to exercise heightened caution and avoid all polling stations, political party offices and other election-related facilities in the days leading up to and including 17 August, as well as the period immediately afterwards.
 
NIGERIA(MAIDUGURI) - An undisclosed number of casualties have been reported following a suspected suicide bomb attack in the city of Maiduguri, the administrative capital of Nigeria's north eastern Borno State, on 31 July. The attack was reported near the city's Gamboru market, an area which has routinely been targeted by suicide bombers. The incident is indicative of the prevailing terrorism risk in north eastern Nigeria. Mass-casualty attacks are regularly reported in this region. The majority of incidents are claimed by or linked to Boko Haram, a Sunni extremist armed group. The group is currently engaged in an ongoing battle in the area against the Nigerian military and several neighbouring states. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Borno State, including Maiduguri, is advised against. Clients in the state should ensure that all movements are coordinated in the presence of a security escort and that all accommodation is sought in secured compounds. Travel to crowded public places such as marketplaces, public transportation hubs and places of worship should be avoided.

 

BOLIVIA - (Update) The US Embassy in Bolivia's capital, La Paz, issued a message on 29 July stating that roadblocks and protests are ongoing in Potosi, Tarija and Sucre. The embassy has further stated that the local police are 'recommending against travel to the cities of Potosi, Tarija, and Sucre, due to the ongoing roadblocks and miner protests'. The embassy has stated that it expects the protests in these areas to continue for several weeks and that transportation could be affected countrywide. The embassy warning relates to ongoing strike and protest action led by the Potosi Civic Committee (Comcipo), an alliance of unions and other social organisations in Bolivia's Potosi department. The agitation was called in early July to demand investment in the infrastructure and economy of Potosi department. The strike has resulted in severe disruptions to public transportation and the supply of basic commodities. It has also been supported by other civic groups elsewhere in the country, with protests reported regularly in La Paz. The embassy warning also indicates that related events have occurred in Tarija and Sucre. Negotiations aimed to end the standoff have been ongoing for a number of days; however, reports on 30 July indicate that these talks have faltered and Comcipo representatives that were in La Paz have returned to Potosi. The agitation has been largely peaceful to date; however, the threat of violence increases as the unrest continues. Clients should note that related protests could occur in any area of the country, including along major thoroughfares or in urban centres. Clients in Bolivia are advised to monitor related developments closely. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution. Heightened levels of personal security awareness are advised near all prominent government buildings and major thoroughfares in the country. Persons in or planning to travel to Potosi, Tarija and Sucre should do so after consultation with their security provider. Clients in these areas should ensure that their crisis management plans (contingency and evacuation) are regularly reviewed and updated.

 

ISRAEL(DUMA(THE WEST BANK)) - Jewish settlers attacked Palestinian homes in Duma in the West Bank overnight on 30,31 July. The attack left one Palestinian dead and four others wounded. The Israeli security forces have launched an operation to apprehend the suspects. Attacks by Jewish settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank are common. Unconfirmed data suggests that at least 120 similar attacks have been reported in 2015 alone. Many of these incidents are labelled 'price tag' attacks. The attacks, which typically include the desecration of Islamic and Christian religious sites, are conducted in retaliation to the perpetrators' perceptions that the Israeli government is acting against illegal Jewish settlements in the region. A connection between the Duma attack and the recent civil unrest in Beit El on 28 July, which related to Israeli authorities' attempts to evict illegal Jewish settlers, is possible. In light of the recent settler violence, Palestinian protests in Duma and elsewhere in the West Bank on 31 July cannot be discounted. The risk of further violence at any related event is considered high. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to the West Bank due to the risks of civil unrest and terrorism. Heightened caution is advised near Israel security force checkpoints and closed military zones. Persons in the West Bank should avoid all street protests. Caution is advised in the Duma area over the immediate-term.

 

MEXICO - Activists and parents of the 43 student teachers from the town of Iguala, located in Mexico's Guerrero state, who disappeared in September 2014 will be conducting a countrywide road campaign from 31 July to 11 August. The campaign marks the ten-month anniversary of their disappearance and is expected to pass through the following cities: Chihuahua, Torreon, Victoria de Durango, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Guadalajara Jalisco, Colima, Morelia, San Cristobal de las Casas, Oaxaca, Puebla, Tlaxcala, Cuernavaca, San Salvador Atenco, Federal District and Ayotzinapa. Further details regarding the campaign are unavailable. Although unconfirmed, associated disruptions, including protest marches and travel delays are expected. The abduction of the student teachers has sparked numerous anti-government demonstrations in Mexico in recent months, with protesters denouncing the government's perceived inaction over the incident. Previous gatherings have been largely peaceful; further demonstrations are likely to remain unaffected by significant acts of violence. Nonetheless, low-level confrontations and localised road traffic disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest gatherings in the above-mentioned cities. Clients in Mexico are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the upcoming road tour. Persons operating in the affected cities are advised to avoid large street gatherings as a standard precaution and adjust itineraries to accommodate potential road travel disruptions.

 

TAIWAN(TAIPEI) - Approximately 200 protesters, primarily students, have occupied the Ministry of Education buildings in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, early on 31 July, while a further 500 are camped outside. Thus far, there have been no reports of violence; local police have stated that they have not yet been authorised to remove the protesters. This latest protest was sparked specifically by the suicide of a protester on 30 July following a similar protest on 23 July. More generally, the demonstrations have been sparked by students' allegations that the government is promoting a 'One-China' in the country's high school curriculum. Localised travel disruptions have been reported in the vicinity of Zhongshan Road, where the building is located. Although police have not yet responded with force (in the form of teargas, water cannons or baton charges), clashes between protesters and security forces have been known to occur in Taiwan. Accordingly, there remains an incidental threat to bystanders in the immediate vicinity. Furthermore, police are likely to deploy an additional security contingent to the affected area to swiftly resolve the situation. Travel disruptions are likely to persist for the near-term. Clients in Taipei are advised to avoid the vicinity of the protest as a precaution, and to make allowances for travel disruptions near Zhongshan Road.

 

HONDURAS(TEGUCIGALPA) - Activists are expected to participate in an anti-corruption protest march in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, on 31 July. Participants will gather at the premises of the Honduran Institute of Social Security (IHSS) in the La Granja area at 17:00 local time and proceed to the building of the Supreme Court of Justice, located on Fuerzas Armadas Boulevard. The upcoming protest will be the latest in a series of agitations against alleged government corruption. Related protests drew large crowds and resulted in localised disruptions in the city. This precedent suggests that localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route. It should be noted that protests in Honduras have the potential to turn violent and security forces are known to use heavy-handed tactics in dealing with dissent. The risk to foreign travellers is considered incidental only.  Clients in Tegucigalpa on 31 July are advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions and avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution against civil unrest.

RUSSIA - Paratroopers' Day is set to be observed in urban centres across Russia on 2 August; additional security forces are likely to be deployed in the capital, Moscow, and St Petersburg ahead of events marking the day. In Moscow, events traditionally focus on Gorky Park; however, related gatherings are possible in Red (Krasnaya), Suvorovskaya, Kievskaya and Pushkinskaya squares (ploshchad), Poklonnaya Gora (Hill), Alexandrovsky Garden, Victory Park (on Kutuzovsky Avenue) and other public areas in the city. In St Petersburg, gatherings are likely in the Field of Mars (Marsovo Polye) and Palace (Dvortsovaya) Square. Related events are likely in large urban centres elsewhere in Russia. It should be noted that LGBT activists have called for unsanctioned protests in Arkhangelsk and St Petersburg on the same day. Although both demonstrations have been banned by authorities, unconfirmed reports suggest that these rallies may still proceed. Paratroopers' Day commemorates Russia's elite Russian Airborne Troops Division (VDV) and events are held countrywide. These are often characterised by disruptive behaviour and/or incidents of public disorder from participants. In previous years, there have also been reports of paratroopers assaulting foreign nationals during events, particularly individuals deemed to be from Central Asia, the North Caucasus region, or other racial minorities. These incidents have often been associated with alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour. As such, public disorder is possible despite the increased security measures. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons operating in Russia, particularly Moscow and St Petersburg, on 2 August are advised to avoid all large concentrations of security forces as a precaution. In addition, disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all above-mentioned locations and other areas where planned or spontaneous events are being held. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to mitigate any potential traffic disruptions in the vicinity of demonstrations and celebratory events on the day.

 

INDIA(JAMMU DIVISION) - A 72-hour general strike (known locally as a bandh) has been called in the Jammu division, in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, from 31 July to 2 August, by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Coordination Committee (ACC). The strike has been called to protest against proposals to relocate the AIIMS research facility to the city of Srinagar; this was originally scheduled to be built in the city of Jammu. Districts affected by the strike called include Doda, Kathua, Jammu, Udhampur, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Samba, Kishtwar and Poonch. Due to the level of support for the bandh, the majority of commercial and private services, including transport services, will be affected, resulting in travel disruptions throughout the above-mentioned districts. It should be noted that there is a threat of violent civil unrest at all possible strike-related gatherings in Jammu and Kashmir state; although foreign nationals are not usually targeted in any associated violence, there is a threat of incidental violence to bystanders.  Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir, with the exception of the eastern Ladakh region. Clients in the affected districts between 31 July and 2 August are advised to avoid strike-related activity as a precaution and to accommodate for associated travel disruptions.

 

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