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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT), Transport Salaried Staff Association (TSSA), Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers and Firemen (ASLEF) and Unite union members employed by may participate in strike action in the UK's capital, London, on 25 and 27 August; both strikes will last for 24 hours. However, union leaders are currently engaged in talks, and a final announcement on whether the strike action will indeed go ahead will be made on 24 August. Although unconfirmed at present, should the strike go ahead, union members will begin the industrial action at 21:00 local time on both affected days. However, Transport for London officials have stated that London Underground services will stop running from 18:30 on 25 and 27 August. The industrial action has been called in response to the introduction of a 24-hour service on London Underground lines set to commence from September 2015. Should the strike action be confirmed on 24 August, severe disruptions to travel in London should be expected on 25, 26, 27 and 28 August. Precedent suggests that additional alternative transport services will be implemented as a contingency measure by Transport for London; however, significant disruptions to scheduled services and operations remain likely due to the large number of participants who may observe the strike. Clients planning travel in London between 25 and 28 August are advised to monitor local media for developments and information on the upcoming strike. Clients are advised to ensure that itineraries are kept flexible to accommodate for travel delays.

ITALY(MOLISE REGION) - A 24-hour public transport strike is scheduled to take place in Italy's Molise region on 24 August. Unionised workers from the SATI union are expected to engage in the strike action. The exact starting time of the strike is unclear. Italy's public transport sectors are regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as by specific labour disputes. The upcoming strikes are set to cause disruptions to bus, metro and rail services in the Molise region. In addition, an increased demand for alternative transport options should be expected. Persons in the Molise region on 24 August are advised to anticipate disruptions to bus, metro and rail services and plan accordingly. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned strike and associated demonstrations. Please visit the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure website (http://scioperi.mit.gov.it/mit2/public/scioperi) for further information.

MALI - Airport workers of the CSTM union are planning to partake in two consecutive days of strike action in Mali on 26 and 27 August. Specific details pertaining to the strike, which has been called in response to a number of labour grievances, remains unclear at this time. However, it is believed that all airports in the country will be impacted by the strike if ongoing negotiations aimed at averting the industrial action fail. Clients intending to undertake commercial air travel in Mali on 26 and 27 August are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s). Due to various security concerns, all travel to the northern states of Mopti, Kidal, Timbuktu and Gao is advised against.

INDIA - The railways have cancelled a couple of trains and diverted 15 others due to the derailment of the Bengaluru City-Nanded Express after a truck collided with it in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district early Monday. The accident, which took place between Rangepalli and Penukonda stations, occurred when a truck rammed into the train at a level crossing, killing five people and injuring 20 others. Train No. 57438 Hindupur-Guntakal passenger and train No. 56503 Bangalore Cantonment-Vijayawada passenger were cancelled. According to a statement from South Central Railway, the diverted trains include Mysore-Shirdi Sainagar Express, Tuticorin-Okha Express, Bagalkot-Mysore Basava Express, Secunderabad-Yesvantpur Garibrath Express, Bhubaneswar-Bangalore Prasanthi Express, Korba-Yesvantpur, Mumbai CSTM-Nagercoil Express, Kacheguda-Yesvantpur Express, New Delhi-Bangalore Karnataka Express, Kacheguda-Bangalore Express, Mumbai-Bengaluru Udyan Express, Solapur-Yesvantpur Express and Bidar-Yesvantpur Express. "As the mishap derailed four coaches of the Bengaluru-Nanded express, disrupting traffic, we have diverted trains to other routes to minimise delay and ensure safe movement," a South Western Railway official told IANS. "As rescue and relief operations and track restoration work is underway at the mishap spot, normalcy will be ensured by evening or night," the official said. The zonal railway has ordered an inquiry by its safety commission.

SOUTH KOREA/NORTH KOREA & JAPAN - (Update) Tropical Storm Goni is currently located over southern Japan's Ryukyu islands, including Okinawa, and is a Category 3 storm. The storm is forecast to move in a north easterly direction over the next 48 hours and will increasingly impact on southern and central Japan, southern South Korea and eastern North Korea. The storm is also forecast to weaken over the same period. The Japan Meteorological Agency (http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html) has issued several heavy rain, flood, storm and high wave warnings for its southern prefectures. The Korea Meteorological Administration (http://web.kma.go.kr/eng/index.jsp) has issued similar advisories. The storm could result in localised flooding and coastal storm surges in low-lying areas. The risk of landslides in elevated regions also cannot be discounted. Associated travel (air, rail, road and sea) and power disruptions in the current and future affected areas remain a possibility. Clients in southern and central Japan, southern South Korea and eastern North Korea should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying areas due to the risk of flooding, and in elevated regions due to the landslide risk. Travellers should contact their travel provider for an update on the status of transportation services prior to departure.

EASTERN CARIBBEAN - Tropical Storm Danny is currently affecting parts of the eastern Caribbean. The storm is weakening and moving in a westerly direction. The storm is located near Dominica and Guadeloupe, and could impact on Martinique, Montserrat, Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla and Saint Kitts and Nevis over the next 24 to 36 hours. Strong rainfall, wind and rough sea warnings have been issued for multiple areas in the region. The storm is weakening; however, adverse weather conducive to localised flooding and associated air, maritime and road travel disruptions are possible over the near-term. Disruptions to power supply are also possible at times. Clients in the affected region should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Additional information on the storm's progress can be accessed on the Tropical Storm Risk website (http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/).

PAKISTAN(KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA PROVINCE) - A kidnapped Chinese national was rescued from Pakistan's north western Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province following a security operation therein late on 22 August. According to reports, the victim was kidnapped in May 2014 while cycling through the area. Although the exact circumstances surrounding his abduction remain unknown, a faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is reported to have been behind the kidnapping. The conditions of the release have not been disclosed. There is a high threat of kidnapping in Pakistan, including in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Islamist militant groups, organised criminal syndicates, politically motivated groups, separatist groups and lone individuals all pose a threat. These groups have the requisite motivation and operational capability to conduct both planned and opportunistic kidnappings. Foreign nationals are often specifically targeted amid perceptions that they can be used to negotiate significant ransoms and/or political concessions. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, including extreme levels of terrorism, clients are advised against non-essential travel to Pakistan and all travel to some areas of the country, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Persons in or planning to travel to the country are advised to implement robust personal, travel and residential security measures at all times. All movements should be coordinated in the presence of a security escort and during daylight hours only.

IRAQ(BASRA) - Media reports indicate that an Italian national was shot and wounded by unidentified gunmen in Iraq's southern city of Basra on 23 August. The victim, who is reportedly a manager of a logistics company, was shot twice while withdrawing money from a bank. The victim has been taken to a hospital and his injuries are deemed not to be life-threatening. Officials have stated that the incident was criminally motivated. The incident underscores the high risk of crime in Iraq. While the overall crime threat is considered lower in the predominantly southern Shiite governorates, including Basra, violent crimes remain a serious risk to visitors and locals alike. The overall crime situation has been aggravated by easy access to and wide availability of weapons, persistent insecurity and instability, a weak and poorly resourced police force and high levels of unemployment and poverty. Due to the threat of terrorism, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the southern, predominantly Shiite Muslim governorate of Basra. Persons in Iraq are advised to exercise standard security precautions to safeguard their property and person and should maintain elevated levels of situational awareness.

IRAQ(ANBAR GOVERNORATE) - (Update) Fighting between Islamic State (IS) militants and forces loyal to the Iraq government, including Shiite Popular Mobilisation Units (PMUs) or al-Hashd al-Shaabi, continues in Anbar governorate. On 24 August, three car bombs struck in the Al Toui area near Ramadi killing 18 Iraqi soldiers and PMU fighters. Further north, pro-government forces have initiated operations against IS forces near Hit and in the Al-Baghdadi area. Anbar governorate has been beset by ongoing elevated conflict levels for months. IS currently holds several towns along the Euphrates River, including Fallujah, Ramadi and Hit. Despite numerous pro-government assaults since May, when IS captured the governorate capital, Ramadi, IS forces have successfully repulsed numerous assaults on its main strongholds. Fighting along the length of the Euphrates in the Anbar governorate has been severe at times and has left hundreds of combatants dead. IS control of most of Anbar governorate threatens the Iraqi core around the capital, Baghdad. The recapture of towns in the region is a critical short-term objective of the current government. Clients are advised against all travel to Anbar governorate. Persons in the region should travel with a close protection officer and should obtain a full region risk assessment prior to departure. Contingency plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

EGYPT(BEHEIRA GOVERNORATE) - According to local reports, a bus transporting police officers was struck by a bomb in the Beheira governorate of Egypt on 24 August. At least two police officers were killed and 27 others were wounded. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Low-level bombings and shootings are frequently reported in Egypt's main cities and towns across the northern Nile Delta area. These attacks, which largely target police, military and state personnel and facilities, are linked to militants opposed to the military-supported regime. Given the ongoing political instability and continued regime clampdown on Islamist political groupings, related insecurity is expected to persist. Clients in Egypt are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness and should seek to limit time spent in the vicinity of police, military and state personnel and facilities.

MALAYSIA(SABAH STATE) - A dusk-till-dawn maritime curfew in the waters off Malaysia's eastern Sabah state has been extended by authorities until 6 September. The curfew, which was set to end on 22 August, has undergone numerous extensions since it was first implemented in July 2014. The curfew encompasses several coastal areas, including Sandakan, Kinabatangan, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Tawau and Semporna. This territory is collectively known as the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZ). The curfew, which is in effect between 19:00 and 05:00 local time, was initially implemented to ensure that security is maintained along the water borders off Sabah state, following reports of kidnapping incidents perpetrated by Philippine insurgents and criminal groups, involving local residents and foreigners. Authorities assert that extensions to the curfew have been applied in order to continue facilitating the safety of individuals operating in these waters. However, despite the curfew currently in effect, further incidents of kidnapping and criminal activity cannot be discounted. Due to the threat of kidnapping posed by insurgent and criminal groups from the southern Philippines in the coastal areas and islands of Sabah state, heightened caution is advised in these locations in Malaysia. Clients in Sabah are advised to adhere to all local directives and advisories issued by local authorities.

TURKEY(HAKKARI & VAN PROVINCES) - Government authorities have blamed two separate attacks in Turkey's south eastern Hakkari and Van provinces on rebels of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). In the most recent attack, at least two Turkish soldiers were killed, and several others wounded, on 24 August when their vehicle struck a landmine near the town of Semdinli in Hakkari province. The incident came a day after authorities confirmed the 22 August abduction of 11 customs officials and a driver near the Kapikoy border in Van province. The abduction was attributed to PKK militants. There has been an increase in PKK-related violence in the predominantly Kurdish south east since early July. Attacks against Turkish police, state and military interests have been regularly reported. Most incidents have been low-level in nature. The increase in violence is attributed to PKK claims that the Turkish government was complicit in a suicide bombing targeting pro-Kurdish volunteers in Suruc on 20 July. The government rejected these claims and initiated air strikes against PKK positions in south eastern Turkey and in northern Iraq. Additional military and police operations have also been reported countrywide against suspected PKK positions, leading to the arrests of hundreds. The violence in the south is expected to persist; state facilities and personnel remain the most likely to be affected. 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. Clients operating in these regions should coordinate all movements with a private security detail and avoid all locales associated with security and government interests.

NEPAL(KAILALI DISTRICT, OUTER TERAI) - (Update) At least seven security personnel were killed in clashes with protesters in the Kailali district of Nepal's Outer Terai region on 24 August. According to reports, supporters of the Tharuhat Joint Struggle Committee (TJSC) attacked police officers with stones, axes and spears during a protest against the promulgation of a draft constitution. Further unconfirmed reports suggest that three protesters may have also been killed during the unrest. Tensions remain heightened in the area following the protest and subsequent fatalities. Strike action of indefinite duration, called by the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) and the TJSC in early August, continues to impact business operations and transport in the country's Terai region. The strike and associated protests have been organised over issues relating to a draft constitution, which makes provision for the country to be divided up into seven provinces. Minority ethnic groupings such as the Madhesi and Tharu, which are aligned to the UDMF and TJSC, claim that this arrangement does little to ensure they are adequately represented. Talks involving the government and major political parties, and smaller ethnically based parties were held in Kathmandu on 23 August; however, no binding agreement on the delineation of provinces was reached. As such, further agitation is possible in the short- to medium-term. As evidenced by the unrest on 24 August, protests of this nature have the propensity to turn violent. Confrontations between security forces and protesters may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Clients in Nepal, particularly those in the Terai region, are advised to monitor local developments closely for information on possible further strikes. All demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

MEXICO - Protests are expected to take place across Mexico, on 26 August, amid the 11-month anniversary of the kidnapping of 43 student teachers from the town of Iguala, Guerrero state, in September 2014. Specific details pertaining to planned events have not been disclosed; however, large-scale gatherings in major urban centres such as the capital, Mexico City, and the city of Acapulco, are likely. The 2014 abduction of the student teachers has sparked numerous anti-government demonstrations in Mexico in recent months. Protesters have denounced the government's perceived inaction over the abduction. Unions and activist groups have taken advantage of this prevailing anti-government sentiment to demand the resignation of President Enrique Pena Nieto, among other political demands. Previous gatherings have been largely peaceful; they are likely to remain unaffected by significant acts of violence. Nonetheless, low-level confrontations and localised road traffic disruptions should be anticipated at all protest venues. Clients in Mexico are advised to monitor media in their area of travel and should contact their security provider for further information regarding possible related protests. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution. Due to various concerns, all non-essential travel to a number of Mexican administrative states is advised against.

GUATEMALA - The Social and Peoples' Congress (ASP), an alliance of approximately 72 civic groups, is scheduled to take part in a countrywide general strike across Guatemala. The three-day strike will take place on 25, 26 and 27 August. It has been called to voice opposition to the upcoming 6 September general elections amid an ongoing corruption scandal implicating incumbent president Otto Perez Molina. More specifically, the strike has been called to press the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (FSE) to call off the elections and for Molina to resign. The strike action is expected to be well supported; as such, disruptions to business operations and transport services should be expected. Moreover, large-scale demonstrations associated with the strike are also likely in urban centres, particularly in the capital, Guatemala City. As with all protest action in Guatemala, there is a credible risk of violence between police and protesters which poses a clear incidental threat to bystanders. Clients in Guatemala on 25, 26 and 27 August are advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions due to the strike. All large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

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