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

PORTUGAL - Unionized ground workers, including baggage handlers and check-in counter operators, are expected to stage a 48-hour strike at airports countrywide on 29 and 30 August. The strike has been called in opposition to the ongoing process to privatize services at the airport. The strike is expected to be well observed and has the potential to cause significant disruptions to services at the country's airports. Given that the strike action is being undertaken as part of an ongoing dispute, further such strikes are possible in the short- to medium-term. Clients scheduled to transit through airports in the country on 29 and 30 August should anticipate delays and are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to inquire about the status of their flight(s).

ATG has identified travelers who may be affected by this strike and has notified the appropriate Travel Managers.

PAKISTAN - As of 27 August, the security level at all major airports across Pakistan has been elevated from high alert to red alert, the highest security level, amid government intelligence reports that militant groups may be planning an attack on these facilities, specifically a major international airport. Increased security force deployments have taken place inside and in the vicinity of major airports. Additional checks are being conducted on vehicles travelling to airports, resulting in long queues on the approach to these facilities. The risk of terrorism in Pakistan is extreme and terrorism warnings are frequently issued in response to actual or perceived risks. Indeed, insurgent groups have carried out attacks on the international airports in Peshawar, Quetta and, most notably, in Karachi during 2014. As such, security at key ports of entry and strategic state interests is already elevated. While the additional security deployment and screening at airport facilities is not unusual, persons intending to travel through the facility should anticipate delays in response to possible additional screening measures. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential to travel to parts of Pakistan, as well as all travel to other parts, is advised against. Persons travelling by air to, from or within Pakistan should plan for possible travel delays due to enhanced security measures. Clients should ensure that they are aware of recommended airport arrival times and should check the status of flights prior to departure.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly through a Pakistan airport through the end of September 2015 who were ticked through ATG.

CARIBBEAN - A fast-moving Tropical Storm Erika neared Antigua and Barbuda early Thursday, dumping rain on the eastern Caribbean on a path expected to take it by Puerto Rico later in the day. Across the region, officials ordered schools, airports and even casinos to close and they prepared shelters ahead of the storm, which was not expected to strengthen over the next two days. Early Thursday morning, Erika was located about 70 miles (110 kilometers) east-southeast of Antigua and was moving west at 16 mph (26 kph) with maximum sustained of 45 mph (75 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Authorities in Antigua and Barbuda warned of flash floods given the extremely dry conditions caused by the worst drought to hit the Caribbean in recent years. Authorities in the nearby Dutch Caribbean territory of St. Maarten said schools and government offices would close Thursday. They also asked that casinos, restaurants and other businesses close by midnight Wednesday. Officials warned they might temporarily suspend power and water service as the storm approaches. The hurricane center said Erika would move near Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Thursday and be near or just north of the Dominican Republic on Friday. All airports in the U.S. Virgin Islands would be closed to incoming flights until Friday, and government offices would close as well, said Gov. Kenneth Mapp. "This is a fast-moving storm, and so we expect conditions to deteriorate rapidly," he said. Tropical storm warnings were issued for Puerto Rico, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and the Leeward Islands. A tropical storm watch was in effect for the northern Dominican Republic, the Turks & Caicos Islands and southeastern Bahamas.

AUSTRALIA(MELBOURNE) - Crippling public transport strikes are set to continue in Melbourne next week with train workers voting to mirror today's tram strike. Melbourne's tram network ground to a halt as drivers launched strike action today between 10:00am and 2:00pm over an increasingly bitter pay dispute between the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) and employer Yarra Trams. Swanston Street, which carries the most tram traffic in the city and is cut off to cars, was empty as tram workers stopped work. The network has since recovered but commuters are being warned to expect more congestion as train workers voted to stop running trains between 10:00am and 2:00pm, Friday week. The RTBU has also been trying to reach a new agreement with Metro Trains, over pay and conditions.

UKRAINE(DONETSK & LUHANSK REGIONS) - Ukraine and pro-Russia separatist militants that the government has been in conflict with in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, have agreed, on 26 August, to abide by the existing terms of previous ceasefire agreements by 1 September. This includes the withdrawal of heavy weaponry from the front lines of the conflict zone, as well as requiring the government to pass legislation granting the contested regions constitutional autonomy and the right to conduct elections. Despite the announcement, violence continued to be reported in the Donetsk region where two soldiers were killed by shelling near Mariupol. There has been an escalation of hostilities in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk since mid-May, with the use of heavy weaponry being reported from early August. Although ceasefire violations have taken place continually since the signing of the Minsk II ceasefire deal in February, the latest clashes have centred on strategic locations in the Donetsk region. Furthermore, separatists reportedly deployed heavy weaponry and armour during offensives near the Donetsk-Mariupol highway and east of the southern port city of Mariupol. The separatist escalation of hostilities prompted Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, to convene talks to reaffirm the commitment of the conflicting parties to the Minsk II agreement. Despite the announcement of the new ceasefire agreement, it still remains unclear whether the regular and irregular forces engaged in hostilities in eastern Ukraine will abide by any ceasefire agreement; as previous intermediary ceasefire agreements proved futile. The Minsk I and II ceasefire announcements preceded major and successful separatist offensives in the strategic locations of Donetsk city and Debaltseve, respectively. Accordingly, the security situation in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions is expected to remain tenuous in the short-term at least. The potential for a further deterioration in the security environment persists. Clients are advised against all travel to Ukraine's eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk due to instability and frequent clashes involving armed forces and separatist militants. Persons currently in or intending to travel to the region despite this advisory should coordinate all movements in the presence of a security escort.

IRAQ(KIRKUK GOVERNORATE) - Kurd military forces (Peshmerga) supported by US-led coalition aircraft and some Shiite militiamen attacked Islamic State (IS) positions south of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)-controlled city of Kirkuk, in Iraq's northern Kirkuk governorate, on 26 August. The operation focused on the Daquq area. Unconfirmed reports indicate that dozens of IS fighters were killed and wounded during the assault and that the Peshmerga forces captured a number of villages in the area. The Kirkuk frontline is one of a number of conflict hotspots in Iraq. Heavy fighting also persists across Anbar governorate, in Salah ad-Din governorate, specifically around Beiji, and in the vicinity of the IS-stronghold of Mosul. The KRG's Peshmerga forces have been engaged in fighting along a lengthy front, extending from Sinjar in the north to Diyala governorate in the south, since mid- to late 2014. The Kurd forces have focused on retaking and holding Kurd territory or territory claimed by the KRG rather than pushing to defeat IS. Kirkuk governorate is particularly important for the KRG. There are vast oil deposits in the region and the Kurds have a long goal of establishing control of the city within the Kurdistan region. Further Peshmerga assaults are likely in the Kirkuk governorate over the near-term as the Kurds seek to create a buffer around territory they occupy. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of northern Iraqi areas, including the entire Kirkuk governorate. Persons operating in this area should ensure that contingency plans are regularly reviewed and updated and that adequate customised security measures are implemented in conjunction with their security provider.

SOMALIA(TULO-BARWAO, GEDO) - At least 43 people were killed on 26 August, when suspected al-Shabaab militants ambushed a convoy of government troops near the village of Tulo-Barwao, located in Somalia's Gedo region. According to reports released by government sources on 27 August, 32 militants and 11 soldiers were killed in the ambush. After being dislodged from Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, in 2010, al-Shabaab has lost significant territory across Somalia. The group's territorial losses and associated downturn in operational capabilities have been further compounded by unilateral cross-border counterinsurgency operations launched by the respective militaries of Ethiopia and Kenya. However, the Gedo region of Somalia is one of the areas in which al-Shabaab continues to maintain a pronounced operational presence and where the group continues to control territory. With counterinsurgency operations in Gedo ongoing, further acts of conflict and associated insecurity should be anticipated in the region in the short- to medium-term. Due to various security concerns, including the extreme risk of conflict, clients are advised against all travel to several regions in Somalia, including the southern Gedo region. Persons operating in the region despite this advisory should implement comprehensive travel, residential and personal security measures at all times.

SYRIA - Fighting in Syria persists at heightened levels and is affecting numerous areas of the country, including in the Rif Damascus, Quneitra, Daraa, Homs, Idlib, Deir ez-Zor, Al-Hasakah, Aleppo and Latakia governorates. Regime air strikes targeting rebel-held areas of Eastern Ghouta in the vicinity of the capital, Damascus, and in the wider Rif Damascus governorate, including Douma, have reportedly left hundreds of civilians dead and wounded in August. Heavy regime aerial bombing of the contested Daraa governorate has also resulted in dozens of casualties recently. In Homs governorate, fighting between regime and non-state armed forces persists on multiple fronts. On 26 August, a rocket was fired into the Inshaat area of regime-controlled Homs city. It struck a fuel tanker, resulting in an explosion which killed five people and wounded 40 others. Further north, in north western parts of Hama governorate and north eastern parts of Latakia governorate, clashes between regime and rebel forces persist. The focus of the fighting is around the Sahl al-Ghab plain. In northern Aleppo governorate, Islamic State (IS) forces reportedly captured a number of areas from rival rebel and militant groups on 27 August in an area earmarked by Turkey and the US for a possible future 'buffer zone'. The plethora of competing groups and the extreme ideological and political divides and positions of fighting groups continue to undermine efforts to negotiate an end to the conflict. The regime maintains control of or continues to maintain forces in a number of key cities, including Damascus, Tartus, Hama, Homs, Deir ez-Zor and Latakia; however, its ability to secure territory around these areas and push into rebel-held areas is limited due to manpower constraints. IS forces maintain a major presence in and control approximately 25 to 40 percent of Syrian territory. Its primary areas of control are eastern Homs, Raqqa and most of Deir ez-Zor governorate. It is also increasingly pushing into northern areas of Aleppo governorate and continues to skirmish with regime and Kurd forces in Al-Hasakah governorate. The fighting is expected to persist over the medium-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria due to the ongoing conflict. Persons intending to travel to the country should do so following a full and customised security review in conjunction with their security provider. Crisis management plans should also be regularly reviewed and updated.

SERBIA - The US Embassy in Belgrade issued a security message, on 26 August, warning travellers of the elevated risk of civil unrest that accompanies matches during the 2015/16 football season. A number of football supporters' groups (known locally as ultras) in the country, have earned a reputation for overzealous and violent support for their respective clubs; opposing groups frequently engage in clashes with police and between one another. The matches carrying the highest risk are derby games between FK Partizan Belgrade and Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda); their previous encounter featured violent clashes within and outside of Red Star's stadium in April. High-profile football matches in Serbia have been marred by incidents of football-related violence and hooliganism in the past. Significant deployments of security force personnel, as well as road closures and police checkpoints are routine features in the vicinity of football stadiums on match days. Increased security measures can also be expected in close proximity to entertainment venues screening matches. As security forces have become more proficient in preventing fan violence at stadiums, reports of related clashes at entertainment venues have increased. All incidents of hooliganism pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Clients in Serbia are advised to avoid the vicinity of football stadiums on match days, if possible, and should expect increased security measures in the relevant areas.

SOUTH SUDAN - South Sudan's President Salva Kiir has signed a power-sharing agreement with rebel leader and former Deputy President Riek Machar, aimed at ending a 20-month civil war in the country. Kiir added his signature to the agreement, which was signed by Machar on 17 August, in the country's capital, Juba, on the evening of 26 August. Although considered a positive development in bringing a definitive end to the conflict, which has killed thousands and displaced 1.6 million others, the peace deal remains tenuous. Previous conciliatory initiatives between the warring parties have been breached consistently. Moreover, rebel commanders formerly loyal to Machar have severed ties with the former deputy president, and have vowed to continue their armed insurrection against the South Sudanese administration. Consequently, a short-term improvement in the security environment in South Sudan should not be expected, particularly in the country's Upper Nile, Unity, Jonglei and, to a lesser extent, Eastern Equatoria states, which may continue to serve as active conflict zones. Due to the current uncertain security environment, clients are advised against all travel to South Sudan. Persons currently in, or intending to travel to the country are advised to register their presence with their respective diplomatic representation and have a comprehensive contingency plan in place.

INDIA(GUJARAT STATE) - (Update) Military troops have been deployed to areas of India's western Gujarat state that have been affected by caste-based violence as of late 26 August, and a curfew remains in place as of 27 August. Impacted areas include the towns and cities of Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Mehsana, Patan, Palanpur, Unjha, Visnagar and Jamnagar. The violence was sparked by the arrest of Hardik Patel, the leader of the influential Patel community (Patidars); it has thus far left at least seven, but possibly nine, people dead in violent clashes that took place on 25 and 26 August between police and protesters. There have been no reports of violence thus far. The Patidar community is a relatively affluent group that makes up approximately 20 percent of Gujarat's population. It has been agitating since June to be included in India's caste-based quota system, which has been aimed at uplifting traditionally disadvantaged caste groups. Patidars assert that they are unable to compete with less privileged castes for jobs, as the latter has a proportion of jobs have been set aside for them. Further strikes and accompanying protest action over this issue are likely in the near-term. Following his release from police detention, Patel stated that protest action will continue. Given the Patidars' considerable presence in the state, all protest action that takes place is likely to be well attended. Moreover, any strikes that are called by groups representing Patidar interests, such as the Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) are expected to be well observed, resulting in severe disruptions to business operations and transport. Clients in Gujarat are advised to monitor local media closely for updates and advisories from local authorities, particularly regarding the curfew, and should liaise with their security provider for updates on the security situation in the state. All large public gatherings should be avoided. Please note that due to insecurity, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 10km of the shared border with Pakistan.

ALGERIA(JIJEL & SKIKDA PROVINCES) - The military is reportedly coordinating a counterterrorism operation in Algeria's north eastern Jijel and Skikda provinces. The operation is focusing on rural areas in this region. The government issued a statement on 26 August stating that its military forces had killed five Islamist militants in recent days during the operation. At least two soldiers have also reportedly been killed in confrontations with the militants since 21 August. In a related development, the military reportedly ambushed and killed two militants in Taher (Jijel province) on 25 August. It is not clear if these casualties form part of the government's 26 August statement. Algerian government counterterrorism operations are regularly reported in northern and north eastern Algeria. These tend to focus on forested and mountainous areas where militants are located. The two primary groups in this area are al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and the Islamic State-aligned Jund al-Khalifah. The frequency of Islamist militant-related violence in Algeria has decreased considerably in recent years in response to repeated Algerian military operations. Attacks, when they occur, typically affect police or military forces and occur outside of main cities and towns. In light of the military operation in Jijel and Skikda, travellers to the region should expect to encounter security patrols and road checkpoints. Restrictions on travel into certain areas may also be enforced. Heightened caution is advised when travelling outside of urban centres between the capital, Algiers, and the Tunisian border. Persons intending to travel in this area should consider intercity air transport. If road travel is conducted, this should be conducted on main routes, during the day and with a local escort or trained security driver. Clients in Jijel and Skikda should ensure that they travel with all their relevant identity and travel documentation and should cater for potential road travel delays.

BAHRAIN - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has stated that several protests are due to occur in Bahrain on 27 and 28 August. On 27 August, unauthorised protests are due to be held in Al Musalla, Karzakkan and Aali. The gatherings will start in the late afternoon to late evening. On 28 August, unauthorised protests are scheduled to be held in Sitra, Bani Jamra and Sehla from 17:00 local time and in Nabih Saleh from 19:00 local time. The FCO has not stated who or which group has called the gatherings. The opposition Revolution Youth Coalition February 14 has called for protests on 27 August. It is not clear if the FCO-announced events are connected to this groups call for protests. Opposition protests by groups representing the Shiite Muslim majority against the Sunni-dominated regime have been ongoing since 2011. The protesters call for greater political reforms and the release of jailed activists. The majority of protests are peaceful but can end in violence if protesters attempt to gather in or march towards the capital, or if militant elements within the Shiite community conduct low-level attacks against state facilities and personnel during related gatherings. During protest periods, moderate to severe road travel disruptions are often reported. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding Manama, the Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. All street protests and travel at night should be avoided. Heightened caution is advised while driving on major road routes and if travelling near state facilities and personnel outside of Manama.

MOLODOVA(CHISINAU) - Opposition party, Socialists of the Republic of Moldova (PSRM), are expected to embark upon a rally in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, on 27 August. The rally has been scheduled to demand snap parliamentary elections as well as the unification of Moldova with Romania. Further information is currently unavailable. The upcoming rally is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Although no rally venues have been announced, gatherings are likely at the Parcul Catedralei and Piata Marii Adunari Nationale (also known as the Great National Assembly Square). Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the rally affected area. Persons in Chisinau on 27 August are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations and all related gatherings as a precaution. Clients should also plan for localised road traffic disruptions.

BANGLADESH - The student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the Jatiotabadi Chatra Dal (JCD), is expected to embark upon countrywide protests in Bangladesh on 27 and 29 August. The protests have been called in response to the submission of a charge sheet to the Gazipur court which alleges JCD senior vice president, Tarique Rahman, was complicit in an arson attack perpetrated in Gazipur in January 2015. The JCD plans to gather at tertiary education facilities countrywide. Further details regarding the location of the planned protests are unavailable. The BNP is the country's largest opposition party. As such, the JCD protests, should they proceed, are likely to be well attended. The protests are expected at universities countrywide; however, BNP and JCD offices are also likely gathering points. There is a threat of violent civil unrest during all protests in Bangladesh; although foreign nationals are usually not targeted in such violence, the incidental threat remains. Clients in Bangladesh 27 August are advised to monitor local developments and should avoid all street protests as a precaution. Particular vigilance is advised if visiting tertiary education facilities.

MALAYSIA(KUALA LUMPUR, KOTA KINABALU, & KUCHING) - The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (known locally as Bersih), an umbrella organisation consisting of over 65 non-governmental organisations, is set to hold major rallies in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, as well as the cities of Kota Kinabalu (Sabah state) and Kuching (Sarawak state), on 29 and 30 August. The rallies are being held to pressure current prime minister, Najib Tun Razak, to resign in the wake of his implication in a corruption scandal. In the capital, activists are scheduled to gather at the Sogo KL shopping mall, Pasar Seni (Central Market), Dataran Maybank, Brickfields and Masjid Negara (National Mosque) at 09:00 local time on 29 August. Thereafter, they are set to march to Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) and camp in its vicinity until 23:59 on 30 August. However, these gathering points are under discussion between police and rally organisers, and may change at short notice. In Kota Kinabalu, demonstrators will hold a rally at Jalan Tanjung Lipat. In Kuching, Bersih activists will gather at Padang Merdeka (Independence Field). Opposing pro-government marches are planned to coincide with the Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur; one of these is planned for Dataran Merdeka, and the other will take place at the Putra World Trade Centre. Tensions between Bersih and the government are heightened, as Bersih has signalled its intent to hold the Kuala Lumpur rally despite police previously stating that this is an illegal event. However, latest reports indicate that police have accepted that the rally will go ahead, but will only allow participants to gather in the vicinity of Dataran Merdeka and not at the square itself, as Independence Day events will be underway therein. Precedent suggests that the rally will be attended by tens of thousands of people and that there is a heightened threat of violence. At a similar rally organised by Bersih in April 2012, police fired teargas at the demonstrators and numerous incidents of violence took place, resulting in injuries to 60 protesters and 20 police. In addition, approximately 500 people were arrested. Regardless of its location, there is likely to be a significant security force presence at the rally. Severe public transport disruptions are also possible; at previous Bersih events in the capital, authorities suspended train services into Kuala Lumpur as a preventative measure to stop demonstrators from gathering. Clients in Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu are advised to monitor local developments closely, maintain a low profile on the affected days, and avoid all public protest action as a precaution against civil unrest.

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