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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
UNITED STATES / UNITED KINGDOM - British Airways is to launch a new route to San Jose, the gateway to the technology hub of Silicon Valley. BA will begin flying from Heathrow to the Californian city from May 4, 2016 when it will operate a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the route. San Jose is home to many of the world's biggest technology brands including Apple, Google, Ebay and Intel. The new service will run daily and will be BA's fourth destination in California - it already flies to Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. BA's head of global sales Stephen Humphreys said: "We're sure this new service will prove just the business for Californian-based companies looking to expand into Europe and will strengthen London's strong commercial ties with the west coast." The outbound flight leaves Heathrow at 15.15 for arrival in San Jose at 18.05. The return service departs San Jose at 20.00 to arrive at Heathrow at 14.05 the following day. The 787-9 will feature four cabins with eight seats in First, 42 seats in Club World, 39 in World Traveller Plus and 127 in economy. The announcement comes after BA unveiled new routes from Gatwick to Peru and Costa Rica both starting in May 2016. The airline is also to increase capacity on its Heathrow to Las Vegas route with three extra weekly flights from March 27, 2016, taking the total weekly services up to 10. While a 12th weekly flight will be added on the Heathrow-Seattle route with a new service on Mondays from March 28, 2016.
 
CARIBBEAN - Rescue crews fanned across Dominica late Thursday to search for missing and injured people after Tropical Storm Erika pummeled the eastern Caribbean island, unleashing landslides and killing at least four people. The storm, which forecasters said could reach Florida as a hurricane on Monday, dumped 15 inches (38 centimeters) of rain on the small island as it spun west toward Puerto Rico. Police said another 20 people have been reported missing. Assistance Police Superintendent Claude Weekes said that crews are trying to reach isolated communities via the ocean because many roads and bridges are impassable.Erika was centered about 145 miles (235 kilometers) southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and was moving west at 12 mph (19 kph) with maximum sustained winds of to 45 mph (75 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami. Erika was expected to move near Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands on Thursday and be near or just north of the Dominican Republic on Friday as it heads toward Florida early next week, possibly as a hurricane. Chris Landsea, a meteorologist at the hurricane center, said the storm could dissipate if it passed over Hispaniola or Puerto Rico or it could strengthen and pose a potential threat to Florida next week. Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla said the storm could bring badly needed rains to the parched U.S. territory.  The storm is expected to hit Puerto Rico's southern region overnight and exit through the island's northwest. The storm's outer bands have already downed several trees and power lines across the island, and small landslides were reported. Garcia said schools and government offices would remain closed on Friday. Dozens of flights were canceled in the region, and the U.S. Coast Guard closed all ports in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
 
UNITED KINGDOM(SOUTHERN ENGLAND) -  (Correction) Unionised rail workers employed by First Great Western (FGW) are expected to engage in a strike from 29 August at 00:01 until 23:59 local time on 31 August. The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) union has called for the strike action in opposition to the introduction of new high-speed trains, which they believe will lead to job cuts. For details regarding the scope and reason of the strike, please visit the RMT website (https://www.rmt.org.uk). FGW operates rail services in Greater London and in southern England and Wales. Contingency plans are expected to be implemented to avoid significant disruptions; however, delays and cancellations of some services should be anticipated during the above-mentioned strike period. It should be noted that there is a possibility that negotiations between the union and employer could result in a suspension of the strike action. Clients intending to make use of FGW rail services on the affected days are advised to contact the rail operator directly (https://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk) or their travel provider to enquire about the status of services.  
 
ISRAEL - Workers employed by the Egged Taavura bus company (http://www.egged-taavura.co.il/) have called for an open-ended strike on 30 August in response to an ongoing wage dispute and other concerns. The union representing the workers has reportedly stated that during the strike, busses will not operate in a number of areas, including Ashdod, Netanya, Kiryat Gat, Kiryat Malachi and Sderot, as well as in the Jerusalem periphery and along intercity bus routes to Jerusalem, Bnei Brak and Beersheba. Persons intending to travel with Egged Taavura from 30 August should confirm the status of services with the bus company prior to departure or should consider alternative transport options.
 
GHANA - A collective known as the Committed Drivers Association of Ghana has threatened to hold a strike across Ghana on 31 August. The industrial action has been organised against a recent increase in third-party insurance tariffs, which is a mandatory expense for all taxi operators in the country. Although the anticipated participation in the strike remains unclear, significant disruptions to taxi services should be expected in major towns and cities across Ghana. Moreover, the strike action is likely to increase the demand for other modes of public transportation.  Clients in Ghana on 31 August should ensure that itineraries remain flexible to accommodate for any travel delays. As a precaution, visitors should refrain from using taxi services not observing the strike action.

SAUDI ARABIA(RIYADH) - (Update) Saudi Arabia has reported a further increase in the number of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) cases in the capital, Riyadh, between 20 and 27 August. At least 47 new cases and 15 deaths have been recorded; all but two of the cases have been reported in Riyadh.  Since emerging in 2012, MERS-CoV cases have occurred in a number of states in the region and abroad; however, the majority of cases have occurred in Saudi Arabia. Many persons infected abroad have also recently travelled to the Middle East. The health authorities are still investigating how the disease is transmitted. Recent medical investigations have indicated that the disease may be present in camels; there is a high probability that it is spread from the animal to humans. Human-to-human transmission, particularly from patients to healthcare professionals, has also been suspected. There is currently no vaccine or special treatment available for MERS-CoV. The risk of infection is considered minimal for the majority of persons travelling in Saudi Arabia. The risk increases near infected persons and in healthcare facilities.  Clients operating in Saudi Arabia should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local health authorities. Persons intending to operate in medical facilities or in close proximity to medical personnel are strongly advised to consult with their medical practitioner prior to beginning operations. Other concerned persons should contact their medical practitioner for further advice and guidance or consult the WHO website (http://www.who.int/csr/don/archive/disease/coronavirus_infections/en/) for the latest MERS-CoV-related updates.
 
NIGER/CAMEROON - Several people have been killed in recent days in Niger and Cameroon in a spate of armed attacks in the countries' respective Diffa region and Far North province. In Niger, three people were killed when gunmen raided the Diffa village of Abadam on 25 August, according to reports released on 28 August. In Cameroon's Far North province, the deadliest attack occurred in the village of Mourda, located in the Hile Alifa commune of the province's Logone-et-Chari division, when 12 people were killed by armed assailants on 25 August. In a separate incident, four people were killed on 23 August when suspected militants attacked and razed the village of Wanwadi, located in the Mora commune in the Moya-Sava division of the province. While there have been no immediate claims of responsibility for the attacks, suspicion is likely to fall on the Boko Haram Islamist extremist group. The Nigeria-based group maintains an operational presence in both Cameroon's Far North province and Niger's Diffa region, and has conducted a number of armed attacks therein. With the Cameroonian and Nigerien governments conducting counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram along areas bordering Nigeria, further militant attacks within the aforementioned regions should be expected. Due to the threats of conflict, kidnapping and terrorism, all travel to areas within 50km of Niger and Cameroon's shared borders with Nigeria is advised against. In Niger, this advisory is only applicable to the Diffa and Zinder regions, while in Cameroon, this advisory extends to the Far North, North and Adamoua administrative divisions. Clients operating in these regions despite this advisory should ensure that all movements are coordinated in the presence of a security escort and that accommodation is sought in secure residential compounds. 

TURKEY(SIRNAK & HAKKARI PROVINCES) - At least five people were killed and four others wounded in clashes between suspected militants and Turkish security forces in Turkey's south eastern Sirnak province on 27 August. Reports indicate that the incident took place when suspected Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants launched an attack at the security gate of an army garrison on Cizre district. In Hakkari province, three civilians were killed and seven others wounded in clashes shortly after a curfew had been declared in the area on 26 August. Authorities subsequently announced that as many as 15 militants were killed in security operations conducted in Yuksekova district following the violence; the curfew was also lifted on 28 August. 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 been reported countrywide against suspected PKK positions leading to the arrest 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 travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria in the Turkish provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Sirnak due to the threat of conflict spillover from Syria and an increased risk of terrorism. Heightened caution is advised elsewhere in these provinces (except Sirnak) due to elevated conflict and terrorism risks. Clients are further 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 these regions should avoid police, state and military interests. Persons in Diyarbakir are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the curfew period and should abide by all directives issued by local authorities.

MADAGASCAR(ANKAZOABO) - At least 23 people were killed on 27 August in armed clashes between security forces and suspected cattle rustlers in south western Madagascar. The confrontations occurred near the town of Ankazoabo, located in the Atsimo-Andrefana region, where security forces responded to an incident of cattle theft. Clashes ensued when security forces tracked down the alleged assailants leading to the fatalities, which included 15 cattle rustlers and eight security personnel.  Madagascar has experienced significant outbreaks of violence revolving around cattle theft. The lucrative trade, which is being spurred on by high levels of unemployment and weakening government authority, has led to the formation of highly organised and well-armed criminal gangs, known locally as dahalos. In addition to stealing cattle, these armed gangs are also known to loot villages and engage in acts of highway banditry. Madagascar's police and military are deemed ill-equipped to effectively manage the growing criminality in the country, particularly outside major urban centres. Given the ongoing presence of dahalos, further clashes between themselves and security forces remain possible.  Persons intending to travel to rural southern Madagascar are advised to implement heightened security measures and monitor local developments closely. It should also be noted that security is likely to be heightened in the region in the coming days; clients should anticipate an increase in security checkpoints on both primary and secondary roadways. It is advisable to ensure that certified copies of all relevant identification are kept on hand at all times, as they will be requested when encountering these checkpoints. 

AFGHANISTAN(MUSA QALA) - According to recently released reports, Taleban insurgents seized control of Afghanistan's Musa Qala district in the southern Helmand province on 26 August. Taleban militants launched an attack on the eponymous district centre on 23 August, and the ensuing violence has left an unconfirmed number of people dead, including civilians. One report has indicated that some 70 Afghan troops died in the conflict over Musa Qala. This latest development effectively gives Taleban fighters control over the northern part of Helmand, as the group is already in control of, or has a heavy influence in the Baghran, Sangin, Naw Zad and Kajaki districts. This has taken the group to within striking distance of the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, in central Helmand. The Taleban's successes on the battlefield in 2015 are attributed to the lack of adequate air cover and intelligence-gathering capabilities on the part of the Afghan military, which were provided by NATO troops until the end of 2014. Given this dynamic, further conflict should be expected in the short- to medium-term. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Clients operating in Afghanistan should implement maximum travel, personal and residential security protocols at all times. All movement should be conducted during daylight hours only and in the presence of a security escort. Travel into conflict areas should be avoided as far as practically possible. 

INDIA/PAKISTAN(KASHMIR REGION) - Several people have been killed and more wounded in cross-border shelling between the armed forces of India and Pakistan along the disputed Line of Control (LoC) in the Indian- and Pakistan-administered Kashmir regions on 28 August. Pakistani sources have stated that six people were killed by Indian shelling in the Sialkot, Chaprar and Raja Harpal areas of Pakistan's Punjab province. Indian sources have stated that two people were killed and three others wounded by Pakistani shelling into the RS Pura area of Jammu division, in Indian-administered Kashmir. Indian and Pakistani officials have accused either side of instigating the hostilities. The LoC is a heavily militarised de facto border between the Indian- and Pakistan-administered Kashmir regions. Although the LoC is regularly affected by low-level shootings and clashes, incidents that result in casualties can result in extended periods of clashes, escalating tensions between the two countries. A heightened security force presence, including additional patrols and checkpoints, is anticipated in the affected areas in the near-term.  Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to India's Jammu and Kashmir state (excluding the eastern Ladakh region) due to a number of security concerns, including the ongoing threat of conflict along the LoC. Moreover, all non-essential travel to parts of Pakistan, including the Punjab province, and all travel to other parts of the country is advised against. Persons in the affected parts of India or Pakistan are advised to exercise heightened security awareness near border areas. Concentrations of security force personnel and state facilities should be avoided as a precaution.
 
VENEZUELA(CARACAS) - A pro-government rally is expected to be held in Venezuela's capital city, Caracas on 28 August. Participants are expected to gather at the Palacio de Miraflores from 11:00 local time. Although unconfirmed, related gatherings are also expected in other parts of Caracas. The rally has been called by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) in defence of recent security operations conducted by the government against criminal elements operating within the country. The government has recently conducted security operations aimed at targeting drug smugglers, non-state armed groups and illegal Colombian immigrants living along the border of Venezuela's western Tachira state. These operations have been labelled as a diversion tactic by opposition parties. Opposition parties have stated that this is an attempt by the president to divert attention away from the political and economic crisis ahead of the elections. There is a threat of violent civil unrest during the upcoming rally as opposition parties are likely to conduct responsive anti-government protests. Furthermore localised travel disruptions within the vicinity of the protest venue cannot me discounted. Clients in Caracus on 28 August are advised avoid all protests and related gatherings as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the rally is expected to result in localised travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

IRAQ(CENTRAL & SOUTHERN GOVERNORATES) - A leading Iraqi politician and Shiite Muslim leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, has called on his supporters to demonstrate on 28 August in the capital, Baghdad. The protest has been called to demand action against corruption and basic service provision. The call to protest has been reiterated by members of al-Sadr's Sadrist Movement, who have called on all Iraqis to protest on 28 August. Iraq has been beset by an increase in protests in recent weeks, notably in the Shiite Muslim south. These initially focused on poor service delivery by the government. In an attempt to offset criticism of the government and to meet the demonstrators' demands, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi initiated a political reform process on 9 August. This process has been supported by Iraq's leading Shiite Muslim religious authority, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. Since 9 August, protests in support of the reform measures have been reported in several governorates, including Baghdad, Maysan, Babil, Karbala, Basra, Najaf and Dhi Qar. These have been largely peaceful, with only minor acts of violence reported. The location of the anticipated protest in Baghdad on 28 August is unknown; however, precedent suggests that Tahrir Square or Sadr City are possible gathering points. Protests in cities across the centre and south are also possible. Demonstrations, should they proceed, are likely to start after Muslim midday prayers and in or near major public squares, government buildings and mosques. The risk of violence at all related gatherings is considered high. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central and northern Iraqi governorates, including Baghdad, Anbar, Salah ad-Din, Kirkuk, Diyala, Ninewa, Karbala and Babil, and against all non-essential travel to the southern, predominantly Shiite Muslim governorates of Wasit, Muthanna, Najaf, Basra, Dhi Qar, Maysan and Qadisiyah, due to the threat of terrorism. Persons in Iraq should exercise caution near protest hotspots and when travelling on Fridays. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

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