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

DELTA - Delta is introducing two new UK-US routes from next year as part of its transatlantic agreement with Virgin Atlantic. The US carrier will operate services from Heathrow to Salt Lake City and Edinburgh to New York JFK. The LHR-Salt Lake City flights will be operated by a 210-seat B767-300ER aircraft on a seasonal basis. From May 2, outbound service DL50 (VS4020) will depart Salt Lake City at 2010 and arrive in London at 1310 the next day. Return flight DL51 (VS4019) will leave LHR at 1415 and arrive in Salt Lake City at 1807. Salt Lake City will be Delta's eighth US destination out of Heathrow. From May 27, the carrier will roster a 163-seat B757-200 between Edinburgh and New York JFK. Outbound flight DL488 (VS4026) will depart JFK at 2015 and arrive in Edinburgh at 0840 the next day, with return leg DL489 (VS4027) leaving Edinburgh at 1030 and landing in New York at 1301.

ROMANIA - (Update) A general strike by air traffic controllers in Romania, which was scheduled to begin on 1 September, has been cancelled. The strike was averted following successful negotiations between the Romanian Air Traffic Services Administration (ROMATSA) union and management. The industrial action was originally organised by ROMATSA in response to various labour grievances. The union stated that the strike would only be cancelled if the agreement was officially registered at the labour authority, however, the status of the agreement is unknown. In light of this, the possibility of further strike action is possible in the short- to medium-term. Clients intending to undertake commercial air travel in Romania are advised to monitor local media for developments and announcements of possible future strike action, and to contact their airline and/or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

GERMANY(DARMSTADT) - Authorities evacuated Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof, the main railway station serving Frankfurt, after a shooting incident took place on one of the platforms, on 1 September. According to reports, a knife-wielding man threatened a police official before being shot and wounded by police. Numerous rail services have been suspended; however, services are expected to resume shortly. Clients intending to utilise Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof should confirm the status of services, and anticipate disruptions. Clients are advised monitor local media for updates and adhere to all directives issued by the local authorities.

HUNGARY(BUDAPEST) - Hungary reopened its Eastern Railway Terminus on Tuesday after shutting it for more than an hour, but did not permit migrants outside to enter, national news agency MTI reported. Hundreds of migrants demonstrated outside the station demanding that they be allowed to travel on to Germany.

AUSTRALIA(ADELAIDE) - Emergency service personnel have cordoned off a number of roads in the central business district of Adelaide, Australia, as a result of a major fire which started at the Wing Chun Kung Fu Academy on 1 September. Hindley Street, a major thoroughfare, is among the roads closed. Hundreds, if not thousands of people in the vicinity were evacuated, and one person remains unaccounted for. It is currently unclear what started the fire. It was initially reported that the Grand Chancellor Hotel was on fire, but such reports have subsequently been refuted. Although the blaze is under control, emergency service personnel are expected to remain on the scene for the coming hours at least. Accordingly, road closures and localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the ongoing fire. Furthermore, disruptions to utilities, such as water, are possible in the area in the near term. Persons in Adelaide should avoid the vicinity of the ongoing blaze as a general precaution. In addition, clients should anticipate localised transport disruptions and plan accordingly. Finally, persons in the affected area should obey all directives issued by the authorities.

INDIA(ASSAM STATE) - At least 21 people have been killed and scores more displaced due to torrential rains and associated flooding in India's north eastern Assam state since 29 August. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has attributed the flooding to the overflowing of the Brahmaputra River and has assessed the worst-affected area to be the Dibrugarh district. The Sonitpur and Lakhimpur districts have also been significantly affected. Infrastructure has been impaired due to the ongoing rain and flooding in the region; National Highway 31 and 53 other roads and bridges in the Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Goalpara, Dhubri, Golaghat, Dibrugarh and Bongaigaon districts have been damaged. In addition, ferry services have been suspended in Guwahati due to the rising water level of the Brahmaputra River. Relief operations are ongoing in many of the affected districts. Large parts of India, particularly the north east, are affected by the annual monsoon season, which generally runs from June to September. Further rain is likely in the short- to medium-term, and this is likely to exacerbate the current situation. Settlements located along the slopes of saturated hillsides are at a heightened risk of being affected by landslides. Further associated disruptions to travel and amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications are possible in the affected locales. Persons currently in Assam state are advised to monitor weather developments and heed any advisories issued by the local authorities. Furthermore, clients are advised to exercise caution in flood-prone areas, particularly low-lying areas in close proximity to rivers and on flood plains. Finally, due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Assam is advised against.

FIJI - Following a periodic review, red24 has amended Fiji's political risk rating and now rates this as low. A military coup in October 2006 saw Rear Admiral Voreqe 'Frank' Bainimarama become prime minister of the interim military government after Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase was ousted on alleged charges of corruption and racism. Increased political tensions following the coup led to increased demonstrations within the country, particularly in the capital, Suva. Under the interim government, parliamentary elections were postponed for several years due to the 'People's Charter for Change'. The charter was a proposed legal document which sought to prevent corruption in any future elected government, limit the power of the executive branch of government, and establish guidelines for any government-initiated policies. The charter, which needed to be ratified under the interim military government, was subject to public input and many drafts before being implemented in early 2014, after which general elections were called. Bainimarama announced that he was stepping down as Commander of the Armed Forces in order to contest the national elections and subsequently established the Fiji First political party. The general elections were held on 17 September 2014; Fiji First won a landslide victory, garnering 32 of the 50 parliamentary seats. The opposition Social Democratic Liberal Party (Sodelpa) won 15 seats and the National Federation Party won three. The elections passed without incident and were endorsed by international observers and organisations. Following the elections, political tensions have decreased significantly and the government of Bainimarama is assessed to be politically stable. Clients in Fiji are advised to adopt commonsense security precautions at all times. All protest action, regardless of motivation, should be avoided as a precautionary measure.

RUSSIA(VLADIVOSTOK) - Heightened security measures are expected to be implemented in Vladivostok, ahead of the first Eastern Economic Forum on 3 to 5 September. Over 1,100 emergency service personnel are set to be deployed to the event at the Far Eastern Federal University, on Russky Island, and approaches to the venue, including Barkhatnaya Street. Checkpoints and road closures are expected. Economic summits are typically targeted by a range of activists and protesters. Any sanctioned protest events are expected to proceed under close police supervision. Although most are expected to conclude without incident, disruptive elements have been known to infiltrate otherwise peaceful protests and precipitate violent confrontations with security forces. Accordingly, security forces are expected to limit access to the venue, and traffic restrictions are likely to be introduced in parts of Vladivostok. Clients in Vladivostok in the coming days are advised to avoid all protest gatherings and concentrations of security forces, due to the risk of violent civil unrest and the incidental risk it presents to bystanders. In addition, clients should anticipate increased security measures, localised travel restrictions and associated delays. Clients in the city should consider keeping certified copies of all relevant identification documents on their person at all times.

CHINA(BEIJING) - Significant disruptions are expected in the capital, Beijing, ahead of and on 3 September, in anticipation of China's commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. A military parade, encompassing domestic and international military contingents, is expected to take place in the vicinity of Tiananmen Square in China's capital, Beijing, on 3 September. Security is expected to be considerably heightened as foreign dignitaries are due to attend the commemoration events. Road cordons, check points and temporary road closures are expected in the vicinity of Tiananmen Square. Select roads including Qianmen Street, Dashilar Street, Wangfujing Street and Xidan Commercial Street are expected to be closed on 2 and 3 September. Authorities have already implemented restrictions to road travel by private vehicles in order to limit congestion and pollution in Beijing. Cars are only permitted to drive on alternating days, depending on whether they have odd- or even-numbered licence plates. This measure is effective between 03:00 and 23:59 local time and is expected to remain in place until 3 September. Additionally, temporary air traffic restrictions are expected to be implemented over Beijing on 3 September. Beijing Nanyuan Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport will be closed from 09:30 local time to 12:30 on 3 September; many airlines operating at these airports have cancelled flights to and from Beijing. Disruptions to scheduled rail operations should be anticipated for the duration of 3 September; Qianmen, Chongwenmen, Xuanwumen, Hepingmen, Jianguomen, Changchunjie, Fuxingmen, Chegongzhuang, Chaoyangmen and Dongsi Shitiao stations will be temporarily closed from 00:00 to 13:00. Authorities have made provisions for the increased demand for transport during the upcoming commemorative period, by initiating additional scheduled bus services to accommodate commuters in the areas affected by travel restrictions. The parade and accompanying commemorative events will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII, particularly the surrender of Japan on 2 September 1945. Local authorities often refer to WWII as the 'Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War'. The commemorative parade is expected to pass without incident; however, past festivities in Beijing have been marred by protests. Although there have been no reports of planned protests, such action is likely to be nationalist and anti-Japanese in nature. This poses an incidental risk to bystanders. Authorities have declared 3, 4 and 5 September public holidays and significant disruptions to business operations during this time should be expected. There is an elevated threat of petty crime, as the large crowds that are expected to be present at commemorative events will provide ample cover under which thieves may operate. In addition, significant traffic disruptions in central Beijing should be anticipated as thousands of spectators are expected to attend the military parade. The temporary airport closures and increased security measures are expected to result in increased transit times through facilities, disruptions to scheduled services, and a backlog of flights once services normalise. Travel disruptions and restrictions should be expected in the vicinity of primary thoroughfares, public squares and state facilities across Beijing in the near-term. Clients in Beijing before and on the day of 3 September area advised to anticipate city-wide travel disruptions and plan accordingly. Protest gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution against civil unrest. In addition, heightened security measures and associated travel disruptions at all airports in Beijing should be anticipated for the near-term. Clients should ensure that they are aware of airport operation times, and should confirm the status of flight(s).

MOZAMBIQUE(NAMPULA PROVINCE) - According to media reports, a Chinese national was shot dead during an armed robbery in the village of Mutivaze, in Nampula province's Rapale district, on 27 August. An unknown number of assailants reportedly fired several shots at the Chinese national's vehicle, wounding several occupants, before seizing a large sum of money and fleeing towards Ribaue town in a getaway vehicle. The incident prompted local police to advise residents to seek the protection of the police when moving large sums of money.  Crime is the most significant safety and security threat to both short-term and long-term visitors to Mozambique, due to their perceived wealth. The country experiences high levels of violent crimes such as armed robberies and carjackings due to the widespread proliferation of weapons following the country's civil war. The high threat of crime is compounded by the police force's lack of resources, manpower and training to deal with the increasing crime rate. In addition, police are reportedly slow in responding to crimes, particularly in rural areas. Clients in Mozambique should ensure that personal, travel and residential security measures are in place at all times. These include being alert to suspicious behaviour, making sure residential properties are adequately secure and being prepared to let belongings go in the event of criminals trying to steal them.

INDIA(CHURACHANDPUR) - A curfew of indefinite duration has been imposed in the town of Churachandpur, in the eponymous district of India's north eastern Manipur state, following violent protests in the area, late on 31 August. The clashes killed four people and wounded 13 others, and took place when police opened fire on protesters who were torching the homes of members of the state legislature. The authorities have also deployed additional security force personnel to the town in light of the recent unrest. Elsewhere in the state, and related to the recent developments, a general strike, known locally as a bandh, is underway. The exact locations affected by the strike are unclear. The protests were originally sparked by the passage of controversial bills, known as the Inner Line Permit System (ILP), in the state legislature, on 31 August, that will give non-indigenous people access to land rights, which indigenous people in Manipur assert will deprive the latter of land. Although the ILP system is designed to protect the land rights of indigenous people, one of the bills would identify those who settled in the state before 1951 as being allowed to have property rights; a highly unpopular development among non-indigenous people who settled in Manipur after this date. Some indigenous people are also unhappy with the implementation of the ILP in its current form. More generally, the ILP system has resulted in numerous protests in recent months, with tensions escalating sharply on 8 July, after ILP-related protests in the state capital of Imphal turned violent, killing at least one person. Given the ongoing tension over this issue, further protest action is possible in the near-term. Security forces are likely to respond swiftly and decisively to any protests; as such, the risk of violence at related gatherings is considered high.  Due to persistent insecurity, all non-essential travel to Manipur and a number of other north eastern states is advised against. Persons in or planning to travel to Manipur, and Churachandpur in particular, are advised to monitor local media, abide by the directives of the authorities, adhere to conditions of the curfew and avoid all large public gatherings.

LIBYA(BENGHAZI & TRIPOLI) - Conflict between Libyan National Army (LNA) forces and Islamist extremists persists in Benghazi, north eastern Libya. On 30 and 31 August, fighting between LNA and Islamic State (IS)-linked fighters left at least five soldiers dead and 22 wounded. The confrontations centred on the city's Hawari area. There were no immediate reports of casualties among the militant force. Elsewhere, a car bomb detonated in the capital, Tripoli, on 31 August outside of Mellitah Oil and Gas company offices. There were no casualties reported. Conflict levels in Libya have dropped marginally in mid- to late-August coinciding with ongoing peace talks between the country's two rival governments. However, fighting involving Islamist extremist groups, like IS and Ansar al-Sharia, which are excluded from the talks, has been ongoing in Benghazi, Derna and Sirte. Despite the lower conflict levels, insecurity persists, even in areas considered relatively secure. The bombing in Tripoli underscores this persistent travel and operating risk. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in or planning to travel to the country should ensure that actual or planned personal, residential and travel security measures are regularly reviewed in conjunction with their security provider.

YEMEN(SANAA) - Unconfirmed reports indicate that dozens of people have been arrested by Houthi fighters in Yemen's capital, Sanaa, since 30 August. Those arrested include political figures and members of non-governmental agencies and have been accused by the Houthis of links to Islamist extremist groups. The arrests are the latest led by the Houthis in the capital. The detentions appear to be attempts by the group to secure the city ahead of a possible offensive by its military opponents. The Houthis have lost a large amount of territory in the south since July and are facing defeat east of Sanaa in Marib governorate. There are also reports that anti-Houthi forces may be preparing for an assault on Sanaa over the near-term. The Houthis are likely to escalate detention and surveillance activities in Sanaa ahead of the impending offensive. These activities may extend to foreign interests and organisations as well.  Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen, excluding the Socotra archipelago. Persons operating in Sanaa are advised to do so with a security escort and should ensure that all crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated. Travel documentation should also be up to date and should conform to the latest requirements by the authorities. Business sensitive material should be safeguarded with a due recognition to the potential threat posed by surveillance or raids by local groupings.

PAKISTAN(JAMRUD) - At least six people have been killed and 31 more wounded in a bomb attack in the town of Jamrud, in the Khyber Agency of Pakistan's north western Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), early on 1 September. The blast took place when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives outside a local government office, resulting in both security force and civilian casualties. Emergency services are on the scene. There have been no claims of responsibility. Further details remain unavailable. This incident is indicative of the extreme threat of terrorism in Pakistan, despite the fact that 2015 has experienced a decline in attacks across the country. This has been partially attributed to ongoing Pakistani military operations against Islamist groups in FATA since June 2014, specifically in North Waziristan Agency. Nonetheless, Islamist militant groups, including Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP), Lashkar-e-Islam, al-Qaeda and other militant groups, continue to periodically conduct attacks throughout the country, especially in the chronically insecure FATA due to the deep penetration of insurgent groups in the area. Due to general insecurity in the country, further such incidents, including military offensives and targeted militant attacks, are likely to continue in the short- to medium-term. Due to a number of security concerns, including the threat of terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to a number of Pakistan's provinces and regions, including FATA. Persons travelling in these areas should do so with a close protection officer and should ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

SOMALIA(JANALE) - Al-Shabaab (AS) has claimed to have attacked an African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) base in the Janale area, 90km south west of Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, early on 1 September. The militants reportedly initiated the attack with a car bomb before breaching the defences with ground forces. The group claims to have killed as many as 50 soldiers. Somalia government and AMISOM forces have not yet confirmed the attack. AS has lost a significant amount of territory in Somalia in recent months, however, its ability to plan and execute high-profile assault and attacks against both hard and soft targets remains relatively good. Following the recent attack, an increased AMISOM deployment to the affected area is possible. As such, additional confrontations between the two sides are possible in the area over the immediate term. Clients are advised against all travel to Somalia, except Puntland and Somaliland, due the extreme risks of conflict, terrorism and kidnapping. Persons operating in the country should consider travelling with a close protection officer, and should ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated with their security provider.

ISRAEL(WEST BANK) - Several people were reportedly wounded following clashes between Israeli security forces and a group of Palestinians in the West Bank late on 31 August. According to local media, the incident occurred during a counterterrorism raid by Israeli soldiers on the Jenin refugee camp in the area. The soldiers are said to have been looking for Islamist militants at the camp. Further details regarding the raid, and the subsequent skirmish, have yet to be disclosed. Israeli security force raids in the West Bank are regularly reported. During these operations, clashes with local residents, who typically initiate protests in response to the Israeli action, are commonly reported. The shooting of Palestinian residents carries the potential to further escalate protest activity in the affected areas and across the West Bank over the immediate-term. 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 travelling in the West Bank should do so with a trained security driver and during the day only. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

NICARAGUA(MANAGUA) - A protest led by opposition groups, including the Independent Liberal Party (PLI) and the Nicaraguan Democratic Movement (MDN), is expected to take place in Nicaragua's capital, Managua, on 2 September. Participants are expected to gather in the vicinity of the Supreme Electoral Council building (Pista Juan Pablo II) at 09:00 local time. The protest forms part of a weekly campaign to demand fair elections and a change of electoral magistrates ahead of the 2016 presidential vote. Further such demonstrations are anticipated in the near-term, including in cities of Juigalpa, Leon and Masaya, where protests have previously been held. Previous related demonstrations have been marred by low-level clashes. In light of this, the risk of low-level clashes at the upcoming protest cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions are anticipated in the protest-affected area. Persons in Managua on 2 September are advised to avoid all street gatherings as a precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any localised travel delays.

PERU(LORETO REGION) - The Loreto Patriotic Front (LPF) has called for a 48-hour general strike in Peru's northern Loreto region, on 2 and 3 September. The strike has been organised in protest against the government's concession of an oil field lot to a foreign-owned company. Associated protests are also expected during the strike period; however, details regarding these protests are currently unavailable. The upcoming strike is the latest agitation against the oil contract. Low-level clashes between protesters and security forces were reported during a related strike on 25 August. In addition, protesters blocked access to the Tarapoto-Yurimaguas road which connects the San Martin region to Loreto, as well as Avenida Jose Abelardo Quinones, which leads to the Coronel FAP Francisco Secada Vignetta International Airport in Iquitos city. In light of this, further blockades should be anticipated along main roads, particularly in Iquitos. Protests are also possible in other provincial capitals within the region. The possibility of confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Loreto region during the aforementioned strike period are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate for any delays associated with the strike. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution.

MOROCCO(RABAT) - The 20 February Movement has called for protests in Morocco's capital, Rabat, on 2 September. The movement is calling for a boycott of the upcoming municipal and regional elections, on 4 September. Participants are expected to gather at Bab el-Had Square at 18:00 local time. It is unclear how well attended the protest will be; nonetheless disruptions to road travel should be anticipated in the vicinity of Bab el-Had Square. The protest is likely to proceed without major incident; however, the potential for confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Rabat on 2 September are advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution, and to plan for localised travel disruptions.

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