Header NEWS
Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
GLOBAL - Five new departure lounges have opened:  
 
THE PIER
AIRLINE Cathay Pacific
COUNTRY Hong Kong
ENTRY First class passengers, as well as those holding Marco Polo Club Diamond or Oneworld Emerald status on any flight operated by an alliance member.
INFO The newly renovated first class section of The Pier offers a seating capacity for 231 passengers, and is the airline's largest dedicated first class facility to date. The Pier first class lounge is separated into individual sections, including the Library, Bureau with six iMac workstations offering dual operating systems, Dining Room for sit-down a la carte, Pantry for "grab and go" light bites, horseshoe-shaped bar, and Retreat area featuring 14 showers, eight day suites and three foot massage booths.
 
QANTAS BUSINESS LOUNGE
AIRLINE Qantas Airways
COUNTRY Perth, Australia
ENTRY Qantas business customers as well as Platinum and Platinum One frequent flyers. 
INFO The new Qantas Domestic Business Lounge is almost 50 per cent larger than the one it replaces, and offers seating for more than 350 people. Along with the usual facilities and services, there are two brand new dining concepts at the lounge - an Italian pizza bar with a dedicated pizza chef, and a wine bar serving barista coffee and freshly made croissants.   There is also a "make your own" juice station in the morning, cocktail hour from 4-5pm on weekdays, and a standard hot and cold buffet selection. 
 
TERMINAL 1 PREMIUM LOUNGE
AIRLINE Etihad Airways
COUNTRY Abu Dhabi
ENTRY Etihad's first and business class passengers, as well as qualifying platinum tier members of Etihad Guest, and those of equivalent tier with Etihad Airways' partner airlines.
INFO The refurbished 1,044 sqm facility offers seating for 134 guests and sports a design motif consistent with the airline's brand. Open 24 hours a day, the lounge offers amenities including comfortable armchairs, a dedicated dining area, complimentary wifi connectivity, USB power outlets and shower facilities.  In keeping with the Gulf carrier's signature F&B offering, lounge guests that wish to forego the standard buffet option can also opt for restaurant-style à la carte dining. 
 
SAKURA LOUNGE
AIRLINE Japan Airlines
COUNTRY Osaka, Japan
ENTRY JAL passengers from business class, and economy booking class Y.
INFO The lounge has been redesigned with the concept of "modern Japanese style", delivering a message of the "heart of Japan" and "Japanese hospitality" to the customers. It can hold up to 177 passengers, although the seating is rather close together. There are several improved amenities, including two massage chairs, electric locks in the new baggage storage space, more power outlets around each seat, a make-up corner in the ladies restroom, and a big screen for flight information. There is also a smoking room in the lounge, with seating. 
 
BRITISH AIRWAYS CONCORDE LOUNGE
AIRLINE British Airways
COUNTRY Singapore
ENTRY BA's first and business (Club World) customers, along with eligible Executive Gold and Silver member, as well as Oneworld Sapphire or Emerald frequent flyers.
INFO Facilities include coat check, baggage storage and shower rooms. Connectivity is provided via high-speed complimentary wifi, while there are also two desktop computers and a wireless printer. For F&B, the lounge offers a selection of wines, refreshments and food that can be found at the buffet counters and the bar. The highlight of the lounge is the first ever Concorde Bar. Featuring black Nero marble surfaces, European oak flooring and stylish furnishings, this is a private area available exclusively to BA's first class customer, which requires a passcode to enter.

SPAIN(ALICANTE, BARCELONA, MADRID, MALAGA & PALMA) - Unionised employees of ground handling service provider, Menzies Aviation Iberica, are set to stage a series of work stoppages at Spain's Alicante, Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga and Palma airports throughout September. The strike action has been called with regard to a number of labour concerns, including wages. Disruptions to services at Alicante-Elche and Palma de Mallorca airports were reported on 9 September, as employees observed the first of two sets of four-hour work stoppages from 10:00 to 14:00 local time; employees will strike again at 16:00 to 20:00. Employees at the Madrid-Barajas airport will go on three-hour work stoppages from 04:30 to 07:30 and again from 19:30 to 21:30 on 11 September. On 12 September, workers at Malaga airport will strike from 08:00 to 12:00 and again from 18:00 to 21:00. The action is set to affect low-cost carrier airlines, easyJet and Vueling. It is currently unclear how well the strike will be observed. Nonetheless, the strike action has the potential to cause significant disruptions to services at the aforementioned airports. Given that the action is being undertaken as part of an ongoing dispute, further such strikes are possible in the short- to medium-term. Persons scheduled to transit through affected airports on the aforementioned days should anticipate delays and are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to enquire about the status of their flight(s).  

ITALY - Several unions have called for strike action and work stoppages across Italy, on 11 and 12 September. The labour action is expected to affect rail and local public transport services. On 11 September the following work stoppages are anticipated: Atral Latina employees will conduct a work stoppage from 9:30 to 13:30 local time in the province of Latin. Unionised employees of Amo, and Nuova Mobilita are expected to conduct a work stoppage between 17:00 to 21:00 local time, in the province of Modena. Societa Emiliana Trasporti Autofiloviari (SETA Spa) employees in the provinces of Modena, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia are expected to conduct a work stoppage from 17:30 until the end of day. On 12 September unionised Trenitalia employees are expected to conduct a 24 hour strike from 21:00 local time, in the Tuscany region. Labour strikes and work stoppages take place frequently in Italy. These often impact on regional and countrywide transport services. Such action is often in response to wage disputes or related issues. The aforementioned work stoppages are likely to result in an increased demand for other modes of public transport. Clients in Italy on 11 and 12 September are advised to monitor local media for announcements related to the industrial action, and should alter travel arrangements accordingly. Should the strikes proceed, clients are advised to consider organising and/or booking alternative means of transport in advance.   

AUSTRALIA(MELBOURNE) - Taxi drivers in Melbourne, Australia, are expected to protest against the Uber taxi service on 10 September. The protest is scheduled to take place outside Parliament House, located in Spring Street in East Melbourne, at 10:00 local time. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; employees of car hire services are scheduled to partake in the protest. Uber is a mobile application-based transportation network that uses a smartphone application to receive taxi ride requests from customers; requests are then sent to member drivers. Local taxi drivers consider this a non-competitive practice and therefore a threat to their business. Previous related protests have concluded peacefully; however, the threat of violence cannot be discounted. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the affected area. Clients in Melbourne on 10 September are advised to exercise caution, avoid all protests and demonstrations and consider refraining from using Uber taxi services on the day as a precautionary measure.
 
AUSTRALIA(MELBOURNE) - Tram drivers could strike for 24 hours after again shutting down Melbourne's network in an escalating pay battle. The city's second four-hour tram strike in a fortnight on Thursday involved 200 tram workers rallying at Trades Hall to protest against the latest offer from Yarra Trams. The Rail, Tram and Bus Union asked the Fair Work Commission at 9am for more strikes, and Yarra Trams says those include 24-hour stoppages. "The only time we've got any movement out of the company, whether it be on conditions or whether it be on the wage offer, has been when we've taken industrial action," union divisional secretary Phil Altieri told reporters on Thursday. "We don't want to be doing this, but the fact is it's the only avenue we've got to gain some ground." Yarra Trams CEO Clement Michel said the union had asked for the ability to hold 24-hour strikes. He told 3AW the company has created 200 jobs and had handed out pay increases worth 28 per cent over the past six years. "(The current offer of) 13 per cent increase with no change in pay conditions is a very good offer," he told 3AW. Mr Michel said the deal would take shift work drivers from an average of $91,000 a year to more than $100,000 a year. But Mr Altieri said only the top two per cent of drivers earned $91,000. Yarra Trams' website says drivers earn $65-75,000 after penalties. Premier Daniel Andrews has criticised the union for hastily moving to strike action. "I don't think too many people in Melbourne and Victoria think it's a good thing to talk one day, strike the next and be talking the day after that," Mr Andrews said. Public Transport Minister Jacinta Allan says the strikes are unnecessary and disruptive. "I think passengers have every right and reason to feel entirely frustrated and fed up," she told reporters. Taxi drivers also went on strike during the tram stoppage to protest government inaction over UberX. Melbourne also faces more potential train strikes, with an agreement with Metro Trains still unsigned.
 
DENMARK/GERMANY - Denmark has resumed rail services to Germany, after closing the train line and a motorway yesterday in a bid to stem the flow of refugees heading north to Sweden. The motorway, a vital traffic artery for people and goods between the two countries, was closed when some 300 refugees, including children, began walking on it. Police tried to persuade them to leave but appeared reluctant to use force, witnesses said. Police also asked the state-owned railway operator to stop all trains between Germany and Denmark until further notice. At Rodby, where train ferries arrive in Denmark from Germany, two trains carrying about 240 people were stopped by police. Refugees on board were refusing to leave the train, insisting it take them on to Sweden. Eventually police related and allowed them to off the train. Many volunteers from Sweden were waiting to drive them across the border. Denmark's Justice Minister Soren said he was cutting short a trip to the United States to return to Denmark. "For security reasons, the police, in collaboration with German authorities, decided that for the near future no travellers from Syria, Iraq, etcetera will arrive in Denmark by ferry to Rodby," police said in a statement.

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - Activist and civic groups plan to hold a solidarity march, under the banner 'Solidarity with Refugees', in the UK's capital, London, on 12 September. The march has been called in a show of unity with refugees and their plight amid the European refugee crisis. Participants are expected to gather at Marble Arch from 12:00 local time and march to Downing Street, where a rally will be held from 14:00. Counter-demonstrations in the vicinity of the march are possible. Although the upcoming march is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; as such, localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated along the march route, and in and around the demonstration site. Persons in London on 12 September are advised to monitor local media for announcements regarding the upcoming march. Clients are also advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. 
 
GERMANY(HAMBURG) - Unsanctioned rival demonstrations by far-right and anti-fascist activist groups are expected to take place in Hamburg, Germany, on 12 September. Neo-Nazi groups, including Hooligans against Salafists (HoGeSa) and the Hamburg branch of Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA) will hold an anti-Islam and anti-refugee demonstration, with participants expected to gather at the Heidi-Kabel-Platz from 12:00 local time. The demonstration is expected to be met by a counter-demonstration by anti-fascist activist groups, in the same vicinity. The opposing demonstrations are expected to proceed amid an increased police presence, which will be in place to maintain order and separate rival demonstrators. Further details regarding the demonstrations are currently unavailable. Far-right and anti-fascist groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in Germany, often prompting counter-demonstrations by rival groups. In addition, violent confrontations involving participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces have taken place in the past. The possibility of similar clashes marring the upcoming demonstrations cannot be dismissed. Furthermore, the potential for skirmishes is assessed to be elevated at this time, due to heightened tensions regarding the European refugee crisis. Persons in Hamburg on 12 September are advised to avoid the vicinity of the upcoming demonstrations as a precaution. Clients should also anticipate localised traffic disruptions during the demonstrations.  

JAPAN(HONSHU) - (Update) Additional flooding has been reported in Japan's Ibaraki prefecture, on the island of Honshu, on 10 September, following the passing of Tropical Storm Etau. As a result, emergency weather warnings have been issued for both Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures. In Kanuma, in Tochigi prefecture, one person remains missing after a landslide, while 23,000 people have been ordered to evacuate. A further 70,000 have been given mandatory evacuation orders elsewhere in Tochigi prefecture, and 116,000 others given voluntary evacuation orders. In In Ibaraki prefecture, 20,000 people have been given mandatory evacuation orders. Flood warnings have been issued for areas in the immediate vicinity of the Kinugawa River, as water levels have reached unprecedented levels. The river has burst its banks in places, resulting in the inundation of over 260 buildings in Joso city, in Ibaraki prefecture. Although Tropical Storm Etau did not bring especially heavy winds, it is slow moving and thus has the ability to dump large amounts of rain over areas, making landfall. In addition, rainy weather ahead of the approach of the tropical storm has likely exacerbated the storm system's effects. Further heavy rain is expected over 10 September in the Tohoku and Kanto regions of Honshu. These regions include Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi and Yamagata prefectures, and the Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures respectively; the greater Tokyo metropolitan area also falls within the Kanto region. Given the severity and ongoing nature of the flooding, severe disruptions to transport in the affected areas are expected to continue, as are disruptions to amenities such as telecommunications, electricity and water. It should be noted that thus far the number of casualties as a result of the flooding is relatively low, in light of the excellent disaster preparation measures and emergency response capabilities of Japanese authorities. Persons operating on Honshu are advised to monitor local media for updates on the storm. All directives issued by the local authorities should be adhered to. Travel to the flood-impacted areas of Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures and other severely flood-affected areas should be avoided; travel to Tokyo can continue at this time. Clients should reconfirm all scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority, prior to departure.    

JAPAN(HOKKAIDO, NORTHERN HONSHU) -Tropical Storm Kilo is forecast to bring inclement weather to northern parts of Japan, from late on 11 September. The storm system, is currently moving in a north westerly direction and is expected to impact on the island of Hokkaido and northern parts of Honshu, in the coming 24 hours. The storm is expected to bring heavy rain and coastal storm surges to the affected areas, over the coming days. It should be noted that there is an elevated risk of flooding and landslides across Japan, as a result of the already saturated grounds, as a result of increased rainfall since August, as well as the passing of Tropical Storm Etau, which heavily impacted and continues to impact on southern and central parts of Honshu. In addition, disruptions to basic amenities, such as power supply and transport services (air, road and maritime), should be anticipated. Clients in Japan are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions due to the respective risks of flooding and landslides. Travellers should confirm the status of scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority, prior to departure. 

CHAD(N'DJAMENA) - The US Embassy in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, announced on 9 September that it would temporarily suspend all operations at the facility from 9 to 11 September. The reason for the closure has yet to be disclosed; however, the embassy has asserted that emergency consular services will still be available to US citizens during the aforementioned period. It should be noted that temporary closure is taking place ahead of and during the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 al-Qaeda terrorist attacks in the US. The anniversary has generally been associated with a global increased terrorism threat against US interests. Persons in or planning travel to Chad requiring consular assistance should contact their relevant US embassy or consulate for further information on the closure. Clients are reminded that all non-essential travel to Chad, excluding N'Djamena, is advised against due to the ongoing threats of conflict, kidnapping and violent crime. 
 
BURUNDI - red24 has amended its travel advisory and overall risk rating for Burundi and no longer advises against all travel to the country. Due to a relative improvement in the overall political and security environment, red24 advises that essential travel to most parts of Burundi can occur at this time. However, due to ongoing rebel activity and associated insecurity, red24 continues to advise against all travel to the western provinces of Cibitoke and Bubanza, which border the Democratic Republic of Congo. While historically unstable, the political situation in Burundi deteriorated rapidly in April 2015 after the incumbent president, Pierre Nkurunziza, formally announced that he would contest the Burundian presidency in the country's June 2015 elections. Opposition activists decried Nkurunziza's candidacy on the basis that the incumbent had already served two successive terms and a third presidential term would be a breach of the Burundian constitution. This sparked intense anti-government agitation in the lead up to the vote, which left several people dead. However, Nkurunziza nevertheless contested the elections and won the ballot by an overwhelming margin. Following his inauguration in August, protest activity in the country has decreased and the overall political and security situation in the country has improved. Nonetheless, the risk of further political instability, in addition to the threats of terrorism, conflict, crime and civil unrest, continues to render Burundi's security environment as high risk. Furthermore, due to elevated levels of rebel activity and associated insecurity, the provinces of Cibitoke and Bubanza are assessed as extreme-risk travel and operating areas. Due to the aforementioned security concerns, red24 advises against all non-essential travel to Burundi and against all travel to the provinces of Cibitoke and Bubanza. Clients intending to travel to the country should coordinate all movements in the presence of a security escort and ensure that robust residential, travel and personal measures are employed at all times.  

NIGERIA(ABUJA) - An Israeli national was killed during an attempted kidnapping at a construction site in Nigeria's capital, Abuja, on 7 September. According to reports, the deceased was shot by his assailants when trying to escape. Another Israeli national and local security guard were also wounded during the incident; they had attempted to aid the deceased when he called for help. Authorities have launched an official investigation into the matter. There is a high risk of kidnapping across Nigeria. Although it remains unclear who was behind this latest incident, both organised criminal syndicates and Islamist militants are known to conduct kidnappings and have an operational presence in the region. Both groups periodically abduct local and foreign nationals for the purposes of ransom and extortion. The attempted abduction and subsequent shooting of a foreign national on 7 September is indicative of the high operating risk in the country; given the persistent insecurity in the region, further such kidnappings are anticipated. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to Nigeria, including Abuja, is advised against. Persons in or planning travel to the country are advised to implement comprehensive travel, residential and personal security measures, and to consider the use of a security escort, particularly if travelling outside of major urban centres. Clients are further advised to avoid travel after dark as far as practically possible.    
NIGERIA(EDO STATE, NIGER DELTA REGION) - Two Chinese nationals who were abducted in Nigeria's southern Edo state on 7 September were reportedly released on 9 September following a rescue operation by security forces. The circumstances surrounding their initial abduction and subsequent release have yet to be disclosed; however, some reports indicate that residents in the area alerted the authorities to the kidnapping. Efforts to apprehend the kidnappers are ongoing. The aforementioned incident highlights the high and persistent threat of kidnapping in Nigeria, particularly in southern states such as Edo. Persistently high levels of insecurity in parts of the country have increasingly enabled militant and criminal groups to carry out kidnappings for ransom with near impunity. Kidnappings are generally perpetrated for financial gain. While most victims are released unharmed after being held for a relatively short period, rescue efforts by Nigerian security forces have resulted in casualties in the past. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to Nigeria, including Edo state, is advised against. Persons in or planning to travel to the country are advised to implement comprehensive travel, residential and personal security measures and consider the use of a security escort, particularly if travelling outside of major urban centres. Clients are further advised to avoid travel after dark as far as practically possible.  

BANGLADESH(VARIOUS URBAN CENTRES) - Disruptions were reported amid student-led protests in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on 8 and 9 September. Associated protests were also held in Chittagong and Sylhet. At least 35 people were injured during a protest at East West University, in Dhaka's Badda area, after police and protesters clashed. According to reports, security forces fired rubber bullets in an attempt to disperse the protest on 8 September. Severe traffic disruptions were reported along Dhanmondi, Mokakhali, Gulshan and Rampura roads in Dhaka. In Sylhet, students obstructed Court Point, Chourasta, Surma Point and the Taltola areas. East West University, BRAC University, North South University, Samford University and Chittagong Independent University partook in the protests and associated roadblocks. Private university students protested against a government-initiated 7.5 percent tax increase on tuition at several locations in Dhaka and elsewhere. Unconfirmed reports indicate that protests are expected to continue in the near-term; students are said to be protesting in the above-mentioned locations in Dhaka on 10 September. Sporadic protests relating to the aforementioned concern have been reported across the country since 4 July, when the National Board of Revenue (NBR) issued the order imposing the valued added tax. Protests are expected to continue at universities countrywide; however, main thoroughfares and intersections 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. Additionally, protests of this nature can result in significant road-based travel disruptions. Persons currently in Bangladesh should monitor local media for updates and developments and avoid all protests and demonstration-related activity. Allowances should also be made for road-based travel disruptions.  

CHINA(XINJIANG AUTONOMOUS UIGHUR REGION, ZHENGZHOU) - Recent media reports have indicated that a gun battle between security forces and suspected Uighur militants took place in Zhengzhou, administrative capital of China's eastern Henan province, over the evening of 7/8 September. Although details are unclear, it is thought that the incident took place at the intersection of Daxue and Huaihe roads, and that at least one police officer and one assailant were killed; an unknown number of people were injured. Local police have yet to make a statement regarding the incident. Elsewhere, there are unconfirmed reports of additional deployments of security forces to Shache (also known as Yarkant) county, in China's restive Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR), following unrest early on 3 September. There are also unconfirmed reports of additional police patrols in the Turpan (Tulufan), Yutian (Keriya) and Aksu (Aqsu Wilayiti) counties in the XUAR; the reason for this is unknown. The XUAR is being affected by a secessionist campaign by the Uighur ethnic minority. The Muslim-majority Uighur community claims to be politically, economically and religiously oppressed by the country's government and ethnic Han Chinese majority. As a result, the XUAR has been subject to numerous incidents of violent clashes between police and protesters, attacks by separatists on security personnel and installations, as well as both small-scale and mass-casualty bomb attacks. However, incidents relating to the separatist movement are not commonly reported outside the XUAR, and the Zhengzhou incident is not currently thought to be indicative of a developing trend. Elevated security measures and an increased security force presence are likely in Zhengzhou in the near-term. In addition, the possibility of China closing the XUAR border as a result of the suspected violence in Shache remains; this has frequently been done during past periods of heightened security and increased tensions. Finally, Chinese authorities heavily restrict access to information on the security situation in the XUAR and incidents relating to possible Uighur separatism elsewhere in the country; consequently, reports of separatist attacks or additional details surrounding previous incidents may only emerge several days after the incident in question. Clients in Zhengzhou are advised to maintain elevated situational awareness at this time and follow directives given by security forces. In addition, persons intending to travel to the aforementioned counties in the XUAR in the near-future should confirm with their travel provider that access into those areas is permitted on the date of travel.

SYRIA - The Islamic State (IS) has issued a statement claiming that it is holding two foreign nationals for an unspecified ransom amount. The victims are Norwegian, Ole Johan Grimsgaard-Ofstad, and Chinese national, Fan Jinghui. The Norwegian government has acknowledged that Grimsgaard-Ofstad is being held and that he was abducted in January. They have also stated that they have been in contact with the kidnappers but that they will not pay a ransom. It is unclear where in Syria the Norwegian was abducted. It is unclear where and when the Chinese national was abducted. Kidnapping is a significant risk in Syria. IS is one of a number of militant/criminal groups involved in kidnapping for ransom operations. Foreign nationals are particularly sort after as they can generate large ransoms. IS also continues to target foreign, particularly Western, nationals for political purposes. The group has presented and executed a number of foreigners since 2014 in retaliation for air strikes and other foreign military operations against its bases in Iraq and Syria. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria. Persons intending to travel to the country should do so after a full risk assessment from their security provider. Travellers should be escorted by a close protection officer.  

LIBYA(TRIPOLI & SURROUNDS) - Clashes between rival armed groups were reported west of Libya's capital, Tripoli, on 9 September. The confrontations between an armed group linked to Western Libya Shield and another group linked to the Libyan National Army (LNA) occurred in the Sabratha area and then spread towards the capital in the Sayad area near Janzour. In a separate development, a car bomb detonated near the al-Habda prison in the capital on 9 September. There were no casualties. The prison holds a number of officials of the former Muammar al-Gaddafi regime. Tripoli is under the control of one of the two major political blocs in the country, the General National Congress (GNC). However, forces linked to the other major bloc, the House of Representatives, are also present around the capital. Despite a de-escalation in conflict between the two sides in the country in recent weeks, coinciding with ongoing peace talks, clashes are still reported occasionally. Terrorism also remains an ongoing risk in Tripoli. Islamic State (IS)-linked forces and other non-state armed groups, including forces linked to the previous regime, maintain the operational capacity to execute attacks countrywide. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons intending to travel to the country should do so following a full itinerary specific risk assessment from their travel provider. Travellers should be escorted by a close protection officer, particularly when travelling outside of major cities.  

PERU(LIMA) - Four explosive devices were identified and defused by the authorities in different areas of Peru's capital, Lima, on 9 September. One device was found near the Ministry of Transport and Communications, two were found in the Jicamarca district and one final device was found near the Huaycolor bridge in the Huachipa district. Some Shining Path (SP) or Sendero Luminoso material and flags were found near at least two of the devices. The discovery of the devices follows two days after two grenades were discovered at a private school in the capital in an apparent extortion-related case. It is not clear if the incident on 7 September is linked to the recent discovery. A connection with SP remains unclear despite the purported presence of SP material at the some of the locations on 9 September. SP has been severely degraded in recent years by security operations and its ability to operate outside of its rural bases is limited. The two recent bomb-related cases does not alter the baseline risk in Lima, which remains medium overall. Clients operating in Lima are advised to report all suspicious persons and packages to the authorities, particularly if such persons or packages are in the vicinity of state facilities or private schools. 
 
BULGARIA(SOFIA & GARMEN) - Activist groups and members of the Roma community are set to hold demonstrations in Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, as well as in the village of Garmen in Blagoevgrad province, on 10 September. The demonstrations have been called with regard to the demolition of Roma settlements in the Kremikovtsi area of Garmen; a protest will be held at an unspecified location in this area. In Sofia, protesters are expected to gather outside the National Assembly building. Protesters in Garmen have also threatened to erect roadblocks restricting access to roads leading to the neighbouring villages of Kovachevitsa and Ribnovo. Further details are unavailable. Tensions between ethnic Bulgarians and Roma communities remain pertinent social and political concerns in Bulgaria. Associated demonstrations occur periodically in the country, often prompting counter-protests. Garmen has been affected by low-level clashes between local Bulgarian and Roma residents in recent months regarding Roma settlements. Related demonstrations have been characterised by incidents of low-level violence. As such, the possibility of violence at the upcoming protests cannot be dismissed. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in and around affected sites. As issues surrounding these protests are ongoing, further related demonstrations should be anticipated in the near-term. Persons in Garmen and Sofia on 10 September are advised to avoid the planned protests as a precaution. Clients are also advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstrations and plan accordingly. Local media should be monitored for updates and developments on possible related protests. 

PUERTO RICO(SAN JUAN) - Various activist groups have called for a mass demonstration to protest against the government's proposed fiscal adjustment plan in Puerto Rico's capital, San Juan, on 11 September. Participants are expected to gather at Luis Munoz Rivera Park at 13:00 local time, from where they intend to march towards parliament. Puerto Rican security forces are experienced in controlling protest gatherings and the upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude without major incident. However, the possibility of violence during protests in the country cannot be discounted. The event is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of any demonstration-related activity. Persons in San Juan on 11 September are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and any related street gatherings. Local media should be monitored for updates and advisories from local authorities regarding the protest action. Clients are further advised to make allowances for travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration.  

BAHRAIN - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a statement indicating that unauthorised protests will be held in a number of areas in the country, on 10 and 11 September. On 10 September, gatherings are anticipated in Aali, Buri, Sitra and Nuwaidrat from 17:15 local time. On 11 September, gatherings are anticipated in Malkiya from 17:00, local time, and in Bani Jamra from 20:00 local time. Further details regarding the identity of the protests' organisers have not been provided. It is likely that the demonstrations are led by members of the Shiite opposition. Groups representing the Shiite Muslim majority against the Sunni-dominated regime have been ongoing since 2011. The protesters generally call for greater political reforms and the release of jailed activists. The majority of protests are peaceful, but can degenerate to violence if protesters attempt to gather in or march towards the capital, Manama, or if militant elements within the Shiite community conduct low-level attacks against state facilities and personnel during such 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 routes or travelling near state facilities and personnel, outside of Manama.  

CHINA(INNER MONGOLIA & AUTONOMOUS REGION) - Further protests are likely in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region after security forces clashed with approximately hundreds of ethnic Mongolian herders there on 6 and 8 September. Reports indicate that the demonstrators gathered at the government administrative offices in Zhengxiangbai county to demand government assistance in the wake of a drought that has severely impacted their livelihoods. On both occasions, riot police used force to disperse the protesters, and made an undetermined number of arrests. It is unclear if there were any casualties as a result of the unrest. Given that local authorities are likely to offer any significant assistance to the herders and have responded to their demands with violence, tensions are likely to escalate further, thus increasing the possibility of additional protest action. However, security forces are adequately prepared to respond to any protests or disturbances and the situation is unlikely to escalate into a period of sustained unrest. Clients currently in or planning to travel to Zhengxiangbai county and the wider IMAR are advised to avoid all public protest action and local government offices, as these are often the focus of protest action. Clients are further advised to monitor local developments closely.  

CHILE - The 42nd anniversary of Chile's 1973 military coup is set to be marked by countrywide demonstrations on 11 September. Details pertaining to commemorative gatherings on 11 September have yet to be confirmed; however, precedent indicates that gatherings are likely to be held in the following areas of Santiago: La Alameda, Cementerio General de Santiago, La Moneda (Presidential Palace) and the Museo de la Memoria y los Derechos Humanos on avenida Matucana. Related gatherings in other cities are possible; however, details are unavailable. The 1973 coup against elected socialist president, Salvador Allende, led to the military dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet. Pinochet responded harshly to any opposition and an estimated 3,200 people were killed or disappeared during his 17-year rule. Pinochet died in December 2006 without being convicted of any of the criminal charges pending against him. Given the emotive nature of the anniversary, the likelihood of violence at commemorative gatherings is high, as has been illustrated in recent years. Localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of gatherings.  Persons in or planning to travel to Chile on 11 September, particularly in Santiago, are advised to monitor local media for further updates on potential demonstrations in their particular area of interest. All large street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution against unrest. Furthermore, the anticipated gatherings are likely to cause significant travel disruptions in the affected areas. Clients are thus advised to anticipate travel delays and should plan accordingly.  

CZECH REPUBLIC(PRAGUE) - An anti-Islamist rally is expected to be held in the Czech Republic's capital, Prague, on 12 September. Participants are expected to gather in the Strahov Stadium from 13:00 local time. The demonstration is in commemoration of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the US. Events organised by far-right organisations are often infiltrated by disruptive elements as such demonstrations and gatherings of this nature have been marred by incidents of violence in the past. Accordingly, the demonstration will most likely proceed under close police supervision. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest venue should be anticipated. Clients in Prague on 12 September are advised to avoid all protest gatherings and concentrations of security forces, if possible. Furthermore, the anticipated rally is likely to cause significant localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest venue. Clients are thus advised to anticipate travel delays and should plan accordingly. 

SERBIA(BELGRADE) - A high-profile football derby between long-term rivals, FK Crvena Zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) and FK Partizan, is set to take place in Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on 12 September. Crvena Zvezda will host the match at its home stadium, Stadion Partizana (Partizan Stadium), located in the Autokomanda area of the city, from 18:00 local time. Increased security measures, including the deployment of additional police and road closures, are expected in the vicinity of the stadium and surrounding areas. Details regarding specific security measures have yet to be confirmed. Incidents of football-related violence and hooliganism at matches between the long-term rivals have been reported in the past. As such, the possibility of violent confrontations between groups of rival supporters, as well as between supporters and police, cannot be discounted. Such incidents pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Localised traffic disruptions are also possible before and after the event. Persons in Belgrade on 12 September are advised to avoid large street gatherings and all concentrations of football supporters and/or police as a precaution. If possible, clients are advised to avoid Stadion Partizana and surrounding sites in the city's Autokomanda area. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the immediate vicinity of the stadium and surrounding areas.  

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