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ATG TRAVEL NEWS & ALERTS

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

BELGIUM (COUNTRYWIDE) - A union-led taxi drivers' strike and associated protests are expected to affect Belgium on 16 September. An associated go-slow protest, in which taxi drivers are expected to drive from the North Station and proceed to Schuman, has been organised and is likely to result in traffic restrictions in the affected area. Additional protest actions are scheduled to take place outside Brussels International Airport and major metro stations across the capital, Brussels. The strike has been called to protest against the mobile application-based taxi services Uber, which does not adhere to regulated fares, mandatory taxes and insurance. The Belgian Taxi Federation (FEBET) had issued a demand for the suspension of all Uber services by 1 September. The union has scheduled the protest in opposition to the government's perceived reluctance to issue any directives relating to the permanent suspension of these services. 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. Although the gatherings are likely to be peaceful, anti-Uber protests in other countries have turned violent, with both operators and passengers of the taxi service coming under attack by demonstrators. It is currently unclear how long the go-slow will last for. As such, disruptions to travel should be anticipated for the immediate-term. Persons currently in Belgium are advised to monitor local media for updates and to avoid all street protests as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated.

MEXICO (COUNTRYWIDE) - Mexico will commemorate its Independence Day on 16 September. The state will organise public events to commemorate the day, in cities and towns across the country. A military parade will be held in the vicinity of the Zocalo (Plaza de la Constitucion), in the capital, Mexico City. A heightened level of security is anticipated at related gatherings, as senior members of state and government are likely to attend the events. Associated road and rail travel disruptions are also expected near all event site. The day is a key period in Mexico's history, and events, particularly those held in the capital, are likely to be well attended. Associated travel disruptions may be more severe in the capital in comparison to secondary cities and towns. The occasion provides anti-government groups the opportunity to hold protests. Should such demonstrations occur, security forces may move swiftly to clear these gatherings. Clients in Mexico on 16 September are advised to monitor local media in their travel area for updates regarding the commemorative events, and should anticipate possible travel disruptions. Heightened caution is advised near all associated events. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution.

VIETNAM (CENTRAL AND COASTAL PROVINCES) - Tropical Storm Vamco is increasingly impacting on parts of Vietnam, resulting in inclement weather, including heavy rain, on 14 September. The storm system is impacting on Da Nang city, in Da Nang province, where strong winds and heavy rain have been reported. Flood and landslide warnings have been issued in the Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh and Thanh Hoa provinces. Central and coastal provinces in Vietnam are expected to receive further heavy rainfall in the coming 48 hours. In Laos, the southern regions of the country are expected to receive increased rainfall; however, the storm system is expected to decrease in intensity in the coming days as it tracks in a south westerly direction. No casualties or disruptions have been reported thus far. The storm is expected to result in further inclement weather, including heavy rainfall and coastal storm surges, over the coming days in the affected areas. Associated flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in elevated regions are possible. In addition, disruptions to basic amenities such as power supply and transport services (air, road and maritime) should be anticipated. Clients in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions due to the risks of flooding and landslides, respectively. Travellers should contact their travel provider for an update on the status of transportation services prior to departure.

ATG is monitoring this event and will advise if any passengers may be affected.

TANZANIA (COUNTRYWIDE) - At least 13 people have died as a result of an ongoing cholera outbreak in Tanzania since late August. A further 971 cases of infection have been reported as of 6 September. The regions of Dar es Salaam, Pwani, Iringa and Morogoro remain the worst affected; treatment centres have been established in Dar es Salaam and Morogoro to assist with the influx of patients. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal intestinal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Symptoms of the disease include watery diarrhoea and vomiting, which occur from six hours to five days after exposure to the bacterium. Although the disease can effectively be treated, practising good hygiene and consuming only properly purified water will significantly mitigate the chances of contracting it. Persons currently in or intending to travel Tanzania should take precautions against contracting cholera, including using only bottled water and avoiding food and beverages sold by street vendors. In addition, clients are advised to monitor local developments and follow the directives of the authorities regarding public health advice and precautions. Clients are reminded that heightened caution is advised in areas bordering Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the risk of banditry.

LUXEMBOURG (LUXEMBOURG CITY) - Several of Luxembourg's agricultural unions are set to stage a protest in the capital, Luxembourg City on 15 September. The unions have called for the protest to demand equitable and sustainable pricing for agricultural goods within the European Union. The protest will also coincide with the ongoing meetings of the European Council of Ministers in the city. Participants are expected to gather outside the European Convention Centre, located at Place de l'Europe from 11:00 local time. This is the latest protest action undertaken by the unions in recent weeks, with a previous demonstration having been held on 7 September, which concluded peacefully. While the possibility of violence at the upcoming gathering is assessed to be low, the occurrence of low-level isolated skirmishes cannot be entirely dismissed. The protest is expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated. Persons in Luxembourg City on 15 September are advised to avoid the upcoming protest and concentration of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated.

EGYPT ( AL-KHARIJAH, NEW VALLEY GOVERNORATE) - According to incoming reports, at least 12 people have been killed and 10 others wounded during a security operation in Egypt's New Valley governorate. Security forces mistakenly identified a tourist group as suspected militants in the Al-Kharijah (Kharga oasis area of the Western Desert) and engaged in a gun battle. Amongst the dead are local and Mexican foreign nationals. Further details regarding the incident are currently unavailable. The Egyptian military periodically conduct security operations and patrols targeting militant and criminal groups in a number of areas in Egypt, including those located in the western and south western areas of the country. Suspected militants and criminal groupings are known to have an operational presence in the area. These operations often result in casualties, with the risk to foreign nationals being incidental. However, it should be noted that the risk is considered elevated if travel is undertaken in higher-risk areas, including those in the western half of the country outside of cities and towns, particularly near the shared border with Libya. Due to risks of crime, kidnapping and terrorism, heightened caution is advised in the western half of Egypt, extending towards the shared border with Libya, particularly outside of major cities.

SAUDI ARABIA (COUNTRYWIDE) - The annual Hajj pilgrimage will be held in Saudi Arabia between 21 and 25 September. During the pilgrimage, hundreds of thousands of Muslim pilgrims travel to Mecca and Medina. Reports indicate that large numbers of pilgrims have already gathered in the country ahead of the Hajj period. The local authorities are expected to increase security at ports of entry, in major cities and at pilgrim end points ahead of and during the event. The Hajj is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and requires Muslims to make a pilgrimage to the holy sites of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia at least once in their lives. Persons in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the vicinity of Jeddah, over the coming days should anticipate a heightened demand for public transportation, including road and air services, and hotels and guest houses. Traffic disruptions, particularly on roads leading to Medina and Mecca, should be anticipated. Clients are reminded that all Muslim visitors intending to travel to Jeddah or Medina over the current period are required to hold a Hajj visa. Non-Muslim visitors to the region may be asked to explain their purpose of travel to Jeddah or Medina at their Saudi point of entry. Clients are reminded that non-Muslim travellers are not allowed to enter parts of Mecca or Medina. Increased security levels are likely to be implemented to control the large crowds and as a precaution against incidents of civil unrest, crime or terrorism. Clients intending to travel in Saudi Arabia during the forthcoming Hajj period are advised to confirm the status of their transport arrangements with their travel provider or the relevant authority prior to departure. Clients operating in the Jeddah, Mecca and Medina areas should also make provision for road travel disruptions over the near-term. Local media should be closely monitored and the directives of the security forces closely adhered to.

AFGHANISTAN (GHAZNI CITY) - Hundreds of fighters aligned to the Sunni extremist Taleban launched an attack on the central prison in Afghanistan's city of Ghazni, capital of the eponymous province, on 14 September. According to reports, the attack was initiated as a suicide bomb attack at the jail's main gates, where an undetermined number of attackers clashed with guards. It is believed that at least three further attackers and security forces were killed, and another seven injured in the attack. Of the 436 inmates in the prison, 355 of these escaped in the attack; the majority of these are suspected Taleban fighters. The jail break could further deteriorate the already poor security situation in Ghazni and surrounding areas. The area may experience an increase in criminality and insurgent-initiated action in the short-term, at least, as well as the increased threat of violent confrontations, as security forces attempt to seize inmates currently at large. Clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort during daylight hours only and only after a full security view of the route. Clients are further advised to reside in secure compounds only.

ARMENIA (YEREVAN) - Protests organised by opposition parties are possible in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, between 15 and 18 September. The new draft constitution has been forwarded to the national assembly and is expected to undergo a parliamentary debate during the aforementioned period. Opposition parties allege that the new constitution, which if ratified will convert the current presidential system to a parliamentary system of governance, would enable incumbent president, Serzh Sargsyan, to retain political power in some other capacity after his tenure ends in 2018. Opposition groups, such as the Heritage Party (HP) and the Armenian national Congress (ANC), have stated that the constitutional amendments process has not been subject to proper scrutiny and that constitutional reforms have not been necessitated. Opposition groups are likely to launch a 'No' campaign closer to the constitutional referendum, expected to take place in November. Sargsyan has publically declared his intentions to refrain from the political arena after his term in office expires; however, as leader of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), he would be able to wield greater influence should the ruling party retain their majority in National Assembly and the constitutional reforms proceed. Although any protest action is expected to conclude without incident, the possibility of low-level incidents of civil unrest, including violent confrontations between protesters, police and opposing party supporters cannot be dismissed. Likely gathering points for protests include Freedom Square, Liberty Square and outside the Parliament building. Any protests which may occur are expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions in their vicinity should be anticipated. Persons in Yerevan in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for announcements of any associated gatherings. Clients should make provisions for potential travel disruptions and plan accordingly. All protest locations and related gatherings should be avoided as a precaution.

JAPAN (KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE) - The eruption of Mount Aso, located on the island of Kyushu in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture, has resulted in flight disruptions at Kumamoto Airport on 14 September, with approximately 30 flights cancelled thus far. Authorities have also imposed a 4km exclusion zone around the volcano due to the presence of ash and flying volcanic rocks. Approximately 100 people have been evacuated from the vicinity of the volcano, although there have been no reports of any casualties as a result thereof. The eruptions at Mount Aso are not a regular occurrence; however, volcanic eruptions can continue intermittently for several months. As such, further associated flight disruptions are possible. Clients intending to transit through the aforementioned airport are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information on the status of their flight(s). Clients in Kumamoto prefecture, particularly in close proximity to Mount Aso, are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly through Kumamoto Airport September 14 who were ticketed through ATG.

JAPAN (COUNTRYWIDE) - Additional protests are expected in the coming days in Japan due to plans to pass controversial bills through the country's legislature by 17 September. If passed, the controversial legislation will allow the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) to redefine the government's interpretation of the country's pacifist constitution in order to 'exercise the right to collective self-defence' and allow the deployment of security forces abroad. This is considered controversial and is highly unpopular with a considerable proportion of the Japanese populace. There have already been well-attended demonstrations surrounding this issue, most recently on 6 September. It should be noted, however, that the political opposition plans to submit a no-confidence motion against the cabinet in the Lower House and a censure motion against current prime minister, Shinzo Abe, in the Upper House. Under Japanese law, these motions take precedence and, as such, may delay the passage of the bills beyond the planned 17 September. Given this dynamic, protest action over this issue may extend until after 17 September. Furthermore, although demonstrations in Japan typically conclude peacefully, the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. This is particularly likely should the Uyoku dantai, Japan's ultra-nationalist right-wing organisations, stage competing rallies; these right-wing groups are known to carry xenophobic and anti-Western sentiment. Clients in Japan are advised to monitor local media for updates and developments and avoid all protests as a precaution.

MALAYSIA (KUALA LUMPUR) - A pro-government rally is scheduled to take place in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, on 16 September. Participants will gather in the Bukit Bintang area from 12:00 local time and pass Petaling Street, before marching to Padang Merbok, located between Dataran Merdeka (Independence Square) and the Parliament buildings. A considerable security force presence will be in place on the day. The rally is likely to be well attended as it is being supported by approximately 250 Malaysian non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Although the rally was originally unsanctioned, authorities have since given permission for the event to proceed, lowering the risk of violent confrontations. Nonetheless, the rally is likely to carry a degree of ethnic tension. Large-scale anti-government rallies that took place on 29 and 30 August were largely attended by non-ethnic Malays, who primarily support opposition parties, whereas the current planned rally will be largely attended by ethnic Malays primarily supporting the government. The risk stemming from this quarter is elevated as the Bukit Bintang area where the rally will begin houses a considerable number of Chinese and Chinese-Malaysian businesses. In addition, given the large number of people expected to attend and the security force presence, localised disruptions should be expected. Persons in Kuala Lumpur on 16 September are advised to avoid the aforementioned locations, anticipate localised travel disruptions and adhere to the directives of local authorities.

BOLIVIA (POTOSI DEPARTMENT) - The Potosi Civic Committee (Comcipo), an alliance of unions and other social organisations in Potosi department, has called for a strike on 16 September in Bolivia's Potosi department. A related street protest will also be held, with demonstrators convening along Avenida del Tinkuy, in Potosi city. The protest, which will begin at 14:00 local time, relates to long-standing economic demands. The strike is likely to result in disruptions to business and, possibly, transport operations on 16 September. The street protest is also likely to result in localised road travel disruptions. In July and August, Comcipo led a disruptive and lengthy strike and protest campaign amid demands that the government invest more in the local economy. The 16 September agitation is not expected to reach the same scale and intensity of the previous agitation; as such, the risk of violence at the protest event on 16 September is considered low. Clients in Potosi department on 16 September should reconfirm the status of all transport services with their travel provider or the relevant local authority prior to departure. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

BANGLADESH (DHAKA) - At least 29 people in continued student-led protests opposing the government-proposed 7.5 percent tax increase on tuition in the Mohakhali area of Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka, on 14 September. Scuffles between Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) and anti-VAT protesters were reported at Titumir College; police attempted to disperse the parties involved. A blockade has been enforced in Dhaka's Badda, Dhanmondi, Mohakhali, Banani and Rampura areas, as of 10:00 local time. Additional disruptions have been reported on the Dhaka-Aricha Highway and in the Uttara and Abdullahpur areas of Dhaka. Additional disruptions were reported in Rampura, after students of East West University blocked the road between Rampura Bridge and Merul Badda. In Uttara, students have been protesting outside the House Building intersection. The student-led protests have been occurring since the 2015/2016 fiscal budget outlined a value added tax which would be added to the tuition fees of all private universities, medical and engineering colleges. Student groups have stated that protests will continue until the tax is withdrawn. Disruptions to road-based travel should be anticipated for the near-term due to the continued protests and blockades. The possibility remains that any upcoming protests or associated agitation may rapidly degenerate to violent clashes between security forces and protesters. Persons in Bangladesh are advised to monitor local media for updates and developments, and should avoid all protests and protest-related activity. Allowances should be made for road-based travel disruptions.

TURKEY (DIYARBAKIR PROVINCE) - In response to an increasing number of acts of violence, civil unrest and terrorism since July, after further review, ATG now advises against all non-essential travel to Diyarbakir province in south eastern Turkey. Turkey's south east has been affected by a spike in Kurd-related civil unrest and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)-related violence since July. The PKK has conducted dozens of attacks against Turkish military and police personnel and facilities in provinces across the region, while the Turkish security forces have responded with air strikes against PKK positions in south eastern Turkey and northern Iraq, increased ground operations in the south east of Turkey and curfews in many areas of the region. Diyarbakir has been one of the worst-affected areas, with incidents regularly reported. As such, the incidental risk to travellers is assessed to have increased. Travellers should note that the travel risk in rural areas of Diyarbakir is considered further elevated. ATG advises against all non-essential travel to the Diyarbakir, Van, Sirnak and Hakkari provinces and advises clients to exercise heightened caution in the Ardahan, Agri, Kars, Igdir, Siirt, Batman, Bitlis, Mus, Bingol, Elazig, Erzincan, Tunceli and Erzurum provinces due to the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, crime, and Kurd rebel-related conflict. ATG further advises 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, see above) due to elevated conflict and terrorism risks. Clients operating in south eastern Turkey should consider the services of a security escort. Unnecessary travel at night and near state facilities and personnel should be avoided.

TURKEY (DIYARBAKIR PROVINCE) - (Update) A heightened police presence and a curfew of indefinite duration are in place in parts of Diyarbakir province on 14 September following ongoing elevated levels of insecurity. The curfew is reportedly in place in the Sur and Silvan districts. Clashes between Kurd protesters and the police have been reported in multiple areas. Diyarbakir province is one of several south eastern Turkish provinces which have been affected by a spike in civil unrest and acts of violence linked to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) since late July. The violence has served to undermine the local security environment and increase the incidental risk to foreigners travelling in the region. The insecurity is expected to persist and may worsen should the curfew remain in effect for any lengthy period of time. PKK-related attacks against state facilities and personnel are also likely to persist. The risk is considered elevated outside main cities, such as Diyarbakir city, where security levels are considered more pronounced. Finally, local political and activist groups may also seek to escalate protest activity in the region in response to the curfew or the deteriorating security situation. The risk of violence at all street protests in the south east is considered elevated.
Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Diyarbakir province. Clients in the province should obtain a full security risk assessment from their security provider prior to departure. Travel should be conducted during the day, on main roads and with a security escort. This is particularly relevant for persons travelling outside of primary urban centres.

ECUADOR (COUNTRYWIDE) -The Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador (CONAIE), the Workers United Front (FUT) and a number of other social organisations that make up the Colectivo Nacional Unitaria de Direccion have called for protests in Ecuador on 15 and 16 September. On 15 September, demonstrators will gather at the Parque El Arbolito in the capital, Quito, from 14:00 local time. The groups have also called for countrywide protests on 16 September. In Quito, demonstrators plan to gather at IESS Insurance Fund from 16:00 local time before marching into the city centre. The protest has been called to demand the release of political prisoners and in response to an ongoing dispute with government over constitutional amendments. Anti-government protests have been affecting Ecuador in recent weeks. Many events have related to calls for the resignation of President Rafael Correa over his government's proposed inheritance tax legislation and to draw attention to numerous other socio-economic concerns. These protests have generally been well supported and have concluded peacefully. Some low-level violence has been reported at events. Further low-level confrontations remain a possibility during events on 15 and 16 September. Clients in Ecuador on 15 and 16 September should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

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