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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
   
UNITED STATES (UTAH) - Flash flooding triggered by significant rainfall has resulted in at least seven deaths in Hildale, located in the US state of Utah, late on 14 September. As of 15 September, a further six people remain missing following the flooding. Localised travel disruptions have been reported in Hildale as a result of floodwaters and associated debris. Emergency services have been deployed to affected areas and remain on high alert. Inclement weather is forecast to persist in Hildale until 16 September, at least; this may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by torrential rainfall. Further associated travel disruptions are possible, as are disruptions to utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Persons operating in Utah, particularly Hildale, in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Flood-affected areas should be avoided as a precaution; caution is advised in low-lying areas and elevated regions due to the respective threats of flooding and landslides.

BELGIUM (BRUSSELS) - Activist groups have called for an anti-racism protest march in Belgium's capital, Brussels, on 15 September. The rally has been organised to protest against the presence of the leader of France's right-wing National Front (FN) political party, Marine Le Pen, at the Flemish Parliament on the day. Participants are expected to gather at Place Surlet de Chokier (Madou), and proceed through the Sainte-Josse municipality to Place du Luxembourg, near the European Parliament building. The rally is expected to be accompanied by an increased security presence. The rally is expected to be well attended; as such, localised disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route, particularly near the European Parliament building. The possibility of low-level clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted, especially in the event that security forces attempt to disperse the crowds. This poses an incidental risk to foreign travellers. Clients in Brussels on 15 September are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and keep itineraries flexible to accommodate for any localised travel disruptions.
 
AUSTRALIA (COUNTRYWIDE) - Customs and Border Protection workers are set to strike at international airports and ports across the country at various times and locations between 16 and 23 September, possibly resulting in disruptions at airport facilities. Strike action will occur between 16 and 18 September and on 22 to 23 September at airports in Cairns, Perth, and Darwin; Sydney on 18 and 22 September. Brisbane, Adelaide and Gold Coast on 18 and 22 to 23 September, and Townsville on 22 September. The strike has been called amid a pay dispute between the workers and the federal government. Information regarding the duration of the work stoppages on the affected days is unclear. Disruptions at affected facilities should be anticipated; this includes extended immigration processes. Although it remains unclear whether protests will be staged, none have been confirmed thus far, related demonstrations cannot be ruled out. Persons travelling in, to or from Australia are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned action. Clients are further advised to contact their travel provider, departure airport or airline to enquire about the status of border crossings; allowances should be made for travel disruptions at affected airports.
 
ATG is monitoring this event and will advise if any passengers may be affected. 
 
INDIA - Separatist leaders in India have called for a general strike, known locally as a bandh, in the country's northern Jammu and Kashmir state on 16 September. The strike action has been called by leaders of the Syed Ali Shah Geelani-led faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) and the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). The agitation is in protest against the recent killing of three civilians in the Pattan area of Baramulla district on 14 September. Disruptions to business and travel should be expected on 16 September as a result of the general strike. Associated protests during the strike action are also possible. These are likely to centre on the Baramulla district. It should be noted that there is a risk of civil unrest at all protests in India, and the possibility of violence between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (except the eastern Ladakh region) is advised against. Travellers in the region on 16 September should reconfirm all scheduled transportation services with their travel provider or the relevant transport authority, and adjust itineraries to cater for potential delays. All protests, public gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.
     
HUNGARY - Hungary has taken a number of measures to stem the flow of migrants/refugees into its territory since 14 September. The country has deployed additional security force officials to the border, declared a state of emergency and closed two border crossings (Roszke and Asotthalom) along its southern border with Serbia. These measures have sparked protests in Serbia. Serbian authorities have demanded that the Hungarian government re-open the border. The state of emergency in Hungary allows its government to deploy the military to assist local police. On 15 September, the Hungarian government announced preparation for the building of another border fence along its shared frontier with Romania. The large influx of displaced persons into Eastern Europe has placed significant pressure on states within the region. Hungary is one of the Eastern European states moving to restrict the largely unregulated cross-border movement. This, in turn, has caused disruptions to rail and road transport in areas. Protests in response to the crisis, either opposing the influx of migrants into Europe or government inaction over the issue, have been widely reported and are likely to persist. Clients in Serbia or Hungary intending on travel via the shared border should monitor the status of border crossings prior to departure. Additionally, all related protests should be avoided as a 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 16 September. Precedent suggests that participants will 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 the cities of Juigalpa, Leon, Masaya and Granada, where previous protests have been held. Previous related demonstrations have been marred by low-level clashes. Consequently, 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 16 September are advised to avoid all street gatherings as a precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any localised travel delays.
 
ISRAEL - Incident description: (Update) Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters clashed for a third day at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City on 15 September. The low-level confrontations have reportedly resulted in a number of injuries. Sporadic low-level clashes were also reported in a number of other areas of the Old City during the course of the day. The mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam. Given its location within Israel, the mosque is a flashpoint for anti-Israel civil unrest. The protesters are opposed to Israeli control of Jerusalem and the Israeli authorities' general control of the site and its immediate surrounds. It should be noted that developments at the mosque can trigger similar protests in East Jerusalem and across the West Bank. Clients in Jerusalem are advised to exercise heightened caution in the vicinity of the Old City. The Al-Aqsa Mosque area should be avoided until the protests and clashes end. Unnecessary travel near large gatherings and security force personnel in the Al-Aqsa vicinity should be avoided.

TAJIKISTAN (DUSHANBE) - Additional security measures have been implemented in Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, for a major summit of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) which is underway on 15 September. The CSTO is a military alliance made up of Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan; the respective heads of state are currently in attendance at the summit. Although unconfirmed, security measures are likely to include additional patrols, the erection of roadblocks and security checkpoints as well as the deployment of security forces at key government installations and at major transport hubs in the capital. Security is likely to be especially elevated following violent clashes on several occasions since 4 September. These have taken place in and around Dushanbe between security forces and rebels aligned to former rebel leader and recently dismissed deputy defence minister, Abduhalim Nazarzoda. The clashes left over 20 people dead. Moreover, Nazarzoda remains at large. Clients currently in Dushanbe should anticipate possible localised disruptions as a result of the elevated security and are advised to comply with the directives of the local authorities. 
 
ARGENTINA ( SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMAN) - A protest organised by various activist and opposition groups is expected to take place in the San Miguel de Tucuman city, the regional capital of Argentina's Tucuman province, on 15 September. Participants will gather at Independence Square (Plaza Independencia), near the provincial Government House from 20:00 local time. The protest will coincide with the publication of results of recent and controversial provincial elections, held on 23 August. Thousands protested against the elections, citing fraud, and demanded that new elections be held. Previous protests have been marred by low-level clashes between protesters and security forces. As such, the possibility of violence at the upcoming demonstration cannot be discounted. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the protest-affected area. Clients in San Miguel de Tucuman on 15 September are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to allow for potential travel delays.
 
LIBYA (TRIPOLI) - According to a statement released by Maltese officials, a national of Malta has been reported missing and is presumed to have been kidnapped, having last been seen in Libya's capital, Tripoli, on 13 September. Further details are unavailable. There is an elevated risk of kidnapping in Libya. Abductions are perpetrated by a variety of groups for various political or financial motives; these incidents commonly result in murder. The Islamic State (IS) extremist group has become increasingly active in recent months, and has been blamed for numerous high-profile abductions and acts of terrorism. Due to the ongoing political instability and conflict in the country, the kidnap risk is likely to remain elevated for the short- to medium-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country are advised to travel with a security escort, reside in secure compounds and maintain a low public profile at all times.

LIBYA - Incident description: Unconfirmed reports indicate that as many as 12 Egyptian nationals were abducted by suspected Islamic State (IS)-linked militants in Libya's central city of Sirte, on 13 September. The victims, some of whom are purportedly Coptic Christians, were part of a construction team. IS currently controls Sirte. There is an elevated risk of kidnapping in Libya. The threat stems from numerous non-state armed groups, including IS. Islamist extremist have been implicated in the abduction of dozens of Egyptian nationals over the past year; these incidents have been motivated by financial and political concerns. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country are advised to travel with a security escort, reside in secure compounds and maintain a low public profile at all times. 
 
BOLIVIA (LA PAZ) - Bus drivers associated with the Federation of Drivers of La Paz have called for a demonstration in Bolivia's capital, La Paz, on 16 September. Participants are expected to gather at Plaza San Francisco early on the day. Bus services are expected to resume later in the day, although the exact time is unknown. Protesting drivers are demanding an increase in the price of bus fares. Although the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level clashes cannot be discounted. Furthermore, protesters may erect roadblocks as part of the agitation. Should this occur, localised disruptions to road travel should be expected. Clients in La Paz on 16 September are advised to avoid all protests as a standard precaution and keep itineraries flexible to accommodate any localised travel disruptions. Persons intending to make use of public transport are advised to contact their travel provider to confirm the status of services. 
 
MULTIPLE COUNTRIES (COUNTRYWIDE) - Hindu communities in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Bali and Mauritius are scheduled to celebrate the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi from 17 to 27 September. These dates may, however, vary regionally. Celebratory events are expected in urban centres, which may impact on localised travel. Such events tend to attract large crowds, which may exacerbate travel disruptions, thus elevating the risk of petty crime. Within India, security is likely to be heightened at government installations and crowded public venues, where festival events are held. These measures will be implemented to counter the threat posed by various Islamist extremist groups, which have attempted to disrupt public festivities in the past. It should be noted, however, that authorities in India have issued no warnings to suggest such a threat has been made by these groups. Clients in the aforementioned countries should exercise heightened situational awareness, due to the elevated risk of falling victim to petty crime, and should also anticipate possible localised travel disruptions, due to increased security measures in these states. Clients in India specifically are advised to report all suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles to local authorities immediately. Furthermore, due to a number of ongoing concerns, all non-essential travel to Nepal is advised against.
 
TURKEY (MUS PROVINCE) - A roadside bomb detonated near a military vehicle along the Mus to Kulp road in Turkey's south eastern Mus province on 15 September. The blast wounded 13 soldiers. Turkey's south east has been affected by an escalating frequency of attacks targeting police and military interests since July. The majority of attacks have been blamed or claimed by the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The risk of attacks is considered elevated outside of main cities and towns. Heightened caution is advised in a number of eastern and south eastern provinces, including Mus, due to the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, crime, as well as Kurd rebel-related conflict. All police and military interests should be avoided as a precaution.
 
 



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