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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:

CHINA/NEPAL(CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES) - According to reports on 29 September, China Southern Airlines has suspended its flights to Nepal from 29 September until 10 October. The announcement follows a notice by Nepalese authorities on 29 September stating that fuel will not be available to international flights due to a shortage. The airline has stated that it would not be able to fly to Nepal without refuelling at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport. The flight suspensions are related to an ongoing fuel shortage in Nepal. Protesters have blocked a key border crossing with India, the Birgunj crossing, since 24 September, hampering the flow of goods, including fuel, from reaching Nepal from India. Further exacerbating the issue, India's security forces at the crossing are reportedly barring Indian supply trucks from entering Nepal from India. These disruptions are related to anti-constitution protests that have impacted Nepal's southern Terai region since early August. The recently promulgated constitution, which establishes the state as a secular federal republic with seven regions, has been widely opposed by minority groups, including the Terai region-based Madhesi and Tharu ethnic groups. Anti-constitution protests are likely to persist over the near-term. In light of this, further blockades of the Birgunj crossing are possible, resulting in continued disruptions to the supply of fuel and other goods in Nepal due to its heavy reliance on India for such imports. The risk of other airlines also suspending flights to Nepal is credible. Persons intending to travel to Nepal with the aforementioned airline are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further updates on the status of their flight(s). In addition, please note that clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the Nepal due to several security concerns. Clients, particularly those in the Terai region, are advised to monitor local developments closely. All demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

SOUTHWEST(DALLAS) - Southwest Airlines is so intent on strengthening its grip over Dallas Love Field that it is paying United Airlines $120 million to control two more gates at the airport near downtown. Southwest disclosed the deal Monday during a hearing on a court fight that will determine whether Delta Air Lines can stay at Love Field. The hearing gave a rare glimpse into the high-stakes dealing that sometimes happens in the airline business as carriers compete for scarce gates and landing rights. By subleasing United's gates through 2028, Dallas-based Southwest now controls 18 of the airport's 20 gates. Virgin America has the other two. Atlanta-based Delta tried to get the United gates, and Southwest offered them to Delta in exchange for some of Delta's valuable takeoff and landing rights at New York's LaGuardia Airport, according to documents. Delta passed. Now U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade must decide whether Delta can keep running five flights a day at city-owned Love Field using a gate that Southwest controls. Southwest, which operates 180 daily flights there, says it needs every bit of space it can get, and it wants Delta out as early as this week. Delta also flies to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport eight miles away. But Delta likes Love Field's location near some of the most affluent neighborhoods in Dallas. The airline's top real estate executive, Holden Shannon, said federal and city guidelines should have barred Southwest from buying gate space. Delta expected to spend about $300,000 per year for each gate, he said - $8.4 million through 2028, compared with Southwest's $120 million. The hearing was scheduled to resume Tuesday, with testimony by more Delta Air Lines Inc. and Southwest Airlines Co. executives. Kinkeade predicted that the losing airline will appeal his ruling. The judge also expressed surprise at the $120 million price tag for two gates, especially after learning that used jetliners are much cheaper. So, he asked, "they could have bought eight or 10 planes for what this gate cost?"

INDIA(MUMBAI) - Security has been heightened at the Taj Hotel and at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, India, amid a potential terrorism threat on 29 September. Although authorities have conducted searches of both locations and determined that no suspicious devices are present, additional security measures have been implemented at these locations. The threat of terrorism in India is high and terrorism warnings are frequently issued in response to actual or perceived risks. As such, security at key ports of entry and strategic state interests is already elevated. While the additional security deployment at key sites in Mumbai is not unusual, persons intending to transit through the airport should anticipate delays in response to possible additional screening measures. Persons travelling through Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport should cater for possible travel delays due to enhanced security measures. Clients should ensure that they are aware of recommended airport arrival times and should check the status of flights prior to departure. Clients using this facility and the Taj Hotel are advised to exercise heightened levels of situational awareness and report and suspicious people, packages or activities to the authorities immediately.

BAHAMAS - Tropical Storm Joaquin strengthened east of the Bahamas and is expected to become a hurricane on Wednesday before making a sharp northerly turn taking it parallel to the U.S. east coast, forecasters said. The storm is forecast to strengthen over the next few days and could threaten the Carolinas at the weekend as a Category One hurricane with winds reaching 90 mph (145 kph) on the Saffir-Simpson wind intensity scale, according to the National Hurricane Center (NHC). "Tropical storm conditions could reach portions of the Central Bahamas by Thursday morning," the NHC said. Long-range forecast models were highly uncertain as it moves north and it could stay well offshore or brush the Outer Banks, before possibly heading towards the north-east coast, the NHC said. Heavy rain over the northern Appalachians and New England over the next two to three days could greatly enhance the potential for Joaquin to cause flooding if it comes ashore, forecasters at the privately-run Weather Underground said. Warm water, which give storms energy, could help the storm intensify rapidly. As it moves towards the Bahamas "Joaquin will be passing over ocean temperatures near 30°C (86°F) - the warmest seen there since record keeping began in 1880," according to Jeff Masters and Bob Henson, meteorologists who co-author a blog for Weather Underground. Joaquin was the tenth named storm of the 2015 Atlantic hurricane season after forming east of the Bahamas late Monday. It was located about 405 miles (650 km) east of the northwestern Bahamas on Tuesday, with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph (100 kph), the Miami-based NHC said. Joaquin is moving toward the west-southwest at 5 mph (7 kph), the NHC said, with tropical storm force winds extending 90 miles (150 km) from the center, NHC said. The government's annual forecast predicted a quieter-than-normal 2015 Atlantic hurricane season, with six to 10 named storms and up to four reaching hurricane status of 74 mph (119 kph). So far only two hurricanes have formed, Danny and Fred, which both ran out of steam while still far out at sea. Among the factors in this year's predicted weaker hurricane season is the El Niño weather phenomenon, the warming of Pacific waters that affects wind circulation patterns and makes the formation of hurricanes in the Atlantic-Caribbean basin less likely.

BURKINA FASO(OUAGADOUGOU) - (Update) Amid the current political uncertainty following the refusal of some officers of the former Presidential Security Regiment (RSP) to adhere to a disarmament agreement, the Ouagadougou International Airport has reportedly closed on 29 September. Operations at the airport have been suspended, with a number of airlines, including Air France, cancelling flights to the city. It is currently unclear when operations at the airport will resume. The political situation is unlikely to improve over the near-term and current political uncertainty may renew protests and prompt authorities to reinstate travel restrictions, affecting air and road travel. As such, further disruptions to domestic and international flight services are anticipated for the short- to medium-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Burkina Faso following a military-led coup in mid-September. Persons currently in the country are advised to update all crisis management plans (evacuation and contingency) with their security provider, from whom regular updates should be requested. Persons in Ouagadougou are advised to remain in a secure location and limit movement outside of their accommodation as far as practically possible. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

UNITED KINGDOM(CARDIFF(WALES)) - Unionised bus drivers aligned with the Unite union are set to observe a 48-hour strike in Cardiff, located in Wales, in the UK, on 1 and 2 October. The action is set to affect Cardiff Bus services. The strike has been called with regard to an ongoing wage dispute between the union and the bus operator. This is the latest action called by the union in recent weeks following unsuccessful negotiations between the union and the bus operator. The upcoming strike is expected to be well observed; as such, significant disruptions to bus services are anticipated. In addition, an increased demand for alternative transport services is likely during the strike period. Persons in Cardiff during the strike-affected period are advised to anticipate disruptions to bus services and should plan accordingly. Clients are also advised to visit the Cardiff Bus website (http://www.cardiffbus.com/english/homepage.shtml) or their travel provider for an update on the status of transport services.

FRANCE(LYON) - Various labour unions have called for a public transport strike in Lyon, located in eastern France, on 30 September. The industrial action has been called to demand wage increases. Should the strike proceed as scheduled, disruptions to bus, metro and tram services should be anticipated. The above-mentioned work stoppage is also likely to result in an increased demand for other modes of transport, particularly taxi services, on the day. Clients intending travel in Lyon on 30 September are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of their transport service(s). Clients are further advised to consider organising and/or booking alternative means of transport in advance. For further information regarding the strike and the anticipated disruptions, please visit http://www.tcl.fr/.

ITALY(ROME) - Unionised employees of public transport operators, ATAC and Roma TPL, are set to observe a strike in Italy's capital, Rome, on 2 October. The work stoppage will be in effect from 08:30 to 17:00 local time, as well as from 20:00 until the end of services. The industrial action has been organised in protest against the possible privatisation of public transport in the city. Should the strike proceed as scheduled, disruptions to bus, metro and rail services should be expected in Rome. Italy's public transport sectors are regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organised in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as by specific labour disputes. An increased demand for alternative transport options should be expected during the strike period. Persons in Rome on 2 October should anticipate travel disruptions and adjust their plans accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider or transport operator for further information on the status of services and travel alternatives.

POLAND(KRAKOW) - Taxi associations have called on their members to stage a go-slow protest in Krakow, Poland, on 1 October. The action has been called to protest against illegal carriers. Drivers are set to gather from 09:00 local time along Dobrego Pasterza Street and proceed through Bor Komorowski, Pradnicka, Opolska, Wita Stwosza, Mogilska, Stella Sawickiego streets and return to the starting point. The protest is expected to be significantly disruptive. The upcoming gathering is the latest in a series of taxi protests held in major urban centres in the country in recent weeks, with a related protest having taken place in the capital, Warsaw, on 24 September. The upcoming action is expected to be well observed and to cause significant road travel disruptions in the city. An increased demand for alternative transport services is also likely. Persons in Krakow on 1 October are advised to anticipate significant disruptions to road traffic in the aforementioned areas and should plan accordingly.

ROMANIA - Countrywide disruptions to rail services are expected in Romania on 1 October due to a strike by unionised rail workers. Several labour unions, including the National Federation of Railway Trade Movement and ELCATEL, have called for the strike with regard to a collective labour agreement with national rail operator, CFR Marfa. Further details regarding the strike are unavailable. The anticipated strike comes amid failed negotiations between the unions and the Ministry of Transport. Should the strike proceed, significant disruptions to rail services are anticipated. Furthermore, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be expected during the strike period. Given that negotiations are ongoing, the strike action may be postponed, cancelled or extended on short notice. Persons in Romania are advised to monitor local media for announcements related to the industrial action, and to contact their travel providers for updates on the status of transport service(s).

ISRAEL(JERUSALEM) - Passenger rail services in Jerusalem, Israel, have been disrupted amid an ongoing wildcat strike by unionised employees of rail service operator, CityPass, on 29 September. The strike is affecting Jerusalem Light Rail services. The action has been called in relation to an ongoing dispute with the transport operator regarding the change in operating schedules. The local authorities have reportedly provided additional bus services to meet the transport demand. It is currently unclear when rail services will resume normal schedules. Although it remains unclear when the strike will end, further disruptions, including delays, are expected as schedules normalise. In addition, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be anticipated in the immediate-term. Persons in Jerusalem should anticipate disruptions to rail services and are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the strike. Furthermore, clients intending to make use of rail services should contact their travel provider for an update on the status of services.

MONTENEGRO(PODGORICA) - (Update) Extended protest action by opposition group, Democratic Front (DF), and other civic groups has resulted in significant disruptions to road travel in Montenegro's capital, Podgorica. Anti-government protests began on 27 September, with protesters demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and calling for new elections. Protesters gathered outside the Parliament building, located on on Svetog Petra Cetinjskog Boulevard, and erected tents in the neighbouring park. Protest sites are affecting travel in the surrounding areas of Parliament, including Liberty Street, Stanka Dragojevica Boulevard and Svetog Petra Cetinjskog Boulevard. Protesters intend on continuing to stage the sit-in protest until their demands are met, with associated events expected to take place daily at 18:00 local time. The sit-in protest is accompanied by an increased police presence. Montenegro has been affected by increasing levels of anti-government protest action in recent weeks. Associated protests have been largely peacefully; however, the possibility of incidents of violent civil unrest occurring cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites. Further escalations in protest activity over the near-term are anticipated. Persons in Podgorica are advised to monitor developments closely and avoid the aforementioned demonstration affected sites as a precaution for the short- to medium-term. Clients should also make allowances for localised road traffic disruptions.

AFGHANISTAN(KUNDUZ) - U.S. airstrikes hit Taliban positions overnight around a key northern city seized by insurgents this week as Afghan troops massed on the ground Wednesday ahead of what is likely to be a protracted battle to retake Kunduz. Also overnight, fierce fighting was underway for control of Kunduz's airport, a few kilometers (miles) outside the city, before the Taliban retreated under fire, several residents said. U.S. Army spokesman, Col. Brian Tribus, said there were two new airstrikes and that U.S. and NATO coalition advisers were at the scene "in the Kunduz area, advising Afghan security forces." Among NATO experts backing Afghan troops were coalition's special forces advisers, he said. Residents have reported militants going house to house searching for government workers, instilling fear. The residents spoke on condition of anonymity fearing for their safety. Roads in and out of the city were blocked and the Taliban - believed to have joined forces with other insurgent groups to boost their numbers - released around 600 prisoners from the Kunduz jail. The insurgents also set up checkpoints to ensure no one leaves. Information from inside the city remained sketchy. The U.N. special representative in Afghanistan, Nicholas Haysom, said he was concerned about reports "of extrajudicial executions, including of health care workers, abductions, denial of medical care and restrictions on movement out of the city." Reports from the region indicated that up to 6,000 civilians have fled the city to escape the fighting, a statement from Haysom's office said.

AFGHANISTAN(KABUL) - On 29 September, the US Embassy in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, issued a warning that Islamist militants are planning to launch an attack on US citizens in the city. More specifically information given indicated that the attack would target the Cure Eye Hospital/Clinic, which is located in close proximity to the Parliament building. Given the extreme and ongoing threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, such warnings by government authorities are taken seriously and regularly result in additional security force deployments. Although details surrounding this incident are limited, it is likely that the attackers are affiliated with one of the numerous Islamist extremist groups present in the country, possibly the Sunni extremist Taleban or the Haqqani network; both groups have carried out numerous small-scale and mass-casualty attacks across the country in the past. Moreover, the warning is particularly pertinent given the increase in attacks carried out in the capital since the launch of the Taleban's annual spring offensive, named 'Azm', on 24 April. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in the country, regardless of area of travel, are advised to implement maximum personal, travel and residential security measures. Clients are further advised to follow the directives issued by local authorities and security forces; all movements should be coordinated in the presence of a security escort and during daylight hours only.

IRAQ(BAGHBAD & BASRA) - (Update) Turkish authorities confirmed on 30 September that 16 abducted Turkish nationals have been released by their captors in Iraq's southern city of Basra. The men formed part of a group of 18 construction workers employed by Nurol Construction, kidnapped in the Sadr City area of Iraq's capital, Baghdad, on 2 September. The announcement follows the earlier release of two of the workers (also Turkish nationals) in Basra on 15 September. Details surrounding the release of the aforementioned workers have not been disclosed. The construction workers were abducted by a Shiite militia group, Furaq Al-Mawt, which demanded that Turkey halt the flow of fighters into Syria, stop allowing Kurds to export oil through northern Iraq and Turkey and end the siege of Shiite villages in Syria. The incident underlines the elevated risk of kidnapping in Iraq. The threat stems from multiple quarters, including militia, terrorist and criminal groupings. Motivations also vary considerably, as illustrated by the demands of Furaq Al-Mawt. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central governorates, including Baghdad, and against all non-essential travel to a number of southern governorates, including Basra. Persons in Iraq should travel with a security escort and reside and operate in secure locations. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC/DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - (Update) Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced the temporary closure of the country's shared border crossings with the Central African Republic (CAR) on 29 September for an indefinite period of time. The announcement was made following a recent escalation in violence in the CAR's capital, Bangui since 27 September. The CAR has experienced an escalation in unrest and associated violence since the body of a Muslim man was discovered in a predominately Christian area of Bangui on 26 September. Retaliatory attacks by Muslim communities against Christians on 27 September left at least 38 people dead. A nightly curfew implemented by the government on 27 September remains in place; however, this has proven largely ineffective as incidents of looting and the blockade of important thoroughfares continue to be reported in the city. The motivation for unrest has since moved from ethno-religious grievances to those of a political nature. On 28 September, thousands of protesters marched towards the Presidential Palace to call for the re-arming of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) and the removal of French troops from the country. The majority of demonstrations since then appear to be related to this demand. Efforts to stabilise the situation by United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) forces and French military associated with Operation Sangaris have been largely unsuccessful. It should be noted that ongoing insecurity in Bangui may prompt further border closures, the extension of curfews or temporary closures of the Bangui M'Poko International Airport in the near-term. Clients are advised against all travel to the CAR due to political instability and associated insecurity. Persons in-country are advised to consider departing, if safe and possible to do. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to most of the DRC due to various security concerns. Clients intending to transit the border should consider rescheduling their arrangements and confirm the status of the crossing with the local authority prior to departure. Alternatively, air travel should be considered.

PERU(APURIMAC & CUSCO REGIONS) - (Update) Authorities have declared a 30-day state of emergency in several provinces in the Apurimac and Cusco regions of Peru, on 29 September. The state of emergency covers Andahuaylas, Chincheros, Cotabambas provinces in Apurimac, and Chumbivilcas and Espinar in Cusco. The declaration was made in response to the violent protests against the Las Bambas copper mine project in Challhuahuacho on 28 September. Security forces are permitted to implement immediate measures to contain and prevent associated civil unrest. The state of emergency suspends several civil liberties, including freedom of assembly, freedom of movement and rights protecting people from random searches of their person or property. An increased security presence is also expected in the affected provinces. Peru has been affected by a series of protests in 2015 regarding its mining industry. These have been led by various groups either opposing the presence of the mines due to environmental concerns, or agitating for greater economic benefits for the local community. The protests in Apurimac are likely to continue over the near-term, particularly in light of the recent fatalities. The possibility of violent clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out. Heightened security measures may cause travel disruptions in affected provinces. Persons in Apurimac and Cusco regions are advised to adhere to the conditions of the state of emergency and follow all directives issued by the authorities. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and related developments. All large street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

INDONESIA(RIAU PROVINCE) - (Update) On 29 September, a state of emergency was extended in Indonesia's Riau province due to haze and the resultant health and environmental impact caused by land and forest fires. According to local environmental organisations, haze density levels continue to be at unhealthy concentrations. In response to the ongoing issue, over 20,000 additional troops have been deployed in an attempt to extinguish the fires and offer health assistance to those affected by the increasing levels of pollution. Forest fires, partly caused by land clearance operations and exacerbated by dry weather, are regularly reported on Sumatra and Kalimantan between May and September. The resultant haze frequently results in disruptions to air and sea travel and a worsening of the air quality across much of Indonesia and nearby states. Disruptions to scheduled flights at several airports have taken place in recent weeks as a result of the haze, and further disruptions to travel to and from Sumatra and nearby areas are likely to persist over the coming weeks. In addition, the air quality is expected to remain poor in the coming days as attempts to quell the fires continue. Persons in the affected areas of Indonesia are advised to monitor local media for developments and updates from the authorities. Clients travelling by air and sea in or to Indonesia over the near-term should reconfirm the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or the relevant local transport authority prior to departure. In addition, travellers, particularly those with respiratory concerns or experiencing coughing and shortness of breath, are strongly advised to consult a medical practitioner.

CHINA(LIUZHOU) - At least three people have been killed at 13 more injured following a series of bomb explosions in the city of Liuzhou, in China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on 30 September. Although reports are still emerging, the explosions are believed to have taken place in multiple areas of the city. Emergency services have been deployed to the affected areas. There have been no claims of responsibility thus far, and the motivation for the attacks is unclear. However, these may be related to a local business or personal dispute, or to the ongoing Uighur-initiated separatist insurgency stemming from the restive Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR), located in the north west of the country. Irrespective of this, security is likely to be significantly elevated in Liuzhou and surrounds at this time. Clients currently in Liuzhou are advised to avoid the affected areas at this time, exercise elevated levels of situational awareness, and report any suspicious people, packages or activities to authorities immediately.

COLOMBIA(DISTRACCION, LA GUAJIRA DEPARTMENT) - Violent clashes were reported between protesters and police forces at a demonstration in the town of Distraccion, located in Colombia's north eastern La Guajira department, on 28 September. The clashes took place when police attempted to disperse the protesters who had blockaded a road connecting La Guajira and the city of Valledupar; at least one person was killed and several others wounded. Authorities declared a curfew for the town in response to the violence. Further details pertaining to the curfew are unknown. The demonstration was initiated in protest against fuel shortages in La Guajira. The shortages coincide with the closure of Venezuela's main border crossing with Colombia since mid-August, which have disrupted the supply of fuel to the region. Further unrest in response to the fuel shortages is possible in the near-term, despite the curfew. In light of the recent events, the risk of violence at any associated protest is considered high. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of Colombia, specifically to areas outside of secure urban and tourist centres (Bogota, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Medellin and Santiago de Cali). This is due to high levels of insecurity. Clients in La Guajira are advised to monitor regional developments closely and abide by the directives of the authorities. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

HAITI(PORT-AU-PRINCE) - (Update) Opposition group, Fanmi Lavalas, is set to continue its protest campaign against elections held in August in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on 30 September. The protest will coincide with the 24th anniversary of the ousting of former president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, who was removed from power in a military coup in 1991. While further details regarding the protest are unavailable, precedent suggests participants will gather at the l'avenue Pouplard and in the vicinity of government buildings. The event is likely to be marked by an anti-government sentiment, particularly in light of growing disaffection among opposition groups with incumbent president, Michel Martelly. It should be noted that there exists a credible risk of violence at any politically motivated gathering in Haiti; previous opposition protests and other politically significant anniversaries have been marked by incidents of civil disorder. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at the upcoming protest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, travel disruptions should also be expected in affected demonstration sites. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti, due to a number of security concerns. Persons in Port-au-Prince are advised to monitor local media for updates on associated protests and should avoid all street gatherings and concentrations of security forces.

CHINA(XINJIANG UIGHUR AUTONOMOUS REGION) - The 60th anniversary of the founding of China's Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR) will be commemorated on 1 October. Security is expected to be heightened across the region in preparation for the event, and will likely include the deployment of additional troops and security checkpoints. The Uighur community, the majority of which is Muslim, claims to be politically, economically and religiously oppressed by the country's government and the ethnic Han Chinese majority. As a result, there is an ongoing secessionist campaign in the XUAR, and there are concerns that various militant groups affiliated with the secessionist campaign may use the anniversary as an opportunity to launch attacks on state and military interests. The more immediate threat, however, is the possibility of an increased civil unrest and anti-China protests on the day. Should any demonstrations take place, violent clashes between protesters and security forces are likely. There is a possibility that China will restrict access to the XUAR on the anniversary, and may close the XUAR's borders with neighbouring countries. Clients in the XUAR are advised to avoid all demonstrations, government buildings and concentrations of security force personnel as a precaution, and to anticipate localised travel disruptions. Persons planning travel to the area in the near-term should confirm with their travel provider that access into the XUAR is permitted on the relevant date.

AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN - Shiite Muslims will commemorate Eid al-Ghadeer on 2 October (18 Dhu al-Hijjah on the Islamic calendar). For Shiite Muslims, the festival marks the date the Prophet Muhammad appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (Imam Ali) as his successor. Sunnis do not commemorate this day. There is an elevated risk of attacks on Shiite interests by Sunni extremists on the day. There is an extreme risk of terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and successful and attempted bomb attacks are regularly reported in both countries. The possibility of such attacks occurring over this religious period cannot be ruled out. Sectarian tensions between the majority Sunni Muslim population and the conservative Shiite minority are particularly acute during periods of religious significance, such as Eid al-Ghadeer. Security presence is likely to be heightened significantly around Shiite mosques and other sensitive religious sites in anticipation of any potential violence; additional security checkpoints along major routes are likely. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to parts of Pakistan, and against all travel to other parts of Pakistan and all of Afghanistan. Clients currently in either country are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and vigilance, and to avoid all religious sites and processions, which are susceptible to attacks by extremists.

MIDDLE EAST(NORTHERN YEMEN, KUWAIT, BAHRAIN, IRAN, LEBANON, EASTERN SAUDI ARABIA, CENTRAL & SOUTHERN IRAQ) - Shiite Muslims will commemorate Eid al-Ghadeer on 2 October (18 Dhu al-Hijjah on the Islamic calendar). For Shiite Muslims, the festival marks the date the Prophet Muhammad appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (Imam Ali) as his successor. Sunnis do not commemorate this day. Public processions and other religious events are possible in the run up to and on the day in Shiite communities. There is a risk that related events and Shiite religious sites may be targeted by Sunni extremists in some areas, notably in northern Yemen, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iran, Lebanon, eastern Saudi Arabia and central and southern Iraq. Religious events in some areas, including eastern Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, may be characterised by heightened anti-government sentiment and possibly violent related civil unrest. Sunni extremists in the Middle East have conducted a number of high-profile, mass-casualty attacks against Shiite Muslim interests in 2015, and the risk of further attacks is considered to be elevated over major Shiite commemorative periods, such as Eid al-Ghadeer. Ongoing conflict in Syria and Iraq and the involvement of several regional states, including Saudi Arabia and Iran, in these battles increases the risk of extremists targeting Shiite interests in regions outside of their traditional areas of focus. Attacks against Shiite mosques in eastern Saudi Arabia on 22 and 29 May, and in Kuwait on 26 June have underscored this risk. Shiite political agitation, notably in Bahrain and eastern Saudi Arabia, continues to cause frequent protests, and the forthcoming commemorative period provides anti-government groups further opportunity to promote their political positions. The recent sentencing and detention of Shiite activists in these areas has fuelled anti-government sentiment. Clients operating in Shiite communities over the aforementioned period should avoid time spent near religious sites, public events and street protests.

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