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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:

UNITED STATES(OREGON(ROSEBURG)) - (Update) A security operation undertaken at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon has concluded. The suspect was reportedly killed following an exchange of gunfire between the gunman and security forces. According to reports, officials subsequently searched for explosives, fire arms casings and ammunition, to ensure that the threat was neutralised. The incident, which reportedly began at 10:37 local time, left at least 9 people dead and 9 others wounded. It should be noted that the Umpqua Community College itself, as well as the Umpqua College road from Oregon Route 99, remain closed. The identity and motive of the shooter are unknown. Although the situation has seemingly been resolved, an ongoing police presence in the area, as well as the road closures, are likely to lead to residual delays in and around the Umpqua Community College for the short-term. Clients in Roseburg are advised to avoid the affected area and make allowances for possible travel over the short-term.

MALAYSIA(KERTEH, TERENGGANU STATE) - The Kerteh Airport in the eponymous town in Malaysia's Terengganu state has been closed on 1 October. Flight services were suspended due to poor visibility caused by a thick haze. It is unclear when the airport will resume regular operation. Clients intending to travel via Kerteh Airport in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider, airline or the airport to confirm the status of their flight(s).

SPAIN - Countrywide disruptions to rail services are expected in Spain, on 2 October. Unionised rail workers are expected to observe three sets of two-hour work stoppages on the day; from 00:00 to 02:00, 13:00 to 15:00, and the last between 20:00 and 22:00 local time. The action has been called in protest of the privatisation of rail services, which may cause a number of redundancies. The upcoming strike forms part of a series of countrywide rail strikes organised by CGT, UGT and CCOO unions, opposed to the Renfe and Adif rail operators. Due to ongoing grievances, further strike action is scheduled every Friday until 23 October. Should the strike proceed as planned, disruptions to rail services should be anticipated. An increased demand for alternative transport should also be anticipated. Persons intending to use rail services in Spain on 2 October are advised to contact their travel provider or the relevant rail operator to confirm the status of services. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the strike.

UNITED KINGDOM(MANCHESTER) - A number of activist groups and trade unions are expected to stage a protest march in Manchester, in the UK, on 4 October. Participants are expected to gather in Oxford Road from 12:00 local time, and proceed to march via Portland, Princess, Southmill, and Peter streets to Liverpool Road; where a demonstration will be held. The march has been called against the government's austerity policies and will coincide with the opening of the Conservative Party Conference. The march will be accompanied with an increased police presence. Although the 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 associated demonstration affected sites. It should be noted that the Conservative Party Conference is scheduled to take place until 7 October; as such, further related demonstrations are expected for the duration of the conference. Persons in Manchester are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution, and to anticipate localised travel disruptions.

GERMANY(BEESKOW, DUSSELDORF & HANMM) - Rival demonstrations by far-right and anti-fascist activist groups are expected to take place in several major areas in Germany on 2 and 3 October. The demonstrations have been called both in protest of and in solidarity with refugees entering the country. On 2 October, far-right groups, including the Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA), will hold an anti-immigration demonstration in Dusseldorf. Participants are expected to gather at Worringer Platz from 19:00 local time. A counterdemonstration will be held at outside Dusselfdorf central station (Dusseldorf Hauptbahnhof) from 18:00. Similar demonstrations are expected in Hamm from 12:00; however, further details regarding these are unavailable. On 3 October, anti-fascist groups are set to hold refugee solidarity protests in Beeskow. Participants are expected to gather at an unspecified location on Breite Street from 10:00. The ongoing European migrant crisis has prompted numerous anti-immigration and solidarity protests in recent weeks in Germany. These have been well attended and resulted in significant disruptions in the affected cities. While previous demonstrations have concluded relatively peacefully, there exists a credible risk of incidents of low-level violence occurring at the upcoming demonstrations. Localised disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of all gatherings. Persons in Germany on 2 and 3 October are advised to expect an increased police presence in their respective cities and avoid the vicinity of the upcoming demonstrations as a precaution. Clients should anticipate localised travel disruptions during the protests. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the upcoming demonstrations.

AUSTRALIA(SYDNEY) - Police operations are underway in Sydney's Parramatta district in Australia, on 2 October. According to recent reports, an unidentified assailant opened fire at police outside the Parramatta police headquarters at approximately 16:30 local time. At least two people are said to have been killed. Police have cordoned off streets surrounding the scene, including Charles and Hassall streets. The assailant's motivation for the incident is unclear. Heightened security is expected in the city in the coming hours, including the cordoning off of streets and an increased security force presence, particularly in the vicinity of the station. Associated travel disruptions and road closures should be expected. Persons in Sydney should avoid the affected area until the situation is resolved. Clients in the city are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and monitor local media for developments and any related security operations.

EASTERN CARIBBEAN/EAST COAST UNITED STATES  - Tropical Storm Joaquin, currently a Category 4 storm, is located over the Bahamas. The storm is also affecting or is forecast to impact on Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos Islands as it maintains its current position and then moves in a northerly direction over the next 24 to 48 hours. Thereafter, the storm is forecast to track towards the east coast of the United States. Initial forecasts/predictions indicate that the storm may begin affecting parts of the US from 4 October or during the early part of the week of 5 October. The US National Weather Service (http://www.weather.gov/) has issued several coastal Flood Watch and Coastal Flood Advisory warnings for areas between the state of Georgia and the New England region. Several states, including New Jersey, Maryland and Virginia, have issued states of emergency ahead of the arrival of the storm. Heavy rainfall and associated flooding in low-lying areas as well as landslides in elevated regions should be expected in the affected areas over the near-term. Strong winds and coastal storm surges may also disrupt power supply and result in coastal flooding, respectively. Disruptions to air, road and maritime travel should be expected in places. Persons in the affected area should monitor local media in their area of travel for updates and advisories from the local authorities. The storm's progress can also be tracked online (http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/). Travellers, particularly those in the eastern Caribbean, should confirm the status of all transport services with their travel provider or the relevant transport authority prior to departure.

CENTRAL BAHAMAS/EASTERN CUBA - (Update) Tropical Storm Joaquin is currently affecting the central regions of the Bahamas as a Category 4 storm on 2 October. The storm is expected to move away from the Bahamas in a northerly direction in the coming hours. The areas worst affected by flooding include Long Island and Acklins. In addition, Delta Airlines has issued warnings for possible flight disruptions to and from the Bahamas. These disruptions include delays and possible cancellations. Adverse weather warnings remain in place for the north western areas of Abacos, Berry Islands, Eleuthera, Grand Bahama Island and New Providence. While the storm is not expected to make landfall in Cuba, tropical storm warnings have been issued for a number of areas in the country's eastern regions, including Camaguey, Los Tunas, Holguin and Guantanamo. There have been no reports of casualties as a result of the storm thus far.  Strong winds, heavy rain and coastal storm surges are expected to persist in the Bahamas over the coming days. This may exacerbate the flooding in affected areas. As such, disruptions to basic amenities such as power supply and transport services (air, road and maritime) should be anticipated, including in Cuba. Clients in the aforementioned locations 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. 

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

SAUDI ARABIA(EASTERN PROVINCE) - The US Embassy issued a Security Message on 1 October for Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. The embassy stated that it had been made aware of information pointing to threats 'against unspecified compounds in which United States citizens reside'. The embassy has stated that the local authorities are investigating the information/threat. Further details were not provided. There is a high risk of terrorism in Saudi Arabia. The threat stems largely from Sunni extremists. The country has recently experienced a number of high-profile acts of terrorism linked to the Islamic State (IS). Major mass-casualty attacks have been reported in the southern Asir region (6 August) and in the eastern city of Damman (29 May) and eastern Qatif governorate (22 May). All three incidents were claimed by IS-linked militants. The warning by the embassy coincides with the Shiite commemoration of Eid al-Ghadeer. There have been concerns that Sunni extremists may conduct attacks against Shiites during this period, specifically in eastern Saudi Arabia, where the majority of Saudi Arabia's Shiite Muslims reside. The threat has been viewed as more significant this year, in light of the 22 and 29 May attacks, which targeted Shiite mosques. IS has specifically threatened Shiite Muslims in the wider region and Western interests. Persons in Saudi Arabia are advised to reside in secure hotels or compounds which have adequate security in place including access control and 24-hour security. Clients should consider travelling with a trusted local contact or trained security driver. The local security situation should be closely monitored. Persons intending to travel to the country should request regular updates from their security provider.
 
BAHRAIN(SHAKHURAH & SITRA) - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has indicated that protests have been called in two areas of Bahrain on 2 October. The first is expected in Shakhurah, near the Country Mall, from 19:30 local time. The second will be in Sitra from 20:00. The FCO has stated that both protests are unauthorised. Opposition protests by groups representing the Shiite Muslim majority against the Sunni-dominated regime have been ongoing since 2011. The protesters call for greater political reforms and the release of jailed activists. The majority of protests are peaceful but can end in violence if protesters attempt to gather in or march towards the capital, or if militant elements within the Shiite community conduct low-level attacks against state facilities and personnel during related gatherings. During protest periods, moderate to severe road travel disruptions are often reported. I should be noted that the events on 2 October coincide with Eid al-Ghadeer, a Shiite commemoration. A larger than normal number of persons may participate in protests. In addition, other protests or religious gatherings outside of the above-mentioned protest areas are also possible. 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 road routes and if travelling near state facilities and personnel outside of Manama.

BRAZIL - A 'National Day of Struggle' has been called by various unions and civic organisations, including the Central Union of Workers (CUT), across Brazil, on 3 October. Protests are expected to take place across the country as part of the action. The protests have been called in defence of democracy as well as against government economic policies and the privatisation of the state-owned oil company, Petrobras. In the capital, Sao Paulo, participants are expected to gather at Avenida Paulista 901 at 14:00 local time and proceed along Avenida Brigadeiro to Praca da Se. For details pertaining to protests in other cities, please visit the CUT website (http://www.cutsp.org.br/). While the protests are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. In addition, protesters are often known to erect roadblocks and disrupt traffic at key intersections in major urban centres. Localised traffic delays are anticipated in the immediate vicinity of any protests or gatherings. Clients in Brazil on 3 October are advised to monitor local media for further information and updates regarding planned protests in their specific areas of travel and plan for localised disruptions. All street demonstrations should be avoided as a precaution.

BELARUS(MINSK) - Opposition and civic groups are set to hold a demonstration in Belarus' capital, Minsk, on 4 October. The demonstration has been called in protest against the establishment of foreign military bases in the country. Participants are expected to gather in Freedom Square from 17:00 local time. Protest organisers have called for a peaceful demonstration; as such, the event is expected to conclude without incident. Nonetheless, a significant police presence is anticipated and localised traffic disruptions are likely. Persons in Minsk on 4 October are advised to avoid the upcoming protest and related gatherings, as well as all concentrations of security forces, as a general precaution.

MOLDOVA(CHISINAU) - Civic group, Dignity and Truth, is set to hold an anti-government demonstration in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, on 4 October. The demonstration has been called to demand the resignation of President Nicolae Timofti, and against a number of issues affecting the incumbent government administration. Participants are expected to gather in Great National Assembly Square from 12:00 local time. The upcoming gathering is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. The demonstration is set to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be expected. Given the increasing anti-government sentiment and that opposition to government is likely to persist, further associated demonstrations are expected for the short- to medium-term, at least.  Persons in Chisinau on 4 October are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related gatherings as a precaution. Clients should also expect localised traffic disruptions.

KYRGYZSTAN - Kyrgyzstan is scheduled to hold parliamentary elections on 4 October. Heightened security measures are expected to be in place on the day, although widespread protest action or disruptions are expected. Kyrgyzstan has been characterised by bouts of political instability, with widespread and violent protest action resulting in the ouster of the country's presidents in 2005 and 2010. However, the situation has stabilised to a large degree and the run up to the election has not been marked by significant protest action or politically motivated violence. Nonetheless isolated protest action is possible on the day, and in the days following the release of results, if they are viewed as being not credible or fraudulent. Clients in Kyrgyzstan in the coming days are advised to monitor local political developments and avoid any associated rallies or demonstrations as a precautionary measure.

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