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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/ISRAEL - Delta will add four weekly year-round flights between New York-JFK and Tel Aviv beginning May 26, 2016. The new flights will be available for sale beginning September 26, 2015. The additional flights will complement Delta's existing daily service to Tel Aviv for a total of 11 weekly flights between the two cities. Tel Aviv is Delta's third-largest transatlantic market from New York. Delta will operate the added flights with a 291-seat, Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, which is Wi-Fi equipped so customers can stay connected at 30,000 feet.

UNITED STATES(SOUTH CAROLINA) - (Update) Flood warning alerts issued by the US National Weather Service (NWS) on 5 October for the Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties in South Carolina state remain in place on 6 October. In addition, the NWS has issued flood warnings for a several rivers in the McCormick, Orangeburg, Newberry, Union, Edgefield, Greenwood, Richland, Lexington, Saluda and Calhoun counties. Record level rainfall in South Carolina has triggered significant flooding in the aforementioned counties since 3 October, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people. Significant disruptions to travel and business services continue to be reported in flood-affected areas, including Mount Pleasant, Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Greek, Hanahan, Moncks Corner and McClellanville. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division (SCEMD) has established water distribution points in Richland county, where the state capital, Columbia, is located. Although weather officials have forecast that the severe flooding will subside in the coming days, authorities assert that flooding near river banks and dams remains a threat. It should be noted that further rainfall in the state may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by torrential rainfall, particularly as water levels remain high. Further associated transport disruptions are possible, as are disruptions to utilities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. Persons operating in the aforementioned counties in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. The NSW website (http://www.weather.gov/) can be accessed for more specific details on these advisories. Caution is advised in low-lying areas due to the risk of flooding. Travellers should confirm the status of scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority, prior to departure.

AUSTRALIA - The Australian weather authority has issued a severe wind warning for New South Wales on 6 October. The gale force winds are expected to affect the coastal fringe of the Metropolitan, Hunter, Illawarra and South Coast districts overnight on 6/7 October. Advice: Persons in the affected areas are advised to monitor local emergency broadcast channels for updates on the weather warning. Furthermore, clients are advised to seek refuge inside a building and to secure loose items that may cause damage or be hazardous. Finally, persons in the affected areas should keep clear of fallen power lines and move vehicles under cover or away from trees.

PAKISTAN - Strike action launched by unionized pilots employed by Pakistan's national flag carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), continues to result in flight disruptions and cancellations at the airline on 6 October. As many as 78 flights have reportedly been cancelled since the work stoppage began on 1 October. The duration of the strike is unknown. PIA and the Pakistan Airline Pilots Association (PALPA) remain at an impasse over the union's three primary demands; namely, the replacement of the director of flight operations, the withdrawal of court orders against pilots and the reinstatement of these pilots, and for seniority to be determined by the pilots. Given the repeated failure of negotiations between PIA and PALPA, further flight disruptions, including cancellations and delays, should be anticipated at the airline for the near-term. Persons intending to fly with PIA in the near-term are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s). Furthermore, due to a number of ongoing concerns, clients are advised against all travel to the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. All non-essential travel to the rest of the country is advised against.

BELGIUM/FRANCE(PARIS&CALAIS)/UK(LONDON)/NETHERLANDS(AMSTERDAM)/GERMANY(FRANKFURT & COLOGNE) - Rail workers of the National Railway Company of Belgium (SNCB) have called for a strike in Belgium on 8 to 9 October. The work stoppage, which will be in effect from 21:00 local time on 8 October until 22:00 on 9 October, is expected to disrupt both local and intercity services to and from Belgium's capital, Brussels, during the strike period; these disruptions may include cancellations, delays and reduced services. Intercity services run by Thalys, Eurostar and ICE rail operators will likely be affected. These include services to and from Paris (France) and Amsterdam (Netherlands) for Thalys; London (UK) and Calais (France) for Eurostar, and Cologne and Frankfurt (Germany) for ICE. The disruption of rail services will likely result in an increased demand for alternative forms of public transport on 8 and 9 October. Furthermore, residual delays should be anticipated once rail services resume on normal schedules. Persons intending to undertake rail travel in the aforementioned areas on 8 and 9 October 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 their transport service(s). Should the strikes proceed, clients are advised to consider organising and/or booking alternative means of transport in advance.

BRAZIL - Bank workers affiliated to various unions, including the Sindicato dos Bancarios e Financiarios de Sao Paulo, have called for a strike across Brazil on 6 October. The strike has been called following unsuccessful wage-related negotiations between the unions and the National Federation of Banks (FENABAN) on 25 September. The duration of the strike is unknown. Although it is currently unclear how well the strike action will be observed, disruptions to banking services, including money shortages at banks and ATMs and foreign exchange transactions, are anticipated. Related demonstrations by bank employees are also possible on the day; these may take place outside banks in major urban centres across the country. Although these are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of minor incidents of unrest cannot be ruled out. In addition, localised travel disruptions are possible in the immediate vicinity of protests. Clients in Brazil are advised to monitor local media for updates relating to the strike action. Persons operating in the country are also advised to make use of alternative payment methods, where possible, and should retain some cash reserves as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, all street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

MOLDOVA - Following a periodic review, red24 has amended the conflict and terrorism risk ratings for Moldova and decreased both of these from medium to low. The previous medium terrorism and conflict risk ratings for Moldova were generally linked to a low-level separatist conflict and the associated terrorism threat which existed in Moldova's breakaway Transnistria region. However, levels of insecurity have decreased in the region in recent years and there have been no significant acts of conflict and/or terrorism in Transnistria since 2006. Nonetheless, despite the reduction of direct violence, altercations between military personnel and local residents occur on occasion, including in the de facto capital of Transnistria, Tiraspol. Such incidents pose an incidental threat to travellers. Due to the latent threats of conflict, terrorism and civil unrest, in addition to ongoing travel restrictions to the region, red24 advises against all non-essential travel to the Transnistria. Clients intending to travel to the region should liaise with government authorities prior to departure.

GEORGIA - Georgia's overall and crime risk ratings have been reduced to medium. red24 no longer advises against all travel to the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia; essential travel to these regions may resume for travellers who are granted the required authorisation from Georgian authorities. red24 advises against all non-essential travel to the Pankisi Gorge, north of Akhmeta city, due to high levels of crime and terrorism in the region. Georgia's previous high-risk rating stemmed from the significant crime threat that existed in most of the country. In recent years, however, Georgia has experienced a decline in confrontational crime incidents, particularly where foreign travellers have been affected. However, the overall threat of crime remains elevated in the South Ossetia, Abkhazia, and Pankisi Gorge breakaway regions, wherein a number of organised criminal groups operate. Specifically in South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the overall security environment has improved, following an outbreak of conflict in 2008 which culminated with both regions declaring independence. Nonetheless, travel to and from South Ossetia and Abkhazia remains subject to significant legal restrictions, and persons intending on visiting the areas should liaise with Georgian authorities. As mentioned, red24 advises against all non-essential travel to South Ossetia and Abkazia, due to the latent threat of conflict and the restrictions on travel to the breakaway regions. red24 further advises against all non-essential travel the Pankisi Gorge, due to the presence of organised crime and terrorist groups in the region.

IRAQ(ANBAR GOVERNORATE) - Islamic State (IS) militants reportedly abducted and murdered 70 tribesmen in the Thar Thar area, which is near the IS-held city of Ramadi, located in Iraq's western Anbar governorate, on 4 October. The victims were members of the Sunni Muslim Albu Nimr tribe. The Albu Nimr tribe has been specifically targeted by IS in the past. Hundreds of members of the tribe, which is opposed to IS, have been killed since mid to late 2014. IS currently controls Ramadi, which it captured earlier in 2015, and has held Fallujah since early 2014. These are two of Anbar governorates largest cities. Despite repeated government attempts to retake these areas, IS and its allies have held their positions. Further conflict and associated extrajudicial killings are likely. Clients are advised against all travel to Iraq's Anbar governorate. Persons operating in the governorate should do so after a full risk security assessment from their security provider. Extensive personal, residential and travel security measures are advised.

YEMEN(ADEN) - A rocket attack hit Aden in southern Yemen on 6 October, killing at least 15 people. The rocket strikes hit the Al Qasr Hotel & Resort, which is being used by Yemen's government and Saudi Arabia-led coalition troops, as well as the palace of prominent local, Sheikh Farid Al Awlaki, and a coalition military camp in the Al-Shab area. No senior government ministers were injured during the assault. The incident highlights the persistently insecure security situation in southern Yemen, despite the cessation of hostilities in the city. Between March and July, the city was affected by severe conflict involving supporters of Yemen's exiled government loyal to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and a Shiite rebel grouping, the Houthis. Pro-Hadi forces, supported by coalition forces, have since pushed the Houthis back into central Yemen; however, it is possible that the Houthis maintain a residual force in parts of southern Yemen. In addition, the attack could have been perpetrated by Islamist extremists. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) and Islamic State (IS)-linked militants maintain the ability to conduct attacks across Yemen. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen, excluding the Socotra archipelago. Persons operating in the country should ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with their security provider.

PERU(CALCA, LA CONVENCION & PAUCARTAMBO PROVINCES) - Coca farmers initiated a strike in the Calca, La Convencion and Paucartambo provinces in Peru's southern Cusco region, since 5 October. The strike was called to demand an increase in the price of coca; protesting farmers have claimed that the price of coca has not been increased since 2013. Peaceful protests were held in Calca city on the first day of the strike. Reports indicate that protesters blocked several roads in the Yanatile (Calca), Huayopata (La Convencion) and Kosnupata (Paucartambo) districts. The strike is expected to continue for an indefinite duration; further protests are likely across the affected areas in the near-term. Protesters are likely to continue to erect roadblocks, leading to localised road travel disruptions in the affected provinces. Some protests called by coca farmers have turned violent in the past; as such, the possibility of clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in the aforementioned areas in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike and possible related protests. All large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

PERU(APURIMAC REGION) - Various activist groups initiated a 48-hour strike in Peru's Abancay province, in the Apurimac region on 5 October. The strike was organised in solidarity with activists opposed to the Las Bambas mining project in Cotabambas. Peaceful protests were held in Abancay city on the first day of the strike on 5 October. The strike takes place amid a 30-day state of emergency declared in parts of the Apurimac and Cuzco regions on 29 September. The state of the emergency was declared due to violent protests against the Las Bambas mining project. Further protests are anticipated in Abancay province on 6 October. These are likely to take place at Plaza de Armas in Abancay city. A related dialogue between local authorities and representatives of various activist groups is also scheduled for 6 October, in the Coyllurqui district of Cotabamba. There remains a possibility that protests will also coincide with the meeting in Cotabamba on 6 October. Peru has been affected by a series of protests regarding its mining industry, in 2015. These have been led by 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 the wider Apurimac region are likely to continue in the near-term. 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 are advised to adhere to the conditions set out by the state of emergency and follow all directives issued by authorities. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and developments. All large street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

ITALY(NAPLES) - The US Embassy in Naples has issued a statement warning of a protest march in Naples, Italy, on 6 October. The demonstration has been organised by several unions and activist groups in protest against the local government. Participants are expected to march from Piazza Mancini to Piazza del Plebiscito between 09:00 and 13:00 local time. It is currently unclear if the protest has commenced. The demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; nonetheless, low-level skirmishes cannot be discounted. In addition, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route. Clients in Naples on 6 October are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential localised disruptions. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

INDIA(KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL STATE) - The All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) has called for a mass demonstration in Kolkata, the capital of India's West Bengal state, on 6 October. The action has reportedly been organised to protest against the State Election Commission's (SEC) decision to postpone the counting of votes for the Bidhannagar and Asansol municipal corporations. Participants are set to gather at the city's College Square at 13:00 local time, from where they intend to march towards Dorina Crossing. As TMC is the dominant party in West Bengal, the upcoming protest is likely to be well attended. Localised travel disruptions are expected along the aforementioned protest route given the anticipated volume of protesters. Although the party has called for a peaceful demonstration, the potential for confrontations between participants and the local police and/or opposition supporters cannot be discounted. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of West Bengal due to Maoist insurgent activity. Persons in Kolkata on 6 October are advised to avoid all protest gatherings as a precaution.

MEXICO - The Antorcha Campesina political movement has called for protests across Mexico, on 6 October. These have been organised to demand justice for the alleged kidnapping of Manuel Serrano Vallejo, the father of a senior member of the movement, as well as other suspected kidnappings and political assassinations. The main event is expected to take place in the capital, Mexico City. Participants will march from various locations, including Periodistas Ilustres Gardens, Monumento a la Revolucion and Ciudadela, from 11:00 local time, and proceed to Plaza de la Constitucion (Zocalo). The Antorcha Campesina movement has held several protests in recent months; these have been largely well attended. The upcoming events are also expected to be well supported; as such localised disruptions should be anticipated at all protest-affected sites. While the demonstrations will likely conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Mexico on 6 October are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate potential disruptions. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS) - A number of public sector unions, including FGTB, ACV-CSC and CGCLB, have called on their members and supporters to stage demonstrations in Belgium's capital, Brussels, on 7 October. The unions have organised the upcoming protest campaign in opposition to several austerity measures implemented by the government. A number of public transport services are set to be affected by the demonstrations; several bus terminals will be temporarily closed or offer limited services on the day. Furthermore, although no general strikes have been called, disruptions to service delivery across various sectors should be anticipated. The upcoming demonstrations are likely to be well supported; as such, localised travel disruptions are expected in the city. Although the gatherings are expected to conclude peacefully, a large police deployment is expected at the events as a precaution against civil unrest. Persons operating in Brussels on 7 October are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations and all related gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored in order to remain abreast with any developments. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest action.

ALBANIA(TIRANA & ELBASAN) - The US Embassy in Albania's capital, Tirana, has issued a Security Message regarding an upcoming football match at Elbasan's Elbasan Arena on 8 October between Serbia and Albania. The embassy has stated that the local authorities are expecting large crowds at the match venue and in public viewing areas across the country, including at Mother Teresa Square in Tirana. The embassy further stated that road closures should be expected in the Tirana city centre. Heavy traffic congestion between Tirana and Elbasan is also likely on match day. Civil unrest at related match events and viewing areas should be anticipated. The match is the second involving the two teams ahead of the 2016 UEFA European Championship competition. The first leg in Serbia was abandoned after several security incidents were reported on and off the field. Given the previous incidents, further low-level violence remains possible at related events in Albania on 8 October. The risk will increase should Serbian football supporters arrive at viewing areas or the match venue in great numbers. Travellers should anticipate heavy security and road closures on the day, particularly during the evening, when the match will be held. Clients in Albania on 8 October are advised to exercise heightened caution in the vicinity all public viewing areas and in close proximity to the match venue. Should violence occur at related events, clients should leave the area immediately. Travellers should also prepare for possible delays, particularly in and around the Tirana city centre and on the route between Tirana and Elbasan.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO(BRAZZAVILLE) - Pro-government activists are set to hold a mass rally in the Republic of Congo's capital, Brazzaville, on 6 October. The rally is a show of support for the upcoming referendum on 25 October on amendments to the country's constitution. Participants are set to gather at the city's Alfred Raoul Boulevard from 14:00 local time on the day. The event is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration. The pro-government rally follows an earlier demonstration by opposition forces on 27 September opposing the proposed changes to the constitution. Opposition groups claim that the ruling Congolese Party of Labour (PCT) party is seeking to alter a constitutional clause which limits heads of state in the country to serve only two successive terms. If amended, incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso would be eligible to contest the presidency for a third successive time during the country's 2016 presidential elections. Although the upcoming rally is expected to conclude peacefully, the potential for violence at politically motivated gatherings in the Republic of Congo cannot be discounted. Persons in Brazzaville on 6 October are advised to monitor local developments for updates on the rally and advisories from the local authorities. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of Alfred Raoul Boulevard.

TURKEY - Turkey will hold elections for its Grand National Assembly on 1 November. The election was called by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in August after negotiations between the major political parties failed to produce a governing coalition. The talks followed an election in June. There is an increased risk of politically motivated civil unrest and violence in the run up to the election, including in the country's major urban centres. Turkey has been beset by political uncertainty following the June poll, which saw the emergence of the Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and the failure of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to secure a governing coalition. This uncertainty was aggravated further in July when a suicide bomber struck in Suruc, southern Turkey, killing a number of Kurdish activists. The attack has sparked ongoing clashes and a break down in a ceasefire agreement between the government and the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group. PKK-related violence has spiked and undermined the overall security environment in the southern and south eastern parts of the country. The government has reacted to the violence by initiating security operations in these restive regions and conducting counterterrorism operations in major cities, including in the capital, Ankara, and Istanbul. Some of these operations have targeted HDP interests, leading to allegations that the AKP-dominated government is seeking to undermine the HDP ahead of the 1 November election. An increase in anti-government and election-related protest action is expected countrywide in the coming weeks. Major public squares, government buildings and political party offices are possible gathering points. The threat of violence at all related events is considered high. The PKK may also seek to undermine the forthcoming poll by initiating attacks against state and election-related sites. Supporters of the AKP and the government may also increase anti-HDP or anti-PKK agitation. In recent weeks, pro-government supporters have attacked a number of HDP offices across the country. Clients in Turkey during the current election cycle should monitor political and security developments in their area of travel closely in conjunction with their security provider. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution. Please note that due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria and against all non-essential travel to the provinces of Diyarbakir, Van, Sirnak and Hakkari. Clients should exercise heightened caution in several southern and south eastern states.

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