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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 - Starting Oct. 15, Southwest will embark on a major expansion in flying abroad, with daily nonstop departures to six cities in Latin America and the Caribbean from a new concourse in Houston's William P. Hobby Airport. The airline recently began adding destinations, including San Jose, Costa Rica, and Belize City. Belize. Liberia, Costa Rica, will join the network in November. A second international terminal will open in 2017 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. By the end of 2015, Southwest will fly to 12 destinations in eight countries in the Caribbean and Latin America from 12 cities in the U.S. mainland. More is coming. It has identified another 50 possible markets -- almost all outside the U.S. -- that can be reached by the longer range of its Boeing Co. 737-800s.

UNITED STATES - The Nation of Islam is preparing to hold a commemorative event marking the 20th anniversary of the Million Man March in Washington DC on 10 October. The event will begin at 10:00 local time and focus on the National Mall. The event is expected to attract a large crowd and police have been placed on alert and are expected to close some roads in the area. Counter-protests by an anti-Islam group, Global Rally for Humanity, have been called to coincide with the event. Anti-Islam marches have also been called at mosques across the country. Events outside of Washington DC are likely to largely focus on north Texas. Police in the Texas communities of Plano, Richardson, Dallas, Arlington, Frisco, and Mansfield have been placed on alert. Other affected cities and towns (and locations), include Corpus Christi (Islamic Society of Southern Texas), Phoenix (Islamic Community Center of Phoenix), Huntsville (Huntsville Islamic Center), Medford (Medford Police Department), Dearborn (Islamic Center of America) and Atlanta (Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta). Most of these events are not expected to attract large crowds.

The majority of the rallies are likely to conclude without major incident. Gatherings in Washington DC and northern Texas could be affected by low-level confrontations and road travel disruptions. Clients operating in or near mosques or Islamic facilities on 10 October should maintain an elevated level of personal security awareness. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ITALY - Several education sector trade unions and student organisations are set to stage countrywide demonstrations in Italy's major urban centres on 9 October. The groups have called for the protests in opposition to education reforms proposed by the government. The largest gathering is expected in the capital, Rome, with participants scheduled to gather at the Piazza della Repubblica from 09:00 local time. Related gatherings are also expected in Genoa (Piazza Caricamento), Milan (Largo Cairoli) and Naples (Piazza Garibaldi Giuseppe). The demonstrations will be accompanied by an increased police presence. The demonstrations are expected to conclude without major incident; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended; as such local travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of demonstration affected sites. Persons in Italy on 9 October are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the demonstrations. All large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Clients should also anticipate localised travel disruptions and allow for increased travel time.

POLAND - An anti-refugee rally is expected to take place at Plac Defilad (Parade Square) in Poland's capital, Warsaw, on 10 October. It is scheduled to start at 16:00 local time and has been called to press the government to not accept refugees into Poland.: The rally is expected to be well attended, and as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. A heightened security force presence is expected on the day. In addition, given the likely presence of nationalist groups and individuals, the possibility of violence cannot be discounted. Persons in Warsaw on 10 October are advised to avoid the rally and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Furthermore, clients should make allowances for possible transport disruptions in the vicinity of the rally.

ISRAEL - A group of approximately 200 anti-Israel protesters gathered near the border between the Gaza Strip and Israel, in the al-Shujaiyeh neighbourhood, east of Gaza City, on 9 October. Reports indicate that Israeli security forces opened fire on the crowd, killing at least two people and wounding 19 others. The protesters reportedly threw debris at the Israeli forces during the confrontation. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the group had moved into a closed military zone along the border. The Israeli security forces maintain closed military areas along the length of the shared border and have a large security presence in the area. The violence coincides with and is likely linked to ongoing anti-Israel civil unrest in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Further protests in the Gaza Strip are possible. Violence may recur should protesters attempt to move towards Israeli positions along the border, an area in the Gaza Strip where the only symbols of the state of Israel are located. Clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip and against all travel to within 2km of the shared border between Israel and the Gaza Strip in Israel. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to 45km outside of this 2km area in Israel. Clients in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel should travel with a local escort if travelling in the vicinity of the border. All protests and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided.

ISRAEL - An Israeli national stabbed and wounded four people in two separate incidents in Dimona, southern Israel, on 9 October. The victims are thought to be of Arab or Berber descent. The assailant, thought to be Jewish, has been arrested. The incident is the latest stabbing in Israel in recent days. Separate stabbings were reported in Tel Aviv, Afula and Jerusalem on 8 October. The incidents coincide with increasing Palestinian-Israeli tensions in recent weeks, as well as associated civil unrest in cities and towns across the West Bank, in East Jerusalem, and Palestinian/Arab areas in Israel. Further low-level acts of violence, including stabbings or vehicular ramming attacks, are possible. Following these incidents, travellers should anticipate elevated security in the affected area and possible protest action, either by local residents or persons linked to either the victim(s) or perpetrator(s). Clients in Dimona are advised to monitor local security developments and media closely for updates from the local authorities.

INDIA - Security has been heightened ahead of state legislative elections, which are due to take place in India's Bihar state in five phases, from 12 October to 5 November. Voting will take place in the districts of Banka, Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Jamui, Khagaria, Lakhisarai, Munger, Nawada, Samastipur and Sheikhpura on 12 October. In the districts of Arwal, Aurangabad, Gaya, Jahanabad, Kaimur, and Rohtas, ballots will be cast on 16 October. On 28 October, voting will proceed in Bhojpur, Buxar, Nalanda, Patna, Saran and Vaishali districts, while in Gopalganj, Paschim Champaran, Purvi Champaran, Muzaffarpur, Sheohar, Sitamarhi and Siwan, elections will be on 1 November. Finally, on 5 November, the districts of Araria, Darbhanga, Katihar, Kishanganj, Madhepura, Madhubani, Purnea, Saharsa and Supaul will vote. Vote counting will begin on 8 November. As a precaution, over 50,000 additional security forces have been deployed to the administrative capital of Patna and key locations elsewhere in the state. Security has been heightened primarily due to a Maoist insurgency that has been ongoing across the remote and rural areas of Bihar, as well as the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, for several decades. The Maoist rebels (also known as Naxalites) have been battling the central government and claim to represent the indigenous, 'landless' tribal peoples of rural India, particularly those that have not benefited from the country's economic development and who have been marginalised by the electoral process. As such, they view the state legislative elections as largely illegitimate, and may seek to disrupt the voting process through small-scale gun and bomb attacks or acts of sabotage on government or election-related facilities. Such attacks pose a clear incidental threat to foreign nationals in the state over the election period. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of Bihar, as well as to a number of other states, due to a Maoist insurgency. Persons currently in the state are advised to maintain a low profile and avoid all politically motivated rallies, polling stations and political party offices before, during and after the polls. Clients are further advised to monitor local developments closely.

PHILIPPINES - A crime incident in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, on 8 October has highlighted the threat of crime on public transport services in the country. An unidentified assailant was shot and killed after he attempted to hijack a passenger bus on Taft Avenue, one of the primary thoroughfares in the city. According to reports, the assailant boarded an HM Transport Bus near the Pedro Gil LRT Station and took a passenger hostage with a knife. Police responded and shot the attacker some 30 minutes later. The incident is believed to be related to a robbery attempt. The crime rate in the Philippines is considered medium and includes mainly petty street crimes; however, the threat is elevated in Manila, where violent crimes, including muggings and assaults, which have resulted in fatalities, are also reported. The majority of victims of violent crime in Metro Manila are locals or persons of Asian, typically Chinese, descent. However, as this incident took place on a mode of public transport, foreign visitors of any nationality can be affected. Persons in the Philippines, particularly in Manila, should be aware of the medium, but increasing, risk of violent crime in the country and remain vigilant at all times. Public transport should be avoided where possible, especially after dark. Clients are advised to book taxis through an official source, such as a hotel or through a trusted local contact.

MULTIPLE COUNTRIES (Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Kuwait, eastern Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain and Nigeria) - Muharram, the first month on the Islamic calendar, starts during the evening of 13 October. The month is one of the holiest on the Islamic calendar. The tenth day of Muharram (23 October) is known as Ashura. This period is symbolic for Shiite Muslims as it marks the day that they believe Imam Husayn, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, was killed during the Battle of Karbala (680 AD). Connected to Ashura is Arbaeen, which is commemorated 40 days after Ashura (on 2 December). An increase in Shiite religious events is typical during these periods. In some areas, associated security risks increase as Sunni militants seek to target Shiite events or Shiite events display anti-government sentiment. The increased terrorism risk is most pronounced in states where Sunni militants are active and have regularly targeted Shiite Muslim religious events, processions, communities or sites in the past. These include Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria (specifically the city of Zaria). The general risk extends to Lebanon, Kuwait, eastern Saudi Arabia, Iran and Bahrain. In addition, agitation by Shiite communities may increase during Muharram and Arbaeen, particularly in eastern Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, where Shiite-dominated anti-government political agitation is elevated. Note that in areas where Shiite events occur, increased security measures are typically enforced. This could include restrictions on travel (curfews), additional checkpoints (and resultant delays) as well as police patrols. Clients travelling or operating during Muharram, including Ashura and Arbaeen, should contact their security provider for area-specific risk assessments. During this period, Shiite religious events and gatherings should be avoided.

TAIWAN - Taiwan will commemorate National Day (locally known as Double Ten Day) on 10 October. In previous years, civil rights and anti-nuclear groups have organised protests on the day; these are typically held in the capital, Taipei. Currently, there are no planned mass demonstrations set to take place; however, unplanned, sporadic protest action remains possible. Lastly, the annual National Day Parade will be held to commemorate the event; it is likely to centre on the Presidential Office Building, located on Chongqing South Road in Zhongzheng district. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Double Ten Day commemorates the Wuchang Uprising, which led to the collapse of the Qing dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China, Taiwan's political predecessor; it is often used as a day for protests and demonstrations over a variety of issues. Should protests occur, these are likely to conclude peacefully. Travel disruptions, including possible road closures, should be anticipated in Zhongzheng district. Clients in Taiwan on 10 October are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, and anticipate travel disruptions in the aforementioned areas.

BELARUS - Belarus is scheduled to hold presidential elections amid heightened security on 11 October. The country's incumbent president, Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko, is expected to win; however, previous elections have been marred by allegations of fraud and irregularities, and anti-government protests against his regime have taken place in recent weeks. These have, thus far, not degenerated into widespread violence. Nonetheless, given the precedent, security is likely to be considerably heightened on the day. Should any anti-government protests take place on 11 October or in the days that follow, security forces are likely to respond swiftly and with force to dissent. It should further be noted that the worsening economic situation in Belarus may also elevate the potential protest action in the coming days. Clients in Belarus on 1 October and in the days that follow are advised to monitor local developments closely. All election-related events and facilities, as well as all demonstrations and concentrations of security forces, should be avoided as a precaution.

TUNISIA - According to reports, all roads leading out of Tunisia's coastal city of Sousse have been closed on 8 October. The road closures follow the attempted assassination of Member of Parliament and member of the ruling party Nidaa Tounes party, Ridha Chareffedine. It is reported that the unknown gunmen opened fire on the vehicle in which the parliamentarian was traveling in. Chareffedine is said to have escaped without injury and the assailants are still at large. Investigations are ongoing and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. There is a high threat of terrorism in Tunisia, which stems from Islamist militants. Although the motive behind the attack is not clear, Islamist militants often target politicians and state infrastructure. A number of low-profile attacks and two high-profile political assassinations (Tunis in 2013) were reported between 2013 and 2014. Two high-profile, mass-casualty terrorist attacks have been recorded in 2015. It should be noted that the security force actions and associated road closures are likely to impact on travel in the city in the short-term. Clients currently in Sousse are advised to implement heightened situational awareness. Clients should also monitor local media for updates regarding the road closures.

BAHRAIN - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a statement warning of unauthorised protests in Bahrain on 8 and 9 October. On 8 October, protests are expected in Bilad al-Qadeem from 16:45, Aali from 19:00 and Sitra from 20:00 local time. On 9 October, protests are expected in Saar, Karzakkan, Bu Quwah and Malkiya from 16:30. The FCO has not stated which group(s) has/have called the protests. However, the anti-government 14 February Revolution Youth Coalition has called for demonstrations in many of the same areas on 8 and 9 October. These have been called ahead of the commemoration of Muharram and Ashura. Opposition protests by groups representing the Shiite Muslim majority, including the 14 February Revolution Youth Coalition, against the Sunni-dominated regime have been ongoing since 2011. Protesters are calling for greater political reforms and the release of jailed activists. The majority of protests are peaceful but can end in violence if participants 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. It should be noted that the events on 8 and 9 October precede Muharram (13 October) and Ashura (23 October), a period during which Shiite religious activity and associated commemorations increase. A larger than normal number of persons may participate in protests on 8 and 9 October and in the coming days. In addition, other protests or religious gatherings outside of the above-mentioned protest areas are possible over the near-term. 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.

NEPAL - (Update) Protests against the promulgation of the new constitution are ongoing in Nepal's Terai region as of 10 October, albeit at a reduced frequency and intensity than in previous weeks. In Kailali district, due to the improving security situation, authorities lifted a curfew that had been in place for the past month-and-a-half. However, in Rupandehi district, a small-scale explosive device was detonated near the Gautama Buddha, but did not result in any injuries. In Saptari district, an ongoing shutdown enforced by the United Madhesi Democratic Front (UDMF) continues to result in disruptions to business operations and travel. More generally, ongoing shortages of fuel and other supplies continue to be reported. While some in Nepal have stated that the shortages are due to India enforcing a moratorium on supply trucks entering Nepal from India, the Indian government has stated that truck drivers have been unwilling to enter Nepal due to concerns over their own safety. Nepal's Constituent Assembly (CA) approved a long-awaited constitution on 16 September. The charter was promulgated on 20 September, by approximately 90 percent of the assembly, at a meeting of the CA in the capital, Kathmandu. The charter has been widely opposed by minority groups, including the largely low-land Terai region-based Madhesi and Tharu ethnic groups, who have initiated violent protests in recent weeks against the anticipated passing of the new document. The violence has left at least 40 people dead since early August. Given that the constitution has already been promulgated, protests are likely to continue over the near-term, despite having decreased in intensity and frequency. Such protest action and possible associated strikes are likely to continue to focus on the Terai region, which generally encompasses the low-land region along the shared India-Nepal border. Persons in Nepal, particularly in the Terai region, are advised to monitor local developments closely for information on possible further strikes. All demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution. Please note that clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Nepal in light of several safety concerns.

KAZAKHSTAN - Travel disruptions are expected in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 11 October, due to road closures associated with the "Open Street" event. Traffic restrictions, including road closures and security cordons are expected to affect a number of roads, including Aiteke, Abylai Khan,Karasai Batyr, Kazybek bi and Panfilov streets; restrictions are set to be in place until 14:00 local time. It should be noted that a number of bus routes will also be diverted or cancelled during the event as a result of the road closures. Increased security measures, including the additional deployment of police at key locations, are expected to accompany the event. The event is expected to be well attended. Due to the influx of attendees and the planned road closures, localised traffic disruptions should be anticipated, including along peripheral roads. The risk of significant acts of violence during the event is considered low. Clients are advised to expect localised travel disruptions in central Almaty on 11 October and adjust their travel plans accordingly.

AFGHANISTAN - A suspected militant suicide bomb attack was reportedly foiled in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, on 8 October. According to reports, militants, wearing explosive laden vests, were intercepted by National Directorate of Security (NDS) forces, as they attempted to enter a local restaurant in an unspecified location in the city. In the ensuing gun battle, at least two suspected militants were killed. Further details regarding the incident are unavailable. There is an extreme threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, including in Kabul. The threat stems from several Islamist organisations, including the Taleban and the Haqqani network. These groups are known to carry out attacks throughout the country; these include suicide bombings, improvised explosive bombings, gun and grenade-based assaults and ambushes, targeting both state and civilian interests. Despite the ongoing joint Afghan National Army (ANA) and NDS security operations, militant groups continue to maintain a strong operational presence across the country. As such, insecurity in the country is likely to persist. 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.

IRAQ - State workers have led a strike and a number of related protests in Sulaymaniyah, northern Iraq, since early October over a wage dispute with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). On 8 October, protesters reportedly clashed with the local police in the city centre. These protests have also coincided with at least one demonstration related to an ongoing dispute regarding the status of the KRG President Massoud Barzani, whose mandate expired in August. The state workers-related protests are likely to persist in Sulaymaniyah and impact on local state services over the near-term. Associated protests may also continue and the risk of further clashes is elevated. The dispute over the presidency has drawn most of the major political parties into the issue. While related protests have been minimal, further delays could prompt some parties to organise demonstrations. Should these occur, cities across the region could be impacted. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the KRG-controlled regions of Dahuk, Arbil and Sulaymaniyah, including Halabja, due to ongoing conflict in the wider region and the general threat of terrorism. Persons operating in Sulaymaniyah are advised to avoid all street protests as a general precaution.

IRAQ - Unidentified assailants fired mortar rounds towards several villages near the city of Baqubah, in Iraq's central Diyala governorate, overnight 8/9 October. The attacks left 35 people dead and 45 wounded. Despite the Iraqi government's claims to have secured Diyala governorate and routed Islamic State (IS) forces from the region, the governorate continues to experience regular mass-casualty attacks. On 5 October, a car bomb in Khalis killed 32 people and wounded dozens more. While IS no longer controls cities or towns in Diyala, it is likely to have re-established terror cells and networks with the aim of conducting bombing assaults in urban centres in the governorate. In light of this, further such assaults are likely. Clients are advised against all travel to Diyala governorate. Persons in the governorate should travel with a close protection officer and reside in secure compounds. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider

GUINEA - Clashes broke out between supporters of incumbent president, Alpha Conde and loyalists of opposition leader, Cellou Dalein Diallo, during a demonstration in Guinea's capital, Conakry, on 8 October. At least one person was reportedly killed, and 12 others wounded, as a result of the violence. The clashes come ahead of the country's presidential elections, which are scheduled to take place on 11 October. The violence follows similar clashes between Conde and Diallo supporters in Koundara in late September, as well in N'Zerekore on 2/3 October. The violence in N'Zerekore left at least one person dead and 80 others wound, resulting in a night-time curfew being declared in the city. As with previous elections, the forthcoming ballot will take place in a climate of heightened ethno-political tensions in the country, with Guinea's primary ethnic blocs, namely the Malinke and the Fulani, expected to vote for Conde and Diallo, respectively. Further protests by rival demonstrators are anticipated in the period leading up to, during and in the immediate aftermath of the vote. The possibility that these could deteriorate into violence is considered elevated. Clients in Guinea are advised to monitor political developments, review all contingency plans and avoid all related protests and demonstrations. Due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak and associated disruptions, all non-essential travel to Guinea is currently advised against.

NIGERIA - Authorities in Nigeria's Nasarawa state have confirmed that a Chinese national was abducted by unknown gunmen on 6 October. The victim was reportedly on his farm in the Sabon Gida territory in the Kokona local government area when he was abducted. Further details are unknown. There is a high risk of kidnapping across Nigeria, with the threat extending to Nasarawa state. While it remains unclear who was responsible for this latest abduction, both organised criminal syndicates and Islamist militants are known to conduct kidnappings and have an operational presence in the region. The groups periodically abduct both locals and foreign nationals for the purposes of ransom and extortion. Most victims are released unharmed after being held for relatively short durations, although rescue efforts by Nigerian security forces have previously resulted in casualties. The incident highlights the high operating risk in the country; given the persistent insecurity in the region, further such kidnappings are expected. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Nigeria including, Nasarawa. Persons currently in or planning travel to the country are advised to implement comprehensive travel, residential and personal security measures and to consider the use of a security escort, particularly if travelling outside of major urban centres. Clients are further advised to avoid travel after dark as far as practically possible.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO - The Republican Front for the Respect of Constitutional Order and Democratic Change (FROCAD) and the Congo Democracy Initiave (IDC) opposition groups have called for protests denouncing changes to the constitution from 9 to 23 October. The call for the countrywide protests was made following an announcement that a referendum on the proposed changes will be held on 25 October. The agitation will coincide with an election campaign for the referendum, which will also run between 9 and 23 October. The FROCAD and IDC groupings have stated that protests will take place from 09:00 to 15:00 local time in various urban areas during the aforementioned time period. Political tensions are currently elevated in the Republic of Congo following calls by opposition and civil society groups alike for popular resistance against attempts by the ruling Congolese Party of Labour (PCT) to amend the country's 2002 constitution. Opposition groups are claiming that the ruling party is seeking to alter a constitutional clause which limits heads of state in the country to only serve two successive terms. If amended, incumbent president, Denis Sassou Nguesso, will be eligible to contest the presidency for a third successive time during the country's 2016 presidential elections. In addition to the anticipated anti-government rallies, spontaneous demonstrations and rallies by government supporters are also possible. The potential for violence at all politically motivated gatherings in the Republic of Congo cannot be discounted. Clients in the Republic of Congo during the aforementioned period 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.

UGANDA - Uganda will commemorate its Independence Day on 9 October. Additional security personnel are expected to be deployed to several of the country's major urban centres to ensure that commemorative celebrations conclude peacefully. Security measures may also include police checkpoints, identification checks and roadblocks, particularly in Kampala. Security in Kampala is routinely increased on significant religious and/or commemorative days following coordinated large-scale bomb attacks in the city in July 2010. The attacks, claimed by al-Shabaab, were executed in retaliation to Uganda's ongoing participation in the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM). Although there have been no specific threats to Independence Day, nor is there evidence to suggest that the group is seeking to target Independence Day celebrations, precedent suggests that al-Shabaab favours attacks during key celebratory events when large crowds are gathered in public areas. In addition, public events have been used as a platform by opposition parties to state their discontent with the regime of President Yoweri Museveni in the past; associated demonstrations are possible. As a precaution, clients in Uganda are advised to avoid all public commemorative gatherings and street protests. Possible transport and business disruptions should be anticipated for the duration of 9 October.

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