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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

SWEDEN/FINLAND(MULTIPLE COUNTRIES) - A strike to demand better salaries and working conditions by some Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) staff has resulted in flight disruptions and cancellations between Sweden and Finland on 22 February. The strike is affecting flights at airports in Stockholm, Kalmar and Visby in Sweden, and Helsinki, Abo and Vaasa in Finland. The strike is expected to impact on flights on 22 February only. Clients flying via SAS on 22 February in Finland and Sweden are advised to contact their travel provider for an update on the status of their flight(s), prior to departure.

Our records indicate your company did not have any travelers on Scandinavian Airlines who were ticketed through ATG.

NIGERIA(LAGOS) - At least 17 people have died in the vicinity of Lagos, southern Nigeria, after contracting an unknown disease. A number of others have fallen ill. Health authorities are investigating the cause of the fatalities and illnesses. They have also stated that the first cases occurred in January but were only recently reported. All of the deceased are children and are from the Otodo Gbame community in the Eti-Osa area of the city. The disease may be connected to sanitation in the area, which is considered a low-income area. Clients operating in Lagos should monitor local media closely for updates and health advisories from the authorities. Travellers should contact their medical practitioner for further advice regarding vaccinations required for Lagos and for health best practices, particularly with regard to the consumption of food and liquids.

RUSSIA(MOSCOW) - Defender of the Fatherland Day will be commemorated in Russia on 23 February. Associated marches are expected to cause travel disruptions in the capital, Moscow, on 23 February. Several road closures are expected, to facilitate the passage of associated marches in the city. From 08:00 to 17:00 local time, the area between Malaya Dmitrovka and Tverskaya streets will be closed to vehicular traffic due to a march organised by the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia. Petrovka Street will be closed from 09:00 to 16:00 and Strastnoy Boulevard will also be closed from 11:00 to 14:00, due to a rally organised by the Communist Party. The rallies, which are expected to be well attended, as well as the anticipated road closures, are likely to result in significant disruptions to travel in Moscow. While the events are expected to conclude peacefully, the risk of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Moscow on 23 February are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness in the vicinity of any related events and avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made to accommodate the anticipated disruptions.

ARGENTINA(COUNTRYWIDE) - The Association of State Workers (ATE) union in Argentina has called for a countrywide strike to be held on 24 February. The strike will be in effect for 24 hours and will be accompanied by demonstrations throughout the country, according to statements by the secretary general of ATE. The action has been called in response to thousands of layoffs in the public sector which have followed newly elected President Mauricio Macri's economic policies. The union demands the reinstatement of dismissed state employees as well as wage increases. The upcoming strike is expected to be well observed and state operations are likely to be disrupted across the country. Additionally, protests are anticipated in provincial capitals, as well as the state capital, Buenos Aires. These are likely to centre on government buildings. Although the risk of significant acts of violence during any associated demonstrations is considered low, the possibility of minor confrontations cannot be discounted. It should be noted that protesters in Argentina frequently raise roadblocks on key thoroughfares in an effort to maximise disruption; localised road travel delays are, therefore, possible in the vicinity of any protest action. Clients in Argentina on 24 February are advised to monitor local media for updates and developments on the upcoming strike and any associated protests. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

URUGUAY(COUNTRYWIDE) - Dairy farmers have called for protests across Uruguay on 24 February. The agitation is in protest against various issues, including the increase in production costs and the non-payment of exports to Venezuela. The protests will also be supported by the Freight Transport Association of Uruguay (ATCU). The agitation is expected to affect 18 unspecified departments across the country. The protests will be the latest agitation by dairy farmers since 19 January, when protests caused significant disruptions, particularly in San Jose and Florida departments. Roadblocks on Routes 1 and 5, which serve the capital, Montevideo, also caused disruptions to road travel. The upcoming protests are expected to be well attended and protesters will likely erect similar roadblocks; as such, localised disruptions to travel should be anticipated on major roads, as well as at protest sites. While the rallies are expected to conclude peacefully, the risk of low-level scuffles between demonstrators and police cannot be discounted. Clients in Uruguay on 24 February are advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution and keep itineraries flexible to accommodate travel delays.

UGANDA(KISANGATI AND KAMPALA) - An unauthorised protest organised by Kizza Besigye, leader of Uganda's main opposition party the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), is expected in Uganda on 22 February. Besigye, who has been under house arrest since 18 February, is disputing the results of the 18 February election, which indicate that President Yoweri Museveni won the 2016 election with 61 percent of the vote, compared to his 35 percent, amid claims of election fraud and irregularities. Participants are expected to gather Besigye's place of residence in Kisangati at 09:00 local time, and proceed to the Electoral Commission in the capital, Kampala. Uganda's election period has been affected by civil unrest in Kampala and other major urban centres in recent days, particularly following claims by the opposition of voter fraud. Additional accusations, arrests of members of the opposition and the announcement of Museveni's victory could lead to further politically motivated civil unrest over the near-term. Given that the upcoming protest is unsanctioned, the possibility of violence between protesters and security forces as well as between rival protesters, cannot be discounted. Clients in Kampala on 22 February are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces. Clients in Uganda are further advised to monitor local media for updates on any further protest action.

BOLIVIA(COUNTRYWIDE) - (Update) A constitutional referendum was held in Bolivia on 21 February. The proposed constitutional amendment would allow President Evo Morales to run for another term in office. Preliminary results on 22 February indicate a narrow loss for Morales in his bid to stand for a fourth term in office; however, this result may change before official results are released. Regardless of the outcome of the referendum, associated protests by supporters of Morales's ruling Movement for Socialism - Political Instrument for the Sovereignty of the Peoples (MAS-IPSP) party, as well as opposition supporters, remain possible in the near-term. It should be noted that protests by MAS-IPSP supporters in El Alto on 17 February turned violent; opposition groups claim that the unrest was an attempt by MAS-IPSP supporters to cause disruptions to the referendum amid concerns of the proposed amendments not being supported. In light of this, protests by MAS-IPSP supporters are especially likely, should the referendum vote not be passed. The possibility of associated violence between rival protesters and security forces is credible. Clients in Bolivia in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for related updates. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

MOROCCO(COUNTRYWIDE) - The Moroccan Workers' Union (UMT), Democratic Confederation of Labour (CDT), General Union of Moroccan Workers (UGTM), and Democratic Federation of Labour (FDT) unions have called on their members to observe a 24-hour general strike across Morocco on 24 February. The action has been organised in order to pressure the government into addressing several work-related grievances within the private and public sectors, including proposed pension reforms. It is currently unclear how well the strike action will be supported; however, significant disruptions to transport, utility and business services are expected. An increased demand for alternative public transport services is also likely on the day. Associated demonstrations are possible in major urban centres in Morocco, including the capital, Rabat. The threat of violence at such gatherings is considered low; however, minor confrontations cannot be discounted. In addition, localised traffic disruptions should be anticipated near demonstration sites. Persons in Morocco on 24 February should monitor local media for updates on the upcoming strike action and any related demonstrations. Clients are advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to make allowances for possible business and travel disruptions on the day. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

TURKEY(ARTVIN PROVINCE) - (Update) Anti-mining protests are ongoing in Turkey's north eastern Artvin province. Protesters clashed with police outside the town of Artvin, leaving a number of people wounded. The protesters were marching from Artvin to the nearby Cerattepe mining site, when they were stopped by a security force contingent. The civil unrest, which began in mid-February, is expected to persist for the short-term and further clashes between protesters and the police are anticipated. Localised road travel disruptions are also likely to continue. Clients in the province are advised to closely monitor related developments. All street protests and unofficial roadblocks should be avoided as a standard precaution.

CHAD(N'DJAMENA) - The opposition party, Le Rassemblement Patriotique du Renouveau (RPR), has called for a demonstration in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, on 23 February. The protest has been called in protest against injustice, corruption, electoral fraud and a possible fifth term by Idriss Deby. Elections are due to be held in April 2016. The protest is due to start at 07:00 local time. Media reports indicate that the gathering will begin at 'Fest'Africa' and end at the city hall. The anticipated turnout for the event is currently unclear. Should a large crowd gather, localised road travel disruptions are possible in the city during the course of the day. In addition, there is a risk of violent altercations between protesters and the police or pro-government supporters. Note that the frequency of politically motivated gatherings may increase in the run up to the elections later in the year. Clients in N'Djamena are advised to monitor political developments closely. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Longer-term visitors should ensure that crisis management plans are reviewed and updated as a standard precaution.

EAST TIMOR(DILI) - The US embassy in East Timor's capital, Dili, has stated that a demonstration is planned in the capital on 23 February. The gathering will occur in front of the Australian Embassy on Comoro Road. Further details have not been provided. The motive for the gathering is unclear. However, East Timor and Australia are involved in an ongoing maritime border dispute and this issue could be the reason for the gathering. There is a risk of violent altercations between protesters and the police. Localised road travel disruptions in the vicinity of the embassy through the course of 23 February are also possible. Clients in Dili on 23 February should exercise caution near the embassy complex. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

INDIA(DELHI) - (Update) Heightened tensions remain in India's capital, Delhi, and surrounds, following disruptive protests on 21 February. The demonstrations were initiated by members of the ethnic Jat community following days of sustained protests which culminated in a violent protest in the neighbouring Haryana state on 20 February. Associated protests and agitations were also reported in Chandigarh and Punjab. Protesters reportedly attacked a water station and disrupted water supply in Delhi on 22 February. Authorities have managed to gain control of the canal which supplies the affected areas and have rationed the remaining unaffected supply. Water supply is expected to be fully restored by 23 February. Protesters reportedly blocked main thoroughfares into the city, including those leading to Bahadurgarh, Karnal, Sonipat, and Shamil located in Haryana. Other areas were also affected, including the NH 1 road. Authorities subsequently deployed 5,000 security force members in an attempt to quell the protests and establish alternate travel routes. Transport authorities also temporarily suspended bus and rail services due to attacks and vandalism on public transport infrastructure by demonstrators on 21 February. Scheduled transport service has since resumed and major routes have been cleared. Schools and businesses have been closed as a precaution against further unrest and associated agitations. Much of the ethnic Jat community's grievances relate to the provision of government jobs and education in relation to the caste-based quota system. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has met with Jat leaders and reportedly addressed their grievances and established a negotiated settlement. This development may serve to placate protesting groups in the short-term. Nonetheless; associated protests and agitations may continue at short notice given the currently elevated tensions in the aforementioned areas. Should related protests occur, the threat of violence between police and protesters is considered elevated at this time. Persons in the affected areas, including Delhi, are advised to avoid all related protest action, monitor local developments and anticipate localised travel disruptions in the event of further gatherings.

INDIA(JAMMU AND KASHMIR) - (Update) At least seven people were killed due to a gun battle between militants and security forces, amid a security operation reported near Srinagar, located in India's Jammu and Kashmir, on 21 and 22 February. The security operation was launched in an attempt to clear the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) building, in which militants were barricaded after reportedly seeking refuge on the premises. The building is located in the vicinity of the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway. This incident follows another incident in which militants attacked a bus carrying paramilitary forces belonging to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) while travelling on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, in the town of Pampore, resulting in at least eight casualties overnight on 20/21 February. According to reports, no civilians were killed amid the siege; militants reportedly facilitated the evacuation of people inside the EDI building. The building subsequently caught fire, and resulted in evacuations in the affected area surrounding the building. Although unconfirmed, authorities allege the militants may have been affiliated with the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. Kashmiri separatists and Islamist militant groups, such as Hizb-ul-Mujahideen and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), are opposed to India's continued administration of Kashmir. Such groups are active in the region and frequently infiltrate Indian-administered Kashmir from Pakistani-administered Kashmir to conduct armed attacks against state and civilian interests. Due to the ongoing nature of separatist conflict in the region, further such incidents and associated confrontations between military forces and militants are expected to persist in the medium-term at least. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state (except the eastern Ladakh region) is advised against. Clients operating in this region should remain aware of the elevated threat of terrorism stemming from Islamist militants. Concentrations of security force personnel and state facilities should be avoided as a precaution.

MALAYSIA(KUALA LUMPUR) - The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a security message indicating an elevated risk of terrorism in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, and surrounds on 21 February. The message detailed a credible threat to the capital and alleged that such an attack would likely target Western, including Australian, interests, based on intelligence reports. Further details pertaining to the nature of the threat, intended targets and timing of potential attacks were not disclosed. There is a medium threat of terrorism in Malaysia. Although the country has not been affected by major acts of terrorism recently, Islamist militants thought to operate in the immediate region, and in areas such as Sabah, pose a risk to the state. Additionally, Malaysian authorities regularly announce the arrest of suspected terrorists and have implemented robust security measures to mitigate the threat of terrorism, further underscoring the threat. Clients in Kuala Lumpur and surrounding areas are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at all public/tourist areas in the city. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to local authorities. Heightened caution is advised in the coastal areas and islands of Sabah state due to the threat of kidnapping stemming from groups from the southern Philippines, as well as additional associated risks.

LIBYA(SABRATHA) - (Update) Two Serbian nationals, Sladjana Stankovic and Jovica Stepic, who were kidnapped in Libya in November 2015, were reportedly among the fatalities in a US-led air strike against Islamic State (IS) militants in Sabratha on 19 February. The confirmation of the deaths of the two was made by the Serbian government. The government and the kidnappers were reportedly negotiating a ransom. There is an elevated threat of kidnapping in Libya. A number of foreign nationals are currently being held or are thought to be held by kidnap groupings, including militant and criminal organisations. Foreign military action against IS is expected to increase in 2016. As such, further casualties among foreign and local hostages could occur. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

TIGRAY REGION/ETHIOPIS(MULTIPLE COUNTRIES) - Media reports on 20 February indicate that gunmen dressed in Eritrean military fatigues crossed the Eritrea-Ethiopia land border and kidnapped as many as 80 miners in Ethiopia's Tigray region earlier in February. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Humera. The victims were all reportedly transported across the Mereb River into Eritrean territory. Unconfirmed reports indicate that some of the miners were shot and killed. The motive for the kidnapping is unclear. The incident underscores the continued insecurity along the Ethiopia-Eritrea frontier. The area has been affected by conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea in the past and many areas remain disputed. The shared border is closed. An elevated military presence remains in effect in the region. Despite a lull in conflict, sporadic confrontations have continued to be reported in recent years. The presence of armed groups, some thought to be linked to the respective states, has further undermined the local security environment. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 50km of Eritrea's border with Ethiopia in Eritrea and against all travel to within 20km of Ethiopia's border with Eritrea in Ethiopia's Tigray region. Persons operating in this region should travel with a close protection officer and seek to reside in secure compounds only. Travel at night should be avoided.

PHILIPPINES(SILTAN KUDARAT PROVINCE) - At least one person has been killed and 41 others wounded as a result of a grenade attack in Esperanza, located in the Sultan Kudarat province, of the Philippines on 21 February. According to reports, two motorbike-riding assailants threw grenades in the direction of a carnival. Authorities have identified two suspects from Maguindanao and have not ruled out the possibility that the attack may have been perpetrated by those affiliated with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) Islamist extremist group, operational in parts of Mindanao. Further details remain unavailable. It is unclear why the carnival and civilians were targeted; however, reports indicate the attack may have been retaliatory in response to security operations carried out in Maguindanao in which at least 18 suspected BIFF militants were killed between 15 and 19 February. BIFF has been implicated in multiple attacks using motorcycles and grenades across Maguindanao and surrounds; although these usually target government installations and facilities. The group has rejected peace deals involving separatists and Philippine authorities, which would give Muslims in the southern Mindanao region greater autonomy, demanding complete independence instead. Philippine security forces have been engaged in an offensive against the BIFF since January 2014. Recent fighting in the affected area has resulted in over 2,500 families being displaced. Given the presence of BIFF, as well as the ongoing insecurity in the region, further violence is anticipated in the short- to medium-term. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all travel to Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago, including Sultan Kudarat, is advised against. However, this advisory does not extend to Mindanao's eastern Caraga and Davao regions, to which non-essential travel is advised against.

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