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

GERMANY (LUFTHANSA) - Lufthansa vows return to normal after weeklong strike - Lufthansa will return to what the airline called "almost normal operations" on Saturday following a weeklong strike by its flight attendants' union. In total, the strike has forced the German carrier to cancel approximately 4,700 flights, affecting 550,000 passengers. All scheduled Lufthansa long-haul flights will operate Saturday, as will the large majority of the airline's shorter flights.
Clients scheduled to fly with Lufthansa on the affected dates are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider.

IRELAND (DUBLIN) - A number of flights were cancelled and/or delayed at Dublin Airport in Ireland late on 12 November due to strong winds caused by Tropical Storm Abigail. Several flights were rerouted to Shannon, Belfast International, and Liverpool John Lennon airports as a result. Residual delays are anticipated at the facility early on 13 November due to the backlog of flights. Abigail is forecast to bring further inclement weather to Ireland in the near-term, including severe winds and heavy rain. Road conditions, particularly along causeways and coastal roads, are expected to be hazardous in heavily affected areas, and localized disruptions to road and possibly rail transport should be expected in these areas. Further flight disruptions remain a credible concern. Clients scheduled to transit Dublin Airport in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or airline directly to confirm the status of their 
flight(s).

ITALY (COUNTYWIDE) - Unionized rail and bus workers are expected to participate in strike action in various parts of Italy on 13 November. Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) workers in the Tuscany region are expected to conduct a work stoppage from 09:00 to 17:00 local time, affecting metro services. SAD Bolzano workers are anticipated to conduct a 24-hour strike in the Trentino Alto Adige region. Azienda Trasporti Molisana (ATM) workers are expected to conduct a work stoppage from 15:31 to 23:31 local time in the Molise region. START Romagna workers are anticipated to participate in a work stoppage from 17:00 to 21:00 local time in the Emilia Romagna region. The aforementioned strikes are expected to affect rail or bus services in the respective regions. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike action. These are generally organized in response to austerity and deregulation reforms implemented by the government, as well as by specific labor disputes. The upcoming strike action is expected to be well observed and to result in significant disruptions to rail or bus services in the country. An increased demand for alternative public transport services is also likely on this day. Persons in the affected regions are advised to anticipate disruptions to either rail or bus services during the strike period and plan accordingly. Clients are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of transport services.

FRANCE (COUNTRYWIDE) - Increased security checks will be put in place along France's borders from 13 November until 13 December. The controls will be carried out by border police at border crossings or nearby perimeters on roads, on-board international trains, as well as at ports and airports. EU nationals will be required to carry identity documents, while non-EU persons will be required to carry a passport and documentation authorising their travel or stay in France. These measures have been implemented ahead of the UN Conference on Climate Change (COP21), which will take place in the capital, Paris, from 30 November to 11 December. Previous climate change summits and similar high-profile events have been marred by violent protests, and the border controls have been reintroduced as a measure to either bar or closely monitor those thought to be entering the country to engage in protest action. The increased security measures may result in increased transit times at France's sea, air and land borders. Persons planning to travel to France over the aforementioned period are advised to ensure that all necessary documentation is in order and plan for possible delays at points of entry.

TANZANIA (COUNTRYWIDE) - (Update) A cholera outbreak in Tanzania reportedly continues unabated as of 13 November. At least 8,185 cases of infection and 116 fatalities have been recorded in the country since the disease was initially recorded in the capital, Dar es Salaam, in late August. Since then, the outbreak has spread to as many as 19 other regions of the country, including Zanzibar. Several cholera treatment facilities have been established by the government to address the outbreak. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal intestinal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Symptoms of the disease include watery diarrhoea and vomiting, which generally occur within six hours to five days after being exposed to the bacterium. Although the disease can effectively be treated, practising good hygiene and consuming only properly purified water will significantly mitigate the chances of contracting it. Persons in or planning travel to Tanzania should take precautions against contracting cholera, including consuming only bottled water and avoiding food and beverages sold by street vendors. In addition, clients are advised to monitor local developments and follow any directives issued by authorities regarding public health advice and precautions. Clients are reminded that heightened caution is advised in areas bordering Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo due to the risk of banditry.

IRAQ (TUZ KHURMATO) - Kurdish and Shiite Muslim militia forces clashed at a checkpoint near the town of Tuz Khurmato in northern Iraq on 12 November. Seven people were killed and 22 others wounded in the fighting, which later spread to the town, leading the authorities to declare a curfew. The violence was reportedly sparked when Shiite forces did not heed a warning from the Kurdish forces. Tuz Khurmato is a Kurdish-controlled town situated between the Iraqi government's central Iraq and the Kurdish-controlled north. The two groupings are technically allied in the fight against the Islamic State (IS); however, tensions between the Kurds, who seek greater autonomy from the central government, and pro-Iraqi government forces remain elevated, and there are persistent concerns of conflict erupting between the two. The fighting in Tuz Khurmato has ceased; however, as tensions remain elevated, further conflict in this and nearby areas is possible. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central and northern Iraqi governorates and Salah ad-Din, where Tuz Khurmato is located. Persons operating in the area should do so with a close protection officer and should reside in secure compounds. Travel at night should be avoided. Persons crossing territorial lines should only do so after consultation with the relevant authority. Where possible, air travel should be utilized rather than road travel.

IRAQ (BAGHDAD) - A suicide bombing has been reported in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, on 13 November. The incident occurred in the Amil district, located between the Green Zone (International Zone) and Baghdad International Airport. The bomber targeted a Shiite Muslim funeral. The latest media reports indicate that 12 people were killed and 32 others wounded. The incident highlights the elevated risk of terrorism in Iraq, including in the capital. Baghdad, and the surrounding governorate, has consistently been among the areas worst affected by terrorism in 2015. Sunni militants are a primary driver of the insecurity, frequently targeting Shiite communities, sites and gatherings. State and foreign interests are also among their targets. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad. Persons in the area should avoid recent violence-affected areas. Clients should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds.

TURKEY (SIRNAK AND VAN PROVINCES) - Clashes between Turkish military forces and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants were reported in the south eastern Sirnak province on 12 November. The violence was reported in the Cizre and Silopi districts and left 12 combatants dead. Further violence was reported on 13 November in Van province. A security raid against suspected PKK forces in the Gergili area of the Ercis district sparked a gun battle. Latest reports indicate that at least one soldier has been killed and three others wounded in the confrontation. Violence involving the Turkish security forces and the PKK is regularly reported in the south east. A unilateral ceasefire has recently been suspended by the PKK and the government has vowed to crack down on the group. Following confrontations, authorities typically impose travel restrictions, such as curfews, in the affected area and its surrounds. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the Van and Sirnak provinces. Persons operating in these areas should travel with a security driver or close protection officer and reside in secure compounds. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated. Travel at night should be avoided. Caution is advised in the vicinity of security force personnel and facilities.

TURKEY (ANTALYA PROVINCE) - (Update) Protests are anticipated to coincide with the forthcoming G20 Summit in Belek, in Turkey's south eastern province of Antalya, on 15 and 16 November. The authorities have banned rallies until 18 November, and expect 30,000 activists to attend protests in the province during the summit. The Turkish Youth Union has called for a protest at the Metropolitan University (Buyuksehir Belediyesi) on 15 November from 13:00 local time. Labour unions have also called for a street march on the day. It is unclear where the march will begin; however, protesters plan to walk to Aydin Kanza Park. Demonstrations are also anticipated in Antalya's city centre, as well as in Republic Square and in the vicinity of Belek, including in the Dikill village area. The risk of violence at the forthcoming protests in Antalya province is considered elevated; however, the Turkish police are likely to seek to limit the scale of confrontations, given the widespread negative publicity any significant acts of violence could provoke. Protests will also result in localised road travel disruptions in places. The risk to foreign nationals visiting or operating in Antalya or Belek is considered largely incidental. Finally, it should be noted that security has been increased significantly. Thousands of police officials have been deployed to Belek to safeguard prominent international and local political personalities and the event. Large parts of Belek have been restricted to normal travellers. Disruptions to road travel between Antalya and Belek and at Antalya Airport should also be expected until 16 November. Clients in Antalya province should seek to avoid all large public gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel. Travel at night should be avoided. Persons travelling to and from Antalya Airport should plan for possible delays at times.

PHILIPPINES (MANILA) - The Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) economic leaders' summit will be held in the capital of the Philippines, Manila, from 18 to 19 November. The event will focus on the Philippines International Convention Center on Vicente Sotto Street, in Pasay. A considerable increase in security measures and associated travel disruptions are expected from 15 November. At Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, runway closures will be in place from 15 to 20 November, as a result of the arrival and departure of approximately 10,000 delegates, including heads of state. This will result in the cancellation of over 200 domestic and international flights. Included in security measures is the implementation of a no-sail policy in Manila Bay; approximately 30,000 additional troops have been deployed to the city and others placed on high alert for rapid deployment. Road closures and increased security checks will also be put in place. Given the international prominence of the summit, the possibility of opposition groups using the event as a platform to voice their grievances cannot be discounted. Local authorities have cited the Chinese Embassy as a possible protest site; however, such demonstrations are likely to be swiftly contained, and the increased security force presence in Manila will limit the likelihood of unrest considerably. In addition, the heightened security measures will result in disruptions to travel and increased transit times at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Persons in Manila are advised to anticipate possible travel delays as a result of the APEC summit and associated security measures. In addition, clients are advised to carry copies of all identification documents on their person at all times to facilitate movement through security checkpoints.

MONTENEGRO (PODGORICA) - Opposition coalition, Democratic Front (DF), has called for a mass demonstration in Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, on 15 November. The agitation has been called as part of an ongoing protest campaign demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Milo Djukanovic and the establishment of an interim government. Organized under the banner of 'You're surrounded', opposition activists are expected to encircle several state institutions in the vicinity of Trg Republike (Republic Square) from 18:00 local time on the day. Buildings set to be affected by the aforementioned protest action include the Constitutional Court of Montenegro, the Central Bank of Montenegro and the Ministry of Finance. Montenegro, particularly Podgorica, has been affected by anti-government protest action since late September. Related protests have been largely peacefully; however, violent protests erupted between police and security forces on 17 and 18 October. As such, the possibility of incidents of violence occurring at the upcoming demonstration cannot be discounted. Localized travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the affected area. Persons in Podgorica on 15 November are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related large gatherings as a precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the upcoming protest action, as well as advisories from the local authorities. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localized travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gatherings.

MEXICO (OAXACA STATE) - The National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) union has called for a 48-hour strike across Mexico's southern Oaxaca state on 14 and 15 November. As part of the industrial action, a series of protests will be held across the state; precedent suggests that the protesters will blockade major roads in Oaxaca, possibly including the Federal Highway 190. Protesters are likely to gather at government and education facilities in large urban centers in Oaxaca; the state capital, Oaxaca City, is likely to serve as a focal point for such unrest. The strike has been called to pressure federal and state officials into negotiations with CNTE, following the dissolution of the Oaxaca State Institute of Public Education (IEEPO). The union believes that current reformation policies will result in a number of redundancies in the sector. The strike and associated protests are likely to be well supported; as such, localized road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of affected sites. Although the upcoming events are expected to conclude peacefully, previous demonstrations have been characterized by low-level violence. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at the upcoming march cannot be discounted.Persons operating in Oaxaca state are advised to avoid the upcoming protests and any related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the strike action, as well as advisories from the local authorities. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries in order to make allowances for possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gatherings.

PARAGUAY (COUNTRYWIDE) - Local elections will be held across Paraguay on 15 November. Voting will take place amid heightened security, with additional security personnel expected to be deployed to election-related facilities such as polling stations, ballot counting centres and political party offices.  Although expected to conclude peacefully in most areas, isolated acts of politically motivated violence cannot be discounted. This is of particular concern in the rural and remote areas of Paraguay's Concepcion, Canindeyu and San Pedro departments, where the left-wing Ejercito del Pueblo Paraguayo (EPP) militant group operates. The movement, which is agitating for land reform, has been responsible for several security incidents targeting the police and military as well as local landowners/farmers in recent years. Incidents have previously included kidnappings for ransom. Clients in Paraguay on 15 November should monitor local developments and defer travel to all election-related facilities. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential travel delays.

RUSSIA (MOSCOW) - The Solidarity opposition movement is set to hold a protest rally in Russia's capital, Moscow, on 15 November. While details pertaining to the starting time and duration of the rally have not been disclosed, activists are scheduled to march from the city's Pushkinskaya Metro station to Academician Sakharov Avenue. Anti-government gatherings relating to domestic concerns take place periodically in Russia. The upcoming demonstration will likely proceed under close police supervision and is expected to conclude without major incident. Nevertheless, the likelihood of public disorder cannot be discounted should disruptive elements infiltrate the gatherings. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; as such, localized travel disruptions are expected. Persons in Moscow on 15 November are advised to anticipate delays and disruptions in the affected area. Clients are further advised to avoid all street protests as a precaution and monitor local media for updates regarding the upcoming event.

NIGERIA (SOUTH EASTERN REGIONS) - The 20 October arrest of Radio Biafra director and secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, continues to catalyse protest activity by activists in south eastern Nigeria. These gatherings, many of which have been both disruptive and violent, have centered on the cities of Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Owerri (Imo state), Onitsha and Awka (Anambra state), Asaba (Delta State), Benin (Edo state) and Enugu (Enugu state). Protests demanding Kanu's release are likely to continue in the aforementioned urban centers in the near-term. As delineated, these events face a credible threat of turning violent and being disruptive. Triggers which could lead to an escalation in protest activity and associated unrest include the perceived treatment of Kanu during his incarceration and/or the charges levied against the separatist leader. Conversely, Kanu's release from police custody may placate the activists and lead to a decrease in protest activity. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to Nigeria is advised against while all travel to Rivers and Delta states is advised against. Clients in the country's south eastern regions should monitor local developments and avoid all protests and gatherings.

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