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

FRANCE (COUNTRYWIDE) - (Update) Heightened security measures remain in place across France on 16 November. Authorities in both France and Belgium have launched coordinated security operations in their respective countries in pursuit of those involved in the 13 November attacks in Paris. In France, security operations were conducted in several urban centres, including Paris, Toulouse, Lyon, Grenoble and Jeumont overnight on 15/16 November. The raids targeted a number of properties of suspected militants or their sympathisers. At least 13 people are said to have been arrested in the raids and a weapons cache seized. Additional security cordons are in place in the aforementioned areas, affecting road travel. Heightened security is expected throughout the country, with security operations expected to persist. Associated travel disruptions and road closures should be expected. Persons in France should avoid affected areas as far as practically possible. Clients are further advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and monitor local media for information on current and related security operations.

BELGIUM (SINT-JANS-MOLENBEEK) - At least one person has been arrested amid an ongoing security operation in Belgium's Sint-Jans-Molenbeek municipality, on 16 November. Belgian authorities launched the operation in response to reports of assailants believed to be involved in the 13 November attacks in Paris, France, having been residents in the area. The operation covers several areas in the municipality; police have cordoned off a number of main roads in the area, including Rue Delaunoy. Conflicting reports indicate that an individual, Salah Abdeslam, has been arrested is and is believed to be the escaped eighth assailant in the Paris attacks. Further details regarding the operation are unavailable. This is the second operation in the area, with similar operations having been undertaken overnight on 14 and 15 November. The operation forms part of a coordinated cross-border operation with France concerning the Paris attacks, which left at least 132 dead. The Sint-Jans-Molenbeek area is host to a large Muslim community and has been the focus of recent security operations. As security operations are ongoing, additional security measures, such as an increase in police and military presence and security checkpoints in the affected area, are anticipated for the short- to medium-term, at least. Associated travel disruptions and road closures should be expected. It should be noted, in this regard, that there is a medium threat of terrorism in Belgium. The threat stems from a number of Islamist groups and self-radicalised individuals. Extremist groups and individuals are known to have cross-border networks between France and Belgium and have carried out attacks in the past. This was illustrated in the May 2014 attack on Brussels' Jewish Museum; four people were killed in the attack and the assailant was later apprehended in France. Further cross-border operations with France are anticipated. Clients in Belgium are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and monitor local media for information on current and related security operations. In addition, clients are advised to report all suspicious persons or packages to the authorities immediately.

CZECH REPUBLIC- A number of anti-immigration rallies and counter-protests are expected in the Czech Republic's capital, Prague, on 17 November. Demonstrations in support of the government's immigration policy will take place at Wenceslas Square as well as on Albertov street, both at 14:00 local time. Additionally, a rival pro-refugee protest march is expected to proceed from National Avenue to Wenceslas Square, where participants will gather at 16:00. A separate pro-refugee demonstration is expected at Autonomni Socialni Centrum Klinika at 12:00. A large police presence and other security measures are expected to accompany the protests. Finally, an unrelated rally denouncing the Finance Minister, Andrej Babis, is expected to take place at Old Town Square from 15:00. Demonstrations related to immigration issues in the Czech Republic have been marred by incidents of violence in the past. Furthermore, events organised by far-right organisations are often infiltrated by disruptive elements. Accordingly, the demonstrations will proceed under close police supervision. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all protest gatherings. Clients in Prague on 17 November are advised to avoid all protest gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution.

UNITED KINGDOM - A national day of action led by the National Union of Students (NUS) is set to take place across the UK from 10:30 local time on 17 November. The campaign has been organised to denounce the government's response to the ongoing European migrant crisis and to show solidarity with international students, migrants and refugees. As part of the agitation, demonstrations by various student groups are anticipated across the UK, including in London. While the exact details have not been disclosed, protests near government buildings, including the Houses of Parliament and the Home Office in London are possible gathering points. The rallies are likely to be well attended and are expected to conclude peacefully; however, student demonstrations have the potential to become disruptive. The risk of confrontations between the police and disruptive elements within the student gathering cannot be discounted. Finally, localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all protest gatherings. Persons in the UK on 17 November are advised to avoid all demonstrations and related gatherings as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised travel delays.

GREECE - The anniversary of the 1973 student uprising against the country's former military dictatorship (1967-1974) will be observed on 17 November in Greece. The day is traditionally marked with demonstrations in the capital, Athens, and elsewhere. In Athens, participants are expected to gather at the Polytechneio (National Technical University of Athens), and march to the nearby US Embassy from 15:30 local time. Related events will also take place at the university on 16 November. An increased security presence is anticipated in Athens following a 'call to arms' by jailed anarchist, Nikos Romanos. Precedent suggests that Thessaloniki will also be affected with marches ending at the US consulate, located on Tsimiski street. It should be noted that authorities have announced various road closures in Thessaloniki city centre to regulate the events and demonstrations that are expected to take place. The annual commemorative protests are typically well-attended and supported by student groups and labour unions. In recent years, the protests have taken on an anti-government character in response to government policy, particularly regarding the economy; the risk of confrontations between protesters and security forces is credible. In addition to Athens and Thessaloniki, gatherings elsewhere in the country remain a probability. Likely protester gathering points include city centres, universities and other tertiary education facilities and prominent government buildings. Associated road travel disruptions in the vicinity of protest sites and street demonstrations should be expected. The risk to travellers in the vicinity of protesters is considered incidental only.Clients in Greece on 16 and 17 November are advised to monitor local media for updates on commemorative events. All commemorative gatherings and related protests should be avoided as a precaution.

JORDAN - Inclement weather conditions, including torrential rainfall, impacting on Jordan are expected to continue on 16 November. The Jordan Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy rain, thunder, lightning and moderate winds. A flood warning for low-lying areas is currently in place. Adverse weather conditions are forecast to continue in the coming days. The inclement weather has the potential to impact on road-based travel and to result in disruptions to amenities, including water, electricity and telecommunications. Disruptions to air travel are also possible in the coming period of adverse weather. In light of anticipated heavy rainfall, the possibility of flooding in low-lying areas exists, including near rivers or at the base of elevated areas, posing a safety risk to travellers.
Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Travellers should contact their travel provider or the relevant transport authority to check the status of their flight(s) or road routes, prior to departure.

PUERTO RICO - Teachers affiliated with various unions, including the Puerto Rico Teachers' Federation, are expected to conduct a strike across Puerto Rico on 17 November. An associated demonstration is anticipated in the capital, San Juan. Participants are expected to gather at el Capitolio from 10:00 local time and proceed to La Fortaleza. The agitation is in protest against education reform, including the controversial proposed legislation to privatise public education. In addition to the disruption in education sector activities, the planned protest in San Juan and any possible associated protests are likely to result in localised road travel disruptions. The risk of violence at strike-related protests is considered low; however, confrontations between demonstrators and the police remain possible. Clients in Puerto Rico on 17 November are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential localised disruptions.

COLUMBIA - The USO union representing workers employed by the oil company, Ecopetrol, has called for a 24-hour strike in Colombia on 17 November. The strike has been called to protest against the alleged unfair dismissal of 25 oil workers across the country, as well as the possible planned redundancies of between 200 and 3,000 workers. USO is also strongly opposed to the privatisation of Ecopetrol. The strike is expected to be accompanied by related protests, although details pertaining to the protests are unknown. The strike is expected to affect the operational and administrative units of Ecopetrol; these remain likely sites for protest action, including in the city of Barrancabermeja (Santander department) and the Madalena Medio region. There is a credible threat of accompanying low-level violence at all protests. However, the risk to travellers is considered largely incidental. Localised traffic delays are possible in the immediate vicinity of any protests or gatherings. Clients in Colombia on 17 November are advised to monitor local media in their area of travel for updates on the locations of possible protests. Persons operating in the oil sector are also advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness on the day. All related protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

MAYAYSIA (KUALA LUMPUR) - Heightened security measures have been implemented in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, ahead of the 27th summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), scheduled to take place from 18 to 22 November. Related events are already underway on 16 November; however, the focal summit forum will take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on the aforementioned dates. Additional security patrols have been deployed to event locations, international airports and land border entry points. Additional police personnel have also been deployed to strategic locations across the capital. The summit is an annual meeting between ASEAN member states in relation to security, economic, and cultural development between South East Asian nations. The forum will be attended by numerous high-profile international delegates, ASEAN foreign ministers, political leaders as well as key regional business leaders. Aside from an increased security force presence, additional security measures may include security checkpoints, random identification checks and vehicle searches. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated due to the elevated security procedures. Persons operating in Kuala Lumpur are advised to avoid all ASEAN Summit event locations as a precaution. Itineraries should remain flexible in order to accommodate disruptions to business and transport services in the city due to the increased security measures.

MOZAMBIQUE (GORONGOSA DISTRICT, SOFALA PROVINCE) - Clashes between government forces (FADM) and armed members of the Mozambican National Resistance (RENAMO) opposition party resulted in the deaths of at least 27 soldiers on 15 November. According to reports, the troops were killed following an ambush by RENAMO fighters in the Gorongosa district of Mozambique's central Sofala province. The soldiers were reportedly en route to a local town to conduct a forced disarmament operation at the time of the incident. Further details have not been disclosed, although tensions remain heightened in the affected area. Violence between FADM and RENAMO forces, who are violently vying for the implementation of the terms of a September 2014 ceasefire agreement, could escalate in central Mozambique in the near-term. This assessment is based on reports that FADM will seek to forcibly disarm armed militants, as was the apparent case during the 15 November clashes. In this regard, continued military operations in the rural and remote areas of the Sofala, Zambezia, Nampula and Tete provinces are likely in the short-term. This could incite retaliatory attacks by RENAMO forces targeting both state and civilian interests in the aforementioned areas. Persons operating in the aforementioned provinces are advised to monitor local media in order to remain cognisant of any pertinent political developments in these areas. Due to the risk of conflict and the heightened threat of ambush attacks associated with travel along the EN1 highway in the above-mentioned provinces, clients are advised to limit intercity road travel and to use commercial air travel instead. If road travel is unavoidable, clients should ensure that all movements are coordinated as part of a convoy and are restricted to daylight hours only. Concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution.

NIGERIA ( CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE) - The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group has called a mass demonstration in Calabar, in southern Nigeria's Cross River State, on 17 November. The demonstration has been called to demand the release of detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Specific details regarding the protest have not been disclosed; however, the event is likely to result in localised travel disruption. The 20 October arrest of Kanu has triggered several incidents of unrest in southern Nigeria, including in Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Owerri (Imo State), Onitsha and Awka (Anambra), Asaba (Delta State), Benin (Edo) and Enugu (Enugu state). It should be noted that the majority of these protests have resulted in localised disruptions to travel and business; several demonstrations have turned violent due to clashes between protesters and security forces. The possibility of further disruptive and violent unrest during the Calabar demonstration cannot be discounted. It should be noted that further protest action is likely in the aforementioned areas until Kanu is released from police custody. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Nigeria due to various security concerns. All travel to the Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Rivers states of the Niger Delta is advised against due to various security concerns, particularly crime, kidnapping and piracy. Persons in Calabar despite this advisory are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related gatherings as a precaution.

EGYPT - The kidnap risk rating for Egypt has increased from low to medium. The increase is in light of a reassessment of the countrywide risk. The overall kidnapping risk is assessed to be low in most Egyptian cities and towns, including in primary urban centres such as the capital, Cairo, as well as Alexandria. Security in these areas is good and there have been very few kidnapping incidents targeting foreign nationals in recent times. Nonetheless, and largely as a result of recent regional security developments, the potential for a foreign national to be kidnapped, including in relatively secure areas, cannot be entirely discounted. In July 2015, a Croatian national and businessperson was kidnapped in the Cairo area; he was subsequently beheaded by militants claiming to be linked to the Islamic State (IS)'s Sinai Province. In addition, the kidnapping risk is currently assessed to be medium in rural areas and medium to high in parts of the Sinai Peninsula, particularly in the North Sinai governorate, where a low-level conflict between the Sinai Province and the Egyptian military is ongoing. Non-state armed groups, including militant and criminal organisations, which may utilise kidnapping as a tactic are also active across the central and southern Sinai Peninsula as well as in the country's western and southern desert areas. Local nationals and migrants are most frequently targeted in kidnappings in Egypt; hundreds of migrants travelling from elsewhere in Africa to Israel through Egypt have been abducted for ransom in recent times. Finally, religiously motivated abductions targeting minority groupings, such as Coptic Christians, periodically occur; these kidnappings are unlikely to impact on foreign travellers. Clients in Egypt are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness and consider a security escort if travelling in higher-risk areas, particularly the North Sinai governorate. Foreign nationals, particularly longer-term recreational or business travellers, should maintain a low public profile and avoid establishing routine itineraries and travel patterns. Please note that due to a number of security risks, clients are advised against all travel to the North Sinai governorate. Heightened caution is advised outside of resort areas in the South Sinai governorate and in the western half of Egypt.

EGYPT (NORTH SINAI GOVERNORATE) - Police in Egypt's northern Sinai Peninsula reportedly fired on a group of Sudanese migrants who were attempting to cross into southern Israel on 15 November; eight were wounded. The migrants reportedly failed to heed police commands to not approach the fence. The incident occurred south of Rafah. Thousands of African migrants travel across the Sinai Peninsula and into Israel annually. These persons are frequently the subject of attack and detention by the authorities. Hundreds of migrants have been kidnapped for ransom by organised crime gangs. The recent incident also coincides with ongoing insecurity in the North Sinai governorate, where Islamist militants and the Egyptian military are engaged in an ongoing low-level conflict. Clients are advised against all travel to the North Sinai governorate. Persons operating in the region should travel with a security escort and reside in a secure compound. Travel at night should be avoided.

BURUNDI (BUJUMBURA) - At least six people were killed and several others wounded during armed clashes in Burundi's capital, Bujumbura, late on 15 November. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the clashes were the result of armed attacks on a local bar as well as the residence of city mayor, Freddy Mbonimpa. Although the motives for the attacks remain unclear, local media indicates that the clashes involved local security forces and a number of unidentified gunmen. This is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Bujumbura in recent weeks. The violence has been attributed to the political instability resulting from President Pierre Nkurunziza's controversial re-election for a third successive term. Anti-government unrest and associated violence have continually been reported in the post-election period. On 7/8 November, at least seven people were killed in an overnight armed attack by unidentified gunmen in the capital. In light of ongoing tensions in the country, further incidents of unrest and violence remain possible in the short- to medium-term. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Burundi, including Bujumbura, and against all travel to the Cibitoke and Bubanza provinces. Persons planning travel to the country should coordinate all movement in the presence of a security escort and should ensure that robust residential, travel and personal security measures are employed at all times.

NEPAL - (Update) Protests and resultant agitation, primarily initiated by the United Madhesi Democratic Front (UDMF), remain ongoing in Nepal's Terai region on 16 November. The UDMF have enforced a border blockade in Dasgaja, near the Nepal-India border, and have been staging near-daily protests since late September. As much as 500 litres of fuel was confiscated and disposed of in the Gaushala district amid the current fuel shortage and claims by the UDMF that the fuel has been smuggled from India, on 16 November. Additionally, reports indicate that a group of UDMF supporters attacked two Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) members inside their vehicles in the Morang district on 15 November. There have been reported casualties as a result of the aforementioned incidents. The increased agitation coincides with the UDMF's rejection of the Nepal Congress' (NC) proposed concessions regarding the demarcation of provincial boundaries as set forth by Nepal's Constituent Assembly in the new constitution. 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. Additionally, the blocking of the bridge has left Indian supply trucks unable to enter through the Birgunj crossing into landlocked Nepal since late September, resulting in fuel and essential goods shortages across the country. The UDMF are demanding constitutional amendments, including proportional representation in government, recognition of more languages at the national level and the demarcation of electoral constituencies on the basis of population. The NC has been engaged in negotiations with the UDMF in recent weeks. Since the most recent talks on 14 November failed to produce favorable outcomes for both parties, and in the absence of a negotiated settlement, protests, disruptions to business operations and resultant agitations are likely to continue over the near-term. In light of the current blockade in effect, further shortages of fuel and consumer items are anticipated in the Terai region. Persons 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. Heightened caution is advised in the southern Terai region due to the elevated levels of civil unrest and associated violence, as well as the region's history of conflict and terrorism.

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