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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 - An airport workers' strike, initiated by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), is underway in the US on 19 November. The strike began at 19:30 local time on 18 November and is expected to continue for 24-hours. The affected airports include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, John F Kennedy International, LaGuardia Airport, Logan International, Philadelphia International and O'Hare International. More than 2,000 baggage handlers, security guards and wheelchair attendants are participating in the work stoppage which has been called over ongoing labor and wage disputes. Although authorities at the aforementioned airports have implemented contingency plans to minimize the effect of the work stoppage, flight delays and cancellations remain possible. As negotiations between the union and airline operator are expected to resume, the strike action could be suspended during the day. Clients intending to transit the aforementioned airports are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

ATG is monitoring this event and will advise if any passengers may be affected.

UNITED STATES(WASHINGTON STATE) - A state of emergency was declared in all counties in the US state of Washington on 18 November, following adverse weather conditions across the region. Since 17 November, Washington state has experienced heavy rains and gale-force winds, bringing down power lines and leaving nearly 500,000 people without electricity. The inclement weather also caused significant travel disruptions with felled trees and other debris blocking several major highways. The state's Spokane County was one of the worst affected areas. Although weather conditions are expected to improve on 19 November, disaster recovery operations are ongoing and residual disruptions to transport and public utilities should be expected across the state. Clients in Washington state are advised to keep itineraries flexible in order to accommodate potential disruptions to business, transport and public services.

POLAND(WARSAW) & BULGARIA(BURGAS AIRPORT)- A commercial airline flight from Warsaw, Poland, to Hurghada, Egypt, has been diverted to Burgas Airport in Bulgaria due to a bomb threat. Flights at Burgas Airport have reportedly been disrupted. The passengers have disembarked and the authorities are inspecting the aircraft. Clients travelling to and from Burgas Airport on 19 November should contact their travel provider for an update on the status of their flight(s).

FRANCE - France's terrorism risk rating has elevated from medium to high. The rating increase is in response to an assessed increased terrorism threat following the 13/14 November Islamic State (IS) terrorist attacks in Paris, a subsequent series of counterterrorism raids and thwarted attacks, and a recent history of incidents. The current terrorism risk in France is a consequence of a number of factors, including France's membership of NATO and involvement in conflicts against IS in Syria and Iraq, the presence of a seemingly large pool of sympathisers in the country and its traditional and alleged anti-Islam domestic policies. Over the past two years, these and other issues have come to a head and the country has experienced a general increase in Islamist extremist-inspired violence. During 2015, France has been subject to several acts of terrorism, both small-scale and mass-casualty. In addition to the recent Paris assault, additional noteworthy incidents occurred on 21 August when a gunman was prevented from carrying out an attack on a Paris-Amsterdam train route and on 26 June when a militant beheaded his employer and then drove a van into gas cylinders at a gas factory in Isere department. Prior to these incidents, a shooting attack at the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in Paris on 7 January left 12 people dead. The recent Paris incident marks a considerable escalation due to the coordinated and sophisticated nature of the attacks and the subsequent severe casualty numbers. IS has since issued further threats to target France. The ability of the group to launch further successful attacks, given the extensive security currently in place in France, remains in doubt; however, given recent incidents and the ongoing involvement of France in the conflict in the Middle East, the overall risk of terrorism and the likelihood of further attempted attacks are assessed as high. Further low-level and mass-casualty attacks perpetrated by individuals or cells operating independently or with larger militant organisations, like IS, cannot be discounted. Clients currently in or planning to be in France are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness, particularly in major cities, such as Paris. Caution is advised in the vicinity of public gatherings and near security force personnel, which remain likely targets of militants. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities.

FRANCE(PARIS) - Religious leaders and civic groups are set to stage a commemorative demonstration in France's capital, Paris, on 20 November. The rally has been called in support of the 13/14 November terrorist attacks, in which as many as 132 people died. The demonstration will be held at Place du Puits de l'Ermite, with participants expected to gather outside the Grand Mosque of Paris from 14:00 local time. While the event is expected to conclude without major incident and is likely to be accompanied by an increased security force presence, due to the elevated tensions and ongoing security operations, the possibility of isolated skirmishes between participants and police cannot be discounted. The demonstration is set to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are expected. Further associated demonstrations and commemorative events are anticipated for the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in Paris are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness, comply with all directives issued by local authorities and limit travel in crowded public venues. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential travel delays.

EUROPE - (Update) Multiple countries across Europe remain on high alert on 19 November following the mass-casualty terrorist attacks in France's capital, Paris, over 13/14 November; these countries include, but are not limited to Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK. In France, security forces carried out a raid on an apartment in the Saint-Denis area of Paris on 18 November; the incident resulted in the deaths of at least two people, one of whom died after detonating her suicide vest, and resulted in the arrest of seven others. Additionally, a bill will be presented to the legislature on 19 November, proposing a three-month extension of the state of emergency. A football match between Germany and the Netherlands in Hanover was called off amid what German officials described as a concrete plan to detonate explosives in the stadium. In Denmark, a terminal at Copenhagen's airport was evacuated on 18 November following the discovery of a suspicious package; this turned out to be a false alarm. In Turkey, authorities in Istanbul arrested eight Moroccan nationals, who had been banned from entering Turkey on suspicion of having links to Islamist extremist groups, that were attempting to travel to Germany. In Italy, approximately 700 additional troops have been deployed to public spaces in the capital, Rome. More generally, there has been an increase in the number of emergency landings or diversions of flights across Europe amid bomb threats or the discovery of suspicious objects, although none of these have proved to be legitimate thus far. Heightened security measures are expected to remain in place and may be implemented in additional countries, in the short- to medium-term. Furthermore, additional disruptions to travel across the region may increase as the most heavily affected states increase border controls and security measures. As tensions remain elevated across the region, associated demonstrations and commemorative events are anticipated. While events are expected to conclude without major incident and be accompanied by an increased security force presence, the possibility of isolated skirmishes between participants and police cannot be discounted due to the emotive nature of events. Localised travel disruptions are expected at demonstration-affected sites. Clients in the aforementioned countries are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness, comply with all directives issued by local authorities and limit travel in crowded public venues. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential travel delays.

AUSTRALIA(SOUTH WEST REGION) - Disruptions and fatalities have been reported as a result of a wildfire in south west Australia on 19 November. At least four people, including a British national and Norwegian national, have been killed due to the fire since it was first reported on 16 November. Emergency services and fire crews have been deployed to affected areas which include the vicinity of Scaddan, Grass Patch, Salmon Gums and Esperance. Firefighters have made significant gains in containing the fire although strong winds continue to exacerbate the situation. The West Australian Department of Fire and Emergency Services have issued an emergency warning and advised residents to evacuate the affected areas. The fires have also resulted in infrastructural damage which has led to intermittent disruptions to power. Additionally, a number of businesses, government facilities, schools and roads remain closed due to ongoing operations. The fire, although partially contained, is expected to continue to burn through 19 November due to strong winds. As the wildfire is anticipated to continue in the short-term, the possibility of further power outages and disruptions to utilities cannot be discounted at this time. It should be noted that wildfires are highly unpredictable and susceptible to rapid changes in intensity and direction and may further impact on residential areas. Associated disruptions to businesses and travel, including further road closures, are possible in the near-term. Clients are advised to defer travel to the affected areas until further notice. Persons currently in the affected areas should comply with the directives of local authorities, including mandatory evacuation orders, and monitor local media for updates on the situation, including further possible disruptions.

SAUDI ARABIA(WESTERN REGION) - (Update) Torrential rainfall, and resultant flooding, continue to impact on western Saudi Arabia. Affected areas include Tubouk, Jeddah, Mecca and Medina. At least 12 flood-related deaths have been reported since 16 November; the majority of the fatalities occurred in the Medina area. Significant infrastructural damage, from flooding, has been reported in Jeddah. Additionally, moderate disruptions to flight schedules at King Abdulaziz International Airport, which serves Jeddah, have been reported. Authorities have been deployed to the affected areas where rescue operations are ongoing and have urged residents to remain indoors, limit all travel where possible and to avoid empty river beds (wadis) due to the risk of flash flooding. The adverse weather is expected to ease significantly in the following 24-hours. Although rainfall is expected to decrease, it should be noted that flash flooding is possible, even during periods of moderate rainfall. The risk is elevated in low-lying areas. Residual disruptions to travel and utility services are possible in the near-term. Clients in the affected region are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Caution is advised in flood-affected areas and low-lying areas in general. Allowances should be made for travel disruptions. Persons scheduled to transit King Abdulaziz International Airport in the near-term are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

BELGIUM(SINT-JANS-MOLENBEEK) - A security operation is underway in Belgium's Sint-Jans-Molenbeek municipality, on 19 November. Belgian authorities have continued to launch security operations in the area in search of assailants believed to be involved in the 13/14 November attacks in Paris, France. The operation is said to be focused on Delaunoystraat, with an active security force presence and cordons reported at the scene. A widening of the security cordon is possible. Further details regarding the operation are unavailable. Heightened security is expected in the municipality in the coming hours, including the cordoning off of streets and an increased security force presence, particularly in the vicinity of Delaunoystraat. Associated travel disruptions and road closures should be expected. Persons in Belgium, particularly in Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and monitor local media for updates on current and related security operations. In addition, clients are advised to report all suspicious persons or packages to the authorities immediately.

NICARAGUA/COSTA RICA - The government of Nicaragua has closed its shared land border crossings with Costa Rica for an indefinite duration on 15 November. The border closure was prompted by the sudden increase of travellers and Cuban migrants making their way to the United States. Authorities in Nicaragua have attributed the increase in Cuban migrants to the improving relations between the US and Cuba. Cuban nationals believe that the US will revoke long-standing asylum rights for Cubans in the near-term. Nicaraguan authorities have also blamed Costa Rica for issuing transit visas through Nicaragua, thus adding to the migration problem. Stranded migrants protested in Nicaragua; low-level clashes with police were reported. The civil unrest has further fuelled tensions between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Further protests are likely in the near-term. As it has not been disclosed when the border crossings will re-open, clients intending to undertake cross-country border travel between Nicaragua and Costa Rica are advised to use alternatives means of travel to the country at this time. All related street protests should be avoided.

PHILIPPINES(MANILA) - (Update) Protesters clashed with police forces amid protests against the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in the Philippines' capital, Manila on 19 November. Police reportedly attempted to disperse the group with water cannons when protesters attempted to breach the security barricades around the APEC summit venue. Skirmishes have also been reported in the vicinity of the Baclaran Church, at the intersection of Roxas Boulevard and Buendia Avenue and near Metro Manila World Trade Centre. Disruptions associated with the civil unrest is expected to persist in the immediate-term. Clients in Manila are advised to monitor local media for related updates and avoid all protest-affected areas and related gatherings as a standard precaution. If possible, remain in a secure location for the duration of the protest action.

ISRAEL(TEL AVIV) - An assailant stabbed and killed two people and wounded one other in Tel Aviv, Israel, on 19 November. The incident occurred at the Panarama Building on Ben Zvi Street. The assailant was later detained by the authorities. Some media have reported that two persons were involved in the attack and that the second suspect has fled the scene. The knife attack is the first in Tel Aviv for a number of weeks. The region has experienced a spike in anti-Israel civil unrest, specifically in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, since early October and an associated increase in low-level acts of violence, including knife, vehicular and shooting attacks. These have mostly occurred in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with occasional incidents in Israel. Bus stops, security force positions and busses have regularly been the scene of these attacks. Following assaults, travellers should anticipate elevated security measures (patrols and checkpoints) in affected areas. These measures could result in some road travel delays.  Persons in Tel Aviv are advised to exercise caution in the vicinity of Ben Zvi Street over the near-term. Clients travelling in the country should avoid travel on busses and exercise caution in or near transport hubs and security force positions.

LIBYA(TRIPOLI) - A schism between members of the Libya Dawn militia alliance continues to grow in Libya's capital, Tripoli. On 17 November, dozens of Libyans from the city of Misratah were detained by militia forces in Tripoli. A number of anti-Misratah militia have also ordered that Misratah militia leave the capital. The Misratah militia have been accused of conducting criminal enterprises in Tripoli.  Misratah is a major contributor of forces to Libya Dawn, which is loyal to the Tripoli-based General National Congress (GNC), one of Libya's two rival legislatures. The group's relationship with other members of Libya Dawn has deteriorated in 2015 following the Misratah militia's agreement to a settlement with Warshefana tribal forces located west of Tripoli. The Warshefana are allied to the other Libyan legislature, the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR). Since the agreement, there have been sporadic clashes between Misratah and other Libya Dawn militia in the Tripoli area. The potential for further violence is considered high, as is the risk of tit-for-tat abductions. 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. Clients in Tripoli should avoid overland travel west of Tripoli over the near-term.

BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA - A shooting incident in Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital, Sarajevo, resulted in the deaths of two soldiers on 18 November; one other was wounded. The casualties occurred when an unknown gunman attacked a shop and public bus parked in the vicinity of the Rajlovac army barracks. Two civilians were also wounded in the incident. The gunman detonated suicide bombs when security forces attempted to apprehend him. The motive behind the shooting in unknown; however, security has been heighten in that capital in order to prevent further incidents. Authorities are under the suspicion that the gunman was a self-radicalised individual, in light of the recent terrorist attacks that have taken place in Europe. There have been no recent significant terrorist incidents and there are no known terrorist groups operating in the country. Nonetheless, the global risk of terrorist attacks remains; this threat may be somewhat heightened as a result of groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the primary foreign fighter contributors in the Iraq and Syria war. The threat from self-radicalised persons acting in an individual capacity is difficult to predict; such individuals are often erratic in nature. As such, the possibility of future terrorist attacks in Bosnia and Herzegovina cannot be dismissed. Persons in Bosnia and Herzegovina are advised to exercise heightened security awareness at this time. In addition, clients should also be aware that the incident will likely prompt a significant increase in security measures across Sarajevo, with the possible implementation of security checkpoints, random identification checks and vehicle searches.

CHAD(LAC REGION) - A state of emergency imposed in the Lac region on 9 November has been extended to 22 March 2016, according to reports released on 19 November. The state of emergency includes the restriction of movement and the searching of private residences in the affected area, amid ongoing counterterrorism operations by Chadian authorities against members of Islamist extremist sect, Boko Haram.  Following the Chadian government's operational and logistical support of regional anti-Boko Haram initiatives, the sect has executed a number of retaliatory attacks targeting settlements in and around the Lac region, where the group has a strong operational presence. In light of the state of emergency, increased security measures including restrictions to road-based travel should be anticipated in the affected area for the near-term. As such, roads in this area may be subject to travel disruptions. Clients are advised against all travel to the western Lac region due to the presence of Boko Haram militants and associated militant activity. Persons in the region should adopt robust travel, residential and personal security measures at all times.

TURKEY(BORDER WITH SYRIA) - Turkey announced on 18 November that it is preparing for a joint anti-Islamic State (IS) operation along the Turkey-Syria border in Turkey with the US military. No start date was provided. The US government indicated on 17 November that it was preparing for joint drills with Turkey along a 98km portion of the shared Turkey-Syria border. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the location will be between the Turkish towns of Kilis and Karkamis, which are located south of Gaziantep. The announcement follows a major act of terrorism in France on 13/14 November and increased Russian and French air strikes against IS in northern Syria in recent days. Turkey has regularly announced in 2015 that it is planning to create a buffer zone in northern Syria; however, its efforts to create one have been constrained by the threat of IS across much of northern Syria and the presence of Kurd armed groups, which are traditionally hostile to Turkey. The planned border operations are likely a first step towards the eventual creation of a buffer area. It should be noted that security has been elevated along the shared border since 2011. Clients are advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria in the Turkish provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Sirnak, due to the threat of conflict spillover from Syria and an increased risk of terrorism. Heightened caution is advised elsewhere in these provinces due to elevated conflict and terrorism risks.

BRAZIL(FORTALEZA) - The indigenous organisation, COPICE, has called for a protest march in the city of Fortaleza in Brazil's north eastern Ceara state, on 19 November. Participants are expected to gather at Praca da Bandeira at 08:00 local time and proceed to the Palacio da Abolicao local government building. The demonstration has been organised in protest against the PEC 215 proposed constitutional amendment. The amendment would grant power to the National Congress for the demarcation of indigenous lands, thus limiting the autonomy of the federal government. The status and rights of the indigenous Indian population remain a key concern in Brazil, and can lead to occasional unrest. The abovementioned constitutional amendment has prompted protests by indigenous groups elsewhere in the country, including, most recently, in Alagoas state late in October. In addition to the planned rally, it should be noted that protesters may erect unofficial blockades on major highways. The possibility of low-level confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Fortaleza on 19 November are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for any potential localised travel delays.

SUDAN(KHARTOUM) - The US Embassy in Sudan has warned of possible protests in the country's capital, Khartoum, on 19 November. These gatherings will reportedly take place in the vicinity of the Egyptian Embassy, near the Friendship Hall and the Corinthia Hotel, as of 09:00 local time. The gathering has been organised to protest against the alleged mistreatment of Sudanese nationals by Egyptian authorities in Egypt. While likely to conclude peacefully, the demonstration is expected to be well attended and could lead to localised disruptions. Clients in Khartoum are advised to avoid travel to the affected area for the duration of the gathering.

BAHRAIN(SANABIS) - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a warning for an unauthorised planned protest in Sanabis, located in Bahrain's capital, Manama, on 19 November. The protest is expected to begin at 19:00 local time. Further details are unavailable. The protest has likely been initiated by Shiite Muslim opposition parties or activists; these groups hold regular anti-government protests in the country to demand the release of political prisoners and reforms. Demonstrations are prone to low-level acts of violence, directed by militant supporters of these groupings against state interests, or by the police against protesters. Police-initiated violence is more likely to occur if protesters block major roads or march in Sunni areas. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding Manama, Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. Unaccompanied travel at night outside of secure areas is advised against. All street protests should be avoided.

HAITI(PORT-AU-PRINCE) - Oppositions groups, including Fanmi Lavalas, are scheduled to stage protest marches and demonstrations in Haiti's capital, Port-au-Prince, on 20 November. The demonstrations have been called in protest against the 25 October election results; opposition groups have cited a number of electoral irregularities, including vote rigging. Marches on the day are expected to begin from Saint Jean Bosco Church, Petionville, and Delmas 2; these will end at the Champs de Mars. The upcoming event is the latest in a series of anti-government demonstrations held in the city in recent months. Related politically motivated protests have been marred by low-level violence, including clashes between protesters and police, and disruptions to road travel. The potential for further violence and disruptions during the upcoming events exists. An increase in election-related rallies is anticipated for the short- to medium-term, at least. While recent demonstrations have focused on Port-au-Prince, the possibility of the escalated protest action spreading across the country remains. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Haiti due to a number of security concerns. Persons in the country, specifically Port-au-Prince, are advised to monitor local developments and to avoid all politically motivated gatherings and concentrations of security force personnel. Clients are further advised to exercise heightened caution.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(KINSHASA) - Security forces used teargas and other crowd control measures to disperse hundreds of student activists in the Democratic Republic of Congo's capital, Kinshasa, on 18 November. The protests, which took place outside the city's Superior Institute for Architecture and Urbanism, was organised to highlight various student grievances, including a hike in tuition fees and attempts by incumbent president Joseph Kabila to amend the country's constitution and seek a third successive presidential term. At least one protester was wounded in the clashes. With both issues unresolved, further agitation in Kinshasa by student activists is likely in the short-term. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to most parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, including Kinshasa, is advised against. Clients in the city are advised to avoid all related demonstrations as a precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of the city's Superior Institute for Architecture and Urbanism.

JAPAN(OKINAWA PREFECTURE) - The US Embassy in Tokyo issued a warning on 17 November for planned protests in the Okinawa prefecture in Japan, scheduled for 19 and 20 November. The protests have been called in opposition to the relocation of the US Marines' Futenma base to the Henoko coastal district of Nago. On 19 November, protesters are expected to gather at the US Consulate in Okinawa. Participants will gather at Camp Foster on 20 November. Protests are anticipated to begin at 08:00 local time on both days. At least 30,000 of the 47,000 US troops in Japan are stationed in Okinawa. Locals are opposed to the erection of another base due to the alleged high number of crimes committed by the military personnel living in the area. Government officials have been at loggerheads for months over the base's relocation, sparking countrywide protest. A related protest held on 18 November concluded peacefully, although riot police attempted to disperse protesters who had gathered at Camp Schwab. The protest action is expected to continue in the near-term. The upcoming protests are anticipated to conclude peacefully; however, the threat of violence cannot be discounted amid increasing tensions in the area. Clients in the Okinawa prefecture on the aforementioned dates are advised to avoid all street gatherings. Furthermore, related gatherings elsewhere in Japan should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ARMENIA(YEREVAN) - Opposition and activist groups are expected to hold a demonstration in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, on 20 November. The demonstration has been called over a number of issues, including alleged government corruption, electoral fraud and proposed constitutional changes. Participants are expected to gather at Freedom Square from 17:00 local time. Although the demonstration is expected to conclude without incident, the possibility of low-level incidents of civil unrest, including violent confrontations between protesters and police cannot be dismissed. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of gathering should be anticipated. Due to the ongoing public discontent regarding proposed constitutional reforms and the increasing anti-government sentiment at protests, further associated protests are expected in the short- to medium-term. Persons in Yerevan on 20 November are advised to avoid large street protests as a precaution. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the upcoming demonstration.

TOGO - The National Alliance for Change (ANC) opposition party has called for commemorative rallies to be held in a number of cities in Togo on 21 November. Gatherings are expected to take place in the capital, Lome, and the urban centres of Atakpame, Sokode and Dapaong; however, details regarding the starting times and venues of these events have not yet been disclosed. The ANC has called the protest in commemoration of activists who were recently wounded or killed by Togolese security forces during a demonstration in the Mango settlement, in Togo's Savanes region, on 6 November. The activists were protesting against the proposed establishment of a nature reserve in the region when they were forcibly dispersed by riot police; at least two people were killed and 23 others wounded in the unrest. The protests will also be used as a platform of the party to voice their dissatisfaction over the re-election of incumbent president, Faure Gnassingbe, which the party claims was the result of a fraudulent April 2015 ballot. The upcoming gatherings are likely to emotive and carry a strong anti-government sentiment. Consequently, the potential for further violence cannot be discounted. Persons in Togo on 21 November are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the venues of gatherings and the announcement of any related protests. In addition, all gatherings should be avoided as a precaution. Clients should make allowances for possible localised road travel delays.

INDIA(MANIPUR STATE) - Security has been heightened ahead of the annual Sangai festival, expected to take place in Imphal, in India's Manipur state, from 21 to 30 November. The main events will be held at Hapta Kangjeibung (palace compound) and the Bhagyachandra open air theatre. Related cultural and sports activities will take place at various locations around the city, including Mapal Kangjeibung (Polo Ground) and the Khuman Lampak stadium. Increased security measures, including additional police deployments, have been reported as foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the showcase. Additionally, traffic and parking restrictions will be in effect on New Thumbuthong (Loklaobung) bridge, Singjamei bridge, Kongba Junction and Ayangpalli Road from 19 to 30 November. The Sangai festival is an annual event organised by the Manipur Tourism Department and acts as a showcase for the state's arts and culture. Security has been heightened due to the persistent threat posed by militant groups (often ethnically based) operating in India's north eastern states, including Manipur. Many of these groups are opposed to the central government's presence in the north east of the country and have employed terrorist tactics in the past to further their cause for the creation of various independent states in their areas of operation. Additionally, opportunistic crimes such as bag-snatching and pickpocketing are prevalent at large gatherings and in the crowded areas. Given the number of visitors expected to attend the event, as well as the increased security measures, localised travel disruptions and delays should be anticipated for the duration of the festival. Due to persistent insecurity, all non-essential travel to Manipur and a number of other states in the north eastern region of India is advised against. Persons in Imphal during the aforementioned period are advised to anticipate travel disruptions in the affected parts the city and should plan accordingly. Additionally, clients should remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious vehicles, packages or individuals to the authorities.

ARGENTINA - Run-off presidential elections will be held in Argentina on 22 November following an inconclusive vote on 25 October. The elections will be contested between Daniel Scioli of the Justicialist Party, who is allied to outgoing and current president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, as well as Mauricio Macri, an opposition politician and Head of Government of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. Local authorities are expected to increase security at polling stations on the day as a precaution. There have been no major election-related security concerns, to date. Argentina is largely politically stable; however, economic pressures are a major impediment to lasting stability, and the position of the candidates and outcome of the poll could be significant in assessing the broad economic policies of the next president, as well as popular reaction to the election results. There exists the possibility of an increase in post-election demonstrations or strikes, particularly by unions. Clients in Argentina on 22 November are advised to monitor local developments closely. All street protests and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided as a precaution.

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