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

AMERICAS & THE CARIBBEAN, CAPE VERDE, AMERICAN SAMOA & SAMOA - The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in response to the ongoing Zika virus outbreak in Latin America and the Caribbean, on 1 February. One of the key concerns is the increase in cases of microcephaly in babies, and the link between an increase in these cases and Zika. The WHO warning focuses on increased coordination on detecting and eliminating the disease and increased funding and research, but does not impose any travel or trade restriction. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has, however, recommended that pregnant woman 'consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing'. Zika cases in the Americas and the Caribbean have been reported in Barbados, Costa Rica, Curacao, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, US Virgin Islands, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. Outside of these area, confirmed cases have been reported in Samoa, American Samoa and Cape Verde. There is no vaccine for the disease. The WHO has warned that Zika is expected to spread rapidly across all of the Americas. The Zika virus is caused by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The majority of persons infected do not show symptoms. One in four infected persons show mild symptoms, including mild fever, rash, conjunctivitis and muscle pain. Of particular concern, which is partly why the WHO has issued its advisory, is that the infection has been linked to cases of deformity in babies. Research into the link between the deformities and Zika is ongoing. At present, the greatest risk to unborn children is considered to fall within the first trimester. Clients concerned about the spread of the disease or requiring further information should contact their medical practitioner. Further information is also available on the WHO (http://www.who.int/), CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/) and Pan American Health Organization (http://www.paho.org/) websites. Travellers to affected areas should take measures to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Empty all standing water around residences, cover water tanks, avoid accumulating waste near residences, unblock drains, use screens and mosquito nets, cover exposed skin, use mosquito repellents and sleep under mosquito nets. Persons displaying symptoms, particularly pregnant women, should visit their medical practitioner.

UNITED STATES(DALLAS, TEXAS)(SOUTWEST AIRLINES)) - Unionised pilots employed by Southwest Airlines are expected to stage demonstrations in Dallas, located in the US state of Texas, on 3 February. Pilots' union, Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) has called for the demonstrations in protest against the long standing contractual dispute with the airline authorities. Participants are expected to gather along Mockingbird Lane, Cedar Springs Road and outside the Southwest Airlines Headquarters at the Dallas Love Field Airport, between 12:00 and 14:00 local time. SWAPA is expecting the demonstrations to be well attended; however, it is currently unclear whether Southwest Airlines services will be disrupted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the associated demonstration sites. Due to the ongoing nature of the dispute, further associated protests are expected in the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in Dallas are advised to avoid all large street protests and Dallas Love Field Airport, where practically possible. Persons intending to fly with Southwest Airlines during the aforementioned demonstration affected period are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider to confirm the status of flights.

UNITED STATES(COLORADO, WYOMING, NEBRASKA, NEW MEXICO, KANSAS, IOWA, MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN & MICHIGAN) - (Update) The National Weather Service (NWS) maintains a number of adverse winter weather warnings for parts of central and north eastern US on 2 February. Blizzard Warning and Winter Storm Warning advisories are in place from states between Colorado to the Great Lakes region. A severe winter storm is currently moving across the US. On 1 February, adverse weather resulted in dozens of flight cancellations and disruptions. Denver International Airport was one of the worst-affected airports with over 250 cancellations. As of writing, over 60 flights at the airport have been cancelled on 2 February. The storm system is expected to bring heavy snowfall and strong winds to many parts of the central US, extending towards the Great Lakes region over the next 24 hours. Further flight cancellations and disruptions to other forms of transport, including road travel, are anticipated. Disruptions to power supply may also occur. Persons travelling in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media closely or the NWS website (http://www.weather.gov/) for updates and advisories. Travellers should reconfirm all transport services, including flights, with their travel provider prior to departure. Caution is advised while driving on snow-affected roads.

SOMALIA(MOGADISHU & HARGEISA) - The Somali government has ordered the suspension of all flights between Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, and Hargeisa, capital of the autonomous Somaliland region, starting on 22 February. The directive, which has been issued to all airline agencies in the country, follows elevated tensions between Somalia and Somaliland. The self-declared Republic of Somaliland lies in north western Somalia, bordered by the autonomous Puntland region to the east, Djibouti to the north west and Ethiopia in the south and west. Despite claiming independence from Somalia in early May 1991, the sovereignty of Somaliland remains internationally unrecognised to date. Political tensions between Somalia and its breakaway region were recently heightened following an announcement by Somaliland's Minister of Interior, Ali Mohamed Waran Adde, that all foreigners living in the region would be required to obtain visas. This directive reportedly includes all Somalis who are not originally from Somaliland. Persons intending to fly between Mogadishu and Hargeisa from 22 February are advised to contact the Aden Adde International Airport, the Hargeisa Egal International Airport, their airline or their travel provider for updates on the status of their flight(s). Clients are advised against all travel to Somalia, except Puntland and Somaliland, due the extreme threats posed by conflict, terrorism and kidnapping.

PAKISTAN(KARACHI)(PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES)) - (Update) Police and protesting Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) employees have clashed outside Karachi's Jinnah International Airport, in Pakistan, on 2 February. Two protesters have been killed and five more wounded by live ammunition, although police have denied opening fire on the protesters. However, police did confirm they used water cannons and teargas to disperse protesters who were blocking access to the airport. Latest reports indicate the protests have ended. It is unclear if there have been disruptions to flight operations at the airport as a result of the violence, although if disruptions have taken place, they are not expected to be significant. Flights services at facilities in other major urban centres remain unaffected, although PIA employees in the cities of Multan and Peshawar, in the wake of the casualties in Karachi, have protested in solidarity. The strike and blockades were called to protest against plans to privatise PIA. Given the casualties as a result of the protest action, further demonstrations are possible in the short-term. Given the precedent set by this incident, the threat of clashes is elevated, as security forces will not hesitate to use violence to disperse protesters impeding access to airports, in light of the strategic importance of these facilities. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Pakistan is advised against. Passengers intending to travel by air in the coming days, especially on PIA, are advised to contact the airline, departure airport or travel provider to confirm the status of services. All associated protests should be avoided as a precaution.

FRANCE(PROVENCE-ALPES-COTE D'AZUR REGION) - Unionised rail workers in Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region are currently engaged in strike action against France's national rail operator, the SNCF; the strike is set to conclude at 08:00 local time on 3 February. Regional and intercity trains have been affected by the action. Further disruptions, including delays and cancellations, should be anticipated during the work stoppage. Furthermore, an increase in demand for alternate modes of transport is also likely during the strike period. Clients intending to make use of SNCF rail services in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region during the affected period are advised to contact their travel provider, or the rail operator directly, for an update on the status of travel arrangements.

CANADA(OTTAWA) - Taxi drivers and associated unions are set to hold a demonstration in Ottawa, Canada, on 2 February. The demonstration has been called against shared taxi services, particularly Uber taxi services. Participants are expected to gather in the vicinity of Parliament Hill; further details regarding the exact start time of demonstration are currently unavailable. The upcoming gathering is the latest in a series of anti-Uber taxi protests held in major urban centres in the country in recent months. Although the gathering is expected to be peaceful, anti-Uber protests in other countries have turned violent. As such, the possibility of the upcoming demonstration being marred by similar incidents of violence cannot be discounted. In addition, an increased demand for alternative transport services is also likely. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of Parliament Hill. Persons in Ottawa are advised to avoid the Parliament Hill area and any associated large street gatherings as a precaution. Additionally, clients should anticipate and cater for possible road travel delays.

GERMANY(COLOGNE) - Heightened security measures are set to be introduced ahead of and during annual carnival celebrations in Cologne, Germany, from 4 to 9 February. Authorities will deploy over 2,300 police officers, as well as placing additional lighting in dark areas and installing security cameras. This year's iteration of the annual carnival follows the previous major street celebration in Cologne, on New Year's Eve, which was marred by reports of a mass sexual assault of women taking place in the city early on 1 January. Outside of concerns for the personal safety of female revellers, there are no major overt security risks associated with the carnival celebrations. Due to the significant influx of people to central areas of Cologne during the festivities, localised traffic disruptions should be expected for the duration of the festival. An increased demand for public transport should also be anticipated. Clients operating in Cologne between 4 and 9 February are advised to anticipate localised travel delays for the duration of the event; travel plans should be adjusted accordingly. In addition, persons attending the event are advised to remain aware of the risk of crime, exercise vigilance and ensure that belongings are secure at all times.

GREECE - The trade unions, General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and The Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY), have called for industrial action across Greece, on 4 February. The strike which is has been called in response to governments proposed pension reform is expected to be accompanied by protest action. Unionised workers are anticipated to gather at Omonia Square in the capital, Athens, at 12:00 local time and proceed towards the parliament building. Information regarding associated gatherings elsewhere in the country is not available. Although the protests are expected to conclude peacefully, an associated protest in the city on 8 January degenerated into violence. It should be noted that protest rallies in Greece carry a heightened threat of confrontation between participants and police; as such, the possibility of violent civil unrest during the upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. Attendance at the demonstration is expected to be high; localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of Omonia Square and other protest venues are therefore anticipated. As opposition to associated austerity policies is likely to persist, further protests should be expected in the near-term. Persons in Greece on 4 February are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution; localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates on further upcoming demonstrations.

BOLIVIA - (Update) A strike of indefinite duration by heavy transport vehicle workers, initiated on 31 January, is ongoing in Bolivia. The strike was called in response to demands that government review its tax policy and the impact this policy is having on the transport sector. In recent days, striking drivers have blocked roads near border crossing points with Peru, Chile, Brazil and Argentina. Roadblocks have also been reported in other areas, including near the administrative capital, La Paz, and Cochabamba, Oruro, Chuquisaca and Santa Cruz, leading to severe disruptions. Associated protests have been reported in many areas. The strike and related protests are expected to continue. The agitation has been largely peaceful to date; however, the risk of violence is increasing the longer the strike and roadblocks proceed. Police may be ordered to remove roadblocks, particularly those along major roads, leading to major cities or crossing points or those near international and domestic airports, over the near-term. Clients in Bolivia should monitor related developments closely. Travellers should reconfirm all road and air transport service with their travel provider or the relevant transport authority prior to departure. All street protests should be avoided. All protest roadblocks should be avoided and motorists should seek alternative routes if confronted by a roadblock.

SYRIA(ALEPPO GOVERNORATE) - Pro-Syrian military ground forces, supported by Russian bombers, are reportedly making gains against rebels north of Aleppo in Syria's northern Aleppo governorate. A government offensive is advancing on the regime-held Shiite Muslim towns of Nubl and al-Zahraa, which are both encircled by rebel forces, including Jabhat Al-Nusra fighters. The Syrian government has launched a series of offensives in the country since the deployment of a large force of Russian fighter planes, bombers and attack aircraft in late 2015. The Russian support has provided impetus for the regime in key conflict areas, including in the south near Daraa, in the coastal areas of Latakia governorate and in and around the contested city of Aleppo. The battle for Aleppo is particularly important. The city is currently contested by a range of rebel groupings and the Syrian military. The current regime offensive, if successful in reaching Nubl and al-Zahraa, will cut off the rebels supply lines between Aleppo and the Turkish border. Should this occur, the possibility of a regime victory in Aleppo is increasingly likely. Other key battles are currently being fought for control of Deir ez-Zor city, between the Islamic State (IS) and the regime, in rebel-held areas in the northern Homs governorate countryside and in rebel-held areas north east of the capital, Damascus. The fighting coincides with talks between the main actors in the Syrian conflict in Geneva. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria due to various security concerns, including the risk of conflict, terrorism and kidnapping.

IRAQ(RAMADI & SURROUNDS) - Suspected Islamic State (IS) militants launched an attack against a security force facility in the Albu Diab area, located north of Ramadi in Iraq's western Anbar governorate, on 2 February. Three suicide car bombers approached the facility; two of the vehicles were destroyed by the military, while the third managed to reach the facility perimeter and detonate. The explosion killed 18 soldiers. Elsewhere, Iraqi security forces continue to attempt to eliminate a pocket of IS militants in the Shujirayah area of Ramadi. Approximately 300 militants are thought to be defending the area. Pro-government forces captured Ramadi from IS in late 2015; however, pockets of IS fighters remain entrenched in parts of the city and its surrounds. IS also controls a number of cities and towns in Anbar, including Fallujah, Hit and Al-Qaim. This provides the organisation with the ability to consolidate, plan and execute regular low-level and complex attacks in the Anbar governorate and elsewhere in central, southern and northern Iraq. Clients are advised against all travel to Anbar governorate. Persons intending to travel in the area should do so following a full security route risk assessment. Crisis management plans should be created or updated in conjunction with a security provider.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL) - A shooting incident in Istanbul, Turkey, on 1 February left two people dead and five wounded. Two unidentified gunmen fired on the Ufuk cafe in the Kanarya area, located in Istanbul's Kucukcekmece district. The motive for the incident is unclear, and police are continuing an investigation into the incident and the perpetrators. There is a high risk of terrorism in Istanbul and incidents are periodically reported; however, the information at hand suggests that the shooting may be connected to a personal dispute or criminal activity. An increased security presence is possible in the Kucukcekmece area over the near-term. Clients should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness in the affected area over the near-term.

NIGERIA(NIGER DELTA REGION) - According to reports released on 2 February, a group of suspected Biafra separatists have hijacked a foreign merchant vessel in Nigeria's Niger Delta region. Although the exact location of the incident is unclear, local media report that the hijacking took place on 29 January. The perpetrators are demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group and director of Radio Biafra, in return for the safety of the ship and its crew. The hijackers have reportedly given the government 31 days to comply with their demands. The 20 October 2015 arrest of Kanu continues to incite pro-Biafran unrest in south eastern Nigeria. Protests demanding his release are characteristically disruptive and violent, and are likely to continue in the near-term. Moreover, as this latest incident highlights, an escalation in related agitations poses a valid concern. The hijacking also serves to underscore the high kidnapping and piracy risks in the Niger Delta, including the Gulf of Guinea. Commercial ships, oil rigs and their crews are often the targets of such incidents; however, leisure boats are also occasionally targeted. Given the persistent insecurity in the region, further such incidents are anticipated. Clients are advised against all travel to the Niger Delta states of Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa, Cross River State, Delta State and Rivers State due to various security concerns, particularly crime, kidnapping and piracy. Seafarers who intend to sail in the Niger Delta, including the Gulf of Guinea, are advised to implement maximum security measures to avoid becoming victims of piracy. Local maritime authorities should be consulted prior to travel for the latest updates on pirate activity.

SRI LANKA - Sri Lanka is set to commemorate its 68th Independence Day on 4 February. Celebrations will centre on the Galle Face Green in the commercial capital, Colombo, from 08:00 local time. Several thoroughfares in the vicinity will be closed, including Galle Road, Lotus Road and Janadhipathi Mawatha, amid others. The event will be attended by Sri Lanka's president as well as a number of prominent diplomats. Terrorist incidents have occurred on Independence Day in the past. In 2008, two explosions, attributed to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam rebel group, also known as the Tamil Tigers, in the towns of Weli Oya and Buttala, left at least 13 people dead and several more injured. Sri Lanka continues to face a medium, although diminishing threat from terrorism. As such, clients should expect security checkpoints and military roadblocks, particularly in northern regions of the country. In addition, localised travel disruptions are likely due to celebrations on the day. Clients should exercise heightened security awareness, particularly in the vicinity of any parades or formal celebrations. Clients are further advised to exercise heightened caution in areas north of the A12 highway; this includes the entire Northern province, as well as parts of the North Western, North Central and Eastern provinces.

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