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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(HAWAII ISLAND, HAWAII STATE) - (Update) A state of emergency was declared on Hawaii Island (Big Island), located in the US' Pacific state of Hawaii, on 8 February in response to an ongoing dengue fever outbreak. As many as 250 cases of infection have been reported on the island since the outbreak was first recorded in September 2015. The state of emergency, which is set to last for at least 60-days, was implemented in order to enhance the response capabilities of the local authorities. Dengue fever is an infectious mosquito-borne disease for which there is no specific treatment. Symptoms of dengue fever usually present within three to 14 days of receiving a bite from an infected mosquito. These symptoms include high fever, severe headache, backache, joint pain, nausea and vomiting, eye pain and rash. Recovery generally occurs within two weeks; however, the symptoms of dengue haemorrhagic fever, a more severe form of the disease, may prove fatal. Persons in Hawaii are advised to take preventative measures to lower the risk of contracting dengue fever. As such, clients are advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce the risk of being bitten by infected mosquitoes. Local media should be monitored for updates and advisories from the local health authorities. Persons displaying any of the aforementioned symptoms are advised to contact their medical practitioner.

GERMANY(BAVARIA STATE) - An unknown number of people have been killed and at least ten more seriously injured following a collision between two Meridian passenger trains in the Upper Bavaria region of Germany's Bavaria state on 9 February. The incident took place near the town of Bad Aibling, between the Rosenheim and Holzkirchen stations, approximately 40km south east of the city of Munich. Emergency services are currently on the scene, and the affected line has been closed. Disruptions are likely to remain until the affected section of the railway is once again operational, while rescue and salvage operations continue. It should be noted that incidents such as these occur rarely in Germany, as the country has an excellent rail safety record, and all rail infrastructure is modern and well maintained. Clients planning to utilise rail services in the Upper Bavaria region should consider alternative travel options and monitor local media for updates regarding the status of rail services.

UNITED KINGDOM(EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND) - Pro-choice activists from the Abortion Rights Committee Scotland and the Humanist Society Scotland (HSS) are expected to stage a demonstration in Edinburgh, capital of Scotland in the UK, on 9 February. Participants are set to gather outside the Scottish Parliament building, located in the city's Holyrood area, from 12:00 local time. The action has reportedly been called in response to a proposed anti-abortion campaign, organised by Forty Days For Life, in Glasgow from 10 February to 20 March. Although the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes with potential counter-protesters cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the event is likely to be well attended, localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the Scottish Parliament building. Persons in Edinburgh on 9 February are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations and any related street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the aforementioned actions and advisories from the authorities. Clients are advised to make allowances for possible travel delays in the vicinity of any protest gatherings.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO(BRAZZAVILLE) - Travel disruptions and heightened security measures are anticipated at the Republic of Congo's Maya Maya Airport which is located in the capital, Brazzaville, on 9 February. These measures have been implemented ahead of the arrival of the presidential candidate, General Jean-Marie Michel Mokoko, who is expected to land at the airport at 19:30 local time. Travellers should expect an increased police presence and checkpoints in the vicinity of the airport, in addition to associated delays when leaving or arriving at the airport. Heightened security measures, including police checkpoints and random identification checks, will be implemented in Brazzaville particularly in and around the aforementioned airport; as such, clients are thus advised to anticipate travel delays and should plan accordingly.

IRELAND(DUBLIN) - A rail workers' strike is expected to affect Ireland's capital, Dublin, on 11 and 12 February. Workers affiliated with the Services Industrial Professional and Technical Union (SIPTU) trade union are expected to observe the industrial action from 04:00 local time on 11 February until 00:00 on 12 February. The strike has been called with regard to an ongoing wage dispute with national transport operator, Transdev. Additional work-stoppages have been scheduled for 18 and 19 February. Disruptions to rail services and an increased demand for alternative modes of transport should be anticipated during the strike period. Due to ongoing grievances between the trade union and Transdev, further strike action is likely to proceed on 18 and 19 February. It should be noted that the associated action may be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Persons in Dublin on 11 and 12 February are advised to monitor local media for announcements related to the industrial action and to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of rail services.

YEMEN(ADEN & ZINJIBAR) - Forces loyal to President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi clashed with militants reportedly linked to al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) in Yemen's southern port city of Aden, overnight on 8/9 February. The fighting centred on the Mansour area; at least two militants were killed in the clashes. Elsewhere, in Zinjibar, Abyan governorate, rival factions of AQAP clashed in what is believed to have been an internal power struggle on 7 and 8 February. The clashes left at least seven militants dead and nine others wounded. Zinjibar was captured by militants linked to AQAP on 2 December. The incidents highlight the persistent insecurity in southern Yemen, and take place amid efforts by the Saudi Arabia-led coalition, which supports Hadi, to retake control of the country. The coalition is currently battling Houthi militia and Yemen military forces loyal to the former president, Ali Saleh, in central and northern Yemen. Islamist extremist groups, such as AQAP, have taken advantage of the coalition's focus on this area to take territory in the south, including in Abyan. Additionally, AQAP as well as Islamic State (IS)-linked militants have previously targeted government personnel and facilities, and maintain the ability to conduct attacks across Yemen. Aden has been specifically targeted with increased frequency in recent weeks. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons intending to travel in the country should do so with a security escort. Travellers should consider air travel between destinations in Yemen rather than road travel.

SYRIA(DAMASCUS) - At least eight people have been killed and 20 others wounded in a suicide car bombing in Syria's capital, Damascus, on 9 February. The incident took place when a suicide bomber drove a vehicle into a police officers' club in northern Damascus. The blast is also said to have struck a market in the Masaken Barzeh area of the city. Conflict and acts of terrorism are regularly reported in Damascus, particularly on the city's outskirts. The Syrian regime maintains control of central Damascus; however, the southern, eastern and north eastern peripheries of the city are under the control of various non-state armed groups. Rebels battling the government periodically carry out attacks, including mortar and rocket fire, and occasional bombings. Due to the general insecurity in the city and its surrounds, further such attacks are anticipated. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria, including Damascus, due to the ongoing conflict and elevated operating risks in the country.

NIGERIA(BENUE STATE) - At least ten people were fatally wounded and 300 others displaced when communal clashes broke out in Nigeria's Benue state, according to reports issued on 8 February. The clashes, which occurred late on 6 February, were between Fulani herdsmen and farmers from the Tom-Anyiin and Tom-Ataan communities in the Mbaya, Tombu area of the Buruku local government area. It is alleged that the Fulani herdsmen invaded the two communities, randomly shooting and burning down huts, houses and farmed produce. Nigeria has a long history of ethnic, religious and communal violence, which has resulted in hundreds of fatalities in recent years. Sporadic communal clashes, which are triggered by ongoing disputes over access to land and resources and in retaliation for regular cattle killing incidents, occur fairly frequently. Localised disputes are often caused by persistent ethno-religious differences. Although concentrated in the country's central and eastern states, which straddle the divide between Nigeria's predominantly Muslim north and Christian south, clashes are fairly common in Benue state. Foreign nationals have not been specifically targeted in past clashes; however, there is a high incidental threat to the safety of all persons in conflict-affected area. Due to numerous ongoing security concerns, including ethno-religious conflict, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Nigeria. Persons in or planning to travel to Benue state should maintain a low profile, exercise heightened security awareness at all times, and consult with the local authorities before travelling into rural areas. Furthermore, travel in rural areas should be undertaken during daylight hours only.

AFGHANISTAN(KABUL) - On 8 February, the US Embassy in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, issued a warning that Islamist militants are planning to launch an attack on unidentified foreign guesthouses in the city, possibly in the Qala-e-Fatullah area, or near the Ansari or Haji Yaqub roundabouts. Further details regarding the exact target, timing, method or location remain unknown. Given the extreme and ongoing threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, such warnings by government authorities are taken seriously and regularly result in additional security force deployments. Although details surrounding this incident are limited, it is likely that the attackers are affiliated with one of the numerous Islamist extremist groups present in the country, possibly the Sunni extremist Taleban or the Haqqani network; both groups have carried out numerous small-scale and mass-casualty attacks across the country in the past. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in the country, regardless of area of travel, are advised to implement maximum personal, travel and residential security measures. Clients are further advised to follow the directives issued by local authorities and security forces; all movements should be coordinated in the presence of a security escort and during daylight hours only.

TURKEY(SOUTH EASTERN PROVINCES) - Casualties were reported in Turkey's south eastern provinces due to multiple security operations on 7 and 8 February. A security operation was conducted in a building in the Cizre district in Sirnak, said to be occupied by Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants, on 7 February. The incident resulted in an unconfirmed number of casualties; reports allege the number to be as high as 60. Additionally, at least two security force members were wounded due to clashes, reported in the Ipekyolu area of Van, after gunmen attempted to block a road in the area. At least 6 PKK militants were killed in Sur district in Diyarbakir on 8 February due to security operations. Elsewhere, a further ten militants were killed in Cizre district on 8 February. There has been an increase in the number of PKK-connected acts of violence and Turkish government retaliatory action in south eastern Turkey, since mid-2015. Tensions between the two sides remain elevated and the prospect of de-escalating hostilities over the near-term remains low. The risk to travellers in the south east is largely incidental. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to a number of south eastern provinces, including Diyarbakir, Sirnak and Van, due to the risk of conflict between the Turkish military and Kurd rebels, as well as elevated risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime.

IRAQ(KRG REGION) - Ongoing protests have been reported in various areas of Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)-controlled region on 9 February. The protests have been held in response to the government's new austerity measures due to an economic crisis. Affected towns and cities include Arbil, Sulaymaniyah, Koya, Kalar, Kifri, Chemchemal, Halabja and Darbandikan. Striking state workers and police have also been protesting in these areas against the non-payment of salaries since 7 February, particularly in Sulaymaniyah. The protests against the austerity measures as well as the state workers-related protests are expected to persist over the near-term. It should be noted that protests by state workers in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja in October 2015 were widely disruptive and marred by incidents of violence. In light of this, while the recent protests have been peaceful to date, any upcoming protests carry an elevated risk of violence. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the KRG-controlled regions of Dahuk, Arbil and Sulaymaniyah, including Halabja, due to ongoing conflict in the region and the general threat of terrorism. Persons operating in the KRG are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces. Persons in the KRG are further advised to reside in secure compounds or hotels and travel with a security escort or trained security driver. Travel at night should be avoided.

SOUTH AFRICA(JOHANNESBURG) - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) opposition party is expected to lead a protest march in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 9 February. The protest is expected to commence at 09:00 local time at Mary Fitzgerald Square, located in Newtown, and proceed to the Constitutional Court located in the Braamfontein area. Unconfirmed reports state that the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL), the youth wing of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, is expected to march along the same route. A significant police presence is expected to accompany the protest march. The protest march is expected to be well attended and is likely to have a significant impact on local travel and business services in the affected areas. The anti-government and anti-capitalist undertones of the march could make the gathering emotive. This could increase the potential for confrontations between supporters of opposing political parties and the security personnel deployed to ensure the protest march concludes without incident. Isolated incidents of vandalism targeting both private and public interests can also not be discounted. There exists an elevated risk of violence to bystanders in the vicinity of associated protests. Clients in Johannesburg on 9 February should defer travel to the protest-affected areas and should ensure that itineraries are kept flexible to accommodate for travel disruptions resulting from the protest march.

MOLDOVA(CHISINAU) - An anti-government demonstration, initiated by opposition and civic groups, is underway in Moldova's capital, Chisinau, on 9 February. The gathering has been reported in the vicinity of the supreme court of justice building, located on 18 Petru Rares Strada, since 08:30 local time. The protest is in opposition to the election of Michael Poalelungi as president of the Superior Council of Magistracy (SCM). Critics, including civic group Dignity and Truth, allege the election process has been marred by corruption. Moldova has experienced political instability, characterised by mass protests and irregular changes to the executive, since senior government officials were implicated in a major corruption scandal in September 2015. Anti-government protests have escalated following the recent nomination of Pavel Filip to the position of prime minister and the approval of his cabinet by Parliament on 21 January. The demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the affected area for the duration of the event. Persons in Chisinau are advised to avoid the demonstration and all related gatherings as a precaution. Clients should also anticipate localised travel disruptions.

NIGERIA - Pro-Biafra activists have called for mass protests in Nigeria on 9 February to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) group and director of Radio Biafra. The upcoming demonstrations have been organised to coincide with the secessionist leader's trial on the same date. While details regarding the locations and starting times of the demonstrations are currently unavailable, precedent suggest that protest activity may centre on prominent urban centres in the south eastern states of Anambra, Delta, Edo, Enugu, Imo and Rivers. Associated protests beyond the aforementioned states are also possible. Nnamdi Kanu was arrested in late October 2015 on charges related to broadcasts made by Radio Biafra; an application for his bail was denied on 29 January. Protests campaigns calling for Kanu's release have been ongoing for several months, many of which have been marred by incidents of violent unrest and associated disruptions. Given the aforementioned precedent, the possibility of further such unrest occurring on 9 February cannot be discounted. Moreover, protests regarding Kanu's detention are likely to persist in the near- to medium-term. 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.

POLAND(WARSAW) - An anti-government demonstration is expected to take place in the vicinity of the Parliament building in Poland's capital, Warsaw, on 10 February. The demonstration is scheduled by the Committee for the Defence of Democracy (KOD) and expected to commence at 14:00 local time and conclude at 18:00. The KOD, along with other opposition parties, are opposing proposed constitutional amendments. The demonstration is anticipated to be well attended and accompanied by a heavy police presence. Although the protests are expected to conclude without major incident, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the Parliament building. Persons in Warsaw on 10 February are advised to avoid large street protests as a precaution. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the upcoming demonstrations.

PHILIPPINES - General elections are scheduled to take place in the Philippines on 9 May. The general elections are scheduled to encompass the election of the president, as well as members of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Provincial boards, mayoral committees and city councils are also expected to be elected. At least five presidential candidates are expected to contest the upcoming elections according to the Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC); presidential incumbent Benigno Aquino is constitutionally barred from seeking re-election. The campaign period preceding the 2016 election is likely to be characterised by increased rallies and election-related events, accompanied by increased precautionary security measures. The political landscape in the Philippines has been characterised by popularity politics, often accompanied by allegations of corruption, nepotism, political elitism and in-fighting. Additionally, during campaign periods preceding elections, campaigners have been known to spend large amounts of money on advertisements, promotional material and additional election-related activities in a bid to amass support amid an increasingly competitive political environment. As such, an increased number of rallies and election-related events should be anticipated in the run up to 9 May. Although no overt threats have been identified for the upcoming election, those sympathetic to separatist militant groups present in the south of the country may seek to cause disruptions in the run up to and during the election. This was evidenced during the 2010 election campaign period when pro-separatist groups staged a protest outside the COMELEC building in Manila on 7 May 2010. Some of these groups are opposed to the political process and view the polls as illegitimate. It is possible that they may seek to disrupt the polls by launching small-scale attacks against state symbols or election-related facilities. Given past precedent, attacks on government troops and officials, as well as on symbols of the state, remain possible. They are likely to take place largely in rural areas of Mindanao; although, the possibility of attacks in larger urban centres cannot be discounted. Furthermore, the Philippine National Police (PNP) recorded up to 180 incidents of election-related violence amid the 2010 elections. Voter irregularities, low-level violence and election fraud were widely reported in conflict-affected Mindanao during the 2010 election period. Media reports indicated at least one registrant was killed in Lanao del Sur and an election officer was killed in Basilan. A bomb explosion was also reported at a polling station in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. As such, the threat of politically motivated violence or unrest cannot be discounted in the run up to the upcoming elections. Although foreign nationals are not likely to be directly targeted in any unrest during associated gatherings, the incidental risks to bystanders remain. Travel disruptions due to road closures and increased security force deployments are likely in the event of any gatherings. Persons operating in the Philippines are advised to avoid all election-related facilities and personnel as a precaution. Furthermore, all street protests and politically motivated gatherings should be avoided in order to mitigate the threat of unrest. Allowances for localised travel delays should be made in the vicinity of any polling stations or gatherings. Due to ongoing operations by rebels and terrorists, as well as regular clashes between these groups and the Philippine military, clients are advised against all travel to the southern Mindanao region and the Sulu Archipelago. This advisory does not extend to the eastern Caraga and Davao regions of Mindanao, to which non-essential travel is advised.

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