Global Reach | Now Boarding Blog | Services | ATG

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

NETHERLANDS(AMSTERDAM) - Increased security measures, including security cordons and the deployment of additional security officials, have been implemented in Amsterdam, capital of the Netherlands, on 16 February. The increased security measures were implemented in response to an earlier shooting incident, in which an unidentified assailant is said to have indiscriminately fired at a local coffee shop, Coffeeshop The Power, located on Sarphatistraat. There have been no reports of casualties from the incident. Details about the motivation for the shooting remain unclear at this stage and investigations are currently ongoing. Heightened security is expected in the city in the coming hours, including the cordoning off of streets and an increased security force presence, particularly in and around the vicinity of Sarphatistraat. Although such measures are seemingly largely precautionary at this time, the security response highlights that fact that authorities in the Netherlands take all security threats seriously. Residual localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the affected site are expected for the immediate term. Persons in Amsterdam are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and monitor local media for information regarding the incident and associated security operations. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated.

FRANCE(RENNES, BRITTANY REGION) - (Update) The Regional Federation of Farmers' Unions (FRSEA) and the Young Farmers (JA) union have called for a mass demonstration in Rennes, capital of France's north western Brittany region, on 17 February. The protest action is set to result in localised road travel disruptions on the day. The unions have called on their members to establish barricades over important thoroughfares from 11:00 local time as part of the demonstration. The upcoming demonstration and associated blockades form part of an ongoing protest campaign within the agricultural sector to demand greater economic support for farmers. Associated protests have been characterised by disruptions to major roads, tourist sites and transport hubs in the past. Indeed, earlier demonstrations on 15 February resulted in significant travel disruptions in several areas in Brittany, including in Arradon, Saint-Ave, Theix and Vannes. The protest campaign has also been marred by low-level incidents of violence, including clashes with security forces and acts of vandalism. Associated incidents of violence during the upcoming protest cannot be discounted. Persons in Rennes on 17 February are advised to ensure that itineraries remain flexible in order to accommodate for any travel delays. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Travellers in the region should therefore avoid driving through roadblocks and should rather seek alternative routes.

FIJI/TONGA - Tropical Storm Winston is currently impacting Fiji, and is set to impact Tonga within the coming hours. The worst affected areas of Fiji include the Lau islands. While the storm is currently moving away from Fiji in a north easterly direction, it is forecast to return in the direction of the islands from 19 February as a category 1 storm. In Tonga, the Tonga National Emergency Management Office (NEMO) issued a cyclone warning for Vava'u. Flash flood warnings are also in place in Tongatapu, 'Eua, Ha'apai and Vava'u. The storm is expected to continue to bring inclement weather, including heavy rainfall and coastal storm surges, over the coming hours in the affected areas. Associated flooding is possible. In addition, disruptions to basic amenities, such as power supply and transport services (air, road and maritime), cannot be discounted. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates and follow the advisories of the local authorities. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate any possible travel delays.

CHAD(N'DJAMENA) - At least one person has been killed following violent clashes between security forces and protesters in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, on 15 February. Hundreds of protesters had gathered in the city in response to the recent gang rape of a young resident on 13 February; the son of a prominent army general was said to have been among the perpetrators. Tensions remain elevated in the area following the unrest and subsequent fatality. This latest incident serves to underscore the potential for violence at protest gatherings in Chad; demonstrations are tightly controlled by Chadian security forces, who often resort to heavy-handed tactics when dealing with unrest. Given the aforementioned fatality and the overall emotive nature of the protest, further incidents of unrest are possible in N'Djamena in the near-term. It should be noted that clashes between police and protesters may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in N'Djamena are advised to monitor local media for updates and announcements of additional related protests in the near-term. Clients are also advised to avoid all large street protests and concentrations of security personnel as a standard precaution.

SYRIA(IDLIB & ALEPPO GOVERNORATES) - Suspected Russian air strikes hit a number of schools and hospitals in Syria on 15 February, leaving as many as 50 people dead. The targeted locations included a Doctors Without Borders (MSF)-supported facility in Maaret al-Numan (Idlib governorate). Other strikes were reported in Azaz (Aleppo governorate). The air strikes underscore the continued elevated security risk across the country. Air strikes continue to be reported with regularity, including those conducted by the government, its Russian allies and numerous states linked or allied to the US. These strikes often result in civilian casualties. The strikes in Idlib and Aleppo, in northern Syria, coincide with an ongoing government-led offensive against rebels in the area. Kurdish forces have also launched raids into rebel-held areas of northern Syria. The fighting and associated air strikes are expected to persist over the medium-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria. Persons operating in the country should do so after consultation with a security provider. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

TURKEY(SIRNAK PROVINCE) - A curfew is set to be imposed upon the Idil district, in the province of Sirnak in south eastern Turkey, from 23:00 local time on 16 February. The curfew comes ahead of anticipated security operations that were announced by Interior Minister Efkan Ala on 9 February. The objective of the security operations is to apprehend suspected Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants, as well as to fill trenches and dismantle roadblocks, according to official statements.The government has deployed thousands of police and military personnel to the south east to confront the PKK after a ceasefire broke down in July 2015. Since then, violence has left at least 2,000 people dead. Curfews are also in place in Cizre, Sirnak province, and in the Sur district of Diyarbakir province. This comes following clashes with Turkish security forces during security operations in both provinces that left dozens of PKK militants dead. In addition, PKK attacks on 13 February injured a number of Turkish security forces after their vehicle was bombed on a road in Sirnak province. Given the currents dynamics, conflict is expected to persist for the short-term at least.
Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to a number of south eastern provinces, including Sirnak and Diyarbakir, 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. Clients in the above-mentioned provinces should obtain a full security risk assessment from their security provider prior to departure. Travel should be conducted during the day, on main roads and with a security escort. This is particularly relevant for persons travelling outside of primary urban centres.

GREECE(ATHENS) - Members of the trade union, Federation of Greek Ports Employees (OMYLE), are expected to observe a 48-hour strike at all sea ports in Greece on 16 and 17 February. The strike has been called in opposition to the privatisation and the sale of public shares within the maritime sector. Associated protest action is also expected during the strike period, with unionised port workers anticipated to blockade the gates of the Container Terminal at the Piraeus and Thessaloniki ports from 07:00 local time on 16 February. On 17 February, a related protest march is also anticipated in the capital, Athens, where participants are expected to gather at the Klafthmonos Square from 11:30 local time and march to parliament. The strike and associated demonstrations are expected to be well supported. As such, disruptions to ferry services are anticipated. In addition, localised road travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the demonstration-affected sites. While the demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level acts of violence cannot be discounted. Persons in Greece are advised to anticipate disruptions to ferry services during the aforementioned strike period. Clients are further advised to avoid all large street protests as a standard precaution and keep itineraries flexible to accommodate for localised road

ARMENIA(YEREVAN) - Opposition and activist groups are set to stage a protest march in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, on 16 February. The march has been called in opposition to the arrest of a number of opposition group members in previous anti-government protests in the capital in December 2015. Participants are expected to gather at Liberty Square and march to the Council of Europe Office (located on Vazgen Sargsyan Street). Further details regarding the march are currently unavailable. Although the rally is expected to conclude without incident, previous associated gatherings have been marred by low-level clashes between protesters and police officials; as such, the possibility of violence cannot be dismissed. The rally is likely to be well attended and localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of protest sites. Persons in Yerevan on 16 February are advised to monitor local media regarding the rally and avoid all large street protests as a precaution. Travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites.

BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA - Hundreds of unionised timber workers employed by Krivaja Mobel are said to be currently staging a sit-in protest along the M-17, affecting road travel in Bosnia Herzegovina's central city of Zepce, on 16 February. The sit-in and associated blockade of the main highway was called in protest of failed negotiations regarding the sale of Krivaja Mobel and outstanding employee wages. Unionised workers have stated that they will continue to stage the sit-in protest along various sections of the M-17 in the city for an indefinite period until their demands are met. Disruptions to travel along the affected sections of the M-17 are expected to continue for the remainder of the day. Associated gatherings have been peaceful; however, the possibility of incidents of violence unrest cannot be discounted. Further escalations in protest activity over the near-term are anticipated. In addition, an escalation in protest activity may result in disruptions to road travel to surrounding towns. Persons in Zepce are advised to monitor developments closely and avoid the aforementioned demonstration-affected sites as a precaution for the short- to medium-term. Clients should also make allowances for localised road traffic disruptions.

INDIA(BIHAR STATE) - (Update) The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is currently leading a state-wide strike (known locally as a bandh) in India's Bihar state on 15 February; the strike is expected to conclude at 23:59 on 16 February. The strike action is the latest to be initiated in response to the local government's alleged failure to apprehend the perpetrator involved in the murder of vice president of the Bihar branch of the BJP, Visheshwar Ojha. Ojha was killed in the Sonbarsa area of the Ara district on 12 February. Disruptions to transport and business services are expected during the strike action. Associated demonstrations are possible in the state's urban areas. It should be noted, as with all protest action in India, the threat of violence between police and protesters and between opposing groups of protesters cannot be discounted. In addition localised travel disruptions as a result of protest action are possible. Persons in Bihar state are advised to monitor local media for developments and updates regarding the strike action and possible associated demonstrations. Clients are advised to avoid all street protests and concentration of security forces as a precaution. In addition, due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to the remote and rural areas of Bihar is advised against.

INDIA(MANIPUR) - Student organisations in north eastern India's Manipur state have called for an indefinite strike (known locally as a bandh), from 23:59 local time, on 17 February. Associated blockades on national highways in the state are also expected. The strike action is likely to result in disruptions to road travel and business operations, especially on major routes leading into and out of the state capital, Imphal. There have been no formal calls for protest action; however, should any take place, they are likely to be forcefully dispersed by security forces. As such, the possibility of violent clashes cannot be discounted. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to a number of north eastern states, including Manipur, is advised against. Clients in Manipur over the impacted period are advised to avoid intercity road travel as far as practically possible, and to avoid all protest action associated with the blockade.

INDIA - Student protests related to the arrest of a prominent student leader are expected to persist in parts of India over the near-term. On 9 February, student leader, Kanhaiya Kumar, delivered a speech questioning the 2013 execution of a Kashmiri separatist, Mohammad Afzal Guru, and in support of the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination. The speech was criticized by Indian nationalist groups. Police arrested Kumar on 12 February. His arrest has sparked protests at the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus in the capital, Delhi, and at the nearby Chandrabhaga Hostel. Protests have also occurred at universities in Odisha, Kolkata and Hyderabad (Osmania University). On 15 February, clashes were reported between pro- and anti-Kumar supporters outside of the Patiala House Courts Complex in Delhi. Further aggravating tensions, a prominent University of Delhi lecturer, SAR Geelani, was arrested on 16 February on charges similar to those laid against Kumar. Supporters of Kumar and Geelani have called for further protests. A strike is also being observed at the JNU campus. Police have been deployed to the JNU campus to prevent anti-Kumar supporters, described in the media as supporters of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), from entering the campus grounds. Tensions remain elevated and further protests at prominent universities in Delhi and other major Indian cities should be expected over the near-term. The possibility of further violent altercations is considered elevated. The risk of an escalation in the protest activity exists and is likely if Kumar or Geelani are detained for a lengthy period of time, if violent altercations persist, or if further prominent activists are arrested. Disruptions to university operations should also be anticipated in the coming days. Clients operating at affected universities or prominent tertiary education facilities in India should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. All protest action should be avoided as a standard precaution.

POLAND(KRAKOW) - Activist groups are set to stage a protest rally in Krakow, Poland, on 17 February. The rally has been called in protest against US policy regarding the recognition of Kosovo as an independent state. Participants are expected to gather outside the US Consulate General, located on Stolarska street, from 17:00 to 19:00 local time. Although the rally is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of low-level incidents of unrest cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the consulate and its surrounds. Persons in Krakow on 17 February are advised to avoid all protests and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Furthermore, clients should make allowances for possible travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration.

ARGENTINA - (Update) Countrywide protests in support of arrested political leader, Milagro Sala, have been postponed until 17 February. The protests have been organised by various organisations and unions, including the Tupac Amaru organization and the Argentine Workers' Central Union (CTA), as part of a national 'day of action'. Likely protest locations include the Plaza de Mayo in the capital, Buenos Aires, and in San Salvador de Jujuy, the capital of Jujuy province. In addition, protest organisers have stated that roadblocks will be erected on major roads leading to Buenos Aires from 10:00 local time. A press conference will also be held on Pueyrredon Bridge at 12:00. Finally, protests organised by the Association of State Workers (ATE) union over wage-related issues are expected to coincide with the upcoming day of action on 17 February. ATE protests are expected to centre on Buenos Aires province. The Tupac Amaru organisation has approximately 70,000 members advocating for social welfare programmes in support of the poor in various Argentine provinces. Its leader, Sala, was arrested on 16 January following accusations of embezzlement and inciting anti-government protests and violence. Sala continues to be held in custody on charges of conspiracy, fraud and extortion, which her supporters say are politically motivated accusations. Protests in support of Sala have been held on a number of occasions since 16 January. While these have been largely peaceful, the possibility of isolated skirmishes at the upcoming protests cannot be discounted. Persons in Argentina on 17 February are advised to avoid all large gatherings as a precaution against civil unrest. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for immediate updates. Clients should also anticipate road travel delays and consider alternative routes.

KOSOVO(PRISTINA) - Opposition groups are set to hold an anti-government demonstration in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, on 17 February. The demonstration has been called with regard to an EU-brokered deal giving Serb communities in Kosovo greater powers and the border demarcation with Montenegro. Participants are expected to gather in the vicinity of the Skanderbeg statue on Bulevardi Nene Tereza; further details regarding the exact starting time of the demonstration are currently unavailable. The demonstration coincides with the sitting of Parliament at the Assembly of Kosovo; an associated gathering is also anticipated outside the building (on Mother Theresa Street). Further details regarding the demonstrations are currently unavailable. This is the latest in a series of protests held by opposition groups in recent months. Although the upcoming demonstration is anticipated to conclude peacefully, the possibility of violent altercations cannot be discounted. The demonstration is expected to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration affected site(s). Persons in Pristina on 17 February are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration as a precaution and should expect localised traffic disruptions.

SOUTH AFRICA(BHISHO) - The Democratic Nursing Organisation of South Africa (DENOSA) is set to stage a protest demonstration in Bhisho, in the Eastern Cape province, on 18 February. DENOSA is demanding that the provincial government takes a number of immediate steps to improve healthcare standards in the province. Members and supporters of DENOSA are expected to gather at the Bhisho Stadium from 08:00 local time, before proceeding to the provincial health offices in the city centre for a rally at 10:00. The protest march is expected to be well attended and is likely to impact on local travel in the affected areas. Although the march is expected to conclude peacefully, protests, marches and demonstrations in South Africa have previously become violent and/or disruptive with little to no warning. Confrontations between security forces and protesters may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Clients in the affected areas of Bhisho on 18 February are advised to avoid all street demonstrations as a standard precaution and make allowances for localised disruptions.

ATG has Customer Coaches available around-the-clock should you

need assistance with your travel plans.