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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(HESSTON, KANSAS) - At least four people were killed and 14 others wounded following a public shooting incident in Hesston, located in the US state of Kansas, late on 25 February. Local security forces were alerted to the shooting at approximately 17:00 local time on the day; a heavily armed gunman had reportedly started indiscriminately firing at people at a factory plant owned by Excel Industries. The assailant, who is said to have worked at the factory, was killed by police during a subsequent security operation. Localised disruptions triggered by the shooting have since eased. Although the motive behind the attack is unclear, the incident does serve to illustrate the threat of public shootings in the US. These types of attacks are mostly perpetrated by self-radicalised persons or individuals suffering from mental health problems, and can take place anywhere in the country. These shootings are typically indiscriminate and pose a credible threat to any persons in the vicinity of an attack. It should be noted that public shooting incidents are generally met by heavy police responses; resultant security operations typically result in localised traffic disruptions due to road closures. Persons in the US should exercise heightened situational awareness and report any suspicious persons and/or vehicles to the local authorities. In the event of a shooting, clients are advised to avoid the affected area until the situation has stabilised. All directives issued by the local authorities should be adhered to.

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON) - Activist and civic groups are set to hold a protest march in the UK's capital, London, on 27 February. The march has been called in protest march in the UK's capital, London, , Trident. Participants are expected to gather at Marble Arch from 12:00 local time and proceed to Trafalgar Square, where a rally will be held. Although expected to conclude peacefully, the rally could lead to localised travel disruptions in and around the aforementioned venues and march route. Persons in London on 27 February are advised to avoid all street protests in the aforementioned affected area as a precaution. Localised disruptions are anticipated.

SPAIN(CATALONIA) - Workers aligned with rail operator Renfe have called for a strike in the Catalonia region of Spain on 26 February, to denounce poor working conditions. The strike will impact on passenger rail traffic throughout the day, with only minimum services being offered. Girona and routes between Girona and Barcelona are expected to be worst affected. Clients intending to utilise rail traffic in the region on 26 February should confirm the status of services with their travel provider or the relevant local transport authority prior to departure.

CAMEROON(DOUALA & YAOUNDE(DOUALA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)) - All flight operations at Cameroon's Douala International Airport, in Douala (Littoral province), will be temporarily suspended from 1 to 21 March due to scheduled construction work at the facility. Airport officials have announced the implementation of contingency plans in order to mitigate any disruptions to international flights as a result of the closure. Notably, flights set to transit the facility during the aforementioned period will be deferred to the Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport, located approximately 60km from the capital, Yaounde (Centre province), instead. Persons scheduled to transit Douala International Airport from 1 to 21 March are advised to contact their travel service provider or respective airline for an update on the status of their flight(s). Clients are reminded that all travel to Cameroon's Far North province is advised against, as is travel to within 50km of the county's shared borders with Nigeria, Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

NIGER(NIAMEY(DIORI HAMANI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT)) - Hundreds of commuters have reportedly been left stranded in Niger's capital, Niamey, as a result of an ongoing strike action by air traffic controllers at the Diori Hamani International Airport. Latest reports on 26 February indicate that all flight operations at the airport have been temporarily suspended until further notice. The strike action, which was called in response to various work-related grievances, has resulted in the suspension and/or delay of numerous flights at the facility since 19 February. Although the aforementioned strike is reportedly set to continue until 3 March, the action may be cancelled or postponed at short notice given that mediation efforts remain ongoing. It should be noted that residual flight disruptions are likely once the labour action concludes, due to the backlog of flights to be cleared. Clients intending to transit through Diori Hamani International Airport in the near-term are advised to contact their travel service provider or respective airline directly in order to confirm the status of their flight(s). Local media should be monitored for updates on the strike and possible related protests; all demonstrations should be avoided as a standard precaution.

NIGERIA(AGATU LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BENUE STATE) - Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least 12 people were killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen in the Agatu local government area, located in Nigeria's Benue state, on 23 February. The gunmen, believed to be Fulani herdsmen from Nasarawa state, are said to have targeted Akwu, Adagbo and Ayila communities in the area. Additional security forces have been deployed to the affected areas in order to deter any further assaults. Nigeria has a long history of ethnic, religious and communal violence, which has resulted in thousands of fatalities in recent years. Sporadic communal clashes, which are triggered by ongoing disputes over access to land and resources, occur fairly frequently. Localised disputes are also often underscored by persistent ethno-religious differences. It should be noted that, as the assailants from this latest incident remain at large, the possibility of further attacks in the Agatu local government area cannot be discounted. In addition, reprisal attacks against the suspected killers or communities linked to the suspects remain a potential short-term outcome. Persons in Benue state are advised to avoid areas recently affected by violence given the potential for further attacks. In addition, heightened caution should be exercised in the state due to various security concerns, including medium to high risks of terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest.

SENEGAL/GAMBIA - Disruptions to land border crossings between the Gambia and Senegal have been reported since mid-February. The disruptions relate to Senegalese opposition to an increase on ferry tariffs for commercial vehicles by the Gambian authorities. Persons intending to travel via land borders between these two countries are advised to contact the relevant authority prior to departure, to check the status of the crossing and route.

MEXICO(XALAPA, VERACRUZ STATE) - A demonstration over government budget cuts to the University of Veracruz is anticipated in Xalapa, the regional capital of Mexico's Veracruz state, on 26 February. Participants are expected to gather at the university at 16:00 local time and proceed to Plaza Lerdo, where a rally is expected to be held. Reports indicate that gatherings will also be held at the various faculty units of the university from 11:30. It is unclear how well attended the protest will be; nonetheless, localised disruptions should be anticipated along the protest route, as well as in the vicinity of the University of Veracruz. The protest is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Xalapa on 26 February are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD) - A large-scale protest was reported in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, during the morning of 26 February. The anti-government event, led by Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist Movement, was called in opposition to corruption and former regime members linked to the military defeats of 2014. Protesters are also calling for political reform. Increased security measures have been imposed around Tahrir Square, where protesters gathered, and in surrounding areas in the city centre. The primary event appears to have concluded or is concluding; however, further gatherings following Friday prayers in central Baghdad or Shiite majority areas cannot be discounted. Heightened security measures and associated road travel disruptions may continue through the course of 26 February. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad. Persons in the city should exercise caution in the city centre and Shiite majority areas. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

KOSOVO(PRISTINA) - (Update) The US Embassy in Pristina has stated that anti-government demonstrations are anticipated in Kosovo's capital, Pristina, on 26 and 27 February. The protests will take place in the city's downtown area. Protesters are expected to march along Mother Teresa Square and near government buildings, including the National Library of Kosovo and the Assembly of Kosovo. Pristina has been affected by opposition protests for a number of weeks. The recent round of demonstrations started on 23 February. The opposition is protesting against to an EU-brokered deal that gives Serb communities in Kosovo greater powers; they are also protesting against ongoing border demarcation issues with Montenegro. There remains a threat of violence at all related gatherings on 26 and 27 February. In addition, road travel disruptions should be expected throughout downtown Pristina over the near-term. Persons in Pristina during the affected period are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstrations as a precaution.

SENEGAL(DAKAR) - The opposition Jubanti Senegal coalition has called for a protest in Senegal's capital, Dakar, on 27 February. The protest has been organised in response to president Macky Sall's announcement that he will serve a full seven-year mandate that expires in 2019, despite stating in 2012 that he would reduce his term from seven to five years. A constitutional referendum on proposed amendments that will shorten the presidential term will be held on 20 March. The protest will be held at Rond Point Jet d'eau at 10:00 local time. The gathering is expected to be well attended and may carry an anti-government sentiment. Significant outbreaks of violent unrest are not anticipated; however, the possibility of violence between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Persons in Dakar on 27 February are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and all related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest gathering.

TAIWAN(TAIPIE) - Travel disruptions are likely throughout Taiwan's capital, Taipei, on 27 and 28 February, due to events commemorating the 228 Incident of 1947. Memorial services will begin from 09:00 local time on 27 February, with a procession near the Chiayi rail station. The main events will take place on 28 February, and include ceremonies at the Taipei 228 Memorial Museum on 3 Ketagalan Boulevard from 14:00 to 17:00 local time, and at the 228 National Memorial Museum at 54 Nanhai Road, Taipei City, from 10:00. The Gongsheng music festival will take place on Ketagalan Boulevard from 13:00 to 22:30. Additional services are likely at Freedom Park, located on Hangzhou South Road. Students are also expected to stage musical and theatrical performances in Taichung and Chiayi on 28 February. The 228 Incident (also known as the 228 Massacre) occurred on 28 February 1947 (deriving its name from the date) when between 10,000 and 30,000 protesters were shot and killed by security forces. The incident occurred less than two years after Taiwan's reunification with mainland China, following the Japanese occupation and annexation of Taiwan in 1895. Security forces quelled the resistance under the orders of the mainland nationalist government. Accordingly, the anniversary of the 228 Incident has become a traditional rallying point for pro-independence groups. Although the annual event usually passes without significant incident, a possibility of confrontations between police and attendees does exist. Localised disruptions are expected near all of these events, which were attended by over 10,000 people in 2015. Clients in Taipei on 28 February area advised to anticipate city-wide travel disruptions and to plan accordingly. Should protest activity occur, it should be avoided as a standard precaution.

INDIA(JIRIBAM, MANIPUR STATE) - The Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC) has called for a 48-hour general strike in the town of Jiribam, located in India's north eastern Manipur state, from 27 to 28 February. The strike is the most recent agitation by the JDDC over its demands that the state government upgrade Jiribam to a fully-fledged revenue district. The strike action is likely to result in disruptions to road travel and business operations in Jiribam. 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. It should also be noted that JDDC protesters have been known to erect unofficial roadblocks in the past, particularly along the Imphal-Jiribam road. The possibility of further such blockades 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 Jiribam over the impacted period are advised to plan for disruptions associated with the strike and to avoid all protests and potential roadblocks as a standard precaution.

INDIA(JAMMU & KASHMIR STATE) - The leader of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), an alliance of a number of political, social and religious organisations, has called for a general strike (known locally as a bandh) on 27 February in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state. The strike has been called in solidarity with students from the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in India's capital, Delhi. Students have been protesting against the arrest of a student leader. The general strike is likely to impact on business, state, and possibly public transportation, through the course of the day in the northern state. The Jammu region and Kashmir region are expected to be worst-affected. Associated protests in major cities and towns in the state, including in Srinagar, are also anticipated. Note that associated demonstrations may also occur on 26 February. There is a risk of violence at all anti-India-related gatherings in Jammu and Kashmir state. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to Jammu and Kashmir state, except the Ladakh region. Persons in the territory should monitor political and security developments closely. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

GUATEMEMALA(GUATEMALA CITY) - (Update) The Justicia Ya movement has called for an anti-corruption protest in Guatemala's capital, Guatemala City, on 27 February. The protesters are calling for the appointment of an independent public prosecutor, as well as for the transparent election of Constitutional Court judges. Participants are expected to gather outside the congress building (8A Avenida) at 15:00 local time. The Justicia Ya movement emerged in 2015 and was part of a sustained, large-scale protest campaign against former president Otto Perez Molina and his administration, after a corruption scandal was unveiled. Under increasing pressure, Molina formally resigned from the Guatemalan presidency on 1 September. The current president, Jimmy Morales, drew much of his support from his anti-corruption campaign; however, the Morales administration itself continues to be affected by corruption. As such, further anti-government protests denouncing corruption are anticipated in the short- to medium-term. A related protest held on 23 February concluded peacefully. The upcoming protest is also expected to be peaceful; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes at all upcoming protests cannot be discounted. Finally, localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the congress building during the 27 February protest. Clients in Guatemala on 27 February are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential disruptions in the vicinity of the congress building.

BELARUS(MINSK) - Activists, including small business owners and entrepreneurs, have called for a demonstration in October Square in central Minsk on 28 February, starting at 15:00 local time. The entrepreneurs are opposed to legislation requiring them to produce extensive certification for all goods imported and sold. Security forces are expected to be present. The upcoming demonstration is the third in a series of protests since the beginning of February, against legislation known as Decree Number 222. Entrepreneurs claim that the legislation is harmful to small business owners as certification is often impossible to obtain from wholesalers, especially from across the border in Russia, where goods are often procured. Authorities threaten seizure of property or fines amounting to millions of Belarusian rubles if the legislation is not adhered to. This has indirectly led to several businesses shutting down. It remains unclear if the protest has been sanctioned by the local authorities. Previous protests were attended by between 200 and 700 people and resulted in minor scuffles with security forces; however, local police are known to respond swiftly and with force to unsanctioned displays of dissent. Indeed, even sanctioned street actions are often robustly dispersed by police with little warning. Belarus has been suffering from a worsening economic situation and the government has implemented several, sometimes unpopular, measures to reverse the country's economic trajectory. As the issues are unlikely to be resolved over the short-term, further related protests should be anticipated. Clients in Belarus on 28 February are advised to avoid all demonstrations and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES & RIO NEGRO PROVINCES) - Union workers affiliated to Argentina's Association of State Workers (ATE) have called for strike action in Buenos Aires and Rio Negro provinces on 29 February. The strike has been organised over various issues relating to President Mauricio Macri's economic policies, including thousands of layoffs in the public sector. In Buenos Aires province, a related protest is anticipated in the regional capital, La Plata; participants are expected to gather at Plaza Italia at 11:00 local time and proceed to the regional Government House. Associated action is also possible in the state capital, Buenos Aires. Protests are also expected across Rio Negro, although the exact details have not been disclosed. Gatherings will likely be held in the provincial capital, Viedma, and possibly in General Roca, San Carlos de Bariloche, San Antonio Oeste, Sierra Grande and Cipolletti. In addition to disruptions to state operations in Buenos Aires and Rio Negro, the associated protests are expected to be well attended and will likely result in localised disruptions. Although the risk of significant acts of violence during any associated demonstrations is considered low, the possibility of minor confrontations cannot be discounted. Clients in Buenos Aires and Rio Negro provinces on 29 February are advised to avoid all large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the strike and announcements on protest gathering spots. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries to make allowances for potential travel delays.

COMOROS(GRANDE COMORE) - Nineteen of the 25 presidential candidates who stood in the primary Comoros presidential election on 21 February disputed the outcome of the vote on 25 February and have demanded a recount. They have threatened to block the run-off election on 10 April if their demand for a recount is not met. The issue has the potential to spark protests on Grande Comore over the near-term if the candidates' demands are not met. Election-related facilities on the island, specifically those in Moroni, are considered probable protest areas. Under Comoros law, presidential elections are held on one of the three main islands every five years. Primary presidential elections were held on Anjouan in 2006 and Moheli in 2011. Following the primary election, all three islands vote for the top candidates in the run-off. Clients in the Comoros during the election period are advised to monitor political developments closely. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

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