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

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDON(GATWICK AIRPORT)) - Flight disruptions have been reported at Gatwick Airport (http://www.gatwickairport.com/), which serves London, following an earlier oil spill on its primary runway. The spill has since been cleared and the airport has stated that flights have recommenced. The airport has indicated that there will still be some flight delays. Clients intending to fly via Gatwick Airport on 29 February are advised to reconfirm the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider or airline prior to departure.

We have run a Client Location Report and are rebooking customers who are directly affected.

GERMANY(DRESDEN) - The far-right group Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the Occident (PEGIDA) are expected to conduct a protest march in Dresden, located in Germany's Saxony state, on 29 February. The march is expected to commence at 18:30 local time in Neumarkt an der Frauenkirche. Further details regarding the upcoming demonstration are currently unavailable. The upcoming demonstration is the latest in a series of weekly protests initiated by PEGIDA. Most of the demonstrations have concluded without incident, although they have often prompted counter-demonstrations by rival groups. Nevertheless, violent confrontations involving participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces remain possible. The upcoming gathering may result in localised travel disruptions. Persons in Dresden on 29 February are advised to avoid the upcoming protest, as well as any counter-demonstrations, as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

IRAQ(NINEWA, SALAH AD-DIN, KIRKUK & BAGHDAD GOVERNORATES) - The US Embassy in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, issued a security message on 29 February warning of the risk of the collapse of the Mosul Dam. If this were to happen, it would result in significant flooding along the Tigris River Valley from Mosul to Baghdad. The Embassy also stated that it has no information as to when a breach could occur. Projections indicate that Mosul could be inundated with as much as 21 meters of water within hours of any dam breach; further south, Tikrit, Samarra and Baghdad could be inundated within 24 to 72 hours of breach. The embassy has also stated that the Iraqi government "is preparing to initiate emergency maintenance operations to reduce the risk of failure". There have been numerous concerns raised in 2016 about the potential collapse of the dam. Attempts to maintain and repair the structure are ongoing. Should the dam breach, flooding would likely result in severe damage and loss of life along the Tigris River, with the most severe impact being on the heavily populated city of Mosul. Clients are advised against all travel to several central and northern Iraqi governorates, including Ninewa, Salah ad-Din, Kirkuk and Baghdad, due to a number of security concerns. Persons in these areas should implement robust security measures to counter their exposure to risk. Crisis management plans, including evacuation plans, should be reviewed and updated. These plans should also cater for emergency evacuation in the event of a natural disaster, such as the potential breach of the Mosul Dam.

KENYA(NAIROBI & MOMBASA) - Media reports on 29 February indicate that authorities in Kenya have increased security measures at major airports following intelligence reports regarding potential threats by militants affiliated to al-Shabaab. The reports indicate that the militants have threatened to target domestic flights at Kenyan airports towards the end of February and at the start of March; however, this information has not been verified and the threat of an imminent attack has not been confirmed. In response, heightened security measures have reportedly been implemented at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the capital, Nairobi, as well as at Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Given the high risk of terrorism in Kenya, any potential security threat is likely to be taken seriously, and may prompt a significant security force response. The threat stems from both domestic and transnational terrorist organisations, with the primary threat stemming from the Somalia-based Islamist extremist movement, al-Shabaab. Although principally present within areas bordering Somalia, al-Shabaab possesses both the intent and operational capacity to execute attacks across the country, including in Nairobi and Mombasa. In light of the potential security threat, an increased security presence is possible at the above-mentioned airports in the short-term, which may result in some disruption. Clients intending to transit the above-mentioned facilities in the near-term are advised to closely monitor local developments, and to contact the airport, their airline or travel provider for updates on the status of services. Any directives or warnings issued by the authorities regarding the implementation of any security measures should be adhered to. All suspicious people, packages or activities should be reported to the authorities immediately.

THAILAND(KOH KUT, TRAT PROVINCE) - Media reports on 29 February indicate that authorities in Kenya have increased security measures at major airports following intelligence reports regarding potential threats by militants affiliated to al-Shabaab. The reports indicate that the militants have threatened to target domestic flights at Kenyan airports towards the end of February and at the start of March; however, this information has not been verified and the threat of an imminent attack has not been confirmed. In response, heightened security measures have reportedly been implemented at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the capital, Nairobi, as well as at Moi International Airport in Mombasa. Given the high risk of terrorism in Kenya, any potential security threat is likely to be taken seriously, and may prompt a significant security force response. The threat stems from both domestic and transnational terrorist organisations, with the primary threat stemming from the Somalia-based Islamist extremist movement, al-Shabaab. Although principally present within areas bordering Somalia, al-Shabaab possesses both the intent and operational capacity to execute attacks across the country, including in Nairobi and Mombasa. In light of the potential security threat, an increased security presence is possible at the above-mentioned airports in the short-term, which may result in some disruption. Clients intending to transit the above-mentioned facilities in the near-term are advised to closely monitor local developments, and to contact the airport, their airline or travel provider for updates on the status of services. Any directives or warnings issued by the authorities regarding the implementation of any security measures should be adhered to. All suspicious people, packages or activities should be reported to the authorities immediately.

SAUDI ARABIA(NORTH EASTERN REGIONS) - Saudi Arabia initiated military training exercises in the country's north east on 27 February. The air, naval and ground exercises, named Thunder of the North, are being held in conjunction with the military forces of a number of allied states, including the Gulf states, Pakistan, Malaysia, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, Jordan and Sudan. The exact location of the exercise is unclear. The military operations will serve two purposes. Firstly, they are a show of force to Saudi Arabia's regional opponents, including Iran and Syria. Secondly, they will serve to improve coordination and tighten alliances with Saudi Arabia's regional and international allies. Currently, forces of Saudi Arabia and its allies are conducting military operations in Yemen. There have also been reports that Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are considering military action in Syria. The exercises are likely being carried out south of Kuwait and north of Bahrain given the reported naval element of the operations. Additional security, including patrols and checkpoints, are possible in major towns and along roads in this region. Clients operating in north eastern Saudi Arabia should monitor local media for updates and advisories. Persons intending to travel in the area, particularly off-road or in rural areas should do so following consultation with the local authorities.

IRAQ(ABU GHRAIB) - Suspected Islamic State (IS) fighters launched an assault against the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in the Abu Ghraib area, located 10km west of the Baghdad International Airport (BIAP), on 28 February. The attack started with an assault by three suicide car bombers followed by ground forces. The attack killed 17 ISF forces and wounded 22 others. The incident coincided with twin IS suicide motorcycle bomb blasts in the Sadr City area of the capital, Baghdad, which killed 70 people. IS has experienced a number of losses in recent months. The organisation has lost Ramallah in the western Anbar governorate and territory in the centre and north. Its main bases, including Mosul, are coming under increasing pressure from the ISF and allied forces. However, the group maintains hold of territory in key areas, including near the capital. IS continues to hold Fallujah. From this area it maintains the ability to launch complex assaults and acts of terrorism into ISF-controlled cities, including near sensitive state areas, such as the BIAP. Further such assaults and bombings should be anticipated. Clients are advised against all travel to the Baghdad and Anbar governorates. Persons operating in these and other central and northern Iraqi governorates should exercise robust security measures at all times. Consideration should be given to travelling with a close protection officer. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided.

SYRIA - A ceasefire, which came into effect in Syria late on 26 February, is largely holding in most areas of the country. There have been reports of ceasefire violations; however, these incidents have been relatively low-level. The ceasefire does not include the Islamic State (IS) and Jabhat al-Nusra (JN) forces. IS holds territory in the east and north east. JN holds territory in Idlib governorate in the north and in some positions in the centre and south. Fighting has largely ceased in and around the capital, Damascus, and the northern embattled city of Aleppo. The ceasefire has created conditions favourable to the start of substantive peace talks between the conflicts major players, including Russia, US, Syria, Iran and the 'moderate' rebel opposition and their primary backers, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey. However, there remain numerous obstacles to a lasting peace and the ceasefire could break down at any point in response to political disputes or battlefield incidents. IS and JN attacks could also lead to a breakdown in the current ceasefire. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria due to the threat of conflict and risks of terrorism, kidnapping, crime and civil unrest.

PAKISTAN - The execution of Mumtaz Qadri, who was arrested for killing the governor of Punjab province in 2011, sparked protests across Pakistan on 29 February. Qadri confessed to killing the governor, Salman Taseer, over his calls to reform Pakistan's strict blasphemy laws. Major protests were reported in the capital, Islamabad, as well as in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi. Protesters are said to have blocked Shahrah-e-Faisal boulevard in the vicinity of Karachi's Jinnah International Airport as well as the main road between Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Related protests are expected to persist for the remainder of 29 February as well as in the coming days. Pakistan's controversial blasphemy laws are a sensitive issue in the country; conviction of blasphemy carries a death sentence; however, none have resulted in executions as yet. Liberal politicians in Pakistan, such as Taseer, have argued that blasphemy laws are often misused to settle personal scores and unfairly target minorities. In light of the emotive nature of the execution, further protests should be anticipated. These are likely to cause significant road travel delays in the vicinity of any protest sites. Additionally, the possibility of clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Pakistan in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for related updates. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution. Furthermore, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Pakistan, including Punjab and Sindh provinces and Islamabad Capital Territory due to the threat of terrorism. Persons in these regions are advised to implement robust personal, residential and travel security protocols at all times.

MACEDONIA(SKOPJE) - A demonstration is expected in Macedonia's capital, Skopje, on 29 February. The protest has been organised in response to a proposal by the Constitutional Court that would allow for the pardoning of officials suspected of election fraud. The protest is expected to be held outside the Constitutional Court at 12:00 local time. Localised disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the Constitutional Court as a result of the protests. The risk of violence at the upcoming protest is expected to be low; nonetheless, the possibility of low-level clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Skopje on 29 February are advised to avoid all street protests as standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential localised disruptions.

BOLIVIA(EL ALTO & LA PAZ) - Trade union associations have called for a protest march through the urban centres of Bolivia's La Paz department, on 29 February. The protest has been called to demand the release of union leader, Braulio Rocha, who was arrested following violent protests that erupted in El Alto, on 17 February. Participants are expected to gather near El Alto's City Hall from 08:00 local time and proceed to march to the capital, La Paz, where participants are expected to hold a rally in the vicinity of the Palacio de Gobierno. Although the protests are expected to conclude peacefully; however, due to the emotive nature of associated protests in recent weeks, the possibility of low-level clashes cannot be discounted. Localised disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the associated gatherings and protest route. Persons in the aforementioned affected cities are advised to avoid all large street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

BRAZIL(PORTO ALEGRE) - Activist group, Movimento Passe Livre (MPL) is set to stage a demonstration in Porto Alegre, capital of Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state, on 29 February. Participants are expected to gather near the city's City Hall in Montevideo Square from 17:30 local time. The upcoming protest forms part of the MPL's national campaign against the proposed increase of public transport fares. MPL along with other civic groups have held periodic protests in the country's major urban centres, including in Porto Alegre. Associated protests have been well attended and marred by incidents of unrest, including clashes between police and participants. As such, the possibility of incidents of violence occurring at the upcoming demonstration cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration site are anticipated. Due to the ongoing protest action in this regard, further protests are expected to persist in Porto Alegre and other major urban centres, for the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in Porto Alegre on 29 February are advised to avoid all protests as a standard precaution and to make allowances for potential localised disruptions.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES) - A pro-government demonstration is anticipated in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, on 1 March. The demonstration has been organised to coincide with president Maucio Macri's address at the opening of the National Assembly. Participants are expected to gather at Plaza del Congreso from 11:00 local time. The gathering is expected to be well attended and will likely result in localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest site. In addition, it should be noted that Argentina has been affected by large-scale anti-government protests against Macri's economic policies in recent weeks. In light of this, rival protests are also possible in Buenos Aires on the day. The possibility of low-level clashes between rival protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Clients in Buenos Aires on 1 March are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should made for potential localised disruptions in the city.

ARMENIA(YEREVAN) - Various political and civil society groups, including New Armenia and the Armenian National Congress (ANC), are scheduled to partake in a commemorative protest march in Armenia's capital, Yerevan, on 1 March. Participants are expected to gather at Liberty Square at 18:00 local time and proceed through Mashtots Avenue, concluding in Myasnikyan square, located in the St Gregory area. The march has been called to commemorate the death of ten people who were killed amid a mass anti-government protest campaign that took place following disputed presidential elections in Yerevan between 20 February and 1 March 2008. Protests against the arrest of a number of opposition group members amid previous anti-government protests, as well as the alleged excessive use of force applied against them, have increasingly taken place in Yerevan. Although the commemorative march 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 protest march is likely to be well attended and localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of all the affected areas. Persons in Yerevan on 1 March 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 protest-affected sites.

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