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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(ILLINOIS, MICHIGAN, NEW, YORK, VERMONT, PENNSYLVANIA, MASSACHUSETTS, NEW HAMPSHIRE & MAINE) - The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued several Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisory warnings for states in the north and north east on 2 March, including Michigan, New York, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine. The adverse winter weather has already resulted in disruptions in the north of the country. Hundreds of flights were cancelled or disrupted in the Chicago area (Illinois state) on 1 March. Chicago Midway International Airport and Chicago O'Hare International Airport were worst affected. Residual air transport delays are possible at airports in the Chicago area through 2 March. Air, road and rail transport disruptions may also impact on areas under current NWS warnings. Furthermore, disruptions to power supply could occur in the region in response to inclement weather conditions. Clients in the affected area should contact their travel provider or the relevant transport authority for an update on the status of their flight(s) or other travel service prior to departure. Local media should be closely monitored for updates from the local authorities.

UNITED KINGDOM(STAFFORD) - A major emergency response is currently taking place on Astonfields Industrial Estate, in north Stafford, in the UK's West Midlands region, due to a major fire and a number of explosions at a warehouse on 2 March. Emergency responders have evacuated the estate, as well as surrounding residences, and cordoned off a number of roads, including Drummond Road. Authorities have warned local residents to keep windows closed due to the thick smoke in the area; motorists have also been warned of reduced visibility. The fire is currently uncontained and may spread to adjoining warehouses. At least one injury has been reported. The warehouse is reportedly located adjacent to a heating oil storage facility. Fire crews have attempted to douse a number of buildings, including the oil storage facility, with water in an attempt to prevent the blaze from spreading. Persons operating in Stafford are advised to monitor local media for updates and adhere to all advisories issued by the local authorities. Clients are further advised to avoid the affected area until the situation has normalised; allowances should be made for localised travel delays due to road closures.

NETHERLANDS(EINDHOVEN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - Disruptions were reported at Eindhoven International Airport in the Netherlands' North Brabant province, due to a temporary runway closure on 2 March. The closure was prompted by an aborted take-off, and resulted in partial diversions to Maastricht Airport, located approximately 80km from the affected area. The runway has since reopened, although disruptions are still being reported due to the backlog of scheduled flights. Residual disruptions to flight services at the facility are expected to persist for the remainder of the day. Clients intending to make use of Eindhoven International Airport in the short-term are advised to contact the airport, their airline or their travel provider for further information on the status of their flight(s).

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly through Eindhoven Airport who were ticketed through ATG.

RUSSIA(MOSCOW(SHEREMETYEVO INTERNATIONAL, VNUKOVO INTERNATIONAL & DOMODEDOVO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS) - Significant flight disruptions have been reported at airports in Moscow, the capital of Russia, on 2 March, due to a major snowstorm. Over 100 flights have been cancelled at the city's main airports, including Sheremetyevo International, Vnukovo International and Domodedovo International airports, since early on 2 March. Further significant disruptions, including cancellations, are expected. The inclement weather is expected to continue over the next 24 hours. Accordingly, further flight disruptions should be anticipated at all of Moscow's airports. Furthermore, once normal flight services have resumed, disruptions should be expected to continue, due to the resultant backlog of flights. Clients intending to travel by air to or from Moscow are advised to contact their travel provider or airline, prior to departure, for an update on the status of their scheduled flight(s).

We have run a Client Location Report and rebooking travelers who may be affected by the disruption who were ticketed through ATG.

PERU(AREQUIPA) - Taxi drivers associated with the taxi union Sindicato Unico de Trabajadores Taxistas de Arequipa (SUTTA) are anticipated to embark on strike action in Peru's city of Arequipa on 2 March. An associated protest is expected at 10:00 local time at the Mayta-Capac Square. The divers are striking in opposition to the restrictions and related fines issued by the Provincial Municipality of Arequipa (MPA), prohibiting them from operating in the Historical Centre. Protests in Peru are prone to low-level acts of violence and travel disruptions. The anticipated labour action is likely to result in travel disruptions across the city and delays should be expected. Furthermore, the strike will more than likely result in an increased demand for other modes of public transport. Clients in Arequipa are advised to avoid all street protests and related gatherings. Clients should also consider organising and/or booking other means of intra-city transport in advance. While some taxis may continue to operate despite the strike, clients are strongly advised to refrain from using these services as it is possible that these vehicles and their operators may be targeted by strikers for not participating in the industrial action.

JAPAN(HOKKAIDO PREFECTURE) - Disruptions have been reported in parts of the northern island prefecture of Hokkaido on 1 and 2 March due to inclement weather. The weather, which includes snowstorms, blizzards and rough seas, has been affecting the island. At least one person has been killed and a further 19 injured due to road accidents as a result of poor visibility due to the snow. Train services between Wakkanai and Horonobe have experienced intermittent disruptions since 1 March; at least 133 train services have been affected. Flight disruptions have also been reported at New Chitose Airport in Sapporo; at least 320 flights have been cancelled. Partial infrastructural damage has been reported in Tomakomai. Additionally, widespread power outages have been reported since 1 March. Continued heavy snows and strong winds have affected Hokkaido in recent weeks. The inclement weather is expected to persist in the near-term; the Japan Meteorological Agency has forecast at least 40cm of snowfall in the affected area on 2 March. Disruptions to utilities such as electricity are likely to continue. Further travel disruptions are also anticipated in the region. Clients are advised to make allowances for travel disruptions and consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their arrangements. Local media should be monitored for any pertinent advisories. Travellers in areas affected by adverse weather should visit the Japan Meteorological Agency website (http://www.jma.go.jp/en/warn/index.html) for further information regarding weather warnings.

HAITI(NORD & NORD-OUEST DEPARTMENTS) - At least one person has died while four others remain missing following heavy rains in Haiti on 27 and 28 February. The torrential rains were caused by a cold front which hit the Caribbean island resulting in flooding, mudslides and severe property destruction. According to the country's Civil Protection Office at least 9,600 houses were reported to be damaged. The Nord and Nord-Ouest departments have been worst affected; Port-de-Paix, Cap-Haitien and Limonade have been specifically affected. Haitian settlements are prone to flooding due to poor town planning and water drainage systems. The county's rainy season is often characterised by flooding and landslides; these have previously resulted in casualties, as well as travel and utility disruptions. Clients in the aforementioned departments are advised to avoid the affected areas until the floodwaters recede, infrastructure is repaired and basic utilities are restored. Persons currently in the affected areas are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas, such as rivers and canals. Due to the risk of landslides, it is also advisable to avoid steep inclines and hillsides.

INDONESIA(INDIAN OCEAN-FACING AREAS) - A 7.9 magnitude offshore earthquake has been reported approximately 800km south west of Padang, in West Sumatra province, located on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, on 2 March. The earthquake took place at a shallow depth of 10km. In response, the Indonesian Agency for Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics (BMKG) has issued a tsunami warning for the provinces of West Sumatra, North Sumatra and Aceh. There have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage. Given the scale and shallow depth of focus of the seismic event, news of casualties or damage may emerge in the near-term. In addition, the tsunami warning may be expanded to other states, or cancelled at short notice. Clients operating in Indian Ocean-facing areas of Indonesia are advised to monitor local media channels for updates, advisories and directives from the authorities. This warning is particularly relevant for persons located near coastlines or in low-lying areas near coastlines.

BURUNDI - The authorities in Burundi initiated a program on 1 March to register all foreign nationals operating in the country. Non-nationals are required to register their presence in the country at the Police de l'Air, des Frontieres et des �trangers (PAFE) in the capital, Bujumbura, by 30 April. They are required to register in person and should be prepared to provide their travel documents and passport. The PAFE office is open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 16:00 local time. Media sources have indicated that registration can also be done at 'border police offices'. The authorities have stated that the registration is required in order to provide non-nationals with biometric identification cards. Non-nationals operating in the country are advised to contact their travel provider, embassy or the local authorities for further information on the new requirement and for information regarding where to register. Please note that due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Burundi.

SYRIA(TAL ABYAD(RAQQA GOVERNORATE)) - Islamic State (IS) militants launched an assault on the town of Tal Abyad, located in northern Syria, near the border with Turkey, from 27 February to 1 March. The assault left 43 Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) fighters, dozens of IS militants and 23 civilians dead. Following the confrontation, IS forces reportedly withdrew from the area. The fighting coincides with a ceasefire initiated late on 26 February between the regime and its allies and members of the moderate rebel opposition. The ceasefire, which does not include radical groups, like IS, has largely held; however, there has been an increasing number of ceasefire violations and indications that the regime may be preparing to resume widescale offensives against rebels across the north. The IS assault is noteworthy and underscores the continued risk posed by the group despite several losses since 2015. Much of northern Syria is currently controlled by the YPG and its allies within the broader the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), a coalition of various ethnic-based militia in northern Iraq. This group has made significant gains in the northern Al-Hasakah and Raqqa governorates against IS in recent months, including pushing IS forces away from the Turkish border. The recent IS assault was likely an attempt to take control of the border crossing. Further IS assaults into SDF/YPG or regime controlled-territory is likely over the near-term. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria. Persons in the area should avoid active conflict zones. Outside of these areas, travel with a security escort is recommended.

RUSSIA(NIZHNY NOVGOROD) - At least one person was killed and another wounded following a grenade explosion in a car in the central city of Nizhny Novgorod early on 2 March. The incident took place on a major road on the outskirts of the city. Details regarding the incident are unclear; however, investigators do not believe it was a terrorist act. Numerous small-scale blasts and grenade attacks have been reported in major urban centres in Russia in recent years. These are often related to the activities of rival organised crime elements and do not usually result in casualties. Despite this, it should be noted that Russia carries a high threat of terrorism, which primarily stems from Islamist extremist groups based in the volatile North Caucasus; urban centres outside of this region have been targeted by these groups in the past. Clients in Nizhny Novgorod should anticipate increased security measures in the vicinity of the blast. In addition, suspicious persons, packages or activities should be reported to the relevant authorities immediately.

INDIA(CHHATTISGARH STATE) - According to recently released reports, at least eight Maoist militants were killed amid a gun battle with security forces in India's Chhattisgarh state on 1 March. The incident reportedly took place in a forest area of the Sukma district, a Maoist insurgents' stronghold, amid a security force raid on a militant training camp. There were no security force casualties. Further information is currently unavailable. Maoist rebels have been engaged in an ongoing insurgency in rural and remote areas of Chhattisgarh state, as well as in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal for nearly 30 years. Thousands of people have died in violence related to the groups' separatist campaign during this time. Although Maoist-related violence and associated casualties have decreased in recent years, data indicates that 120 people were killed in Chhattisgarh as a result of the conflict in 2015, a slight increase from 113 people in 2014, demonstrating that the threat of Maoist-related violence is still considerable. In light of the recent violence in the Sukma district, a further deployment of Indian police or military personnel is probable. Rebels may also retaliate with attacks targeting Indian state facilities and personnel. Therefore, further confrontations are possible. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of Chhattisgarh due to the Maoist insurgency. If intercity travel is required, clients are advised to consider travelling by air between urban destinations. Road and rail travel are strongly advised against due to the threat of terrorism which routinely affects these forms of transport. In addition, all concentrations of security forces should be avoided.

AFGHANISTAN(JALALABAD) - Explosions and gunfire have been reported in the vicinity of the Indian Consulate in Jalalabad, located in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, on 2 March. Afghan security forces are currently engaged in a gun battle with unknown assailants. Incoming reports indicate a grenade was launched into the compound after which a suicide bombing was reported; the situation remains ongoing. Further details regarding the perpetrators and number of casualties remain unavailable. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in Jalalabad are advised to exercise maximum security measures, avoid the affected area and remain in a secure location.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA(LAE) - (Update) According to reports released on 2 March, authorities have implemented heightened security measures in Lae, located in Papua New Guinea's Morobe province, following the escape of at least 90 prisoners on 25 and 26 February. Authorities confirmed the recapture of 30 convicts, while 12 were killed during the escape; at least 40 escapees remain at large. Checkpoints and stop-and-search initiatives have been established in the area. Roadways connecting Lae and Madang (Ramu and Highlands Highway) are also being monitored; a major checkpoint has been established at Tapo, applicable to vehicles entering and exiting the province. Heightened security measures, including security checkpoints and additional deployments of police, are anticipated to continue in the near-term. Authorities have stated that the majority of the prisoners from Buomo Correctional Institution were convicted for violent crimes. As such, an increase in criminality and a heightened threat of violent confrontations remain possible as security forces continue efforts to apprehend those escapees still at large. Localised disruptions should be anticipated due to roadblocks and other security measures implemented in the affected areas. Persons travelling or operating in the affected areas of Papua New Guinea should be aware of the risk of crime. Clients are advised to follow directives issued by authorities and exercise heightened caution at this time. If accosted by criminals, it is strongly advised to remain calm and comply with their directives. Localised disruptions should be anticipated.

LAOS(XAISOMBOUN PROVINCE) - The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has issued a security message on 2 March, advising caution in Laos' Xaisomboun Province. The province has been subject to a surge in violence since November 2015, in which Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) have been detonated and attacks perpetrated; as many as 10 people have been killed. Conflicting reports allege that the violence can be attributed to criminalised militants or bandits operating in the mountainous region of the province; alternative sources have named the Hmong separatists present in the north of the country as the agitators. However, the resistance has been significantly lessened in recent years due to counterinsurgency activities by the government and the surrender of many Hmong insurgents. Additionally, there is an elevated risk of banditry in northern provinces such as Xaisomboun, particularly in rural and remote areas, as well as along highways. Most recently, on 24 January, an explosion killed two Chinese nationals and wounded one more outside Pha Nok Kok village, Long Cheang district in Xaisomboun Province. Irrespective of the motive or perpetrators of the violence, security is likely to be significantly elevated in Xaisomboun and surrounds at this time. The possibility of further violent incidents remains possible. Persons in the affected province are advised to monitor local security developments closely and are advised to exercise heightened security awareness.

BURKINA FASO(OUAGADOUGOU) - The Australian government issued a statement on 1 March indicating that it was advising Australian officials visiting Burkina Faso "not to stay at major hotels frequented by Westerners in Ouagadougou at this time for security reasons". The statement did not elaborate on what prompted the warning, nor did it expand on the nature of the security threat. The warning follows two high-profile security incidents in the country in 2016. Two Australian aid workers were abducted in the north of the country in mid-January. Coinciding with the abduction, militants attacked two hotels and a restaurant in Ouagadougou on 15 January, killing at least 30 people. The attack was claimed by Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and an off-shoot group, Al-Mourabitoun. It is likely that the Australian advisory is linked to these incidents, particularly the hotel attacks in Ouagadougou. Clients operating in the capital should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. Accommodation should be well secured with a 24-hour security presence, access control and perimeter security measures considered a minimum requirement. Consideration should also be given to travelling with a trusted local escort. Persons travelling to the north are advised against all travel to within 100km of Burkina Faso's borders with Mali, in the Boucle du Mouhoun, Nord and Sahel regions, due to several security risks, including kidnapping. Clients operating in this area should do so with a close protection officer.

IRAQ(SALAH AD-DIN & ANBAR GOVERNORATES) - The Iraq Security Forces (ISF), supported by Shiite militia forces and US aircraft, initiated an offensive on 1 March against Islamic State (IS) positions in the vicinity of the city of Samarra, in Salah ad-Din governorate. The offensive is aimed at further reducing the area of operation of the group in the north. IS currently holds Hawija, located further north, as well as Mosul. In recent weeks ISF forces have also deployed additional forces south of the IS stronghold of Mosul in the Mekhmur area in preparation for an assault on the city. The offensive coincides with ongoing fighting and acts of terrorism in the west of the country. On 1 March, IS suicide bombers killed 25 pro-government fighters north of the IS-held city of Fallujah, in Anbar governorate. IS forces have experienced several losses in recent months; however, the organisation maintains the ability to conduct regular bombings in the country. The capital, Baghdad, has recently experienced a spate of incidents. Further violence is anticipated as pro-government forces seek to capture remaining IS strongholds. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of central and northern governorates, including Salah ad-Din and Anbar governorates. Persons operating in Iraq should consider the services of a security escort and seek to limit time spent in conflict areas.

GHANA(ACCRA) - Disruptions have been reported in Ghana amid a strike initiated by the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), in the capital, Accra, on 1 March. The strike was initiated in response to significant tariff and utility increases and is expected to continue for the duration of 2 March. Disruptions to businesses in much of the city, including the Abossey Okai and Kantamanto areas, have been reported. The strike action has been well-observed and resulted in significant business disruptions. Although no accompanying demonstrations have been reported thus far, the potential for related gatherings and resultant unrest remains. Such unrest may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons in Ghana are advised to avoid any demonstrations and any associated large street gatherings. Local media should be monitored for developments regarding the strike action.

BOLIVIA(LA PAZ) - Civil society groups, including the Civic Committee of La Paz, have called for a protest march in Bolivia's capital, La Paz, on 2 March. The participants are anticipated to gather in the city's cemetery area at 08:30 local time and proceed to the city hall. The gathering has been called in opposition to the public transport tariff hike. Disruptions to road travel should be expected in parts of the city, particularly along the march route. The risk of violence at the protest march is considered low, but cannot be fully discounted. Clients in La Paz should avoid all street protests and related gatherings. As localised travel disruptions cannot be discounted; clients are advised to plan accordingly.

ETHIOPIA(ADDIS ABABA) - Disruptions to travel and business services are expected in Addis Ababa on 2 March due to events commemorating Victory of Adwa Day. The main commemorative event is expected to be held in Emperor Menelik II Square from 14:30 local time. Ethiopia is set to celebrate the 120th anniversary of the Battle of Adwa, in which indigenous forces under Emperor Menelik II defeated the invading forces of Italy over the course of two days of battle, on 1 and 2 March 1896. The battle was fought near the modern town of Adwa, in northern Ethiopia. The day is traditionally used to mark the founding of the modern sovereign state of Ethiopia and its entry into the community of nations. Disruptions to public transport and business services are possible as the day is a public holiday. Furthermore, increased security is possible in Addis Ababa in the vicinity of Emperor Menelik II Square and other central areas of the capital, as well as at Victory of Adwa memorials countrywide. Clients in Ethiopia on 2 March are advised to anticipate city-wide travel disruptions and to plan accordingly. All street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD) - Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist Movement and the spiritual leader of the Al-Ahrar Bloc in Iraq's Parliament, has threatened to hold further anti-government protest action in the capital, Baghdad, on 4 March. Al-Sadr led a major gathering in the capital's Tahrir Square area on 26 February. During his address to the crowd he threatened to raid the Green Zone (International Zone) in Baghdad on 4 March if his demands, combating state corruption and implementing political reforms, were not met. The Green Zone is the location of most foreign diplomatic representations and government buildings. The recent demonstration and the anticipated forthcoming protest are the latest to impact on the country over the past year. Baghdad and several southern, predominantly Shiite Muslim governorates, have been affected by regular anti-corruption and pro-reform protests. Demonstrations related to service delivery have also occurred regularly. The latest demonstrations are viewed as a continuation of this trend; however, Al-Sadr may also be seeking to reinstate his position of influence in Iraqi politics, which has been undermined/challenged by rival Shiite groupings, including increasingly powerful rival Shiite militias since early 2015. These militias, also known collectively as Hashed al-Shaabi (Popular Mobilisation Forces), are composed of various groupings, including some linked to al-Sadr, and have been engaged in combat operations against the Islamic State (IS) since late 2014. Should the protest proceed on 4 March, an increased police and military presence is likely throughout the downtown area of Baghdad. Should protesters gather at the Green Zone the risk of violent confrontations is considered high. This risk will increase further should protesters attempt to gain entry to the fortified district. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad. Persons in the city should travel with a local security escort and reside in secure accommodation. Travellers in the city on 4 March should limit movement on the day and monitor local security developments closely in conjunction with their security provider. Heightened caution is advised in the vicinity of the Green Zone. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

SERBIA(NIS) - An anti-NATO demonstration, organised by Serbian nationalist groups, has been called for in the southern city of Nis, on 4 March. The gathering is expected to take place in King Milan Square from 16:00 local time. The event has been called in opposition to the ratification of a logistical support agreement between Serbia and NATO. Protests are common in Serbia's major cities; although, most are peaceful and undisruptive, the threat of violent unrest cannot be ruled out. Given the emotive nature of all NATO-related protests in the country, a significant security force deployment is set to accompany the gathering in order to mitigate the risk of violent behaviour. Local travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest area are also to be anticipated. Clients in Nis on 4 March are advised to avoid all protests and related gatherings as the possibility of violence cannot be discounted. Furthermore clients should make allowances for road travel delays and plan accordingly.

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