Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:
EUROPE(EUROSTAR) - Eurostar has cancelled and changed services this week due to planned strike action in France on March 9. The cross-channel operator said services departing London for Paris at 0540, 0831, 1331, 1731 and 1901 have been cancelled, as have trains leaving Paris for London at 0701, 0837, 1104 and 1837. On the London-Brussels route services departing London at 0804 and 1804 have been cancelled, as have those leaving Brussels at 0852 and 1856. Eurostar says that all other services to and from London, Paris, Brussels and Disneyland will run as normal, but the firm warns that onward connections may be affected by the strike action, and advises customers to check with the relevant operator.
MULTIPLE COUNTRIES (SHARM EL SHEIKH (EGYPT) UK) - UK-based tour operator, Thomas Cook, has extended a suspension of all flights between the UK and Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt until 31 October 2016. The suspension was initially put in place until the end of May 2016. The initial suspension of flights was in light of security concerns following the crash of a Russian commercial aircraft over the Sinai Peninsula in October 2015, which was attributed to an explosive device on board. It is unclear why the operator has now extended the suspension until October. Persons who intended to travel with Thomas Cook to and from Sharm el Sheikh in 2016 are advised to contact their travel provider or the tour operator for further guidance and for travel alternatives.
UNITED STATES(CALIFORNIA(SUNOL)) - A passenger train, the Altamont Corridor Express, carrying approximately 200 people derailed in the vicinity of 5500 Niles Canyon Road near the town of Sunol in the US state of California late on 7 March. The train was travelling from San Jose to the town of Tracy. At least 14 people were injured. The accident is likely to result in disruptions along the affected route over the near-term. Persons travelling by rail in the affected area or along the affected route should contact the local rail authorities for updates on the status of services prior to departure.
GUATEMALA(GUATEMALA CITY) - (Update) Disruptions to bus services were reported in San Jose Pinula and Palencia near Guatemala's capital, Guatemala City, on 7 March. The disruptions were a result of a protest by bus workers. The workers were demonstrating in response to an attack on a passenger bus travelling between San Jose Pinula and Palencia on 6 March, which left one person dead and a number of others wounded. The protesters demanded that the authorities provide bus drivers with additional security and threatened to continue with their agitation, and to halt bus services, until the demand is met. Attacks against public transport vehicles are common in Guatemala's cities. These incidents are typically attributed to organised crime and linked to extortion cases. In light of the recent protest, disruptions to bus services are anticipated in the Guatemala City vicinity over the short-term. There is also a risk of violent confrontations between demonstrators and police at all further related gatherings. Persons operating in Guatemala should seek to limit travel on public transport. Where possible, consider travelling with a trusted local contact. All travel at night should be avoided and travel in lower-income areas should be limited. All street protests should be avoided.
BURKINA FASO - Burkina Faso's terrorism risk rating has increased from medium to high, in light of recent acts of terrorism and a generally increasing regional threat from Islamist extremist groups. Burkina Faso has been increasingly impacted by terrorism in the past year. In January, militants aligned to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and al-Mourabitoun conducted a complex gun attack at a hotel in the capital, Ouagadougou, killing 30 people. The incident was the latest in the wider region to target hotels. It was also one of the most significant acts of terrorism in Burkina Faso in recent times. Prior to this, the country had been affected by several cross-border attacks from Mali-based militants, including armed attacks against police interests in Tin-Akoff in January, Samorogouan in October and Oudalan in August. Kidnappings linked to AQIM and al-Mourabitoun were also reported in Baraboule in January and Tambao in April. There are indications that a number of Islamist militants are based in border areas of Burkina Faso. These groups include those listed above and the newly formed Macina Liberation Front (MLF). Militants here are unlikely to be dislodged, given the weakness of the Burkinabe security forces outside of major urban centres. They will, therefore, continue to pose a significant threat to Burkinabe interests in border areas of the country and, given their proximity, to cities and towns further in the interior. Elevated security measures in primary urban centres will somewhat reduce the risk of successful attacks. State, Western and non-Sunni Muslim interests are likely to continue to be actively targeted by Islamist extremists in Burkina Faso and the wider region over the near-term. All non-essential travel is advised against within 100km of Burkina Faso's borders with Mali, in the Boucle du Mouhoun, Nord and Sahel regions, due to the elevated risks of kidnapping, terrorism and general insecurity. Persons in the country should adopt a generally elevated level of personal security awareness, particularly in likely terrorist targets and when travelling outside of major urban centres. Consideration should be given to travelling with a security escort and residing in a hotel or other accommodation that has adequate security in place, including a 24-hour security presence, access control and perimeter security.
TUNISIA(SHARED BORDER WITH LIBYA) - Updated travel advisory for Tunisia. In light of increasing concerns regarding militant activity along Tunisia's shared border with Libya, all non-essential travel is advised against to within 50km of the country's shared border with Libya. Tunisia's border with Libya has become increasingly insecure since the Libyan Civil War in 2011. Large refugee flows into Tunisia from Libya, clashes between the security forces and smugglers, repeated closures of the shared border in response to conflict in Libya and more recently, Islamist extremist assaults against Tunisian security forces, have underscored this risk. Recently, on 2 and 7 March, the security forces engaged suspected Islamic State (IS)-linked militants in and around Ben Gardane, located 30km from the shared border. The assault on 7 March, which targeted police and military facilities, was particularly severe and resulted in the deaths of approximately 45 people, including 28 militants, ten security force personnel and seven civilians. Since February the Tunisian security forces have worked to reinforce security along the shared border with Libya due to concerns of increased IS activity in the area. The increased activity has been a factor of a number of issues, including US air strikes against IS positions and clashes between anti-IS militia and IS militants in Sabratha, located in north western Libya, since 19 February. IS forces are thought to be seeking to relocate from Sabratha to southern Tunisia. The risk of further militant-related violence is considered elevated near the shared border and in southern Tunisia generally. This risk compliments the high risk of terrorism across Tunisia stemming from the same source. All travel is advised against to the Djebel Chambi National Park and against all non-essential travel to the rest of the Kasserine governorate due to the threat of terrorism. Heightened caution is advised within 50km of the shared border with Algeria outside of these areas. Security advises against all non-essential travel to within 50km of the shared border with Tunisia and all of the southern Tataouine governorate due to the risks of terrorism, conflict and crime.
INDIA(MURSHIDABAD) - Reports indicate that at least three people have been killed and a number injured by an explosion outside a police station in the Bharatpur area of Murshidabad, located in West Bengal state, on 8 March. Reports indicate the blast was caused by a crude explosive device and was connected to a feud between different factions of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC). Political tensions are elevated in West Bengal state as legislative assembly elections are scheduled to be held there in April 2016. The elections are often fiercely contested, and violence between opposing groups of supporters takes place on a regular basis. However, as this incident demonstrates, intra-party violence also occurs. As the TMC is the dominant political party in West Bengal, tensions between opposing TMC factions can result in significant violence. The districts of Birbhum, Bardhaman and Murshidabad are particularly prone to violence during election periods. Clients in West Bengal state in the coming weeks are advised to monitor local media for updates on the security situation as the elections approach. In addition, all street demonstrations and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Furthermore, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the remote and rural areas of a number of states, including West Bengal, due to an ongoing Maoist insurgency.
SYRIA - Anti-government demonstrations have been reported with increasing frequency in Syrian cities and towns since the start of a ceasefire between Russia, the Syrian government and moderate rebels in late February. These have largely occurred in rebel-held areas and have called for the overthrow of the Bashar al-Assad-led regime. The latest protest was reported in Idlib city on 7 March. During the protest, Jabhat al-Nusra (JN) fighters reportedly threatened to disband the protests by force. Protest organisers in the city have reportedly indicated that they are planning further demonstrations, despite the threat. Prior to the recent protest, relatively large gatherings were held in the capital, Damascus, and in Duma, Daraa, Homs and Aleppo on Friday 4 March. The recent ceasefire, which excludes Islamist extremist groups like JN and the Islamic State (IS), has resulted in a decrease in fighting across the country; however, several violations have been reported and the threat of a full resumption in hostilities is considered high. The ceasefire is a positive development and lays the platform for more meaningful peace talks, currently slated for mid-March in Geneva, Switzerland. The lull in fighting has provided activists with the opportunity to resume protests against the al-Assad regime, which were largely suspended following the start of the civil war in 2011. The risk of violence at all protests is considered high. Both regime and militant groups may seek to quash protests, should they occur in their area of control. Protests can occur at any time; however, the frequency of events is likely to increase on Fridays, a traditional protest day. Should hostilities escalate, protests are likely to decrease in frequency. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated. All street protests should be avoided.
ISRAEL(TEL AVIV AREA) - US Vice President Joe Biden will visit Israel on 8 March. Some major roads are due to be closed at times during his visit. Between 17:00 and 18:30 local time there will be full to partial closures of westward bound lanes of Highway 1 between Kibbutz Galuyot interchange and Ben Gurion International Airport and southward bound lanes of Highway 20 between the Kibbutz Galuyot and Wolfson interchanges. Additional closures are expected from 18:30 to 20:00 (Highway 20 north from Wolfson to Kibbutz Galuyot and Highway 2 from Glilot to Shmaryahu) and from 20:30 to 22:00 local time (Highway 2 south from Gilot to Highway 1 eastbound to Jerusalem). Persons travelling in the Tel Aviv area by road during the affected periods should consider route alternatives and should monitor local media for updates and advisories.
BANGLADESH - Bangladesh's primary Islamist political party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has called for a countrywide dawn-till-dusk general strike (known locally as a hartal) on 9 March. The strike has been called in protest against the upholding of the death penalty for Jamaat-e-Islami leader, Mir Quasem Ali, by the Supreme Court earlier on 8 March. Ali has been convicted of war crimes committed during Bangladesh's 1971 war of independence from Pakistan. The guilty verdict and death sentence were originally passed down to Ali in November 2014. General strikes of this nature can result in travel disruptions to road and rail services, as well as business operations. In addition, industrial actions led by Jamaat-e-Islami are often accompanied by well-attended protests. It should be noted that protests of this nature, should they occur, can result in civil unrest. Similar convictions of senior Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, such as vice president, Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, in February 2013 were catalysts for severe and sustained civil unrest that left hundreds of people dead during the course of that year. However, since then, a degree of protest fatigue has set in, and more recent strikes and protests called by the Jamaat-e-Islami leadership have been considerably less well attended. Counter-protests by groups supportive of the verdict are also possible. Persons in the country on 9 March should monitor local media for updates and developments and avoid all protests and strike-related activity.
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO(PORT OF SPAIN) - A rally, initiated by cane farmers, is expected to take place in Trinidad and Tobago's capital, Port of Spain, on 9 March. Participants are expected to gather in the vicinity of the Prime Minister's office located in the St Clare area at 14:00 local time. The rally has been called to issue a protocol letter to government officials regarding compensation payments. Government had approved compensation payments for cane farmers amid an agricultural diversification program, however; subsequently defaulted. Previous related gatherings have concluded peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level clashes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the rally should be anticipated. Clients in the affected area are advised to avoid all protests and associated gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients are advised to anticipate travel delays and should plan accordingly.
CHAD(N'DJAMENA) - A protest march, organised by various civil society groups, is expected to take place in Chad's capital, N'Djamena, on 10 March. The march, scheduled to commence at city hall at 07:30 local time and proceed to Place de la Nation, has been called to request a review of laws relating to political parties and the run up to the election scheduled to take place on 10 April. It is unclear how well attended the march will be; nonetheless, localised disruptions should be anticipated along the march route. The march is not expected to be affected by significant levels of violence; however, the possibility of low-level unrest or altercations between protesters and the police/pro-government supporters cannot be discounted. Clients in N'Djamena are advised to monitor political developments closely. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Longer-term visitors should ensure that crisis management plans are reviewed and updated as a standard precaution.
MALAWI(LILONGWE) - Reports indicate that activists plan to march through the town of Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, on 10 March to protest food shortages in the country. The protest activity will be led by notable activist, Billy Mayaya, and is scheduled to begin at the Kamuzu Central Hospital roundabout at an unspecified time, and proceed to the Parliament building in central Lilongwe. The protests have been called in response to prevailing economic grievances in Malawi, particularly the shortages of maize flour, which is one of the country's staple foods. Government officials have stated that the rally is unnecessary, due to the arrival of maize from neighbouring states, which the activists reject as being too little, too late. The rally itself is expected to be relatively peaceful and should conclude without any significant outbreaks of unrest. However, travel disruptions along the protest route are possible. Clients in Lilongwe are advised to avoid all protest activities as a standard precaution. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for immediate updates on protest activities.
CHINA(TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION) - Tibetan National Uprising Day will take place in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), located in south west China, on 10 March. The day marks the failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule in the region. On 10 March 1959, Tibetans surrounded the residence of the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Buddhist religion in the Buddhist-majority TAR, amid fears that the Chinese government intended to arrest or remove him. Violence initially erupted against officials deemed to be pro-China, and proliferated over the following days; Chinese forces were deployed and utilised heavy-handed tactics to regain control. Thousands of Tibetans were killed during the uprising. Tibetans in the TAR have long claimed that the Chinese government is conducting a policy of ethnic 'dilution', creating tensions between Tibetans and the majority Han Chinese in the region. Protests against Chinese rule over the TAR are possible on the day. Chinese security forces regularly use harsh tactics in dealing with dissent; consequently, there is a high threat of violence at any protest action that may occur. Furthermore, heightened security measures are likely, which may increase the possibility of clashes between Tibetan protesters and security forces. Clients should note that Chinese authorities sporadically close Tibet to foreign nationals around this time. Clients in the TAR on and around 10 March are advised to comply with any directives issued by local authorities, which may entail the immediate withdrawal of all foreign visitors from the region. Clients should consult with their travel provider or the Chinese authorities to ensure that they have the required permission to visit the area. Persons in China, regardless of area of travel, are advised to avoid all protest action as a precaution.
INDIA - Several major trade union federations have called for a countrywide general strike across India on 10 March. Unions representing hundreds of other smaller unions across multiple sectors are set to participate in the action, possibly including the banking, port, fuel, telecommunications, defence, postal, the civil service and significantly, transport sectors. The strike has been called over government-initiated tax proposals, which unions assert would result in an unfair double taxation on workers' salaries. Should the strike go ahead, significant disruptions to business operations and transport services can be expected across the country, including in major urban centres. Protests associated with the strike are also expected; protesters may erect informal roadblocks or block highways, major roads and railway tracks, further exacerbating disruptions to travel. It should be noted that all protest action in India has the potential to turn violent; demonstrations that are intended to be peaceful regularly erupt into violence between protesters and police, who will not hesitate to use robust crowd control tactics. Violence between opposing groups of protesters also takes place on a regular basis. Although foreign nationals are generally not targeted in any violence that may occur, a significant incidental threat exists nonetheless. Clients in India on 10 March are advised to monitor local developments closely. Persons are advised to avoid all street demonstrations, political gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Significant disruptions to operations should be expected on the day.
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