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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/HONG KONG(AMERICAN AIRLINES) - American Airlines (AA) confirmed the launch of a new route between Los Angeles (LAX) and Hong Kong, the sixth international destination served by the carrier from LAX. The new service, scheduled to start service on September 7, will be flown on American's three-class Boeing 777-300ER, which boasts the carrier's top cabin products, similar to those offered by its competitor in the route, Cathay Pacific Airways. American has expanded its presence in Los Angeles with a myriad of domestic and international flights. Currently, From LAX, AA serves London-Heathrow, Sydney, Tokyo (Narita and Haneda,) and Shanghai on its own, and Melbourne and Brisbane in Australia via Qantas, and Osaka via Japan Airlines, both oneworld alliance members. Auckland flights are set to start in June.

UNITED STATES(TEXAS, TENNESSEE, ARKANSAS, MISSISSIPPI, LOUISIANA & ALABAMA) - The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued several adverse weather and natural hazard warnings for a number of southern states on 11 March. Flash Flood Warning, Flood Warning and Flash Flood Watch warnings are in place for numerous parts of eastern Texas, western parts of Tennessee, eastern parts of Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and south western parts of Alabama. The warnings coincide with recent flooding in many areas of the southern US. There have been multiple road disruptions, power outages and at least five people in Oklahoma, Texas and Louisiana have died due to flood-related causes over the past 48 hours. The authorities in Louisiana and Mississippi have declared states of emergency in order to access additional assistance for flood-affected communities. The region is likely to continue to experience flooding, particularly in low-lying areas near rivers and the coast. Further disruptions to road routes and power outages are possible. Clients in the affected states are advised to monitor media closely for updates and advisories from the local authorities. Heightened caution is advised when travelling near rivers and in flood-affected areas.

UNITED STATES(CHICAGO) - Mass rival rallies are expected in Chicago, located in the US state of Illinois, on 11 March. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is scheduled to host a rally at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavilion (UIC) from 18:00 local time. Activist and civic groups are set to hold counter-demonstrations outside the UIC along Harrison Street from 15:00. An increased police presence is expected to accompany the rallies, with associated security cordons along West Harrison Street, South Racine Avenue and West Congress Parkway. While the rallies are expected to conclude peacefully, associated rival Trump rallies have increasingly been marred by low-level incidents of unrest, including clashes between participants and police. As such, the possibility of violence at the upcoming rallies cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the UIC. Persons in Chicago on 11 March are advised to monitor local developments for updates on the rally and advisories from the local authorities. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the rally sites.

FRANCE(ENGHIEN-LES-BAINS, VAL D'OISE) - (Update) The security operation undertaken on 11 March in Enghien-les-Bains, located in France's Val d'Oise department, has concluded. Security forces had responded to reports of a suspected suicide bomber at an unspecified building near the Gustave Monod high school, located on Avenue de Ceinture. Following brief negotiations with the assailant, security forces detained the assailant. No explosives were found and the assailant was found brandishing a gun. Police have removed cordons in the affected area and authorities have stated that an overt threat to public safety in the area no longer exists. Authorities have ruled out terrorist- or crime-related motives; the assailant was reportedly behaving erratically while under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Residual localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the affected site are expected for the immediate-term. Persons in Enghien-les-Bains 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.

CAMBODIA - Following a periodic review, Cambodia's conflict risk rating has been amended from medium to low. The conflict threat was previously assessed as being medium due to a border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand generally, but more specifically due to tensions surrounding the ownership of the Preah Vihear Temple ('Khao Phra Viharn' in Thai). The temple and grounds are located on poorly demarcated areas near the shared border, with Thailand's Sisaket province on the one side and Cambodia's Preah Vihear province on the other. These tensions resulted in heightened security and occasional skirmishes between the two countries for decades, with military casualties on both sides. Both countries claimed sovereignty of the temple complexes and accompanying border areas. However, after protracted negotiations between the two respective governments, Thailand and Cambodia withdrew their troops from the disputed area in July 2012, and in November 2013, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that the 4.6 square km stretch of land legally belongs to Cambodia. Although lingering tensions may remain, there have been no further incidents in the aforementioned area, and the situation is largely resolved. As a result of this, the threat of clashes between the two counties' militaries has de-escalated considerably. In addition, the threat of conflict elsewhere in the country is minimal. Clients in Cambodia are advised to monitor local developments as a standard precaution, irrespective of their area of travel.

SUDAN(NORTHERN DARFUR) - One South African soldier was killed and another wounded when a United Nations - African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) convoy was attacked in Sudan's northern Darfur area, on 9 March. According to authorities, unknown gunmen opened fire on the military convoy which was escorting World Food Programme (WFP) trucks transporting humanitarian aid. The Darfur region has faced an extensive humanitarian and security emergency since 2003, when a civil war erupted. Despite numerous attempts to find a negotiated settlement to the crisis in Darfur, conflict and associated security risks continue to manifest in regular acts of violence directed towards civilian and foreign interests. Insecurity in the region is expected to persist for an extended period. Clients are advised against all travel to the Darfur region, South Kordufan state, Blue Nile state, as well as the disputed Abyei region, due to high levels of conflict, kidnapping and associated insecurity. Persons are further advised against all non-essential travel to areas outside of major towns in the states of Northern, River Nile, Red Sea, Kassala, Khartoum, Gedarif, North Kurdofan, White Nile, Gezira and Sennar due to general insecurity in these areas.

NIGERIA(BRASS AREA, GULF OF GUINEA) - A foreign oil tanker bearing the Panama flag was attacked by pirates in Nigeria's coastal Brass area which forms part of the Gulf of Guinea, on 5 March. According to reports issued on 10 March, five essential crew members were also abducted during the incident, while the rest of the crew managed to sail the ship to safety. Further information is unavailable. This latest incident serves to underscore the high risks of piracy and kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea, and the Niger Delta region at large. Commercial ships, oil rigs and their crews are often the targets of such incidents; however, leisure boats are also occasionally targeted. Given the persistent and growing maritime insecurity in the region, further such incidents are anticipated. Seafarers who intend to sail in the Gulf of Guinea are advised to implement maximum security measures to avoid becoming victims of piracy. Local maritime authorities should be consulted prior to travel for the latest updates on pirate activity.

SPAIN(MADRID) - The 12th anniversary of the 2004 metro bombings will be commemorated in Spain's capital, Madrid, on 11 March. Commemorative events are expected to be centred in and around the capital's Atocha station and at the Atocha station memorial. Further details regarding associated events are currently unavailable. Previous associated commemorative events have passed without incident. However, due to the emotive nature of the events, the possibility of disruptive elements infiltrating associated gatherings and instigating acts of violence cannot be discounted. The events are likely to proceed under close police supervision; as such, disruptions to road and rail services are anticipated. Persons in Madrid and elsewhere on 11 March are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding commemorative events. Additionally, large street gatherings and concentrations of security personnel should be avoided as a precaution. Clients should also anticipate travel disruptions.

TURKEY - Commemorative gatherings for the second anniversary of Berkin Elvan's death are expected in several major urban areas in Turkey on 11 March. The US Consulate in Istanbul has issued a warning of possible unrest and related incidents of violence at any associated gatherings. While details regarding possible events are currently unavailable, precedent indicates that such events will be focused in the capital, Ankara (Guvenpark), Antalya, Istanbul (Taksim Square and the Haci Bektas Veli Anatolian Cultural Foundation Centre) and Izmir. Elvan died on 11 March 2014, after being in an extended coma since July 2013 as a result of being shot with a teargas canister during the infamous anti-government Gezi Park protests. Investigations into his death are still ongoing. The teenager's death has become a rallying point for anti-government protests and demonstrations against excessive force used by state security officers in the country. Associated events and gatherings have been characterised by incidents of violent unrest, including clashes between protesters and police and vandalism. As such, the possibility of violence occurring at related gatherings cannot be discounted. Furthermore, it should be noted that anti-government sentiment is elevated in the country, and there exists a credible threat of violence at all gatherings. Localised traffic disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the events and associated protest actions. Persons in Turkey on 11 March are advised to avoid any related protests and demonstrations as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the situation, as well as advisories from the local authorities. Finally, clients are advised to make allowances for travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gathering.

UNITED KINGDOM(BOSTON) - The UK Independence Party (UKIP) is set to hold a demonstration in Boston, located in Lincolnshire county in the UK's East of England region, on 12 March. The demonstration has been called against the country's continual partnership with the European Union (EU). Participants are expected to gather outside the Boston Borough Council offices on West Street from 10:30 local time. The demonstration forms part of the ongoing campaigns either for or against the UK's partnership with the EU, with political parties and associated civic groups having staged a number of small-scale demonstrations and events in recent weeks. Related protest activity in this regard is expected to increase in the coming weeks and months ahead of the June 23 referendum on the issue. The upcoming demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; nonetheless, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the gathering. Persons in Boston on 12 March are advised to avoid large street gatherings as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated.

FRANCE - Activist and civic groups are set to stage countrywide demonstrations in France on 12 March. The demonstrations have been called in protest of the extension of the state of emergency. The largest of these events is expected in the capital, Paris, with participants expected to conduct a protest march. Protesters are scheduled to gather at Place Saint-Michel from 14:00 local time and proceed first to the Place du Pantheon and then to Place Edmond Rostand, where a rally will be held at 15:00. Associated demonstrations are also expected elsewhere; further details regarding these are unavailable. The upcoming protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations against the state of emergency in recent months. These have been largely peaceful, with isolated skirmishes between police and participants being reported. As such, the possibility of low-level incidents of unrest at the upcoming events cannot be discounted. As with previous associated protest action, attendance at the upcoming demonstrations is expected to be high; localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration-affected sites. Due to the increasing public discontent with the directive, further associated protest action is expected to persist for the short- to medium-term, at least. Persons in France on 12 March are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Additionally, clients are advised to monitor local media for any updates regarding associated protest action. Localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites.

VENEZUELA - Large-scale demonstrations are expected throughout Venezuela on 12 March as different groups take to the streets in opposition to domestic and allegedly, international issues. The main opposition coalition, Mesa de la Unidad Democratica (MUD), has called for a rally on 12 March to pressure the resignation of incumbent President Nicolas Maduro. Reports indicate the largest opposition gathering will be at Francisco de Miranda Avenue in Caracas. The president has in turn called for a national march on the same day, to protest against a recently renewed decree by the US that refers to Venezuela as a threat to US national security. Political tensions in Venezuela are currently elevated due to the consequences of the dire economic situation, which has led to a significant decline in the popularity of the formerly dominant Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela (PSUV); the December 2015 elections saw the MUD-led coalition emerge with a super-majority in Parliament. This has resulted in a power struggle between the MUD and PSUV. The risk of ongoing street-level protests and associated violence at the 12 March demonstrations, and all future related demonstrations, is considered high. This risk is underscored by the widespread and sustained unrest between MUD and PSUV supporters in 2014 and 2015, which saw prolonged civil strife, protests and roadblocks, as well as numerous fatalities. Due to the large expected turnout, it is likely that prior protest hotspots in Caracas will be affected. These include areas such as Altamira, Sebucan, Chacaito, Chacao, Las Mercedes, Los Samanes, Los Dos Caminos, Macaracuay, Plaza Venezuela, Santa Fe, as well as the Palacio de Miraflores and Cuartel de la Montana. The risk of clashes between the two groups is considered high. Clients in Venezuela are advised to avoid all rallies and protest gatherings throughout Venezuela on 12 March, due to the high risk of violence that may accompany the events. Clients are also advised to expect ongoing demonstrations in the coming weeks, possibly months, and to monitor local media for immediate updates on the situation.

FINLAND(HELSINKI) - Activist and civic groups are set to hold a demonstration in Finland's capital, Helsinki, on 12 March. The demonstration has been called against proposed government budget cuts across all industries and sectors. Participants will gather at Senate Square from 14:00 local time. The demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Attendance is expected to be high; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the demonstration-affected site. Persons in Finland on 12 March are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated at associated gatherings.

TAIWAN(TAIPEI) - The National Nuclear Abolition Action Platform civil grouping is scheduled to hold rallies in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, on 12 March. The rally will start from the presidential office building on Ketagalan Boulevard; from there participants will march to the Legislative Yuan, the country's legislative building, located on Zhongshan Road, and then finish at the North Gate. The rallies have been called to pressure the government to halt the planned expansion of nuclear power generation and to seek alternative sources of power instead. The demonstrations are expected to be well attended. In addition to anticipated travel disruptions in the vicinity of the 12 March rally, there is likely to be a heightened security force presence. Although the events are likely to largely pass without incident; the risk of scuffles between police and protesters cannot be discounted. Clients in Taipei on the day are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution and anticipate localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstrations.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO(POINTE-NOIRE) - An opposition pre-election rally is expected to be held in the city of Pointe-Noire, Republic of Congo, on 12 March. The French Embassy in Pointe-Noire has issued a warning for the planned gathering, which is anticipated to take place at the Lumumba roundabout. A related gathering is also expected on 15 March. Further details regarding the rallies are unavailable. The aforementioned political rallies are likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the rally venues. Furthermore, the rallies form part of the official campaign period ahead of the Republic of Congo's presidential ballot, scheduled to be held on 20 March. The election will see incumbent President Denis Sassou Nguesso, of the ruling Congolese Party of Labour (PCT), contest the presidency for a third successive time, following the elimination of a two-term limit in a constitutional referendum on 25 October 2015. The results of the referendum were widely disputed by opposition forces, who consequently staged a series of protests and civil disobedience campaigns in the country. Tensions regarding the upcoming presidential ballot have remained heightened since the referendum, with several political groups calling for delayed polling. Given the current political tensions, there is a risk of violent or disruptive civil unrest at all election-related events during the campaign period, which is set to continue until 18 March. Persons in Pointe-Noire on 12 and 15 March are advised to monitor local developments for updates on the rallies and advisories from the local authorities. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the rally sites.

BRAZIL - Anti-government demonstrations are expected to take place in major urban areas throughout Brazil on 13 March. Activist organizations have confirmed protests in 214 cities, including the capital, Brasilia, Rio de Janerio and Sao Paulo. Participants are protesting against President Dilma Rousseff, in connection to the Petrobras corruption scandal which has tarnished her presidency and led to calls for her impeachment. In addition, the presence of pro-Dilma demonstrators in the vicinity of some of the aforementioned protests are likely. The planned protests are occurring during a tense period in Brazil as economic decline affects the living standards of millions of people. This has aggravated the public mood due to the almost $4 billion that has been lost to corruption over the past decade, a scandal in which the president stands accused of being involved. Previous anti-Dilma protests, most notably in March 2015, were widespread and well attended, including a rally in Sao Paulo attended by over one million people, according to estimates by the authorities. The 13 March protests are also expected to be well attended. The upcoming demonstrations will likely conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level incidents of violence between protesters and the police or protesters and pro-Rousseff supporters cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites. Clients in Brazil are advised to avoid all protest activity as a standard precaution and to monitor local media for updates on the immediate situation. Clients are advised to adjust itineraries to accommodate likely travel delays if travelling through affected areas.

PERU(UCAYALI REGION) - The El Frente de Defensa por los Intereses group has called for an indefinite strike and related protest across Peru's Ucayali region, as of 9 March. The first protest gathering, which was held on 9 March, was marred by low-level clashes between protesters and police. Protesters blockaded, laid nails and burnt tyres in streets from 00:00 local time. The protest action has been called in response to various socio-economic concerns, including the high price of electricity and fuel. Further protests are anticipated in the near-term and are likely to be held near the Saenz Pena oval and in the vicinity of the Electro Ucayali offices, located in the Yarinacocha district. Protests are motivated by a wide variety of social, economic and political concerns, and are prone to low-level acts of violence and travel disruptions. Protesters regularly block roads, including the Pan-American Highway. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest areas. In addition, the possibility of low-level incidents of violence cannot be discounted. Persons in the Ucayali region are advised to monitor local media broadcasts for updates on upcoming protests; in addition to making allowances for localised travel disruptions and avoiding all large street gatherings as a precaution.

PERU - (Update) Peru's National Jury of Elections (JNE) upheld a ruling on 9 March to disqualify the candidacy of Todos por el Peru (TPP) presidential candidate, Julio Guzman, in the 10 April elections. The ruling takes place amid the disqualification of Alliance for Progress candidate, Cesar Acuna, as well. The recent developments have been perceived as being undemocratic by supporters of the opposition groups and may spark further political-motivated protests over the coming days. Recent opinion polls placed Guzman as the leading contender to front runner and leader of Fuerza Popular party, Keiko Fujimori. Fujimori has maintained her popularity despite facing recent allegations of campaign fraud and violations as well as her ties to her father and controversial former president Alberto Fujimori; opponents of Fujimori are concerned that Guzman's disqualification may benefit her in the upcoming election. Any protests over the issue are likely to centre on the capital, particularly at major public squares, including Plaza San Martin, as well as in the vicinity of government buildings. The possibility low-level violence at all related gatherings cannot be discounted. Clients in Peru, particularly Lima, over the near-term are advised to monitor local media for related political developments and updates on potential upcoming protests. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

CHINA/NEPAL(TIBET AUTONOMOUS REGION, KATHMANDU) - The anniversary of the 2008 Lhasa riots, which occurred in China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR), will take place on 14 March. Heightened security measures will be in place in the TAR, especially in the administrative capital, Lhasa, and in parts of Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan provinces, which have significant ethnic Tibetan populations. Such measures include restricting foreign nationals from entering the TAR until 1 April. The unrest in 2008 began in Lhasa when Chinese security forces attempted to disperse a peaceful protest outside the Ramoche Temple. Protesters clashed with security forces, and by 16 March the unrest had spread to the nearby Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan provinces, resulting in approximately 140 to 400 deaths. Since 2008, the anniversary of the riots has been accompanied by heightened tensions and an increased security presence in the TAR and Gansu, Qinghai and Sichuan provinces. This is partly due to the anniversary occurring four days after Tibetan National Uprising Day, which commemorates the failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule in the TAR. Solidarity demonstrations are possible in Nepal; likely gathering points include the Chinese Embassy in the Baluwatar area of the capital, Kathmandu, and Tibetan residential areas in the capital, such as Boudhanath. Persons in the above-mentioned areas on 14 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 the country are advised to avoid all protest actions.

NIGERIA(RIVERS STATE) - Rerun elections for the National Assembly and the Rivers State House Assembly will be held in Nigeria's southern Rivers State on 19 March. Political tensions are elevated as campaigning for seats continues. The local branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) party of President Muhammadu Buhari has alleged that 30 of its members have been killed in politically motivated attacks in the run up to the poll. The APC, which dominates nationally, is the opposition in Rivers State. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) dominates politics in the state. Competition for political position is particularly severe at times in Nigeria, mostly on a state and local level, and intimidation, violence and clashes between rival political party supporters are frequently reported. Tensions in Rivers State are likely to increase further in the coming days. In light of Buhari's election victory in 2015 the PDP, the former ruling party, has experienced a downturn and its supporters are likely to campaign strongly to retain their dominant position in Rivers State. Further violence remains possible. Security is also likely to be increased near polling stations and government buildings in the run up to the poll and the release of results. Clients are advised against all travel to Rivers State due to ongoing insecurity in the region. Persons operating in the area should do so with a security escort and reside in a secure compound. The political situation should be closely monitored ahead of and after the poll. Election-related facilities, concentrations of security force personnel and street protests should be avoided.

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