MOROCCO(CASABLANCA) - At least two people were killed and a further 54 wounded in violent clashes at a sporting event in Casablanca, Morocco, on 19 March. According to reports, skirmishes broke out between rival supporters of a local football club, Raja Casablanca, during a match against Chabab Rif Al Hoceima at the city's Stade Mohamed V athletic complex. Local authorities are said to have arrested as many as 31 people in connection to the violence, as well as miscellaneous vandalism on the day of the match. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has sanctioned Raja Casablanca in the wake of the violence. In addition, spectators will be banned from the club's next five games, which will reportedly be played behind closed doors. Although incidents of hooliganism are periodically reported during football matches in Morocco, this latest unrest is considered unprecedented due to the number of casualties. Moreover, the majority of clashes at such sporting events typically occur between supporters of rival clubs; intra-club clashes are unusual. Elevated security measures, including the deployment of additional police officers, are set to be implemented at Raja Casablanca's forthcoming match fixtures in the near-term, at least. Such measures may result in localised travel disruptions. Persons in Morocco, regardless of location, are advised to avoid the vicinity of football stadiums on match days where possible. Clients are further advised to adhere to the directives issued by the authorities during such events. All demonstrations and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ISRAEL(JERUSALEM & SURROUNDS) - Christians will celebrate Good Friday on 25 March and Easter on 27 March. In Israel, thousands of Christian pilgrims are expected in Jerusalem and surrounding religious sites in the week ahead of Easter, starting from 20 March (Palm Sunday). This period is known as Holy Week. Common religious gathering points in Jerusalem include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Mount of Olives, Via Dolorosa, Church of All Nations, Saint Anne Church, Lions' Gate and the Garden Tomb. The increase in the number of pilgrims to the city is likely to correspond with an increase in security (patrols and checkpoints), road travel disruptions and increased demand for public transport and hotel accommodation. The increased security is largely a precaution; however, there remains a risk of Islamist extremist violence directed towards Christian interests in Jerusalem and its immediate surrounds during the period. Jerusalem and the West Bank have also been affected by a spike in low-level acts of violence since October (knife and car ramming attacks) perpetrated by Palestinians opposed to Israeli settlement policy and policy with regard to access to Muslim religious sites in the Old City of Jerusalem. The possibility of attacks during the forthcoming Holy Week is considered high. While attacks may not be directed towards pilgrims (most attacks have affected Israeli soldiers, police and Jewish citizens) any attack could prompt further elevated security and the disruption of scheduled Easter-related events. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to East Jerusalem, including the Old City, due to various security concerns. Heightened caution is advised in west Jerusalem. Persons operating in non-essential travel areas should consider travel with a local escort. All persons in Jerusalem during the upcoming period should monitor local news closely for updates on security developments and announcements from the authorities.

BANGLADESH - Local government elections are set to be held in various parts of Bangladesh on staggered dates, from 22 March. Elections will also be will be held on 31 March, 23 April, 7 and 28 May, as well as 4 June. Security is expected to be significantly elevated in areas affected by polls. Political tensions in Bangladesh remain elevated, particularly between the ruling Awami League (AL) party and the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), following the BNP-boycotted January 2014 general election. Sporadic clashes or incidents of violence between supporters of these two parties are likely during the election period, as are clashes between members of these two groups and security forces. Persons already in the country, or planning to travel there during the scheduled election period, are advised to avoid all large political gatherings and polling stations as a precaution. Local developments should be monitored closely.