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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/ICELAND(ICELANDAIR) - Iceland has started its year-round service to Chicago O'Hare International airport. The four-times weekly route from Reykjavik will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, with connections from six UK airports. The new route means Icelandair now offers services to 16 North American gateways with connections including Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow and Aberdeen airports.

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS) - (Update) According to reports released on 24 March, authorities in Belgium have lowered the terrorism threat level in the Brussels-Capital region to level three, the second-highest level on the four-tier scale. The reassessment follows a number of major security operations in the city, as well as heightened security measures countrywide. Although a number of counterterrorism arrests have been made, at least one person believed to have been involved in the 22 March attacks in Brussels remains at large. Meanwhile, authorities at the Brussels Airport have announced the facility will remain closed until 29 March at least. Flights scheduled to arrive at or depart from the airport in the coming days are now expected to use the Liege or Antwerp International airports. Belgium remains on high alert following the terrorist attacks in Brussels on 22 March. Increased security measures and further associated security operations are set to continue in the coming days. Furthermore, additional disruptions to air travel are anticipated due to extensive damage and an ongoing investigation at Brussels Airport. Persons in the Brussels-Capital region, particularly in Brussels, are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness, comply with all directives issued by the local authorities and limit travel in crowded public venues. Persons scheduled to transit Brussels Airport in the coming days are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for an update on the status of their flight(s). All suspicious persons, packages or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities.

BELGIUM(BRUSSELS)/FRANCE(PARIS) - Security forces in Belgium and France are currently conducting raids in their respective capital cities, Brussels and Paris, on 24 March. In Brussels, multiple residences in the Jette, Schaerbeek and Molenbeek areas have been raided by security forces; at least six arrests have been made. In addition, a suspicious device was discovered at a property in Schaerbeek and destroyed in a controlled explosion. Meanwhile, French security forces conducted a series of raids in the Argenteuil area of Paris on 24 March following the arrest of a French national believed to be in the advanced stages of planning a terrorist attack. A heavy police presence remains on Boulevard du General Delambre and in the immediate vicinity. The raids follow two bomb blasts in Brussels on 22 March, which left at least 34 people dead. It remains if the latest raids are connected to that incident. Nonetheless, both French and Belgian security forces have stepped up counterterrorism operations, including joint operations, following an increase in the threat of terrorism, as well as a number of significant terrorist incursions in the region. Indeed, it should be noted that both Belgium and France have a high threat of terrorism. The threat stems from a number of Islamist groups and self-radicalised individuals. Further terrorist incidents and associated security operations are expected to persist. Clients in Belgium or France are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and monitor local media for information on current and related security operations. In addition, clients are advised to report all suspicious persons or packages to the authorities immediately.

FRANCE(PARIS) - Reports indicate that hundreds of students are protesting against police violence in the 19th arrondissement of north eastern Paris. Smoke bombs and fireworks have allegedly been hurled at police officers, and windows at the police station have been broken. The current protest is in response to an incident on 24 March in which a police officer assaulted a protesting student from the nearby Henri Bergson college. On the day, protests were held by several trade unions and student organisations against a proposed labour reform bill. The demonstrations became violent after protesters threw bottles at riot police, who responded by firing teargas to control the crowd. Persons in Paris are advised to avoid all demonstrations and related large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest action, as well as advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any demonstration sites on the day.

IRELAND(DUBLIN) - Unionised employees of the Luas light rail tram service are expected to strike in Ireland's capital, Dublin, on 27 and 28 March. Normal services are set to resume at 06:30 on 29 March. The strike is the latest in a series of protest actions against employers over a long-running pay dispute. Disruptions to Luas services and an increased demand for alternative modes of transport should be anticipated during the strike period. It should be noted that the industrial action may be extended or suspended with little warning. Persons in Dublin on the affected days are advised to monitor local media for announcements related to the industrial action and to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of Luas services.

IRELAND(DUBLIN) - Commemorative events, related to the 1916 Centenary, are expected to take place in Ireland's capital, Dublin, on 26 and 27 March. A ceremony is scheduled to commence in the garden of remembrance, located on Parnell Street, from 13:00 local time in Dublin on 26 March. A memorial ceremony is expected to take place in the vicinity of Glasnevin Cemetery at 09:30 and a related memorial service is expected to take place at Kilmainham Gaol at 10:30 on 27 March. A parade is expected to commence at St Stephen's Green at 10:00 and proceed to Bolton Street, where the event is scheduled to conclude at 15:00. This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the 1916 centenary, or Easter Rising, which commemorates the Irish uprising against the United Kingdom, which took place amid Easter weekend in 1916. Associated commemorations have passed without incident in recent years; however, given the emotive nature of the day, the event is likely to be well attended and proceed amid an increased security presence. Any isolated unrest is likely to be met with a strong security response. Furthermore, traffic disruptions are likely along the parade route, as well as in the vicinity of the related events. Clients in Dublin on the aforementioned days are advised to avoid the planned parade route, associated commemorative events and concentrations of security forces as a precaution, and should anticipate localised travel disruptions in the affected areas.

FIJI - Power and water supply disruptions are expected in Fiji from 25 March. Fiji's electricity authority has announced that scheduled power outages should be expected in Suva in the coming days as a result of maintenance work. Authorities have also warned that the outages will affect water supply in Suva and Viti Levu until 29 March at least. Authorities have warned that due to the extensive infrastructural repairs required, disruptions may extend beyond 29 March. Disruptions to business operations, including transportation services, should be expected over the immediate-term. Persons in Fiji should monitor local media for updates on upcoming water supply and power disruptions, as well as advisories from the local authorities. Clients are further advised to stockpile adequate supplies of water for the duration of the disruptions.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA - A countrywide power outage has been reported in Papua New Guinea since 24 March. The outages, which have affected large parts of the capital, Port Moresby, and Lae, were reportedly caused by technical faults on the Port Moresby grid. These faults resulted in the suspension of a number of power plants on 24 March. Papua New Guinea's Electricity authority has confirmed that intermittent power outages should be anticipated in the near-term as infrastructural repairs remain underway. Authorities in Papua New Guinea have attributed the power outages to ongoing capacity shortages, limited power infrastructure and technical capabilities. As such, intermittent disruptions remain possible after power is fully restored. In light of the current outage, disruptions to business operations, including transportation services, should be expected over the immediate-term. Disruptions to banking, internet, telecommunications and other electronic-based remain possible. Persons in Papua New Guinea are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities, make allowances for possible disruptions, and consult their travel provider for an update on the status of their travel arrangements.

NIGERIA(GULF OF GUINEA) - Reports indicate that a Russian national and a Nigerian coworker, kidnapped on 23 February after their ship was attacked in waters off the Nigerian coast, have recently been freed. The circumstances surrounding the release deal are unclear. The abduction in February was the second incident to have affected the Bourbon marine services company, headquartered in France. A previous attack in 2015 resulted in the kidnap of three crew members, who were later released unharmed. The incident serves to underscore the high risks of piracy and kidnapping in the Gulf of Guinea, and in 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.

PHILIPPINES(ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR) - At least two dual Philippine/Chinese nationals were abducted in Zamboanga del Sur, located in the Philippines' Mindanao region, on 23 March. The victims, said to have been a businessman and his relative, were reportedly abducted in Maruing, located in Lapuyan, by a criminal kidnap for ransom group. The location of the victims remains unknown; a number of gunmen reportedly seized and dragged the victims into a boat and transported the victims in the direction of Malangas. Kidnapping is an ongoing concern in the Philippines; the threat is elevated in the Mindanao region. The majority of incidents are financially motivated, as opposed to politically or ideologically motivated, and are usually carried out by organised kidnapping syndicates. Criminal gangs, such as the Pentagon group, are known to operate in Mindanao and the southern regions, and regularly conduct kidnappings for ransom. They generally target local businesspeople and foreign nationals from elsewhere in the region, particularly from China, who have had a long-term presence in the country; this is due to their perceived wealth and capacity to raise a ransom. In some cases, criminal groups will sell victims on to militant groups, with the latter having the capacity to hold victims for long periods of time. Further incidents of this nature should be anticipated. Due to various security concerns, including a high threat of kidnapping, clients are advised against travel to the southern Mindanao region and the Sulu Archipelago, including Zamboanga del Sur. All non-essential travel to Mindanao's eastern Davao and Caraga regions is advised against. Persons in or planning to travel to the area are advised to exercise heightened security precautions at all times. Clients should also consider the services of a security escort for the duration of their stay and should maintain a low public profile at all times.

BANGLADESH(KURIGRAM DISTRICT) - According to reports released on 24 March, a Christian man was attacked and killed in Kurigram, northern Bangladesh, on 22 March. The incident was reportedly perpetrated by individuals affiliated with Islamic State (IS), who fatally stabbed the victim after approaching him on a motorcycle. The victim is said to have converted from Islam to Christianity. The attack is the latest in a series of assaults targeting minority groups, including Shiites, Sufis, Christians and Hindus, since 2015. The attacks have been largely unsophisticated and small in scale, but have raised concern among local authorities and foreign governments of a possible increase in Islamist extremism/fundamentalism. This latest incident serves to highlight the high-risk travel environment in Bangladesh. Further incidents of this nature remain possible. Clients in Bangladesh are advised to exercise heightened levels of personal security awareness at all times. Personnel should travel with a local escort, avoid travel at night and maintain a generally low public profile.

TURKEY(DIYARBAKIR PROVINCE) - According to reports released on 25 March, at least three soldiers were killed and a further 24 wounded as a result of car bomb attack in Diyarbakir's Lice district, located in south eastern Turkey, on 24 March. The attack, which was reported at the Mermer Gendarme station near the Diyarbakir-Bingol Highway, has been attributed to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The highway remains closed following the incident, amid an ongoing security operation to apprehend the perpetrators. The city and the wider Diyarbakir province have been affected by low-level violence between security forces and PKK militants since mid-2015. The authorities have responded with heavy deployments of police and military and have implemented curfews in many areas. A similar incident, in which a roadside bomb resulted in the deaths of at least five soldiers, was reported on the Diyarbakir-Lice highway on 18 February. Given the currents dynamics, conflict is expected to persist for the short-term at least. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to a number of south eastern provinces, including Diyarbakir, due to the risk of conflict between the Turkish military and Kurd rebels, as well as elevated risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime. Persons in the region should travel with a trained security driver and avoid travel at night. Intercity travel should be avoided, if possible.

LAOS(VANG VIENG) - At least six Chinese nationals were wounded during an attack on a passenger bus travelling near Vang Vieng, located in Laos' Vientiane province, on 23 March. The bus was reportedly en route to the capital, Vientiane, from Kunming, located in neighbouring China, when a group of unidentified assailants fired shots at the vehicle. Highways in the affected areas of Vientiane province, Luang Prabang province and Xaisomboun province have experienced an increase in shootings in recent weeks, coinciding with the ongoing violence in the Xaisomboun province. As a result, authorities have established checkpoints along the routes and limited access to Xaisomboun province. Although authorities have attributed the incidents to banditry, this is the third incident in which Chinese nationals have been wounded or killed as a result of the violence. 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, the underlining threat to foreign travellers remains. Further violent incidents remain possible. Clients travelling outside of major urban centres in Laos, particularly highways in the north of the country, are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. Persons in the affected province are advised to monitor local security developments closely and remain vigilant at all times.

BAHRAIN(SITRA & SEHLA) - The UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has warned of unauthorised protests in Sitra and Sehla, in Bahrain on 25 March. The protest in Sitra is expected to begin at 16:00 local time, while the protest in Sehla is expected to begin at 18:40. The FCO has also warned of protests in Barbar and Aali, which were scheduled to begin at 19:00 and 19:30 respectively on 24 March; however, it is unclear if these commenced. The planned gatherings are likely being arranged by members of the predominantly Shiite Muslim opposition. These groups regularly call for and hold demonstrations in the country. They are demanding political reforms and a greater devolution of power to elected bodies. The risk of violence at all events is considered elevated and increases further if protesters attempt to march along major roads into the capital, Manama, as well as to Sunni areas, or if militant elements within the Shiite community conduct further low-level attacks against state or Sunni minority interests. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding the capital, the Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. Persons in the country should avoid all street protests as a precaution. Travel should be avoided at night, particularly in areas outside of the capital, the airport and main roads leading between the two.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD & SOUTHERN CITIES & TOWNS) - (Update) Further anti-government protests led by Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist Movement and the spiritual leader of the al-Ahrar Bloc in Iraq's Parliament, are anticipated in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, on 25 March. Should the protest proceed, participants will likely gather at the Green Zone (International Zone), where a small group of protesters has maintained a sit-in since the 18 March protest. Al-Sadr is calling for action against corruption, a reshuffling of the cabinet and inclusion of more technocrats in the government; his recent proposal on a new cabinet was rejected by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on 22 March. It should be noted that the 18 March protest was banned by authorities; despite this, the protest proceeded and only minor scuffles between protesters and security forces were reported. Riot police are deployed in the vicinity of the Green Zone, and will likely remain at the site over the near-term, as the sit-in is expected to persist over the coming days. The rallies on 25 March, should they proceed, are likely to be well attended. Associated road travel disruptions are likely in the vicinity of the Green Zone on the day. Note that other common protest sites in Baghdad, including Tahrir Square and Sadr City, may also be affected by protest action. Additional al-Sadr-related protests remain a possibility in predominantly Shiite Muslim southern cities and towns as well. The risk of violence at all protests is considered high; this may take the form of clashes between police and protesters or attacks by Sunni extremists against the protest gatherings. Extremists regularly conduct attacks against large gatherings. 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 25 March should monitor local security developments closely in conjunction with their security provider. Heightened caution is advised in the vicinity of the Green Zone and other possible protest areas. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - Provincial elections are scheduled to take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid elevated political tensions on 26 March. Provincial, or gubernatorial, elections encompass the election of governors as well as vice-governors; at least 24 nominations have been reported by the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). Given the current tensions, the upcoming elections may be affected by low-scale incidents of unrest. These stem from concerns that the CENI may have attempted to manipulate the list of nominees, according to selected opposition parties. An investigation has been launched into the aforementioned allegations. Additionally, incumbent President Joseph Kabila may attempt to extend his term in office beyond the constitutionally mandated two-term limit ahead of general elections, scheduled to be held in late 2016. Most recently, anti-government protests, initiated by opposition coalition group Citizen Front 2016, in opposition to political intolerance, were reported. These have been marred by unrest and low-level violence. Additionally, the elections are scheduled to take place across the country following constitutionally ratified territorial amendments, which resulted in the creation of ten additional provinces, in late 2015. In light of this, logistical, administrative and technical constraints amid the elections may result in localised disputes and tensions. Demonstrations remain likely amid the upcoming elections. These are likely to be met by a strong security force presence, and confrontations between the police and protesters are possible. All election-related increased security measures and demonstrations have the potential to result in travel disruptions. Persons in the DRC on 26 March are advised to avoid all election-related facilities and personnel as a standard precaution. Furthermore, all street protests and politically motivated gatherings should be avoided, in order to mitigate the threat of unrest. Allowances for localised travel delays should be made in the vicinity of any polling stations. Due to the ongoing threat posed by various armed groups, all travel to the eastern North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, the Tanganyika district of Katanga province, and the Ituri Interim Administration, Haut-Uele district and Bas-Uele district of Orientale province, is advised against. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the rest of the Orientale and Katanga provinces, as well as the Kabambare territory of Maniema province, due to general insecurity. Clients in these areas should consider travelling with a security escort and residing in secure accommodation.

MALAYSIA(KUALA LUMPUR) - An activist-led demonstration is expected to affect Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, on 26 March. The demonstration has been organised by activists and education groups, including Malacca Action Group for Parents in Education (MAGPIE), who oppose the implementation of the Dual-Language Programme (DLP). The DLP would formally introduce English instruction in primary-level schools. Further information remains unavailable. As the medium of instruction issue in schools remains contested; further related gatherings should be anticipated in the coming months. Malaysia enforces strict regulations regarding public gatherings; at least 5,000 people are expected to attend the upcoming demonstration. Security forces are known to employ a robust response to disperse street protests; confrontations between protesters and security personnel may prompt unrest. Additionally, localised travel disruptions in and around the protest route should be anticipated. Persons in Kuala Lumpur on 26 March are advised to monitor local media for updates and developments, and avoid all protests as a precaution. Clients should make provisions for travel disruptions and plan accordingly.

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