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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(AMERICAN AIRLINES) - Starting in April, American Airlines will start flying three times a day between Cleveland and Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. The flights to Washington will depart at 6:25 a.m., 12:09 p.m. and 5:20 p.m. Return flights to Cleveland will depart Washington at 10:15 a.m., 3:25 p.m. and 10:20 p.m. United Airlines also flies to Washington Reagan from Cleveland, with up to five flights a day during the week. But its earliest flight leaves Cleveland at 8:42 a.m., and business travelers have been asking for an earlier departure time, according to Todd Payne, the chief of air service development for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. American Eagle will operate the flights on 50-seat Bombardier CRJ-200 planes. American will discontinued its daily flight to Phoenix on April 5, after about a year and a half of service.

JAPAN(KUMAMOTO PREFECTURE) - (Update) At least nine people have died and a further 390 sustained injuries in a series of earthquakes and aftershocks in Japan's southern Kumamoto prefecture, on 14 and 15 April. The worst affected area has been Mashiki, where eight people have died following a series of building collapses. A large blaze remains uncontained in the city. Elsewhere in the prefecture, power outages are reportedly widespread and approximately 23,000 people have been affected by evacuation orders. In addition, rail services have been suspended on the Kyushu Shinkansen and Sanyo Shinkansen high-speed rail lines, while the Kyushu Expressway highway has been closed after sustaining significant damage. Rescue and relief efforts are ongoing; an additional 850 military personnel have been deployed to the worst affected areas. Further aftershocks are possible in the coming hours. These may result in additional casualties and disruptions to amenities. Disruptions to road travel and business operations in the affected area should be anticipated in the coming hours. Persons in the affected area are advised to take the necessary precautions, including following the directives of the local authorities. Aftershocks may occur in the region and should be anticipated. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories. Finally, structures recently damaged by the earthquake should not be accessed until given the all clear by local authorities.

VANUATU(SAMMA PROVINCE) - (Update) A 6.6 magnitude aftershock has been reported approximately 101km north west of Port Orly, in Sanma province, on 15 April. The earthquake was recorded at a shallow depth of 10km. There have been no immediate reports of casualties or damage, and no tsunami warning has been issued. Vanuatu is located in a region where earthquakes are frequently reported. Further aftershocks and tremors remain possible in the affected region and could lead to transport, telecommunications and utility disruptions. Clients in the affected area are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories and to prepare for further possible aftershocks.

PERU(CALLAO) - From 16 April, authorities will extend the current state of emergency for a further 45 days in Peru's sea port city of Callao. The state of emergency was initially declared on 5 December, in response to the high number of murders relating to criminal gangs. In addition to the heightened security measures, which include increased police patrols and scheduled security operations, the state of emergency will also restrict freedom of assembly and movement in the city. Drug manufacturing and organised criminal activity remain a concern in Peru. Callao city in particular is considered a strategic transit point in the transnational drug and contraband trade, as the city contains Peru's principal sea port. The city and its surrounding areas experience high rates of conflict between rival criminal organisations, which has persisted despite the initial state of emergency declaration in early December. Drug trafficking-related violence generally targets members of criminal organisations, police officers or criminal justice officials; however, an incidental risk of harm remains to persons in the vicinity of the violence. Additionally, the risk of armed confrontations between suspected criminals and police forces cannot be discounted. Further travel disruptions associated with the state of emergency should be anticipated for the duration of the declared period. Persons in Callao are advised to adhere to the conditions of the state of emergency and to follow all directives issued by the authorities. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates and related developments. Allowances should be made for potential delays associated with the increased security measures.

INDIA(DELHI) - Authorities have imposed vehicle restrictions in India's capital, Delhi, as of 08:00 local time on 15 April, in an attempt to combat high levels of smog and associated air pollution. The restrictions will be enforced until 30 April and will be in place from 08:00 until 20:00 on the affected days. Vehicles with licence plates ending in odd numbers will be banned from the roads on days with odd-numbered dates, while vehicles with licence plates ending in even numbers will be banned on days with even-numbered dates, on all days except Sundays. Women driving alone or accompanied by children under the age of 12 are exempt, as are cars driven by the physically disabled, two-wheeled motors, hybrid and electric cars, vans that run on compressed natural gas, and emergency vehicles. At least 2,500 security personnel will be deployed to 200 points in the city during the affected periods to assist with the enforcing of the restrictions. The restrictions are the second phase to be implemented in Delhi in response to the high levels of air pollution, since the first phase was enforced between 1 and 15 January. The impact of the vehicle restrictions on the air pollution levels in the city remains unclear. It should be noted that restrictions could result in travel disruptions in Delhi and surrounding areas on the affected days, as well as a corresponding increase in demand for alternative public and private means of transport. Clients in or planning to travel to Delhi in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Furthermore, persons operating in the city between 15 and 30 April should plan for the associated disruptions and abide by the restrictions.

ANGOLA - The kidnap risk rating for Angola has increased from low to medium. This increase is in light of a reassessment of the risk in the capital, Luanda, as well as elsewhere. The risk of kidnapping in Angola has been increased after 2015 witnessed a growth in kidnapping activity in the capital, Luanda, as well as increased militant activity from separatist rebels in the Cabinda exclave, where there has been a long-standing increased kidnapping risk. Specifically, the separatist Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) continues to target oil workers in the region as part of its efforts to halt oil production and gain control of the exclave. In Luanda, a spate of kidnappings has been reported as wealthy locals and Chinese nationals have been targeted by criminal syndicates for significant ransom amounts. As a result of the fast-growing threat, the Chinese government requested that authorities do more to protect Chinese nationals in the country. Although the threat has remained confined to locals and the Chinese expat community, 2016 may see an extension of the KRE threat to individuals outside of the current target group, potentially to Western nationals. In addition, elevated security measures to counter the threat in Luanda, as well as a worsening economic climate, may push criminal syndicates to expand their networks into alternate urban centres. Foreign business personnel, particularly persons with longer-term business interests in Angola, particularly in Luanda or the Cabinda exclave, should exercise heightened security awareness at all times, including maintaining a low public profile and refraining from displaying overt signs of wealth. Please note that clients are advised against non-essential travel to the Cabinda exclave, due to an ongoing insurgency, as well as kidnappings of both locals and foreign nationals.

MAYOTTE(FRENCH OVERSEAS TERRITORTY MAYOTTE) - On 14 April, France announced that it will deploy additional security forces, due to ongoing civil unrest, to its Indian ocean territory, Mayotte. According to reports, protests in Mayotte have been marred by violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The capital of Mayotte, Mamoudzou, has been worst affected by acts of vandalism from youth protesters. French authorities are yet to specify the number of security forces that will be deployed to the affected area. The protests began on 30 March and have been led by trade union activists. They aim to bring benefit payments, civil service salaries and public services in line with those of the mainland, France. These protests are expected to persist despite the anticipated heightened security measure; further low-level acts of violence and vandalism cannot be discounted. Disruptions to transport in major urban centers are likely to occur. Clients in Mayotte are advised to avoid all gatherings as a standard precaution. Furthermore, clients are advised to monitor local media for further details regarding possible protests and to exercise heightened situational awareness at this time.

MACEDONIA(SKOPJE) - (Update) Further anti-government protests are set to take place in the capital of Macedonia, Skopje, on 15 April. The action is due to commence at 18:00 local time, beginning at the Parliament building and moving towards the Government building, Presidential People's Office on Dimitrija Cupovski Street, and VMRO-DPMNE party headquarters on Nikola Vapcarov Street. The upcoming protests are likely to take place amid heightened security measures due to recently reported violence between anti-government protesters and police. More recently, on 13 April, protests that were held amid an increased security presence deteriorated into violent clashes between protesters and police outside the office of President Gjorge Ivanov in the city centre. At least 12 people were arrested and one other individual wounded during the aforementioned altercations. The recent civil unrest in Skopje will likely further undermine the relationship between the opposition and the ruling party. Further rallies remain possible in the coming days. Major government buildings and public squares in Skopje remain the most likely gathering points. Street closures and traffic disruptions are also possible in the vicinity of protest areas. Furthermore, the likelihood of associated protests taking place in other areas of Macedonia cannot be discounted. Clients in Skopje are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces, including on 15 April, as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for details on possible further protests.

LEBANON(BEIRUT) - Heightened security is expected ahead of and during French president Francois Hollande's visit to Beirut on 16 April. During his 24-hour long visit, Hollande is expected to meet Lebanese officials at Parliament and the Grand Serail and members of the French community at La Residence des Pins. The president's visit is expected to proceed amid heightened security measures. These include additional police patrols and checkpoints, which could result in localised road travel disruptions. Protests coinciding with the visit are possible. Should these occur, areas near the president's anticipated meeting venues are likely gathering points. Clients in Beirut on 16 April are advised to exercise caution near meeting venues. All protests should be avoided. Furthermore, please note that clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Lebanon due to ongoing political instability and insecurity in the country, including Beirut.

REPUBLIC OF CONGO(BRAZZAVILLE) - Increased security measures are expected ahead of the inauguration ceremony of the Republic of Congo's newly elected president, Denis Sassou Nguesso, in the capital, Brazzaville, on 16 April. The event is set to be attended by several heads of state and other foreign dignitaries. It should be noted that movement-restrictive security measures, including additional security force deployments, roadblocks, and road closures, are likely to result in localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the event. Although security will be at its highest in the vicinity of the inauguration venue, increased security measures may potentially extend throughout the whole of Brazzaville. Following the Republic of Congo's 20 March presidential ballot, Nguesso won approximately 67 percent of the vote, and was able to extend his 32-year rule in office. Opposition activists have subsequently rejected this outcome, raising accusations of fraud and electoral maleficence. Members of the international community have similarly questioned the validity of Nguesso's victory amid concerns over electoral transparency. Opposition groups, including the Republican Front for the Respect of Constitutional Order and Democratic Change (FROCAD) and the Congo Democracy Initiative (IDC), continue to stage demonstrations against the outcome. Indeed, an opposition rally is scheduled to take place in Brazzaville on 15 April. Given ongoing agitations against Nguesso's administration, further unrest is possible on the day of the inauguration. The anti-government undertone of such protests may see these events being forcefully dispersed by security forces. Persons in Brazzaville on 16 April are advised to monitor local media in order to remain cognisant of security-related developments on the day. Clients are advised to anticipate localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of all sites related to the inauguration ceremony. All protests and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are reminded that heightened caution is advised in the Likouala and the Pool departments due to general insecurity in these regions.

MEXICO(MORELIA, MICHOACAN STATE) - The Antorcha Campesina political movement will hold a commemorative rally in Michoacan state's capital, Morelia, in Mexico, on 17 April. The rally has been organised to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the death of Wenceslao Victoria Soto, founder of the Antorcha Campesina movement. The commemorations will be held at the historic centre of the city of Morelia from 17:00 local time. The event is expected to be well attended and will likely result in road travel disruptions in the vicinity of the historic centre. While the risk of violence at the upcoming protest is assessed to be low, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Morelia on 17 April are advised to make allowances for potential localised disruptions. All associated street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

BRAZIL - (Update) Further pro- and anti-government protests are planned in cities across Brazil in the coming days, ahead of and during an impeachment vote by the Chamber of Deputies (the lower house) of Brazil's bicameral National Congress, against President Dilma Rousseff. The vote is scheduled to take place at 14:00 local time on 17 April, during which the demonstrations are expected to climax. If two-thirds vote for impeachment, the issue will be sent to the Federal Senate (the upper house) for a final vote and decision. The protests will be led in support of the current regime of President Rousseff, including the Workers' Party (PT) and Frente Brasil Popular, and by opposition groups calling for her impeachment, including Vem Pra Rua Brasil and Movimento Brasil Livre (MBL). It should be noted that additional security force personnel have been deployed to the vicinity of the National Congress in the capital, Brasilia, ahead of the vote, and as a precaution against civil unrest between rival groups that are staging an ongoing sit-in the area. The protests take place within the context of a months-long opposition challenge against the Rousseff regime, which has faced a severe crisis following corruption allegations. More recently, dozens of related protests have been held in cities across Brazil since 10 April; the majority have ended without major incident but have been accompanied by an elevated police presence and road travel disruptions. Nonetheless, the threat of confrontations between opposing party supporters is elevated for the remainder of the week, particularly near the National Congress in Brasilia. In addition, should the impeachment vote be held, a further escalation could occur after 17 April, the anticipated date of the vote in the lower house. Clients in Brazil in the coming days should monitor local media for updates on planned demonstrations in their area of travel, or should contact their security provider for further information. Additional details on planned protest gathering points are available on the PT (http://www.pt.org.br/agenda/) or Frente Brasil Popular (http://frentebrasilpopular.org.br/noticias/confira-a-agenda-contraogolpe-1b62/) websites, or on social media platforms associated with the opposition (https://www.facebook.com/VemPraRuaBrasil.org/) and (https://www.facebook.com/mblivre/). All street protests in the country should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ZIMBABWE - Zimbabwe's Independence Day will be commemorated countrywide on 18 April. A large commemorative event is scheduled to take place at the National Sports Stadium in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, and is due to commence from 05:00 local time. Reports indicate that President Robert Mugabe is set to address the nation at the event at an unspecified time. Commemorative events are also likely to take place in all other major urban areas in Zimbabwe. Independence Day commemorates the 1980 establishment of Zimbabwe as an independent state, following the country's low-level conflict for independence from the UK. Accordingly, military parades and other celebratory events are scheduled to be held across the country. Disruptions to transport services and road travel are possible, particularly in the capital. Security is expected to be increased in the immediate vicinity of all events, particularly those in Harare, due to the likely attendance of President Robert Mugabe. In light of the day's events and political tensions present in the country, opposition parties, such as the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), and civil society groups may use this opportunity to hold rallies and/or protest gatherings in the country. These gatherings have been known to degenerate into violent clashes, as state security forces in Zimbabwe have been known to utilise robust methods and excessive force in response to anti-government protests. Clients in Zimbabwe on 18 April are advised to exercise caution in the vicinity of commemorative events and should avoid all protest gatherings as a standard precaution. Furthermore, clients are advised to monitor local media for further details regarding associated events. Localised traffic disruptions in Harare, particularly in the vicinity of the National Sports Stadium, should anticipated.

PARAGUAY(ASUNCION) - Various peasant groups and farmers have been staging daily protests in Paraguay's capital, Asuncion, in recent days. The protesters are demanding the cancellation of debts incurred by small producers as well as the promulgation of a law to support agricultural peasants and indigenous persons. The main protests have centred on Plaza de Armas, located opposite the National Congress building. The demonstrations are expected to continue for an indefinite period of time. It should be noted that the protesters have also marched through streets in the city centre, mostly during morning peak hour traffic times, including recently on 13 and 14 April; this has resulted in significant disruptions to road travel. These disruptions are expected to persist. Although the recent protests have been peaceful, the possibility of low-level skirmishes at any upcoming related protests cannot be discounted. Clients in Asuncion in the near-term are advised to monitor local media for related updates and developments on the demonstrations. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential road travel disruptions.

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