UNITED STATES(MASSACHUSETTS(BOSTON)) - The Boston Marathon will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, on 18 April. The race route proceeds from Hopkinton to Boston. An elevated level of security is anticipated for the marathon on the day, including the deployment of approximately 5,000 security force personnel along the route. In addition, multiple road closures have also been announced on and near the race route in the Boston Common, Back Bay, Kenmore Square, Brighton and Brookline areas. The marathon coincides with Patriots' Day in Massachusetts; disruptions to business operations as well as bus and rail services should be anticipated. The security levels are likely to be higher than for other events of a similar size given the 2013 bombings targeting the race. Although the security measures are largely precautionary, there is a countrywide risk of terrorism in the US stemming from transnational and domestic terrorist groups, as well as self-radicalised individuals. This is highlighted by attempted and successful attacks, including, the more recent 2 December 2015 San Bernardino mass shooting in California, which left 14 people dead. As such, additional security protocols, particularly regarding baggage and other sundry items, should also be expected. Clients in the affected area on 18 April should plan for and anticipate additional road travel delays near the race route. The directives of the local security forces should be closely adhered to. For further information regarding the race, including route details and road closures, please visit the marathon website (http://www.baa.org/).  

JAPAN(KUMAMOTO) - (Update) Rescue operations are ongoing on Kyushu Island in southwest Japan, following the devastation wrought by two magnitude 6 and 7.1 earthquakes on 14 and 16 April, respectively, which struck at the shallow depths below the Kumamoto Prefecture. Latest updates suggests a total of 42 fatalities and over 3,000 injured. A number of people are still unaccounted for according to reports. Over 110,000 people have been evacuated from the affected areas. Significant infrastructural damages has been reported in the Kumamoto, Miyazaki and Oita Prefectures, including damage to over 1,000 buildings, bridge collapses, landslides, destruction of roads, as well as disruptions to electricity and gas supplies, telecommunication networks and other vital infrastructure including water supplies. Over 25,000 soldiers are assisting with rescue and relief efforts, however relief efforts are hampered in some areas due to electricity shortages. The Kumamoto Airport remains closed, other airports on the island are operational. Most JR Kyushu rail services across the island have been suspended, either temporarily or indefinitely due to significant damages, including the Shinkansen high speed rail lines. In addition, sections along a number of highways have been closed off due to extensive damages, including on the Higashikyushu Expressway, the Kyushu Expressway (between Ueki and Yatsushiro), the Central Kyushu Expressway（between Kashima JCT and Mashiki), along the Oita Expressway (between Hiji JCT and Kusu) and on the Eastern Kyushu Expressway (between Hayami and Beppu). Roads leading to Minamiaso village have also been affected. Japan is prone to a number of natural hazards due to its location along the Pacific 'Ring of Fire'; the country experiences over 20 percent of the world's earthquakes of magnitude 6 or greater. However, the country is well prepared for earthquakes and most buildings are designed and built to withstand this threat. Japan's Meteorological Agency has recorded over 500 aftershocks in the area between 14 and 18 April, the second highest number of aftershocks since the 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake which resulted in over 6,000 fatalities, suggesting significant seismic activity which may result in further damages. Disruptions to amenities, road travel and business operations in the affected area should be anticipated in the coming days and weeks. Persons in the affected area of Kumamoto prefecture are advised to take the necessary precautions, including following the directives of the local authorities. Additional earthquakes and tremors 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 from the local authorities. Finally, structures recently damaged by the earthquake should not be accessed until given the all clear by local authorities.  

SOUTH SUDAN (JUBA) - (Update) The official return of rebel leader, Riek Machar, of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-In Opposition (SPLM-IO), to South Sudan's capital, Juba, has been delayed by 24 hours to 19 April due to logistical issues. An elevated security force presence is anticipated in the city ahead of Machar's visit; the former vice president is expected to arrive at the Juba International Airport. It should be noted that Machar is set to be inaugurated as the country's First Vice President on the day he arrives. This is a newly created position under the terms of the tenuous Compromise Peace Agreement (CPA), signed in August 2015. Although Machar was officially appointed as First Vice President in February, his return to Juba has been routinely delayed amid concerns for his safety. In order to address his security prerequisites, which included the demilitarisation of the capital, hundreds of SPLM-IO troops have been deployed to Juba ahead of his scheduled arrival. Persons in the city should anticipate an increased number of security patrols, checkpoints and possible delays at Juba International Airport. Note that the possibility of further delays to his arrival are possible.  Due to ongoing conflict and political instability, clients are advised against all travel to South Sudan. Persons currently in or intending to travel to the country should be escorted by a security escort. Persons in Juba should ensure that itineraries cater for potential road and air travel disruptions. 

THE GAMBIA - Further protest action is possible in the coming days in the Gambia in light of recent developments in the country. According to reports, 25 opposition activists were arrested during a peaceful protest in Serrekunda, the country's largest urban centre, on 14 April; the protest was held to call for democratic reforms ahead of the country's 1 December 2016 presidential elections. It was subsequently reported on 15 April that three of those detained, all members of the opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), had died under suspicious circumstances. This prompted further UDP-led protests in Serrekunda on 16 April, which were violently dispersed by security forces. In addition, leader of the UDP, Ousainou Darboe, and his executive were arrested, and remain in detention as of 18 April. Protest action is relatively rare in the Gambia, due to the government's hardline stance against any form of dissent, but has increased in recent times. Such actions have generally been led by the UDP, who accuse current president Yahya Jammeh and his incumbent Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) party of corruption and negligence. Given the deaths in detention and the arrest of further opposition figures on 16 April, political tensions have escalated, and the possibility of further demonstrations exists. Should these take place, they are likely to focus on Serrekunda, Banjul and Brikama, as these cities are the largest urban centre, capital, and the primary opposition stronghold respectively. Given the government's hardline stance against protest action, all demonstrations, even those intended to be peaceful, carry an elevated risk of violence. In light of the protests, elevated political tensions and increased security force deployment in major urban centres is possible in the near-term. Clients in or planning to travel to the Gambia in the coming months are advised to monitor local developments closely, and avoid demonstrations or election-related events.