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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)/GREECE - American Airlines will commence the seasonal connection between Athens and Philadelphia, as of May 6. Flights will be offered on a daily basis with an Airbus A330-300 aircraft, with 27 Business Class seats, 259 Economy Class seats and an individual entertainment in-flight system for every passenger. In addition, this specific type of aircraft, will offer 238 more seats on a weekly basis in comparison to the A330-200 aircraft that was used in 2015.

UNITED KINGDOM(LONDONDERRY) - A heavy police presence has been reported amid heightened tensions in the Creggan housing estate in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in the UK on 19 April. Tensions have become elevated following a shooting incident late on 18 April; a man was shot and wounded in what appears to have been a targeted shooting in the Magowan Park area of the housing estate. Although the motive for the shooting is as yet unknown, local authorities are treating it as a suspected incident of dissident violence. Should this prove to be correct, the incident would fall within the baseline risk of terrorism in Northern Ireland. Londonderry has been affected by numerous low-level actual and thwarted attacks in the past. The majority of incidents have been blamed on Irish Republican dissidents opposed to the peace process. The security forces are the most commonly targeted grouping; however, civilian interests are periodically affected. Following the most recent incident in Londonderry, a significant police presence should be anticipated throughout Creggan over the immediate-term. Clients operating in Londonderry are advised to monitor local security developments closely and should exercise particular caution in the vicinity of security force facilities and personnel. Suspicious persons, unclaimed packages or devices should be reported to the police.

DENMARK(COPENHAGEN) - Authorities have cordoned off a number of roads and evacuated several buildings in central Copenhagen on 19 April. According to reports, a black box was discovered on Dronningens Tvaergade Street by a passerby who alerted the authorities. A bomb disposal unit is currently inspecting the object; Borgergade and Adelgade streets have also been cordoned off, as investigations continue. Persons currently in Copenhagen are advised to avoid the affected area until the situation has stabilised. All directives issued by the local authorities should be adhered to. Clients are advised to remain vigilant at all times and report any suspicious packages, persons and/or activity to the relevant authorities.

AFGHANISTAN(NORTHERN PROVINCES) - According to recently released reports, approximately 38 people have been killed in heavy rain and associated flash flooding across several of Afghanistan's northern provinces since 17 April. Affected provinces include Baghlan, Takhar and Samangan, although the majority of fatalities took place in the Jawand, Murghab and Ab Kamari districts of Badghis province. Within Takhar province, the majority of deaths were reported in the districts of Kalafgan and Bangi. A further undetermined number remain missing. Heavy rain also occurred in Daykundi province, and although disruptions took place, there were no reports of casualties. Hundreds of homes are believed to have been damaged in the floods. Increased rainfall has the capacity to cause flooding and landslides in northern Afghanistan, especially in more mountainous areas in spring, as the weather warms up. The extreme insecurity present in the country, limited rescue and recovery capabilities and extremely poorly developed infrastructure are likely to further exacerbate the current situation. Travel delays and disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications remain possible. It should be noted that there is an increased risk of waterborne diseases. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan. Persons travelling to or in the affected areas should monitor local media for official warnings and advisories. Persons should exercise heightened caution in low-lying areas, including rivers. Basic health precautions, such as drinking bottled water, should also be adopted.

URUGUAY - The Uruguayan Institute of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning (red level) for several departments, as of early on 19 April. The affected departments include Salto, Durazno, Tacuarembo, Flores, Florida, Soriano, Rio Negro, Treinta y Tres, Rocha, Cerro Largo, Lavalleja, Maldonado and Paysandu. Weather warnings (orange level) have also been issued for the departments of Artigas, Rivera, Colonia, San Jose, Canelones and Montevideo. Severe storms and heavy rains are anticipated in these areas. The adverse weather may result in localised flooding and associated road and air travel disruptions over the near-term. Disruptions to power supply may also occur in places. Motorists should take note of the increased driving risks. Clients in Uruguay should monitor local news and abide by the directives of the authorities. Motorists should avoid driving through flooded areas and exercise general heightened caution. Travelers should reconfirm the status of their flight(s) in the event of disruptions to air travel.

SOUTH AFRICA(CAPE TOWN) - Metrorail has warned of delays to railway services in Cape Town, South Africa, on 19 April. The delays are due to vandalised rail infrastructure. Trains on the Central Line, which runs from Cape Town Railway Station to Chris Hani Railway Station, are expected to terminate at Nyanga Railway Station due to an unrelated protest action near the Philippi and Lentegeur Railway Stations. The reasons for the aforementioned protests are unclear at this time. The delays to Metrorail services come amid heightened tensions due to recent acts of vandalism targeting trains in Cape Town. Security forces have been on high alert after a train was set alight in Kraaifontein and another three carriages set alight in Esplanade Station, on 15 April. Furthermore, due to the increasing frequency of train service-related acts of vandalism, heightened security is likely on all train travel routes. Further delays to railway transport services are anticipated over the near-term. Additionally, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be expected. Clients intending to use Metrorail services in Cape Town on 19 April are advised to monitor local media for further information regarding the delays. Furthermore, clients are advised to anticipate further disruptions to services and plan accordingly.

SOUTH AFRICA(DUNOON(WESTERN CAPE)) - Dunoon, located near Cape Town in South Africa's Western Cape Province, has been affected by sporadic civil unrest in recent days. In early April, hundreds of local residents demonstrated to demand land for housing. Some protesting local residents initiated violent protests in the Dunoon area on 17 April after their demands were not met. During the unrest, foreign migrant businesses were attacked. Protests resumed during the evening of 18 April. In response, hundreds of foreign migrant workers have reportedly fled the area. The authorities have suspended MyCiti bus services and increased police patrols in the Dunoon area. Service delivery and other complaints frequently result in protest action in lower income and informal settlements in South Africa. These carry the potential to last several days and to impact negatively on local public transportation and nearby transport road routes. Such protests also carry an elevated risk of violence. Persons in Cape Town should seek to avoid travel into the Dunoon area until the situation stabilises. Road routes and all protests near Dunoon should also be avoided. Generally, clients are advised to exercise heightened caution in or near informal settlements (townships) due to elevated threats of crime and civil unrest.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(NORTH KIVU PROVINCE) - Unconfirmed media reports indicate that five local aid workers aligned with Mercy Corps were abducted by unidentified but suspected Nyatura militiamen in North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on 17 April. The group was travelling between Bwalanda and Nyanzale when they were confronted. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded US$10,000 for the release of each hostage. There are dozens of non-state armed groups operating in the eastern DRC. These groups include rebel organisations, splinter factions of larger rebel bodies, self-defence militia and criminal bands. These armed groups are regularly involved in clashes with one another and the DRC security forces, in addition to ongoing involvement in general criminal activity. The recent incident, if confirmed, underscores the elevated security risks present in the region, particularly when travelling between cities and towns. Clients are advised against all travel to the eastern North Kivu and South Kivu provinces due to the ongoing threat posed by various armed groups. Persons operating in this area should travel with a close protection officer and reside in secure compounds. Air travel should be considered instead of road travel, where possible.

MYANMAR(RAKHINE STATE) - According to reports released on 19 April, clashes occurred between government forces and separatist armed groups in Myanmar's Rakhine state on 16 April. The violence is believed to have occurred in two separate attacks, when rebels from the Arakan Army (AA) attacked troop contingents in the Rathedaung and Kyauktaw areas. There are conflicting reports over the number of casualties, with government sources stating that one army member was killed. Rebels have claimed to have killed 30 soldiers. Additional troops have been deployed to the impacted areas following the violence. Authorities in Myanmar have been engaged in low-level conflict with separatist and ethnic movements for over 50 years. These ethnic minority insurgent groups have sought to gain greater autonomy, or in some cases, independence from the government, which is made up of the dominant ethnic Burman majority. Tensions sporadically erupt into clashes, which result in significant civilian displacements and casualties. Associated terrorist and conflict incidents occur more frequently in regions where insurgent groups operate, including Rakhine state. The AA was one of the armed groups that did not sign any peace agreement in the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), which was concluded between the government and numerous rebel groups in October 2015, and which was heralded as a breakthrough in ending decades of conflict in the country. In light of the ongoing insecurity in the region, further clashes remain possible in the short- to medium-term. Persons in Rakhine state are further advised to monitor related developments closely and should maintain a low-profile. Any advisory issued by local authorities should be heeded, and travel to conflict-impacted areas should be avoided.

AFGHANISTAN(KABUL) - (Update) Gun battles between insurgents and security forces are reportedly ongoing following a bomb attack in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, on 19 April. The incident is underway in the vicinity of the Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Finance compounds in the Pul-e-Mahmood Khan area, although the intended target of the attacks was reportedly the offices of Afghanistan's intelligence agency, the National Directorate of Security (NDS). The media, citing a local official, indicate that the explosion was caused by a car bomb. Although details are still emerging, there are unconfirmed reports that up to 24 people have been killed in the attack, which has been claimed by the Sunni extremist Taleban. Latest reports indicate that special forces have been deployed to the impacted area and heavy fighting between them and the insurgents is underway. The incident underscores the extreme conflict and associated terrorism risks in Afghanistan. The threat stems from a number of extremist Islamist organisations, of which the Taleban is the most prevalent. The latest attack follows the group's announcement of its spring offensive, 'Operation Omari', on 12 April. The frequency of associated militant attacks and security offensives is expected to increase, for the short- to medium-term, at least. Clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan, including Kabul. Persons in central Kabul should shelter in place until further details emerge. Note that all travellers in the city should be escorted by a close protection officer or trained security driver. Residences should be well-secured.

TURKEY(KILIS) - A rocket attack on the town of Kilis, located in southern Turkey near the Syrian border, struck a teachers' dormitory and a hospital, killing four civilians and wounding six others on 18 April. The rockets were fired from Islamic State (IS) positions in northern Syria. The Turkish military responded by firing mortar shells at the source of the attack. The incident underscores the elevated risks in southern Turkey near the Syrian border; cross-border violence is frequently reported. Kilis has been repeatedly targeted in recent months, given its proximity to conflict zones in northern Syria. The town lies approximately 5km north of the shared border. Clients are advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria in the Turkish provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Sirnak, due to the threat of conflict spillover from Syria and an increased risk of terrorism. Heightened caution is advised elsewhere in these provinces due to elevated conflict and terrorism risks.

ISRAEL(NORTHERN DISTRICT) - The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) initiated a week-long military exercise in northern Israel on 18 April. The exercise is set to test the readiness of the Northern Command and will focus on the Golan area and Jordan Valley. An increased military presence on major roads should be anticipated during the period of the exercises in northern Israel. The military may also seek to restrict travel into certain areas at times. Clients operating in the Northern District should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities.

MACEDONIA(SKOPJE) - A number of civil organisations and opposition groups, including the opposition SDSM party, have called for a protest against President Gjorge Ivanov in central Skopje on 19 April. Opposition groups are calling for Ivanov's resignation after his unilateral decision to cease criminal proceedings against politicians implicated in a corruption scandal. The protest is expected to commence at 18:00 local time outside the office of the Special Public Prosecutor; however, precedent suggests that the protest participants will attempt to march on the nearby offices of the president and the Parliamentary buildings. Should they attempt to do so, a strong police response is expected. Related protests are possible elsewhere, including in Bitola and Strumica. Macedonia has been experiencing a period of elevated political tensions, partially related to a major corruption scandal sparked after the opposition SDSM released a number of recordings implicating government officials in corruption. Officials from various parties, including the SDSM, have been implicated. The opposition and the ruling party, as well as civil society groups, have organised numerous protest actions in recent months. Further rallies over the issues are possible in the coming days, despite the fact that the Macedonian Parliament has scheduled snap-elections for 5 June in an attempt to end the political crisis. Indeed, opposition groups, as well as EU officials, have called for the snap-elections to be pushed back, citing concerns that conditions for free and fair elections were not in place. Clients in the affected urban areas are advised to avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution.

MALI - The National Union of Basic Education (SYNEB) and the Workers' Trade Union Confederation of Mali (CSTM) have called for a protest in Mali's capital, Bamako, on 21 April to denounce alleged human rights violations. The gathering is expected to start or be held at Place de la Liberte (Freedom Square). The starting time of the protest is unclear. The CSTM has also called for an associated countrywide general strike on 3 and 4 May. SYNEB has called for a countrywide strike on 5 and 6 May. Should the protest proceed, it is likely to be well attended. The possibility of road travel disruptions exists, as does the threat of clashes between protesters and the police. The strike action, should it occur, may also result in disruptions to state and private sector business operations. Disruptions to public transport during the initial strike period may also occur. Clients in Bamako on 21 April should exercise caution in the area likely to be affected, and should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Persons in Mali from 3 to 6 May should monitor local media for updates on the potential strike action and should reconfirm the status of scheduled public transport services with their travel provider or the relevant authority.

INDIA(WEST BENGAL STATE) - (Update) Security remains heightened amid state legislative elections in India's West Bengal state, following the first round of state legislative assembly elections on 4, 11 and 17 April. The next round of voting is scheduled to take place on 21 April, while additional phases of voting will take place on 25 and 30 April, as well as on 5 May. Thus far, the elections have proceeded with sporadic incidents of violence, largely between opposing groups of supporters from the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM) and the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) political parties; local reports indicate that at least ten people have died thus far. As a precaution, 48,000 additional security force personnel have been deployed to the administrative capital, Kolkata, and other key locations in the state. Security remains elevated for two reasons; due to the aforementioned tensions and associated violence between CPM and AITC supporters, and due to the ongoing Maoist insurgency across remote and rural areas of West Bengal. The Maoist rebels (also known as Naxalites) have been battling the central government and claim to represent the indigenous, 'landless' tribal peoples of rural India, particularly those that have not benefited from the country's economic development. The groups may seek to disrupt the voting process through small-scale gun and bomb attacks or acts of sabotage on government or election-related facilities. Such attacks pose a clear incidental threat to foreign nationals in the state over the election period. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of West Bengal, due to the Maoist insurgency. Persons currently in the state are advised to maintain a low profile and avoid all politically motivated rallies, polling stations and political party offices before, during and after the polls. Clients are further advised to monitor local media closely for developments.

SAUDI ARABIA(RIYADH & SURROUNDS) - US President Barack Obama will visit Saudi Arabia on 21 and 22 April. He will meet King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on arrival and then attend a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit on 22 April. The meeting with Salman may take place in the vicinity of Rawdat Khuraim, located 100km north east of the capital, Riyadh. The summit venue location is unclear but is likely to occur in the capital. An increased security presence is likely ahead of and during Obama's visit. Elevated security is likely at meeting venues and at ports of entry, including King Khalid International Airport. Increased security measures may result in some road travel disruptions or disruptions to some flights. Clients in the Riyadh area during Obama's visit should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Road travel itineraries should cater for potential delays. Persons flying via King Khalid International Airport should confirm the arrival or departure times of their flight(s).

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