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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/TURKEY(DELTA AIRLINES) - Increased security concerns seem to be having an impact on

airports and airlines across the globe. Just last week, the EU announced that it will now be collecting air traveler information for passengers flying into and out of Europe in an effort to increase security. And now, Delta is pulling service from a major European destination, suspending its New York (JFK) to Istanbul (IST) service. Delta announced that effective May 2016, it will no longer be flying between JFK and Istanbul. The carrier cites safety concerns in Turkey, including a travel warning issued by the State Department, and weaker demand for air travel to IST for its decision to end the service.

GERMANY(HANOVER) - Activist and civic organisations are set to stage a major demonstration in central Hanover on 23 April. The demonstration has been called in opposition to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) free trade agreement. Participants are expected to gather at Opernplatz, near Hanover Hauptbahnhof (main train station), from 12:00 local time. The demonstration has been organised to coincide with the Hanover Messe, a major trade fair, which is set to take place on 24 and 25 April and will be attended by US president Barack Obama, as well as a number of European heads of state. Accordingly, heightened security measures are set to be implemented ahead of the demonstration and the subsequent trade fair. Significant road closures are expected to take place in the vicinity of Opernplatz from early on 23 April; all road traffic in the vicinity of Hanover Zoo will be restricted on 23, 24 and 25 April. A heightened police presence is expected in the city centre, as well as at all major transport hubs in the city, including at Hanover Airport. The upcoming demonstration forms part of an international campaign against adoption of the TTIP. The demonstration is expected to be well attended. Previous related demonstrations in Germany have attracted tens of thousands of people. While the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. In addition, security measures related to the visit of several heads of state are expected to be particularly acute. Although there have been no reports of credible terrorist threats associated with the arrival of any of the dignitaries, diplomatic visits of this kind are potentially attractive targets for transnational terrorist organisations, and the possibility of an attack cannot be entirely discounted. Significant travel disruptions should be anticipated in the city centre from early on 23 April to late on 25 April. Persons in Hanover on the affected dates should anticipate heightened security measures and localised traffic disruptions, and should allow for additional travel time at the airport and all transport hubs. All concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution and clients should report any suspicious packages, persons and/or activity to the relevant authorities.

ANGOLA(LUANDA) - According to media reports, two Chinese nationals were abducted in Kilamba, which is located approximately 30km south of the capital, Luanda, on 19 April. At least three assailants intercepted the Chinese nationals' car before forcing them into their vehicle. The assailants reportedly fired a number of gunshots into the air. There is a medium threat of kidnapping in Angola. The risk of abduction has been on the increase, particularly following a spate of kidnapping activity in the country in 2015. Numerous Chinese nationals have been targeted by criminal syndicates for significant ransom amounts, particularly in the capital region. Indeed, the Chinese government recently urged local authorities to take greater steps to protect Chinese nationals from the growing threat. Although the threat has primarily affected local nationals and Chinese contractors, other foreign nationals have also been affected. Most recently, a Lebanese-Belgian dual national was kidnapped in the capital on 30 March, before being released unharmed on 3 April; it is unclear if the ransom demand was paid. It should be noted that the majority of kidnappings in the capital are financially motivated. Foreign business personnel, particularly persons with longer-term business interests in Luanda, should exercise heightened security awareness at all times, including maintaining a low public profile, refraining from displaying overt signs of wealth and considering on-site and residential security guards.

SOMALIA(GALGADUUD REGION) - At least 28 people are said to have been killed following armed clashes in Somalia's Galgaduud region, on 20 April. The clashes are said to have ensued when African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces conducted security raids targeting suspected al-Shabaab strongholds in the region's Elbuur district. The incident underscores the extreme levels of insecurity present across Somalia. Al-Shabaab continues to maintain a significant operational presence throughout much of the country, despite intensified counter-offensives by both government and AMISOM forces. The group frequently carries out attacks against government installations, security forces and civilian interests in Somalia, including in Galgaduud. As the group continues to maintain an elevated operational capability in the country, insecurity and associated militant attacks and counter-offensives in the region are likely to persist. Clients are advised against all travel to Somalia, except Puntland and Somaliland, due the extreme threats posed by conflict, terrorism and kidnapping. Clients operating in the country despite this advisory should remain in secure locations, travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

SYRIA(AL-QAMISHLI) - Kurdish security forces, including the People's Protection Units (YPG), clashed with Syrian military forces and pro-regime National Defence Forces (NDF) in Al-Qamishli in Syria's north eastern Al-Hasakah governorate on 20 April. The violence left a number of combatants and civilians dead. Kurd and Syrian regime forces maintain control of separate areas of Al-Qamishli and have allied against the Islamic State (IS) in Al-Hasakah governorate; however, tensions between the two sides occasionally flare into violence. Kurds are generally in favour of further autonomy in northern Syria; however, the central government maintains a large military contingent in the area and is seeking to continue to influence developments and maintain a long-term presence in the region. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria, including Al-Qamishli. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort, including in areas which experience lower levels of violence than primary conflict zones. Crisis management plans should also be regularly reviewed and updated.

HAITI - Political tensions are set to remain elevated in Haiti after interim president Jocelerme Privert announced on 20 April that the country's 24 April run-off election will be postponed indefinitely. Privert has also stated the election needs to be postponed in order to audit the results of the first round of the disputed presidential ballot, which took place in October 2015. This officially confirms that the second round of long-delayed presidential elections will not take place on 24 April, after the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP) announced in recent days that the election needed to be postponed amid politically motivated unrest. Privert has further stated the CEP will publish an election calendar between 15 and 31 May, which will provide a proposed timeline for the ballot to take place. These announcements are likely to elevate political tensions in the country. As a result of the delay, Privert will not hand over power to a new government by the 14 May deadline that was agreed to in the legislature when he took over as interim president in early February, thus prompting further political uncertainty. This is especially true in light of the fact that no further date has been set for the election to be held. As such, protest action over these issues is expected in the coming days and weeks. Indeed, protests were reported in the capital, Port-au-Prince, on 18 April, following the initial CEP announcement over the delay of the election. The protests were held primarily by supporters of former president Michel Martelly's Haitian Tet Kale Party (PHTK). The demonstrators allege the proposed vote audit is a ploy to ensure that the PHTK's preferred candidate, Jovenel Moise, is disqualified from the run-off election, after he garnered the highest number of votes in the initial October vote. Irrespective of whether this allegation is founded or not, political tensions will remain elevated in the near-term, and protests by Moise's supporters, as well as by the other run-off contender, Jude Celestin, are expected. Clashes between opposing groups of supporters also remain possible, as do clashes between protesters and security forces, given the latter's propensity to use violence in dealing with dissent. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, all non-essential travel to Haiti is advised against. Clients in the country in the coming days and weeks are advised to monitor local developments closely. All protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ZIMBABWE - The political risk rating for Zimbabwe has lowered from high to medium and the conflict risk rating from medium to low, following a periodic review. The rating change does not affect the overall rating, which remains high, due to the threat of crime. Despite a history of politically-motivated violence, recent years have seen a reconsolidation of political authority in the hands of the country's traditional political elite, President Robert Mugabe, his family and the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Political Front (ZANU-PF). Aside from a power-sharing agreement between 2009 and 2013, ZANU-PF has held a firm grip on power since the end of white minority rule in 1980, reasserting strict control over the government and security forces. The country's most recent presidential and parliamentary elections were held in July 2013; these saw Mugabe and ZANU-PF solidify their power positions. The election period was marred by allegations of voter fraud and other irregularities; however, reports of violence were isolated and uncommon. The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) instigated much of the protest action surrounding the 2013 elections; however, following heavy losses in the election, the visibility and influence of the MDC has since been reduced, with a related decrease in anti-government agitation. With the decline of the MDC, the threat of widespread politically motivated violence has significantly abated, and the threat of political unrest sparking a wider armed conflict is currently deemed remote. This country rates as high risk overall, but does not advise against travel to the country. Clients are advised to practice basic security precautions, particularly with regard to the elevated crime rate, when travelling or operating in Zimbabwe. Travellers should monitor political developments closely and avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

MONTENEGRO(PODGORICA) - The opposition coalition, Democratic Front, is expected to embark on a series of anti-government protests in Podgorica, starting on the evening of 21 April. The protests have been called in opposition to the formation of an interim government ahead of elections slated for October 2016. Democratic Front has indicated it would stage protests outside the Parliament buildings every evening until the government resigns. The initial protests are likely to be well attended. A number of associated demonstrations have previously been marred by incidents of unrest, including clashes between police and participants. An increased police presence is likely. As such, the possibility of incidents of violence occurring at the upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protest area. Persons in Podgorica are advised to monitor local media for updates on related demonstrations. Clients are further advised to avoid all street gatherings as a precaution. Clients should also make allowances for localised road traffic disruptions.

SURINAME(PARAMARIBO) - Opposition activists have called for a mass demonstration in Suriname's capital, Paramaribo, on 22 April. The agitation, which is scheduled to take place outside the National Assembly building at 17:30 local time, has been organised by the 'we zijn moe' movement to protest against a proposed International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan to the Surinamese government. It should be noted the supporters of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) have called for counter-protests on the day; participants are set to gather at Onafhankelijkheids Plein (Independence Square) at 16:00. The Surinamese government is set to potentially receive a loan from the IMF to fund an economic reform program, reportedly needed to stabilise the country's deteriorating economy. While authorities assert that the loan will enable sustained growth in Suriname at a time where the price of its commodity exports are declining, opposition activists dispute this claim. Detractors of the proposed loan maintain that the debt incurred would be detrimental to the country's economy. Although the upcoming demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully, the emotive nature of the agitations may trigger isolated skirmishes. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in Paramaribo on 22 April are advised to avoid the upcoming protests and all related street gatherings as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for possible travel delays in the vicinity of demonstration sites on the day.

CZECH REPUBLIC(PRAGUE) - A number of far-right groups in the Czech Republic have called for a demonstration in the capital, Prague, on 23 April. The demonstration has been organised in opposition to immigration and perceived Islamisation in the country. The protest, which is expected to be accompanied by a significant police presence, is set to be held in Palacky Square, near the Karlovo Square metro station, from 14:00 local time. It should be noted that far-right rallies in Czech Republic often prompt counter-demonstrations and as such, carry an elevated risk of low-level clashes. A significant police presence is expected to mitigate this risk; however, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the gathering. Persons in Prague on 23 April are advised to avoid all related street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of the demonstration site on the day.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO(KINSHASA) - Opposition groups are set to stage a number of demonstrations in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on 23 and 24 April. On 23 April, opposition group Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) will hold a rally to highlight issues relating to the alleged corruption of officials and the prosecution of alleged perpetrators of electoral violence in 2011. The gathering is scheduled to be concentrated along 10th Street in the capital's Limete area from 15:00 local time. A protest, regarding the renewed concerns of incumbent President Joseph Kabila attempting to extend his term, is expected to take place in the vicinity of Boulevard Triomphal from 10:00. This is the latest in a series of anti-government protests that have taken place in the country, including in the capital, in recent days, with violent protests having been reported in Lubumbashi on 20 April. As the upcoming demonstrations are expected to be accompanied by an increased police presence, there is a credible risk of violence. Security forces are known to react with heavy-handed tactics in response to any unrest. Attendance at the gatherings is expected to be high, as such, localised disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration sites. Clients are advised to exercise heightened caution in Kinshasa, due to the high risk of crime and unrest. Persons in the city are advised to avoid all large gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a general precaution. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated during gatherings.

IRAQ(BAGHDAD & SOUTHERN GOVERNORATES) - On 20 April, the leader of the Sadrist Movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, called for continued peaceful protests to pressure the Council of Representatives (CoR), Iraq's Parliament, to vote on a draft cabinet presented to it by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. Further details regarding the location of the protests were not provided; however, precedent suggests that probable protest locations include Sadr City, Tahrir Square and the Green Zone (International Zone) in the capital, Baghdad, as well as cities and towns across southern Iraq, where al-Sadr enjoys wide support. The call to protest is the latest by al-Sadr in recent weeks. His supporters have rallied to pressure government to appoint a cabinet of technocrats in order to challenge embedded corruption among senior leaders. Al-Abadi has complied with his demands; however, blocs in the CoR have resisted the vote and demanded that their interests be acknowledged in any future cabinet. Protests have been peaceful to date; despite this, the risk of low-level confrontations exists. Outside of Baghdad, likely gathering points are major public squares and government buildings. The probability of protests increases on Friday 22 April following Muslim midday prayers. Clients are advised against all travel to Baghdad governorate and against all non-essential travel to several southern governorates due to a number of ongoing security concerns. Persons in the centre and south of the country should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds. Local political developments should be closely monitored and all street protests avoided.

INDIA(BIHAR STATE) - Local village council elections (known locally as panchayat) will be held in ten phases across India's northern Bihar state. Voting will take place on 24 and 28 April, and on 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 and 30 May. An elevated security force presence is likely to be deployed in the state ahead of the polls. Although panchayat elections are for the lowest level of political office, they are often fiercely contested, and violence between opposing groups of supporters takes place on a regular basis. Although security will likely be heightened considerably on these days, the risk of localised violence erupting cannot be discounted. In addition, the possibility of low-level attacks by Maoist rebels cannot be discounted. Also known as Naxalites, the rebels have been battling for decades to overthrow the central government. Although the threat from the quarter has diminished in recent years, such 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 Bihar due to the Maoist insurgency. Persons in the state over the election period 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.

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