UNITED STATES - Starting today, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta airport is closing one of its three checkpoints in the domestic terminal for three weeks in order to install new automated screening equipment. Airport officials say the Transportation Security Administration will open more security lanes in the other two domestic screening areas: the main checkpoint and the north checkpoint. Airport officials said the TSA will deploy personnel to the other two checkpoints during the closure.

 

UNITED KINGDOM - Rail services by South West Trains in London are being affected by a fire at Vauxhall station on 5 May. Reports indicate that emergency services are still trying to contain the fire, which started in the early hours of the morning due to an electrical fault. This has resulted in significant disruptions to services at both Vauxhall and Waterloo stations. Disruptions to South West Trains' services, which may include cancellations and delays, are expected to persist throughout the day. Persons intending to transit the affected stations are advised to contact the service provider to enquire about the status of services before departure. Clients are further advised to consider alternative travel arrangements in the immediate-term. Clients may check on the latest line updates by clicking on https://t.co/2WVD9DsDq2.

CANADA - (Update) Further evacuation orders have been issued for communities in Alberta, Canada, and a province-wide state of emergency has been issued, due to an ongoing wildfire. In addition to standing evacuation orders for thousands of Fort McMurray residents, orders to evacuate have also been issued for hundreds of residents of the small communities of Anzac, Gregoire Lake Estates and Fort McMurray First Nation. The fire has destroyed over 1,500 residential properties and businesses in Fort McMurray and cut off access to the town. Operations at Fort McMurray International Airport have been suspended. The Canadian Wildland Fire Information System (http://cwfis.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca) maintains an extreme fire danger warning for most of Alberta and Saskatchewan, as of late 4 May. Wildfires occur sporadically in Canada in the hot summer months between May and September, particularly in the central and western parts of the country. Rural and heavily forested areas, including national parks, are at a higher risk. Wildfires can start suddenly and without warning, and can spread rapidly. Persons operating in affected areas should monitor local media closely for updates and advisories and should heed the directives of the local authorities. Clients planning to travel to the Fort McMurray area over the near-term should consider deferring travel until the situation normalises. If travelling by car in affected areas, ensure that all windows are closed and that the air condition system is adjusted to prevent smoke from entering the vehicle.

AFGHANISTAN - On 4 and 5 May, the US Embassy in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, issued several warnings pertaining to the security situation in the city. The first statement pertained to an increased threat of attacks in the city. Specifically, the statement referred to a warning issued by police over possible insurgent attacks or kidnapping attempts in police district 10 of the city. The attacks could be carried out against international guesthouses, UN or International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) offices, local banks and residential buildings. Police district 10 encompasses the high-security Wazir Akbar Khan and Sherpur areas, where many diplomatic missions and foreign guesthouses are located, as well as Kabul International Airport. The second statement, released on 5 May, stated that there was an attempted kidnapping of several expatriates, including a US citizen, in Kabul on 2 May. No information was provided regarding the timing or method of any planned attacks, or over the attempted kidnapping. Given the extreme and ongoing threat of terrorism in Afghanistan, such warnings by government authorities are taken seriously and regularly result in additional security force deployments. The warning is particularly pertinent given the attacks carried out in the capital on 19 April, following the launch of the offensive, in which at least 24 people were killed as a result of a car bomb attack in the vicinity of several government ministries in the Pul-e-Mahmood Khan and Shar-e-Naw areas. With regard to the attempted kidnapping, this incident underscores the extreme threat of kidnapping, which extends to Kabul. Although not necessarily reported, abductions take place on a frequent basis. Such incidents are likely to continue while significant economic and political gains are to be made from this activity, especially in light of the deteriorating security dynamic in the country. Due to various ongoing security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against, including Kabul. Persons currently in the country should maintain a low profile and refrain from publicising their itineraries. Travel outside of urban centres should only be undertaken following a full security review of the route, ideally in the presence of a security escort familiar with the local conditions and during daylight hours only.

 

RUSSIA - At least 12 people were arrested during a raid by security services in Russia's capital, Moscow, on 4 May. The suspects were allegedly planning to carry out terrorist attacks during commemorative Victory Day events on 9 May. According to reports, the suspects were from unspecified Central Asian states, and had communicated with people in Syria and Turkey, who Russian authorities allege are linked to terrorism. Unconfirmed reports indicate that weapons and explosives were found during the raid. The threat of terrorism in Russia is rated as high. This is mainly due to domestic concerns, stemming from local separatist and Islamist extremist groups based in the volatile North Caucasus region, although Russia has also been threatened with reprisal attacks due to is military interventions in Syria. Victory Day celebrations, with parades and large public crowds, pose an ideal soft target for such an attack; however, the arrests testify to Russia's significant counterterrorism abilities. In light of the recent incident, increased security measures, including additional deployments of security forces, patrols and checkpoints, are anticipated in Moscow ahead of and during the Victory Day celebrations. Clients in Russia in the near-term, including those planning to attend Victory Day celebrations, are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness, comply with all directives issued by the local authorities and limit travel in crowded public venues. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities. In addition, itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential travel delays due to activities on 9 May.

 

POLAND - Demonstrations are expected in Poland's capital, Warsaw, on 7 May. Protest action has been called for by civil society groups, including the Committee for the Defense of Democracy, to support the strengthening of Poland's integration with the European Union. Participants will gather at 13:00 local time in front of the Constitutional Court. In addition, an opposition protest march, organised by the National Movement (Ruch Narodowy) in support of the government's right-wing policies, will be held on the other side of the Vistula river on the same day. The march will begin at St. Florian's Cathedral at 11:00 local time, before proceeding over the Slasko-Dabrowski bridge and to the Monument to Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, located near the Warsaw Old Town. The demonstrations are anticipated to be well attended and accompanied by a heavy police presence. Although the protests are expected to conclude without major incident, the possibility of skirmishes between opposition protesters cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the aforementioned areas. Persons in Warsaw on 7 May are advised to avoid the demonstrations and marches as a standard precaution, and should ensure that itineraries are kept flexible, in order to accommodate expected delays caused by the action.

 

CHILE - A peaceful march by the National Coordinator of Secondary Students (Cones), representing high school students, will take place in Santiago on 5 May. Students will gather at the corner of Echaurren & Avenue Libertador Genreal Bernardo O'Higgins (La Alameda) from 10:00 local time, and then proceed along one lane of La Alameda, until terminating the march at an unspecified location near Dieciocho street. The students have been refused permission to march to the Ministry of Education building. In addition to the disruption in education sector activities, the planned march is likely to result in localised road travel disruptions in impacted areas. The risk of violence at the march is considered low; however, confrontations between demonstrators and an expected police presence remain possible. Clients in Santiago on 5 April are advised to avoid all rallies and marches as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to accommodate potential localised disruptions.

SOUTH AFRICA - Tensions remain heightened in Vuwani, located in South Africa's northern Limpopo province, amid ongoing violent incidents of unrest. Residents have been protesting against the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) and its decision to form a new local municipality, which would see Vuwani (Makhado municipality) merge with Malamulele (Thulamela municipality) and its surrounding villages. Reports on 5 May indicate that there has been an uptick in protest activity by Vuwani residents since 29 April, following the loss of a High Court bid to remain in their current municipality. At least 13 local schools, private properties, and municipal vehicles have since been set on fire by protesting residents. Local business and transport services continue to be disrupted by the unrest, which has also entailed the blockade of thoroughfares leading into the town. An official task team has been established to address the unrest. Protests by residents of Vuwani against the consolidation of a new local municipality have been ongoing since early September 2015. As illustrated above, there is a credible risk of vandalism and miscellaneous violence during these demonstrations. Indeed, earlier protest action in the town saw a number of local businesses looted; several buildings and vehicles were also vandalised and/or burnt. Such unrest poses an incidental risk to bystanders. Due to current heightened tensions, persons transiting through Vuwani are advised to exercise increased security awareness and avoid the affected area until the situation has stabilised. In addition, clients are advised to ensure that itineraries remain flexible to accommodate for possible travel delays.

COSTA RICA - The National Chamber of Carriers (CANATRANS) has called for a peaceful protest convoy in Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, on 5 May. Taxi drivers and bus drivers are set to meet at Peace Park (Paz Park) at 10:00 local time, before driving, in convoy, to the Casa Presidencial de la Republica de Costa Rica. The action has been launched due to issues regarding the growth of informal transport services in the country. Disruptions to travel are likely in the vicinity of the convoy route. Localised disruptions to road travel as a result of the protest should be anticipated on roads in the vicinity of Peace Park and the Casa Presidencial de la Republica de Costa Rica. In addition, an increased demand for alternative transport services is likely, due to the associated protest action. Persons in San Jose on 5 May are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the protest and strike action. Clients are further advised to avoid all demonstrations and street gatherings as a precautionary measure. Finally, clients are advised to confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - (Update) The ruling Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) is scheduled to continue a series of campaign rallies, in various urban areas, across the Dominican Republic from 5 to 12 May. The rallies come ahead of the 2016 general election, which is scheduled to be held on 15 May. President Danilo Medina and Vice President Margarita Cedeno are expected to attend the rallies. On 5 May, at 16:30 local time, a caravan procession is expected along the San Francisco de Macoris and Tenares roads. This procession is scheduled to pass through the municipalities of Tenares, Salcedo and Moca, in the Hermanas Mirabal province. On 6 May, at 16:00, a caravan procession will proceed through various municipalities in the San Cristobal province. On 7 May, at 10:00, Medina is set to chair a meeting with several unions at Club Mauricio Baez, located on Calle Mauricio Baez, in the Dominican Republic's capital, Santo Domingo; before leading a caravan procession, at 14:00. The Dominican Liberation Party president, Leonel Fernandez, and Margarita Cedeno are scheduled to lead a march in the city of Santiago, in the Santiago province, on 8 May. On 9, 10 and 11 May, caravan processions are anticipated in various parts of Santo Domingo. The campaign rally is set to conclude on 12 May, at the Distrito Nacional, in Santo Domingo, where various events and activities are anticipated. The rallies have been well supported thus far; as such, localised traffic disruptions are anticipated. It should be noted that political demonstrations in the Dominican Republic, including during election periods, have turned violent in the past, and police tend to be heavy-handed in their response to such incidents. As such, while the upcoming rallies are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of similar skirmishes cannot be discounted. Persons operating in the affected areas between 5 and 12 May are advised to avoid the upcoming rallies and all related gatherings as a precaution. Allowances should be made for localised traffic disruptions.

 

MACEDONIA - Pro- and anti-government protests are expected to resume in Skopje and other major urban areas following a lull in protest activity over the Orthodox Easter period. An anti-government demonstration was held on in Skopje on 3 May and concluded without incident, following President Gjorge Ivanov's announcement that persons implicated in a corruption scandal, which has sparked massive protests in recent months, have been granted a presidential pardon. Thousands of protesters are continuing their calls for the resignation of the president and the postponement of early parliamentary elections, currently scheduled for June 5. Likely protest locations by both groups in the coming weeks include outside major government buildings, such as Parliament, the Presidential People's Office on Dimitrija Cupovski Street, and VMRO-DPMNE party headquarters on Nikola Vapcarov Street, as well as in public squares. Macedonia has been experiencing a period of elevated political tension, 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 are not in place. Violent clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported at related events in recent weeks. Major government buildings and public squares in affected cities remain the most likely gathering points. Street closures and traffic disruptions are also possible in the vicinity of protest areas. Persons in Macedonia are advised to avoid all large street gatherings and concentrations of security forces. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates on associated protest activity. Allowances should be made for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of affected sites.

SAUDI ARABIA -Security forces engaged suspected Islamic State (IS) militants in a suburb on the outskirts of Mecca, western Saudi Arabia, on 5 May. The exact location of the incident is unclear; however, some media sources have indicated that the clashes occurred in the Wadi Numan area. The confrontation left four militants dead. The fate of a fifth suspected militant is unclear. Unconfirmed reports, citing Saudi officials, indicate that the militants were planning to attack a security force facility in the Mecca area. Saudi Arabia has experienced a number of bombings claimed or attributed to IS since late 2014. The authorities have also disrupted a number of suspected IS cells and planned attacks. The recent clashes serve to underline the continued threat from Islamist extremists in the country. Clients in Saudi Arabia are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness, and maintain a low public profile in Saudi Arabia. Visitors should obtain regular risk assessments and updates from their security provider. Longer-term travellers should ensure that crisis management plans are periodically reviewed and updated.

 

BANGLADESH - Bangladesh's primary Islamist political party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has called for a countrywide dawn-till-dusk general strike (known locally as a hartal) on 8 May. The strike has been called in protest against the upholding of the death penalty for Jamaat-e-Islami leader, Motiur Rahman Nizami. The guilty verdict and death sentence were originally passed down to Nizami in October 2014, whilst on 5 May, the Supreme Court rejected a final appeal against the death sentence by his attorneys. General strikes of this nature can result in travel disruptions to road and rail services, as well as business operations. In addition, industrial actions led by Jamaat-e-Islami are often accompanied by well-attended protests. Even though the strike has been called for 8 May, protests action often takes place after midday Muslim prayers on Fridays; as such, demonstrations on 6 May cannot be ruled out. It should be noted that protests of this nature, should they occur, can result in civil unrest. Similar convictions of senior Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, such as vice president Delwar Hossain Sayeedi in February 2013, were catalysts for severe and sustained civil unrest that left 500 people dead during the course of that year. However, since then, a degree of protest fatigue has set in, and more recent strikes and protests called by the Jamaat-e-Islami leadership have been considerably less well attended. Counter-protests by groups supportive of the verdict are also possible. Persons in the country in the coming days, especially 6 and 8 May, should monitor local media for updates and developments, and should avoid all protests and strike-related activity.

 

PAKISTAN - Further protest action by supporters of the Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) political party is possible in Pakistan's city of Karachi and other towns in Sindh province in the coming days in response to the death in detention of a notable MQM member, Aftab Ahmed. Ahmed was detained by the paramilitary Rangers on 1 May, and died in custody on 3 May. As a result, MQM supporters held protests in Karachi on 4 May over this issue. MQM supporters allege Ahmed's death in custody was extra-judicial in nature. More broadly, it is alleged Ahmed's death is part of a broader campaign by the Rangers to specifically target MQM members, ostensibly through an operation to crack down on crime that was launched in 2013. Although there have been no official calls for strikes or protest action by MQM leaders, precedent suggests that such developments cannot be discounted in the near-term. While protests can take place at any time, such events often occur after Muslim midday prayers, particularly on Fridays. Any further demonstrations that take place are likely to be well supported, as the Karachi-based MQM has considerable support in the city, as well as in the city of Hyderabad, also in Sindh province. More generally, all protest action in Pakistan carries a high threat of violence; clashes between rival groups of protesters, as well as between security forces and protesters, are regularly reported. Associated strike action, possibly resulting in severe disruptions to transport and business operations, is possible. Due to a number of ongoing concerns, all non-essential travel to Karachi is advised against. Clients in the country in the coming days, particularly in Karachi, are advised to monitor local developments closely and avoid all protest action as a precaution against violent civil unrest.

 

IRAQ - Anti-government protests are anticipated in Iraq's capital, Baghdad, on Friday 6 May, a traditional protest day. The Green Zone (International Zone), Tahrir Square and Sadr City are possible gathering points. Protests, led by supporters of Sadrist Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr, have been ongoing for several weeks to demand political reforms and that a new technocratic cabinet be appointed to counter corruption. The protests escalated on 30 April and 1 May when protesters stormed the heavily fortified Green Zone and the Council of Representatives (CoR). The protesters later left the area but vowed to continue agitating until their demands were met. The protests have been relatively peaceful to date with only minor confrontations reported. This trend is likely to persist. Protests in southern cities and towns, where al-Sadr enjoys wide support, may also occur on 6 May. Government buildings, public squares and mosques are possible gathering points. Clients are advised against all travel to the Baghdad governorate and against all non-essential to several southern governorates, due to a number of ongoing security concerns. Persons in Baghdad should travel with a close protection officer and should reside in secure compounds. Local political developments should be closely monitored and all street protests avoided.

 

LEBANON - Lebanon will hold municipal elections in stages from 8 to 29 May. Approximately 20,000 security force personnel will be mobilised to safeguard the polls. The first stage will be held on 8 May in the Beirut and Bekaa governorates. The second stage, on 15 May, will be held in Mount Lebanon governorate, followed by a third stage in Ej Jnoub and Nabatieh governorates on 22 May, and finally on 29 May in the North governorate. The election is expected to conclude without major incident; however, low-level violence or civil unrest can not be discounted. Lebanon's political environment is generally tense and combative and local disputes can lead to confrontations. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Lebanon, including Beirut. Persons in the country during the election period should monitor local developments closely and avoid all street protests and polling stations as a precaution.