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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

GLOBAL (TSA) - The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today announced the expansion of TSA Pre✓Ž to include eligible customers of Aeromexico, Cape Air, Etihad Airways and Seaborne Airlines. The announcement makes a total of 16 carriers that participate in TSA Pre✓Ž: Aeromexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Cape Air, Delta Air Lines, Etihad Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Seaborne Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin America and WestJet. Passengers who are eligible for TSA Pre✓Ž include: members of the TSA Pre✓Ž application program, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler program, Global Entry, and Canadian citizens who are members of CBP's NEXUS program. TSA Pre✓Ž is also available for U.S. Armed Forces service members, including those serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard. Travelers flying on Aeromexico, Cape Air, Etihad Airways and Seaborne Airlines will now have the opportunity to receive TSA Pre✓Ž when utilizing a home-printed boarding pass, automated kiosks in the departure lobby, mobile boarding passes or boarding passes printed at the airport check-in desk. If an Aeromexico, Cape Air, Etihad Airways or Seaborne Airlines passenger is eligible for expedited screening, a TSA Pre✓Ž indicator will be embedded in the barcode of the boarding pass so that when scanned at the checkpoint, the passenger may be referred to a TSA Pre✓Ž lane. The airline will also print a TSA Pre✓Ž indicator directly on the boarding pass so passengers will know in advance that they have been cleared for expedited screening.

UNITED STATES (ALASKA AIRLINES) - Alaska Airlines announced that it will add three daily flights between San Diego and Sacramento and Burbank and San Jose. Services to those cities will start on March 16, 2017. The flights will be operated by SkyWest Airlines' 76-seats Embraer 175 aircraft. The E175 features 12 First class seats, 12 Premium class seats, and 52 Main Cabin seats. Onboard amenities include Wi-Fi and free and premium entertainment available from the passengers' electronic devices. Passengers will be able to book flights for the new routes on May 25 of this year.

PAKISTAN (BENAZIR BHUTTO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT) - Residual disruptions are anticipated at Benazir Bhutto International Airport, located in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, in the coming hours, following the temporary closure of the airport on 23 May. According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the airport runways were closed due to technical concerns. Additionally, the airport runway is expected to be temporarily closed once again on 30 May, from 13:00 local time until 18:00. Despite the resumption of flight operations, residual disruptions, including delays, should be anticipated over the near-term. Additionally, delays remain possible until and immediately after 30 May, due to the ongoing nature of the aforementioned concern. Clients intending to transit Benazir Bhutto International Airport between 23 and 30 May are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to inquire about the status of their flight(s).

ITALY - A number of major unions have called on rail workers to observe a countrywide rail strike on 24 and 25 May. Rail services operated by Trenord, Trenitalia and Italo are set to be significantly disrupted by the industrial action from 21:00 local time on 24 May to 18:00 on 25 May. Italy's public transport sector is regularly affected by work stoppages and strike actions. The upcoming strike action is expected to be well-observed and may result in significant disruptions to regional, inter- and inner-city train travel services. An increased demand for alternative public transport services is likely during the aforementioned strike period. Persons in Italy are advised to anticipate disruptions to rail services on 24 and 25 May, and plan accordingly. Clients are also advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned strikes.

JAPAN (MIE & AICHI PREFECTURE) - The 2016 G7 Summit is scheduled to be held at the Shima Kanko Hotel on Kashiko Island in Shima city, on 26 and 27 May. A number of heads of state will be in attendance. Dignitaries will be flying in to Chubu Centrair International Airport in Tokoname City in the Aichi Prefecture. In addition, protesters are likely to hold demonstrations in the vicinity of the summit venue and possibly at the airport; as such, extensive security measures at and between the hotel and the airport can be expected. Japanese authorities are proficient in securing high-profile, multilateral events and managing the resultant traffic disruptions. Nevertheless, as a result of the possibility of protests and accompanying elevated security force presence, localised disruptions should be expected in the days before, during and after the summit. It should also be noted that given the emotive nature of these gatherings, and the heavy security presence, the possibility of clashes between protesters and police cannot be discounted. Persons in Shima and Tokoname and surrounding areas on the aforementioned days are advised to avoid large street gatherings and security forces as a precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be expected.

INDONESIA (MOUNT SINABUNG, NORTH SUMATRA PROVINCE) - Localised evacuation orders have been imposed in the vicinity of Mount Sinabung, located in Indonesia's North Sumatra province, following its eruption on 22 May. Local media reports indicate that at least seven people were killed as a result of the volcano's eruption, while approximately 5,000 people have been displaced. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway in affected areas; however, significant ash coverage is reportedly impeding such operations. Although localised travel and business disruptions have been reported in areas within close proximity to Mount Sinabung, further disruptions may be reported in the broader region due to high volumes of volcanic ash in the atmosphere. Notably, the resultant poor visibility may pose a risk to aviation services. Authorities have therefore cautioned all airlines to avoid the ash cloud. Indonesia is located along the Pacific 'Ring of Fire' and volcanic activity on the various islands is common. The Mount Sinabung volcano is one of 129 active volcanoes in the vast archipelago country. Mount Sinabung has experienced sporadic eruptions since 2013; these have resulted in casualties and extensive evacuations in the region. Further evacuations and possible disruptions to travel and utility services cannot be ruled out at this time due to the possibility of further eruptions in the near-term. Clients travelling in the North Sumatra province, particularly in close proximity to Mount Sinabung, are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. The directives of the authorities should be closely adhered to.

COLOMBIA (CATATUMBO REGION) - A Spanish national was abducted near the town of El Tarra in the Catatumbo region of northern Colombia, according to reports on 22 May. The Colombian military is conducting a search operation for the missing woman. The victim, a journalist writing for both Spanish and Colombian papers, is known for her strong anti-guerilla columns, and was on assignment in the area at the time of her disappearance. She is feared kidnapped by the National Liberation Army (ELN), a guerilla group founded in 1964. The group has a known presence in Catatumbo and has increased its insurgent activities in recent years to take advantage of peace talks underway between the Colombian government and the larger Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group. A number of low-level attacks have been reported in the Catatumbo region in recent months, including the killing of a police officer in April. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of Colombia, specifically to areas outside of secure urban and tourist centres (Bogota, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Medellin and Santiago de Cali). This advisory is in place due to high levels of insecurity, partly as a result of the presence of non-state armed groups and the associated risks of kidnapping, conflict and terrorism.

VENEZUELA - The travel advisory for Venezuela has changed and now advises against all non-essential travel to the country due to the ongoing political instability and related insecurity. Note that the country's border areas are considered particularly insecure due to the presence of non-state armed groups. There is also an elevated crime risk in low-income neighbourhoods ('barrios') of major cities and towns. The amendment does not alter the overall risk rating, which remains high. This rating is influenced by the elevated risks of civil unrest, crime and kidnapping. Venezuela's economic crisis, and an associated shortage of basic commodities and electricity, has translated into increased anti-government sentiment and opposition protests since 2015. A deterioration in the economic situation is also anticipated in the likely event that the government defaults on its debt repayments. The political threat faced by President Nicolas Maduro and the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) is highlighted by the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD)'s victory in the December 2015 legislative election. The MUD continues to push for a recall referendum against the president, while Maduro and the PSUV go to considerable lengths to undermine the MUD-led National Assembly; a complete disbanding of the National Assembly cannot be discounted. As a result, deterioration in the political situation, and an associated increase in levels of anti-government civil unrest, is anticipated in 2016. Additionally, the risk of an internal schism or a coup is considered high. It should be noted that while crime is already a pressing concern in the country, criminally-motivated activity and acts of looting are expected to spike, as criminals have increasingly taken advantage of the political and economic stresses in Venezuela to expand their operations. All non-essential travel to Venezuela is advised against due to ongoing political instability and related insecurity. Persons in the country should consider travel with a trusted local contact or trained security driver, limit travel at night, and avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces. Furthermore, clients should ensure that security and political developments are closely monitored, and crisis management plans regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

SYRIA (TARTUS (TARTUS GOVERNORATE) & JABLEH (LATAKIA GOVERNORATE)) - Multiple explosions have been reported in Syria's coastal towns of Tartus and Jableh on 23 May. The explosions were reportedly caused by a combination of conventional and suicide bombs and possibly rocket and/or mortar fire. The blasts were reported in the vicinity of a bus station in Tartus and a railway terminal, the Jableh Electricity Directorate and the Jableh National Hospital in Jableh. Media reports indicate that the explosions have left dozens of people dead and wounded. Syria's coastal communities have been left relatively unscathed by the wider conflict with only sporadic related acts of violence reported in these areas since 2011. The regime maintains tight control of these predominantly Alawite Muslim communities. The rebellion in Syria is also largely Sunni-led. Nonetheless, the threat of terrorism and conflict in Syria's Mediterranean coastal areas remains elevated and has been underlined by the incidents on 23 May. Anti-government non-state armed groups maintain the requisite motivation and operational capability to orchestrate attacks in all areas of the country. Clients are advised against all travel to Syria. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated. All recent violence-affected areas should be avoided.

NIGERIA (BAYELSA & DELTA STATES) - Clashes were reported between two armed groups in the vicinity of the Ikeinghenbiri community in Nigeria's southern Bayelsa state on 22 May, forcing many local residents to withdraw from the area. The clashes involved one group claiming to be safeguarding oil sector infrastructure and another, they claim, were vandals. During the confrontation a portion of an oil pipeline was blown up. The vandalised pipeline is reportedly located between Ogboinbiri and Tebidab. The pipeline is managed by the Italy-based ENI's local subsidiary, the Nigerian Agip Oil Company (NAOC). Elsewhere in the state, a similar attack was reported on 15 May. A NAOC pipeline was attacked and damaged in the Ogbembiri area. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the pipeline has been targeted on multiple occasions in May. The 15 May attack was claimed by a previously unknown group, the Red Egbesu Water Lions. Elsewhere, a portion of the Warri to Lagos natural gas pipeline in Delta State was destroyed on 20 May in the Warri South West area. There has been an increase in attacks targeting oil sector infrastructure in the Niger Delta in recent weeks. Much of the violence has been attributed to the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA). Like its predecessor groups, such as the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND), it has called for a greater share of oil sector income. Further to this demand it also issued a threat on 12 May to attack oil sector interests in the region if operations are not shut down and staff evacuated within two weeks (warning expires on 26 May). Coinciding with the increase in attacks, MEND reportedly issued a statement on 20 May calling on the NDA to cease its attacks and allow President Muhammadu Buhari time to fulfil his 'promises' to the Niger Delta people. Many members of MEND have been incorporated into an extensive patronage system whereby former militants are paid to safeguard oil pipelines; however, reported cuts to the payment scheme have increased tensions. There are also many armed groupings, like the NDA, outside of the official amnesty and patronage system which are likely seeking to be included. In light of the recent attacks, the Nigerian security forces have reportedly deployed additional personnel to safeguard oil and gas sector assets. Given the terrain, the government's ability to identify and eliminate all threats is limited. Clients are advised against all travel to the states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta and Rivers, and against all non-essential travel to the states of Imo , Edo and Abia. Persons operating in the Niger Delta, particularly in the oil-sector industry, should review all existing security measures with their on-site security teams or security providers. Crisis management plans should be updated and regularly reviewed. Travel outside of primary cities or secure compounds should be done with a close protection officer and during the day only. Foreign nationals should maintain a generally low public profile.

YEMEN (ADEN) - The youth wing of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Political Front (ZANU-PF) has called for a mass demonstration in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, on 25 May in support of incumbent president Robert Mugabe. Although specific details regarding the protest action have not been disclosed, participants are set to march towards Robert Mugabe Square at 09:30 local time on the day. It should be noted that the event has been organised to coincide with 'Africa Day', which commemorates the founding of the former Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The event, which has been dubbed the 'million man march', will reportedly see thousands of ZANU-PF supporters being bused into Harare from the country's ten provinces. The Rufaro Stadium, Raylton Sports Club, Kensington Shopping Centre, National Sports Stadium, and South African Embassy will all reportedly serve as province-specific gathering points on the day. Given the high volume of expected participants, localised disruptions to business and travel services are anticipated for the duration of the event. Although the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the potential for isolated skirmishes between the demonstrators, possible counter-protesters, and security forces cannot be discounted. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in Harare on 25 May are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration, and all related gatherings, as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the action and advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of protest-affected sites.

SOUTH AFRICA (HAMMANSKRAAL, GAUTENG PROVINCE) - A disruptive protest by residents of Hammanskraal, located in South Africa's Gauteng province, is reportedly underway on 23 May. The protesters have reportedly barricaded the R101, a regional road that leads into the town, and are throwing projectiles at passing motorists. Further reports indicate that a number of local vehicles have been set on fire by the residents. Although unconfirmed, the unrest is said to have been triggered by the removal of temporary residences illegally built near the Jubilee Mall. Local security forces have been deployed to the area. Protests and demonstrations related to political issues, labour disputes and service delivery occur frequently in South Africa; these mostly affect poorer, outlying areas of major urban centres. Such gatherings often degenerate into violent confrontations between protesters and security forces. As illustrated by this latest unrest, there have been several instances where private vehicles driving within protest-affected areas have been attacked by demonstrators. Persons currently intending to transit Hammanskraal are advised to avoid the area until the situation has stabilised. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest action, as well as related advisories from the authorities. Allowances should be made for localised traffic disruptions, particularly along the R101 road, in the coming hours.

IRAQ (FALLUJAH (ANBAR GOVERNORATE)) - Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi issued a statement on 22 May indicating that an offensive had been initiated to retake Fallujah, located in the western Anbar governorate, from Islamic State (IS) forces. Local residents have been urged to leave. Some shelling of the city has already been initiated. Fallujah is located 65km west of the capital, Baghdad, and occupies a strategic position on the Euphrates River. The city has been under IS control since January 2014. Attempts by Iraqi military, Sunni tribal and Shiite militia forces to retake the city since then have been largely unsuccessful. IS and its allies have prepared extensive defensive positions around the city and the nearby town of al-Karma. However, in recent months, pro-government forces have surrounded IS controlled territory. Earlier in the year the city of Ramadi, located further west, fell to the government, further isolating IS forces in Fallujah. The planned assault coincides with a build-up of government forces near the IS-controlled city of Mosul, further north. Should the government offensive be initiated in Fallujah, a short-term spike in bombings is anticipated as IS is likely to activate cells outside of the Fallujah area. Clients are advised against all travel to several central governorates, including Anbar and Baghdad. Persons operating in these areas should travel with a close protection officer. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

VIETNAM (HANOI) - (Update) Security measures in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, have been elevated in response to a scheduled visit by US president, Barack Obama, from 22 to 25 May. Obama's visit will further heighten security measures already in place for the scheduled national elections on 22 May. Obama is reportedly set to arrive at Noi Bai International Airport late on 22 May. Further details of his visit remain unknown at present. Authorities have announced that limited access will be permitted to approximately 30 roads in Hanoi on 23 and 24 May. Although exact security measures in place are not clear, they may include police checkpoints and random identification checks in Hanoi, particularly around high-profile locations such as government buildings, busy commercial areas and major transport hubs. There have been no reports of credible threats associated with the arrival of President Obama; however, authorities have stated that the 'anti-government' and 'terrorist' group, Viet Tan, which is agitating for political reform in Vietnam, is expected to escalate protests during elections. It should be noted, however, that protest action is tightly controlled in Vietnam, and any demonstrations that occur in Obama's visit are likely to be dealt with decisively by security forces. Due to increased security measures and possible demonstrations, localised travel disruptions, mainly to road and air travel, are likely in Hanoi. Due to likely road and air travel disruptions, clients should allow for additional travel time in Hanoi and plan accordingly.

TURKEY (ISTANBUL) - Elevated security measures have been implemented in Istanbul ahead of the World Humanitarian Summit, which is due to be held at the International Convention Centre in the Sisli district of the city, on 23 and 24 May. Numerous roads have been subject to closure in the district, including Halarskargazi Street, Gumus Avenue, Kadirgalar Avenue, Bayildim Street and parts of Mim Kemal Oke Street. The road closures are expected to remain in place until late on 24 May, at least. In addition, access to Ataturk International Airport is expected to be restricted at various points on 23 and 24 May, to allow for the secure arrival and departure of several heads of state; however, these times have remained unannounced for security reasons. The additional security measures have been implemented due to the threat of attacks by ideologically motivated groups which may use these events to draw attention to their respective causes. Although no specific threats have been identified, Turkey is assessed as having a high risk of terrorism. The risk stems from numerous quarters, including Islamist extremists, Kurdish separatists and leftist militant groups. A number of bombings have taken place in Istanbul in recent months, including in the Sancaktepe district on 12 May, on Istiklal Avenue on 19 March and at Sultanahmet Square on 12 January; these and recent foreign government travel warnings serve to underscore the elevated risk rating in Istanbul. The local authorities have pursued an aggressive counterterrorism campaign in response to the risk; however, attacks have still occurred. Clients in Istanbul are advised to exercise heightened personal and situational awareness at all times. Local media should be monitored for updates and advisories. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities.

VENEZUELA - The Federation of University Professor Associations (FAPUV) has called on its members to observe a countrywide general strike, in Venezuela, on 24 May. The strike has been called as part of the ongoing dispute regarding wages with the Ministry of Education. Associated demonstrations are also expected in major urban centres, including in the capital, Caracas, in the vicinity of universities and government buildings on the day. Further details regarding these are currently unavailable. The action and associated demonstrations are expected to be well supported. While the action is expected to conclude without any major incident, strikes and associated protest activity in Venezuela carry an elevated risk of low-level skirmishes between participants and the police. As such, the possibility of clashes at possible upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of affected sites. Persons in Venezuela are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the status of the upcoming gatherings. Persons in the affected areas should make allowances for travel disruptions and adjust their plans accordingly. All protests and related gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ARGENTINA - The Association of State Workers (ATE) and various other unions are set to launch a 24-hour strike and associated protests strike across Argentina on 24 May. Precedent suggests the strike will be accompanied by demonstrations, usually at public squares and outside government buildings, such as the Ministry of Labour building in the capital, Buenos Aires, where the largest concentration of protesters may be expected. The strike has been organised over various issues regarding wages and related labour concerns. ATE has held numerous strikes and associated protests in recent months, usually over issues relating to President Mauricio Macri's economic policies. Any protests that do take place are likely to be well attended. Although any such action is expected to proceed peacefully, the risk of low-level confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Disruptions to travel are expected in the vicinity of the affected areas. Persons in Argentina on 24 May are advised to avoid protests or associated gatherings as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, clients are advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

BELGIUM (BRUSSELS) - Union-led protests are scheduled to take place in Belgium's capital, Brussels, on 24 May. The protests will reportedly start at the gare du Nord railway station at 08:30 local time and head towards the gare du Midi station at 11:30. The demonstrations are set to end at boulevard Pacheco. The protest is being held against government-proposed austerity measures. On the day of the protests, vehicles in the Leopold II tunnel heading towards the small ring road will not be able to take the place Sainctelette and porte d'Anvers exit. Furthermore, vehicles in the Botanique tunnel heading towards Rogier will not be able to take the Place Rogier exit on the day. The porte de Hal tunnel heading towards Midi will be shut, and traffic will be diverted at Rue Blaes towards the Saint-Gilles barrier. Road closures and protest times can change without notice. Authorities expect approximately 50,000 demonstrators to attend the protests. As such, and due to the above-mentioned road closures, travel disruptions are expected in Brussels on 24 May. Protests are common in the capital; these are well managed by authorities and usually proceed without incident, although skirmishes between security forces and protesters took place in related demonstrations in October 2015. As such, the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Authorities have advised people against driving in the city on the day of the strike. Clients in Brussels on 24 May should avoid any protests as a standard precaution. In addition, as the protests are anticipated to cause significant travel disruptions, clients should plan accordingly.

ERITREA - On 24 May, Eritrea will celebrate Independence Day, a national holiday that commemorates the country's independence from Ethiopia in 1991 after a 30-year-long battle between Eritrean separatists and the Ethiopian government. Although no overt threats have been identified for the day, celebrations are likely to take place amid a heightened security presence. Details pertaining to specific Independence Day commemorative events are unavailable; however, state-sponsored celebratory rallies, military parades and other events may be held on 24 May. The main commemorations are most likely to take place in the country's capital, Asmara. Commemorative gatherings and other related festivities are likely to cause significant disruptions to business and transportation services across the country. Moreover, such events will likely be subject to stringent security measures, in order to prevent any potential acts of violence. Persons operating in Eritrea on 24 May are advised to exercise caution and heightened security awareness, particularly at venues where Independence Day celebrations will take place, as well as in other high-risk areas, such as crowded marketplaces, public transport hubs and entertainment establishments. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to mitigate any potential travel delays on the day. Furthermore, clients in Eritrea are reminded that due to periodic border disputes, all non-essential travel to within 50km of the country's borders with Djibouti, Ethiopia and Sudan is advised against.

SERBIA (BELGRADE) - Demonstrations are set to be held in Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on 25 May. The demonstration has been called with regard to a number of buildings in the Savamala district that were illegally demolished on 24 April by masked men, to make way for another development, with the alleged complicity of politicians and police, who refused to intervene. Participants are expected to gather outside the Belgrade City Assembly, located on the corner of Dragoslava Jovanovica and Kralja Milana streets, from 18:00 local time. Although the upcoming demonstration is set to conclude peacefully, the possibility of violence erupting cannot be discounted. Attendance is expected to be high; as such, localised travel disruptions should be expected in the vicinity of the Belgrade City Assembly. Persons in Belgrade on 25 May are advised to avoid the vicinity of the demonstration if possible and to keep itineraries flexible in order to accommodate localised disruptions.

ZIMBABWE (HARARE) - The youth wing of the ruling Zimbabwe African National Union-Political Front (ZANU-PF) has called for a mass demonstration in Zimbabwe's capital, Harare, on 25 May in support of incumbent president Robert Mugabe. Although specific details regarding the protest action have not been disclosed, participants are set to march towards Robert Mugabe Square at 09:30 local time on the day. It should be noted that the event has been organised to coincide with 'Africa Day', which commemorates the founding of the former Organisation of African Unity (OAU). The event, which has been dubbed the 'million man march', will reportedly see thousands of ZANU-PF supporters being bused into Harare from the country's ten provinces. The Rufaro Stadium, Raylton Sports Club, Kensington Shopping Centre, National Sports Stadium, and South African Embassy will all reportedly serve as province-specific gathering points on the day. Given the high volume of expected participants, localised disruptions to business and travel services are anticipated for the duration of the event. Although the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, the potential for isolated skirmishes between the demonstrators, possible counter-protesters, and security forces cannot be discounted. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Persons in Harare on 25 May are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration, and all related gatherings, as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the action and advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of protest-affected sites.

LEBANON (SOUTHERN BEIRUT, SOUTHERN GOVERNORATES & BEKAA GOVERNORATE) - South Liberation Day will be commemorated on 25 May in Lebanon. The day marks the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000. Commemorative events are anticipated in a number of areas in the country, including in the south, southern areas of the capital, Beirut, and the eastern Bekaa governorate. These are all areas where Hezbollah maintains a noteworthy presence and which has organised rallies to mark the day in the past. Anniversary periods such as these provide Hezbollah with a platform to promote its national and anti-Israel agenda. The rallies, should they proceed, are typically well attended. The gatherings typically display a strong anti-Israel and anti-Western sentiment. Hezbollah militia forces provide the security at these events, which are a target for Sunni extremists. Note that associated events may also occur on Friday, 27 May, a traditional protest day. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Lebanon, against all travel south of the Litani River in the Ej Jnoub and Nabatieh governorates and against all travel to within 15km of the shared border with Syria in the Bekaa and North governorates. Clients in Lebanon in the coming days should monitor local media for updates on possible commemorative events, and should also avoid any of these events.

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