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

ARGENTINA (AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS STRIKE) - Air traffic controllers affiliated with the Association of State Workers (ATE) union have called for a 48-hour strike in Argentina on 10 and 11 June. The industrial action is expected to affect all airports in the country. The strike has been called over various grievances, including the privatisation of various sectors within the aviation sector. Although contingency plans to minimise the effect of the action are likely to be implemented, flight disruptions, including delays and possible cancellations, should nevertheless be anticipated. Clients should also note that the strike action may be cancelled or postponed on an ad hoc basis. Clients scheduled to transit in Argentina on 10 and 11 June are advised to contact their airline or travel provider for further information regarding possible disruptions to their flight schedule(s).

We have run a Client Location Report and are rebooking customers who are directly affected by the strike and who were ticketed through ATG.

NIGERIA (IBERIA & UNITED AIRLINES) - According to reports on 8 June, two international airlines have temporarily suspended all flights to and from Nigeria. While weekly flights by the Spanish-based airline, Iberia, were cancelled in May, scheduled flights by the US-based United Airlines are set to be suspended at the end of June. The suspensions are reportedly due to difficulties in transferring currency; the Nigerian government is said to have blocked more than 600 million dollars in flight ticket sales. It is not clear how long the cancellations will last for. Persons intending to fly to and from Nigeria on Iberia and/or United Airlines flights should contact their respective travel providers(s) for further information regarding the status of flights, as well as possible travel alternatives.

SOLOMON ISLANDS (SOLOMON AIRLINES) - (Update) The national carrier of the Solomon Islands, Solomon Airlines, has reportedly resumed normal flight operations as of late 8 April. The airline had temporarily cancelled all of their domestic and international flights on 7 June, amid ongoing financial difficulties related to unpaid government arrears. Local media reports indicate that the resumption of services follows successful mediation efforts between the airline and government officials. It should be noted that, although normal flight operations have resumed, residual disruptions are expected in the immediate-term due to a backlog of flights. Moreover, although recent negotiations between the government and airline have proven successful, further flight cancellations are possible if the government defaults on their agreements. Persons scheduled to use Solomon Airlines in the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider(s), or the airline itself, for an update on the status of services.

BRAZIL (MAJOR URBAN CENTERS) - Brazil's ruling Workers' Party (PT) and a number of civic groups have called for protests against acting president, Michel Temer, in urban centres countrywide on 10 June. In Sao Paulo, demonstrators are expected to gather on Avenida Paulista from 17:00 local time. Elsewhere, related protests will be held in Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Salvador, Fortaleza, Recife and several other major urban centres. Recent months have been characterised by mass street protests, both in support of suspended president Dilma Rousseff and her PT party, and by groups opposing her presidency, which are in favour of impeachment proceedings against her. The impeachment process has now entered a critical phase. Rousseff's suspension has served to heighten tensions further and protests may increase in size and frequency over the near-term. Some of the protests have been marred by low-level violence; in light of this precedent and the increasing political tensions, further violence, including street-level clashes, cannot be discounted. Clients in Brazil should monitor local media for updates on political developments and should avoid all street protests as a general precaution.

INDONESIA (BALI) - A 6.2 magnitude offshore earthquake has been reported approximately 234km south of Denpasar, the capital of Indonesia's island province of Bali, on 9 June. The earthquake was reported at a depth of approximately 29km. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area. No tsunami warnings or evacuation orders have been issued. Persons in the affected area are advised to take the necessary precautions including following the directives of the local authorities. Aftershocks may occur in the region and should be anticipated. Clients are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (ORIENTALE PROVINCE) - According to reports released on 8 June, as many as 100 local nationals were kidnapped in the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) north eastern Orientale province amid an attack on two villages, reportedly perpetrated by suspected Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) militants. The militants are said to have attacked and looted two unspecified villages in Bili, located in the Bas-Uele district of the aforementioned province, on 4 June. Although a decade-long counterterrorism campaign led by a coalition of countries has significantly impacted the LRA's ability to conduct coordinated attacks in Uganda and elsewhere, incidents continue to be reported sporadically. The latest incident follows similar tactics used by the LRA during its previous years of operation in Uganda, in which the group often made use of abductions of locals, including children. The movement is not known to have a significant presence in the DRC and maintains a stronger presence in rural and remote areas of the Central African Republic's (CAR) border prefectures of Mbomou and Haut-Mbomou. However, kidnappings and assaults by smaller factions of the LRA operatives continue to be reported in the northern DRC, particularly the Orientale province. Further assaults by the militants remain possible, specifically in northern DRC, as evidenced by this latest incident. Due to various security concerns, particularly those of conflict and the threat posed by various armed groups, clients are advised against all travel to the Bas-Uele district of Orientale province. Persons currently in or intending to travel to the region are advised to restrict movements to major urban centres, and ensure that robust travel, residential and personal security measures are in place at all times.

SOMALIA (HIRAN REGION) - A number of Ethiopian troops have been killed amid an attack by al-Shabaab militants on an African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) base located in the Halgan district, in the central Hiran region of Somalia, on 9 June. Al-Shabaab spokesmen have stated that 43 troops have been killed in the attack, including several al-Shabaab members; however, death tolls reported by the militant group are often exaggerated. The group used a suicide car bomb to stage the attack, and continued with gunfire and further bomb attacks thereafter. Irrespective of the death toll, the incident underscores the protracted insecurity and extreme threats of terrorism and conflict in Somalia. The militant group currently controls parts of southern and central Somalia and frequently carries out attacks against government installations, security forces and civilian interests. Al-Shabaab is currently engaged in an ongoing conflict with the Somali government and African Union's AMISOM forces. As the group continues to maintain an elevated operational capability in the country, insecurity in the region is likely to persist in the medium-term, at least. Persons are advised against all travel to Somalia, including the central Hiran region. All non-essential travel to Puntland and Somaliland is advised against, due to the extreme threat posed by conflict, terrorism and kidnapping. Persons 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.

IRAQ (BAGHDAD & TAJI) - Two bombings have been reported in Iraq on 9 June. In the capital, Baghdad, a car bomb detonated in the Baghdad al-Jadida area, killing eight people and wounding 30 others. In Taji, north of Baghdad, at least five people were killed and 12 wounded when a suicide bomber attacked a gathering of security force personnel. Central Iraq is regularly affected by acts of terrorism. These incidents are typically perpetrated by members of the Islamic State (IS) against Shiite Muslim, state and civilian interests. Following attacks, increased security and the implementation of travel restrictions should be expected. Note that additional bombings are possible through the course of the day. IS regularly conducts coordinated countrywide bombing operations. Clients are advised against all travel to the Baghdad governorate. Persons in central Iraq should travel with a security escort and avoid all recent violence-affected areas.

LIBYA (SIRTE) - (Update) Military forces loyal to the Government of National Accord (GNA) have reportedly moved closer to the Islamic State (IS)-controlled city of Sirte in northern Libya. The coastal city is reportedly surrounded on three sides, including by militia forces from Misrata and those aligned to the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG). The offensive against IS in the Sirte area has reportedly left 150 soldiers dead over the past three weeks. On 8 June, at least six soldiers were killed and 30 wounded. The advance towards Sirte has been slowed by the presence of numerous bombs and mines surrounding the city. The capture of Sirte is a key short-term objective of the UN-backed GNA, which was established in December 2015 and arrived in Libya in March 2016. Securing the city will provide it with impetus to establish its claim as the legitimate state authority in the country. The GNA is challenged by two rival governments: the Tobruk-based House of Representatives, which maintains a sizeable military force in the east, the Libyan National Army (LNA); and the General National Congress (GNC). Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort and ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated.

NIGERIA (MAKURDI (BENUE STATE)) - Gunmen shot and killed six people at the Federal University of Agriculture (FUAM) in Makurdi, located in Nigeria's central Benue state, on 7 June. The victims included students and a security guard at the Shammah hostel. Media reports, citing a local university official, indicated that the shooting may be connected to the murder of suspected 'cultists' on 6 June, and that the 7 June incident may have been a reprisal attack. Tensions are likely to remain elevated at the university over the near-term in response to the incidents. Additional security is also likely to have been deployed at the site. The gunmen remain at large, and further related attacks are possible in the university area and wider city. Clients in or planning to travel to Makurdi should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness in the vicinity of the university. Local media should be monitored for updates and advisories from the authorities.

INDIA (MANIPUR STATE) - A general strike (known locally as a bandh), is underway across India's north eastern state of Manipur, on 9 June; it will reportedly last until 18:00 local time at least. Disruptions to travel and business operations have been reported, including in the state's administrative capital, Imphal. There have been no reports of violence associated with the strike action thus far. The strike was called by the Joint Committee for Inner Line Permit (JCILP), civil society grouping, to press the national government to implement the Inner Line Permit (ILP), which is aimed at restricting the influx of migrants from the rest of the country into Manipur. The JCILP is demanding that the current Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant workers' Bill be replaced with the stricter ILP, amid claims of increased economically motivated migration into the state, and increased competition for resources and employment. However, other groupings, such as the Joint Action Committee Against Anti-Tribal Bills (JAC) oppose the implementation of the ILP, amid claims that the bill will serve to increase inter-tribal conflict and tensions. Although no disruptive protest action has been reported thus far, the JCILP held demonstrations on 1 June, which ended in violence between demonstrators and police. It should also be noted that during JCILP-led agitation, activists also regularly erect informal roadblocks on highways and major roads, leading to road-based travel disruptions. Clients are advised against non-essential travel to India's north eastern states, including Manipur, due to ongoing threats of separatist conflicts and terrorism. Clients in Manipur on 9 June should avoid all possible protests as a standard precaution. Persons undertaking road travel should check the status of routes with the local authorities or their local host prior to departure.

CHILE (SANTIAGO) - The Confederation of Chilean Students (CONFECH) has called for a protest march in Chile's capital, Santiago, on 9 June. Participants are expected to gather at Parque Bustamente at 11:00 local time, and proceed along Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins (known locally as La Alameda), before concluding the protest at Echaurren Street. The action forms part of an ongoing protest campaign, led by various student organisations, demanding the implementation of education reforms in the country. The upcoming protest is expected to be well attended and will likely result in localised disruptions along the protest route. It should also be noted that student protests in Chile have been known to turn violent at times; most recently, a student-led protest in the capital on 26 May deteriorated into violence when security forces attempted to reroute the march. The possibility of similar violence at the upcoming protest cannot be discounted. Related protests are also possible elsewhere in the country; these are likely to centre on education facilities, local government buildings and central parks. Clients in Santiago on 9 June should avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential travel disruptions.

MACEDONIA (SKOPJE) - Opposition activists have called for a major anti-government demonstration in central Skopje on 10 June. The gathering is expected to commence at 18:00 local time in front of the Special Prosecutor's Office, before proceeding to the Office of the Presidency. Macedonia continues to experience elevated political tensions, partially related to a long-running corruption scandal that implicates senior government officials. In April, President Gjorge Ivanov issued pardons to each of the 56 officials being investigated by the Special Prosecutor, including former prime minister Nikola Gruevski. Ivanov's decision sparked a series of widespread pro- and anti-government protests in the country; on 6 June, Ivanov revoked the pardons. Furthermore, the ruling VMRO-DPMNE party also postponed elections that were set for 5 June under significant pressure from the opposition SDSM party, civil society groups and EU officials. Violent clashes between protesters and security forces have been reported at related demonstrations. Traffic disruptions are a possibility in the vicinity of the upcoming protest. 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.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (KINSHASA) - A protest relating to increased internet prices is scheduled to take place in the Democratic Republic of Congo's (DRC) capital, Kinshasa, on 11 June. Internet access prices in the country have reportedly increased by up to 500 percent. The protesters are set to gather in front of the Palais du Peuple, which is the seat of the National Assembly and the senate, in the city's central Lingwala area, from 19:30 to 23:00 local time. It is unclear how well attended the demonstration will be; nonetheless, an elevated level of security is expected in the area. Media and digital entrepreneurs, as well as students, are among the most affected by the increased internet prices. Some activists have alleged possible collusion between service providers and authorities. Authorities have initiated an investigation into the recent price hikes, as the government prohibits any price agreement between internet service providers. Recent protests in the DRC, including Kinshasa, although not related, have resulted in clashes between demonstrators, as well as between protesters and security forces. As such, the risk of violence at demonstrations, including an incidental risk to bystanders, remains credible. Furthermore, localised travel disruptions in the affected area are possible. Heightened caution should be exercised in a number of areas in the DRC, including Kinshasa, due to the high risks of crime and civil unrest. Persons in Kinshasa on 11 June are advised to avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Flexible itineraries should be kept due to possible road travel disruptions. Owing to the ongoing threat posed by various armed groups, clients are advised against all travel to a number of eastern provinces.

UKRAINE (KIEV) - A large police deployment is expected to accompany a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parade in Ukraine's capital, Kiev, on 12 June. The parade is expected to commence near the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv at 10:00 local time. A number of conservative and nationalist groups, including Pravy Sektor, have indicated their intention to oppose the demonstration. LGBT events have become increasingly common in Ukraine in recent years; however, they remain sources of tension and are frequently cancelled at short notice or else marred by low-level violence. Police have previously refused to secure LGBT events despite routine threats of violence against the participants. In June 2015, activists in Kiev were forced to abandon the parade after a rival group of demonstrators clashed with the parade's participants. The event's organisers maintained that the police deliberately failed to sufficiently secure the parade. Despite increased security at the upcoming event, the risk of violent confrontations is considered to be elevated. Clients in Kiev on 12 June, are advised to avoid all streets gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution, against being caught in civil unrest.

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