We have run a Client Location Report and rebooking travelers who are affected by the power disruption on 10 Jun who were ticketed through ATG.
 

ETHIOPIA /SOUTH SUDAN (KIDNAP RELEASE) - (Update) According to reports released on 9 June, a further 88 abducted Ethiopian children were released from captivity in South Sudan's eastern Jonglei state. The victims were released following negotiations involving the Sudanese and Ethiopian authorities. This follows the release of at least 32 children by the South Sudanese authorities in Likuangole county in early May. An unspecified number of victims remain in captivity. The victims, constituting mainly Nuer ethnic peoples, were reportedly abducted by Murle tribesmen amid a cross-border raid into Ethiopia's south western Gambela region on 15 April, in which at least 216 children are believed to have been abducted. In addition to the aforementioned abductions, at least 208 people were killed and 2,000 heads of cattle stolen during the initial incident. A swift security operation was launched by security forces after the raids, which Ethiopian authorities blamed on members of the Murle ethnic group in South Sudan. The motivation for the initial attack still remains unclear; however, communal violence within Gambela, including areas along the shared border with South Sudan, is often triggered by competition for natural resources or as a result of reprisal attacks. Although foreign nationals are not directly targeted, there is an incidental risk to persons in the vicinity of the communal conflict. All travel to the western Gambela region, and to areas within 20km of Ethiopia's border with South Sudan, is advised against due to the threat of communal violence and regular cross-border clashes between various ethnic groups. Clients in areas recently affected by violence are advised to maintain a low profile, avoid all non-essential road travel and remain aware of local developments.

NIGERIA (DELTA & BAYELSA STATES - ATTACKS TARGETING OIL PIPELINES)  - A number of attacks targeting oil pipelines have been reported in the Niger Delta in recent days. On 10 June, an Agip ENI line (Obi Obi Brass Trunk line) was targeted in Bayelsa state. On 9 June, a Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) managed line was blown up in the Sanomi creek area of Delta state. On 8 June, A Chevron-managed site, RMP 20, was blown up in the Warri area of Delta state. The Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) claimed the 8 and 10 June attacks. There has been a spike in acts of sabotage of oil and gas sector-related pipelines and facilities in recent months. The NDA has claimed a number of these attacks. The group is demanding a greater share of income from the oil and gas extraction industry for the local community and has threatened to continue to target infrastructure until its demands are met. The NDA attacks have not resulted in casualties; however, a number of oil and gas companies have been forced to suspend operations in places. Clients are advised against all travel to the states of Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa, Cross River State, Delta State and Rivers State, and against all non-essential travel to the states of Edo, Imo State and Abia State. 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.

KAZAKHSTAN (AKTOBE - CLASHES) - Security forces have clashed with suspected militants in the city of Aktobe, located in north west Kazakhstan, on 10 June. Although reports are still emerging, it is believed that at least five suspects were killed in a gun battle with police after the latter stormed an apartment in an unspecified area of the city. Two police officers were injured during the course of the incident. The police operation is related to an incident that took place in the city on 5 and 6 June, in which approximately 20 people were killed after suspected militants attacked two gun shops and a military base in Aktobe. Statements released by the government have indicated that those killed in the latest operation were directly involved in the 5/6 June attacks, and were part of a 'pseudo-religious movement'. As a result of these incidents, authorities have elevated the countrywide terrorist threat status to 'yellow', indicating a moderate risk of an attack, while the terrorist threat status for Aktobe has been increased to 'red', denoting a high risk of further terrorist incidents; the heightened alert status was introduced on 6 June and is expected to remain in place for at least 40 days from then. Increased security measures, including the deployment of soldiers in Aktobe, are expected to remain in place for the short- to medium-term. Associated travel disruptions should be anticipated at transport hubs countrywide. Persons in Kazakhstan are further advised to exercise heightened situational awareness and monitor local media for information on current and related security operations. Allowances should be made for possible related travel disruptions.

ISRAEL (GAZA STRIP & THE WEST BANK - TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS) - Israel has imposed a closure on access to the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank, until the evening of 12 June and revoked the entry permits of thousands of Palestinian Muslims wishing to enter Israeli controlled territory, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The West Bank closure impacts Palestinian persons wishing to travel from Palestinian authority controlled areas into Israeli controlled areas. The measures have been enforced in response to a shooting in Tel Aviv on 8 June, which left four people dead, and ahead of the Jewish holiday of Shavuot on 12 June. The Israeli government has also deployed additional security forces to the West Bank and closed all access to Yatta village, the hometown of the perpetrators of the 8 June attack. The Israeli response falls within their traditional response to acts of terrorism and reaction to Jewish or Israeli national days. The measures may spark anti-Israeli demonstrations, particularly on Friday 10 June, a traditional protest day. The closures do not typically impact on foreigners although dual Palestinian nationals may be affected. Foreign travellers in the West Bank should, however, cater for additional delays and disruptions as additional road checkpoints and additional inspection time at these roadblocks are likely. Travellers are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip and against all non-essential travel to East Jerusalem, including the Old City, and the West Bank. Persons in these areas should exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. All street protests and concentrations of security force personnel should be avoided. Travellers should ensure that identification and travel documents are up to date and on your person when travelling through Israeli checkpoints.

BELGIUM (BRUSSELS - RALLY MARCH) - A march by the LBC-NVK and BBTK unions is scheduled to take place in Belgium's capital, Brussels, on 10 June. The march is set to begin at 10:30 local time from Brussels Central Station; participants will then march to the offices of the Flemish Welfare Association, and the offices of Geert Bourgeois, member of the separatist New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) political party. The rally will conclude at 13:00 local time. Up to 2,000 people are expected to attend. The rally is being held to draw attention to several issues, including to protest against a government decision to allow non-accredited providers to give services to persons with disabilities and youth offenders. The event is likely to pass without major incident; however, local authorities have stated that disruptions are likely on the small ring road (Petite Ceinture), particularly between Boulevard du Jardin Botanique, Rue Belliard and Rue de la Loi.  Persons in Brussels on 10 June are advised to make allowances for localised disruptions and to avoid all protest action as a standard precaution.

GUATEMALA (GUATEMALA CITY - PROTEST) - Activists aligned to Otra Guatemala Ya have called for a protest in Guatemala's capital, Guatemala City, on 11 June. The protest will be held in Parque Morazan from 14:30 local time. Another activist group, Justicia Ya, has also called for a demonstration in the city on the same day. They have called for a street march towards Plaza de la Constitucion from 15:00 local time. Both events have been organised to denounce state corruption. The gatherings may result in road travel disruptions in the vicinity of the planned protest areas on 11 June. The risk of violence is low; however, confrontations between police and protesters remains possible.  All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

PHILIPPINES (COMMEMORATE INDEPENDENCE DAY) - The Philippines will commemorate the 118th anniversary of their Independence Day on 12 June. A series of parades and official events will be held throughout the country; the main event will take place at the Rizal Monument in the capital, Manila, at 08:00 local time. Incumbent President Benigno Aquino is expected to lead a flag-raising ceremony and wreath-laying commemoration at the monument, after which an Independence Day address is scheduled to be delivered. Aquino is then expected to host a diplomatic event at the Malacanang palace, located in the San Miguel area of Manila, after which a secondary public address is expected to take place. In Bacolod, located in the Negros Occidental province, an Independence Day programme encompassing a flag-raising ceremony and gun-salute is scheduled to take place in the vicinity of the San Sebastian Cathedral. In addition, other significant commemorations will occur at Kawit, located in Cavite; Malolos, located in Bulacan; Angeles, located in Pampanga, Cebu City and Davao. Independence Day festivities are likely to result in localised disruptions to travel and possibly to business operations on 12 June. Furthermore, additional anti-government protests are possible on 12 June, especially in the southern Muslim-majority Mindanao region, where anti-government sentiment is high, due to an ongoing low-level separatist insurgency. There is a credible threat of petty crime, as the large crowds that are expected to be present at commemorative events will provide ample cover under which thieves may operate. Increased security measures, such as an increased police presence and street cordons, are expected to be implemented across the country, particularly in Manila, where events hosting foreign dignitaries and the president are expected to take place. Heightened security measures may also lead to traffic disruptions and travel delays. Persons in the Philippines are advised to maintain heightened caution at all commemorative gatherings and to plan for travel disruptions, particularly in major urban centres. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to the southern Mindanao region, including the Sulu archipelago, with exception of Mindanao's eastern Caraga and Davao regions, to which non-essential travel is advised against. Clients in Mindanao should implement robust security protocols and avoid any commemorative events or protest action.