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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 (FLORIDA - MASS - CASUALTY SHOOTING) - Various media reports citing local officials indicate that heightened security measures will be implemented at all upcoming Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) parades in the US, as of 12 June. The measures follow a recent mass-casualty shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida, on 12 June. The elevated security measures are anticipated in neighbourhoods with large gay populations and at LGBT clubs and landmarks across the country in the near-term. It should be noted that New York is set to host an LGBT festival and parade in Central New York, at 12:00 local time, on 18 June. Authorities in New York state that critical response command and strategic response groups have been deployed into critical areas to deter any possible threats. Furthermore, a vigil in honour of the deceased in Orlando is expected to be held at The Stonewall Inn, in New York, on 13 June. Further details regarding the commencement time for the event are yet to be made available. The shooting incident in Orlando on 12 June underscores the threat of indiscriminate mass-public shootings in The US. Precedent suggests that mass-public shootings may occur anywhere in the country. Heightened security measures not only follow on from this recent attack, but have also been prompted by a call from the Islamic State (IS), to its supporters in the US and abroad to launch attacks during Ramadan. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is due to end on 5 July. Increased security measures including police patrols, road closures and checkpoints, are likely at all major LGBT events and other high-profile public events across the country in the coming days, particularly those in major urban centres. Clients in the US should exercise caution in the vicinity of large public gatherings as a precautionary measure. The directives of the local authorities should be closely adhered to.

SWEDEN (SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES - STRIKE) - (Update) An ongoing strike by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) pilots in Sweden has entered its fourth day. Over 230 flights between Sweden and other European countries, including Greece, Belgium, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, France and the UK are to be affected by the strike on 13 June. The strike is rooted in a dispute between the Swedish pilots' union and the airline, over salary adjustments and greater job security. Negotiations are underway and preliminary reports suggest a deal may be reached on 13 June. It should be noted that given the ongoing nature of the dispute, the strike may be extended beyond 13 June. Furthermore, residual disruptions should be anticipated once normal operations resume, as it may take several hours for airport authorities to clear the backlog of flights. Persons in Sweden scheduled to fly with Scandinavian Airlines in the coming days are advised to contact the airline or their travel provider for further information regarding the possible strike and the status of flight services.

We have run a Client Location Report and are re-booking travelers who may be affected by the strike who were ticketed through ATG.

NETHERLANDS (AMSTERDAM - EASYJET FLIGHT DISRUPTIONS) - A strike action is set to cause significant disruptions to EasyJet flight services operating from the Netherland's capital, Amsterdam, on 14 June. Unionised employees of the airline, represented by the Dutch Airline Pilots Association (VNV), are expected to launch a work stoppage from 06:00 to 14:00 local time on the day. The action has reportedly been called in response to an unsatisfactory collective bargaining agreement between the airline and the VNV. Although EasyJet authorities are likely to implement contingency plans in order to mitigate the impact of the aforementioned strike, flight disruptions are nonetheless expected for the duration of the action. Such disruptions may include flight cancellations and/or delays on the day. It should be noted that, as mediation efforts between the airline and union are ongoing, the strike may be cancelled or postponed on an ad hoc basis. Persons scheduled to fly to or from Amsterdam with EasyJet on 14 June are advised to contact their travel provider or airline directly to enquire about the status of their flight(s).

We have run a Client Location Report and are re-booking travelers who may be affected by the flight disruptions who were ticketed through ATG.
 
CHINA (BEIJING CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS) - According to recent reports, over 200 flights have been cancelled at Beijing Capital International Airport in China's capital, Beijing, on 13 June. Flights operated by China's national carrier, Air China, and China Southern Airlines, are among those worst affected by the disruptions. The flight cancellations are said to have been triggered by severe thunderstorms and associated inclement weather in the city. Further details regarding the flight disruptions have not been disclosed, including the intended duration of the suspensions. It should be noted that Beijing has been impacted by significant inclement weather since 10 June, which has resulted in localised incidents of flash flooding across the city. The China Meteorological Administration has warned that heavy rains and thunderstorms are expected to persist in the city until 14 June, at least. As such, further disruptions to air travel are possible in the immediate term. Persons scheduled to transit Beijing Capital International Airport in the coming hours are advised to contact their travel provider(s) or airline directly for an update on the status of flights. 

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly through Beijing Capital International Airport 13 June who were ticketed through ATG.
 
CANADA (RAIL SECTOR STRIKE) - A number of unions in Uruguay, including the Confederation of Civil Servants (COFE), the Federation of Public Health Officials (FFSP) and the Uruguayan Health Federation (FUS) have called for a strike and protest action in the capital, Montevideo, on 15 June. The action has been organised over various issues including social security. The protests will commence at numerous gathering points in the city, including from the Obelisk of Montevideo at 09:00 local time and the Ministry of Public Health building at 10:30; participants will thereafter march to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The upcoming protests are expected to be well attended and will likely result in disruptions to road travel in the city centre. The risk of violence is assessed to be low; however the possibility of low-level clashes cannot be discounted. Clients in Montevideo on 15 June are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made to accommodate the anticipated travel disruptions.

VENEZUELA (PUBLIC TRANSPORT STRIKES) - The Union of Public Transport in Tachira and its supporters are set to launch a countrywide strike, in Venezuela, on 13 June. The agitation is set to commence at 05:00 local time. Union officials state that the action is set to be observed by 18 states in the country. Furthermore, the action has seen the support of various groups including taxi drivers, students and doctors. Reports indicate that local authorities have not sanctioned the protest. The agitation has been launched due to the economic situation in the country, as well as the restrictions placed on bus drivers regarding access to vehicle parts. The current political and economic crisis along with shortages of basic commodities, has led to an increased level of civil unrest in the country in recent months. Previous strikes and associated protests have descended into looting and rioting in some areas. The possibility of similar incidents and low-level violence between protesters and security forces is likely. Clients in Venezuela in the near-term should closely monitor political developments, exercise heightened personal security awareness and maintain a low profile. All street protests and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a precaution. Furthermore, in light of the ongoing economic and political crises, clients are advised to ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated. 
 
BANGLADESH (KHULNA & BARISAL DIVISIONS - INCLEMENT WEATHER) - At least 13 people were killed as a result of a severe storm that struck Bangladesh over 12 June. Fatalities were reported primarily in Khulna division, in the districts of Satkhira, Khulna, Jessore and Bagerhat, while additional fatalities occurred in Pirojpur district, in neighbouring Barisal division. Approximately 500 homes were damaged by the inclement weather across the impacted areas. Further details remain unavailable. The heavy rains coincide with Bangladesh's annual monsoon season which runs from June to September. Given the generally low-lying and riverine nature of the country, heavy rain and associated flooding often impacts on business operations and transport during this time. In addition, flood-related casualties and disruptions to essential services such as water, electricity and telecommunications, are also common. Moreover, during periods of flooding, the risk of contracting waterborne diseases is considered elevated. Persons in or planning to travel to the above-mentioned areas in Bangladesh are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the local authorities, and to ensure that itineraries remain flexible due to the high probability of travel disruptions. Caution is advised in low-lying areas and elevated regions due to the respective threats of flooding and landslides.  

TURKEY (TUNCELI PROVINCE & ISTANBUL - CAR BOMB) - Early reports indicate that at least nine people have been injured following a car bomb attack in Turkey's eastern Tunceli province on 13 June. The incident took place near a housing block, at a local courthouse, in the Ovacik district. In a separate incident, a suspicious package was discovered near the Metropolitan Municipal building in Instanbul, at 10:45 local time on 13 June. Upon inspection, grenades were found inside the package. Reports indicate that local authorities initiated a controlled detonation to destroy the devices. No group has claimed responsibility for the car bomb attack in the Tunceli province. The incidents mentioned above underscore the elevated threat of terrorism in Istanbul and elsewhere in Turkey. The threat of terrorism stems from numerous quarters, including leftist militants, Islamist extremists and Kurdish separatists. The Turkish military and police possess an above-average counterterrorism capability, and their ability to identify and eliminate threats is considered sufficient, particularly in major cities. Nonetheless, given the abundance of potential targets, the potential of a successful incursion and attack is considered elevated. Due to the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, crime, and Kurd rebel-related conflict, clients are advised to maintain a heightened level of caution in the south eastern provinces of Turkey, including in Tunceli. Furthermore, clients in Istanbul are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness, particularly in busy, crowded areas and in the vicinity of state personnel and facilities. Suspicious persons and packages should be reported to the authorities.  

SOUTH SUDAN (KAJO KEJI COUNTY, CENTRAL EQUATORIA STATE - ARMED CLASHES) - As many as 21 people were killed following clashes between members of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and the SPLM-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO) in Kajo Keji county, located in South Sudan's Central Equatoria state, on 11 June. Further local media reports indicate that an estimated 1,500 people were displaced by the violence, which also left scores wounded. Although additional details regarding the incident are unclear, the recent skirmish serves to highlight ongoing insecurity in the country. The threat of conflict in South Sudan is rated as extreme due to ongoing clashes between a number of rebel groups, as well as violence between tribal and ethnic groups, and sporadic clashes between the armed forces of Sudan and South Sudan. Tensions are currently elevated throughout South Sudan amid hostilities between military factions loyal to Riek Machar and forces aligned to President Salva Kiir. Despite ongoing mediation efforts to bring a negotiated end to the hostilities, violent clashes between SPLA forces and members of the SPLM-IO and other rebel militias continue to be reported in several locations. Despite several important steps towards ending almost two years of conflict, including the recent formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU), the security environment in South Sudan remains tense and unpredictable. As such, further clashes of this nature remain possible in the near-term. Due to ongoing conflict and instability, clients are advised against all travel to South Sudan. Persons currently in or intending to travel to the country despite this advisory should have a comprehensive contingency plan in place. All travel in the country should be conducted with a local security escort. Furthermore, all forms of demonstrations should be avoided as a standard precaution.     

MOZAMBIQUE (MANICA PROVINCE - ELEVATED SECURITY MEASURES) - Reports on 13 June indicate that authorities in Mozambique intend to increase security measures along roads in the country's central Manica province, following a spate of armed attacks in the region since early May. Security forces are set to introduce daily armed convoys along high-risk areas in the province, including stretches of road within the Barue District. Although details regarding the expected number of convoys have not been disclosed, authorities hope that the security escorts will help mitigate the threat of further armed attacks in Manica. There has been an uptick in suspected militant attacks by the Mozambique National Resistance Movement (RENAMO) in central Mozambique in recent days, including in Manica province. Tensions between RENAMO and the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO) party have resulted in low-level security incidents, including shootings and associated kidnappings, targeting state and civilian interests. Although the attacks on the region's roads have primarily targeted local-owned vehicles, there have been instances where foreign nationals have been affected. Notably, Malawi's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has recently raised concerns with regard to the security of Malawian-owned trucks in Mozambique, following reports that at least three such vehicles were burnt by militants on 10 June. Due to the ongoing tensions, as well as tenuous peace talks between the government and RENAMO, further incidents are expected to persist despite the aforementioned security measures. Clients are advised to exercise heightened caution in rural and remote areas of the Manica province, due to intermittent clashes between security forces and armed groups. Furthermore, travellers in the region are advised to limit intercity road travel and to use commercial air travel instead. If road travel is unavoidable, clients should ensure that all movements are coordinated as part of a military convoy.  

SPAIN (MADRID & SEVILLE - DEMONSTRATIONS) - Union-led demonstrations are expected in Spain, in the capital, Madrid, and Seville, on 13 June. The action, led by the UGT and CCOO unions, has been called for in response to labour disagreements with technology company Abengoa. Demonstrators are expected to gather outside the company's headquarters at Palmas Altas in Seville from 17:00 local time and at the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid from 18:00. While the demonstrations are expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated low-level confrontations between police and demonstrators cannot be discounted. Both events are expected to be well attended. Additionally, a significant police presence should be anticipated in the vicinity of the protests. Persons in Madrid and Seville on 13 June are advised to avoid all related gatherings as a standard precaution. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of protest-affected sites. Local media should be monitored for information regarding related protests.  
        
BAHRAIN (PROTESTS) - Human rights activist and founder of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, Nabeel Rajab, has reportedly been arrested by the authorities in Bahrain. The news of his arrest was communicated by his wife via social media on 13 June. Rajab was previously arrested in 2012, before being released in 2014, and was again briefly arrested in 2015. Rajab's detention may spark disruptive or violent protests in the country in the coming days. These may occur in the capital, Manama, or in outlying areas of the country. Bahrain continues to be affected by weekly anti-government demonstrations led by the predominantly Shiite Muslim opposition. Protests in recent months have tended to spike on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Should protests occur over Rajab's detention, gatherings are likely on the aforementioned days. Given the month of Ramadan, protests are also more likely during the late evening hours than during the day. Heightened caution is advised outside of the capital, Manama, and Bahrain International Airport, particularly in outlying Shiite villages, due to the elevated risk of civil unrest. All street protests should be avoided as a precaution.
       
KENYA (DEMONSTRATIONS) - The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) opposition party is set to hold countrywide demonstrations in Kenya on 13 and 16 June. The agitation is part of a countrywide protest campaign against the local Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). Areas in which the demonstrations are likely to take place include the cities of Kisumu and Siaya, as well as the capital, Nairobi. Protest locations include IEBC offices, prominent state buildings, city centres and major roads. Given that the associated demonstrations have been marred by violence, and that the upcoming demonstrations have not been sanctioned, a heightened level of security in the above-mentioned cities is anticipated. The opposition has called for weekly protests regarding the disbandment of the IEBC. Negotiations between CORD and the ruling Jubilee Alliance party have currently reached a stalemate. Violent clashes between police and demonstrators at associated protests have been reported in the past weeks. The most recent protest on 6 June left two people dead during a march to the IEBC offices in Kisumu. An additional three people were killed after clashes between protesters and security forces were reported across the country on 23 May. As such, the possibility of further violent confrontations between protesters and security personnel is credible, and poses an incidental risk to bystanders. Travel disruptions are also likely in the vicinity of the demonstrations. Clients in Kenya on 13 and 16 June should avoid all demonstrations as a standard precaution. Heightened caution is advised in areas in which violence and protests have already been reported. Furthermore, persons should keep flexible itineraries due to possible travel disruptions. 
 
FRANCE (PROTESTS) - The General Confederation of Labour (CGT) union has called for a national day of protests to take place across France on 14 June. The demonstrations form part of an ongoing protest campaign against proposed labour reforms. The demonstrations are anticipated to be well attended and travel disruptions are possible in the affected areas. Heightened levels of security are also likely, particularly in urban areas.  On 10 May, the government used special constitutional powers that bypassed the parliamentary vote to pass a controversial labour reform bill; the move has served to increase tensions over the issue. The controversial bill has resulted in ongoing strikes in the country's transport sector, creating a number of travel disruptions. Strikes involving employees from oil refineries have resulted in fuel shortages in many urban cities, creating further disruptions. Incidents of violence between anti-labour reform protesters and security forces during strikes and associated demonstrations, including CGT-led protests on 26 May, have taken place. In light of this, the risk of further low-level clashes at the upcoming protests cannot be discounted; this poses an incidental risk to bystanders. Additionally, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of affected sites. Persons in France in the short-term should avoid any protests and related gatherings as a standard precaution. Clients are also advised to keep flexible itineraries due to possible travel disruptions. 
 
CAMBODIA (PHNOM PENH - DEMONSTRATIONS) - The opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) is scheduled to hold a demonstration in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, on 14 June. The mass gathering will take place outside the CNRP headquarters, although the exact starting time is unclear. The gathering coincides with a proposed hearing, in which CNRP vice president Kem Sokha has been summoned to appear in the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in what is widely believed to be politically motivated charges relating to prostitution. It is unclear how many people will attend the gathering, although given past precedent, the demonstration may be significant. A heightened security force presence is expected in the vicinity of the protest on the day, and although the demonstration is supposed to be peaceful, there is an elevated threat of violent clashes, as Cambodian security forces are known to use force when dealing with dissent. Moreover, should local authorities not sanction the event, the risk of violence is further heightened. Clients in Phnom Penh on 14 June are advised to avoid the CNRP headquarters and all related protest action as a precaution. Allowances should be made for possible localised travel disruptions.  

URUGUAY (MONTEVIDEO - STRIKES & PROTESTS) - A number of unions in Uruguay, including the Confederation of Civil Servants (COFE), the Federation of Public Health Officials (FFSP) and the Uruguayan Health Federation (FUS) have called for a strike and protest action in the capital, Montevideo, on 15 June. The action has been organised over various issues including social security. The protests will commence at numerous gathering points in the city, including from the Obelisk of Montevideo at 09:00 local time and the Ministry of Public Health building at 10:30; participants will thereafter march to the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). The upcoming protests are expected to be well attended and will likely result in disruptions to road travel in the city centre. The risk of violence is assessed to be low; however the possibility of low-level clashes cannot be discounted. Clients in Montevideo on 15 June are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made to accommodate the anticipated travel disruptions. 

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