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

BELGIUM / FRANCE (TERRORISM WARNING) - According to media reports on 15 June, police in Belgium received intelligence indicating that a group of Islamic State (IS) militants recently left Syria with the intention of conducting terrorist attacks in Belgium and France. The intelligence made specific mention of the group's strategy, as well as targets in Belgium's capital, Brussels; however, it failed to specify potential targets in France. The alleged group will reportedly divide into smaller groups upon arrival in Europe before entering the two countries in pairs to conduct attacks. The targets in Brussels include the Zigzag City 2 shopping centre, an unspecified American fast food restaurant and the national police headquarters. It should be noted that authorities in Belgium and France have refrained from increasing their terrorism threat levels in response to the intelligence; Belgium's terrorism threat level remains at 'Level 3', which is the second highest level of four, while France remains under a state of emergency following coordinated attacks in the capital, Paris, in November 2015, as well as numerous low-level attacks since then. Indeed, a woman was stabbed and injured by a self-radicalised individual in Rennes on 14 June. The above-mentioned events, including the received intelligence and the knife attack, are indicative of the elevated terrorism threat in both Belgium and France. The terrorist threat is considered particularly acute due the persistent threat posed by militant groups and associated self-radicalised individuals, which has been illustrated by the recent mass-casualty attacks in Paris and Brussels, as well as continued Islamist extremist groups' threats to conduct attacks in Western states. Nonetheless, amid an already elevated security posture, local authorities are unlikely to initiate additional security measures or raise the terrorism alert status without credible evidence of an imminent attack, at least. The currently elevated security posture in both countries will not eliminate the threat entirely, but will reduce the likelihood of a successful attack. Clients in Belgium and France are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness. Local media should be closely monitored for updates and advisories from the authorities. All suspicious persons or packages should be reported to the relevant authorities immediately.

ISRAEL - Activists gathered in the vicinity of the Unknown Soldier Square in Gaza City in the Gaza Strip on 15 June to protest against ongoing disagreements between the two primary Palestinian factions, Hamas and Fatah. The protest gathering had earlier been banned leading Hamas security officials to forcibly disperse the gathering. The gathering on 15 June followed similar rallies in Gaza City in the same area on 14 June over the same issue. The 14 June events ended without reported incident. Political protests are rare in the Gaza Strip and events organised without the involvement of Hamas, the de facto administers of the territory, are rare. Events, when they occur, are prone to disruptions and low-level acts of violence. Further related protests over the issue remain possible over the near-term, particularly on Friday 17 June. Clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip. Persons in the territory are advised to exercise a heightened level of personal security awareness and reside in secure accommodation. All street protests and security force personnel and facilities should be avoided, if possible.

GREECE (ATHENS - RAIL SECTOR STRIKE) - (Update) Further disruptions to public transport services are anticipated in Greece's capital Athens on 15 and 17 June. Unionised workers are set to observe a series of work stoppages on the aforementioned days, affecting rail, tram and metro services in the city. On 15 June, disruptions of services are expected from 22:00 local time until the end of service; and then on 17 June, unionised workers are set to strike between 12:00 and 17:00. The strike forms part of the ongoing action against the proposed privatisation of public transport services, which is likely to result in a number of redundancies. Should the strike proceed as scheduled, significant disruptions to the affected transport services should be anticipated. An increased demand for alternative modes of transport should also be expected in Athens. It should be noted that the action may be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Persons in Athens on the affected days are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the strike action. Clients are further advised to confirm the status of their travel arrangements with their respective service providers.

MALAWI (CHOLERA OUTBREAK) - (Update) According to recent reports, a cholera outbreak in Malawi continues unabated as of 15 June. At least 1,591 cases of infection and 42 fatalities have been reported in the country since the disease was initially recorded in late December 2015. The Machinga and Zomba districts, in the Southern region, and the Chitipa and Karonga districts, in the Northern region, remain the worst-affected areas to date. Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal intestinal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Symptoms of the disease include watery diarrhoea and vomiting, which occur from six hours to five days after exposure to the bacterium. Although the disease can effectively be treated, practising good hygiene and consuming only properly purified water will significantly mitigate the chances of contracting it. Persons currently in or intending to travel to Malawi should take precautions against contracting cholera, including using only bottled water and avoiding food and beverages sold by street vendors. In addition, clients are advised to monitor local developments and follow the directives of the authorities regarding public health advice and precautions.

MYANMAR (WESTERN & CENTRAL STATES - FLOODING) - Flooding has been reported in multiple areas across Myanmar on 15 June. Numerous communities in Myanmar's western and central states have been cut off due to flood-damaged roads, bridges and rail lines. At least eight flood-related fatalities were reported in Rakhine state's Taunggok and Thandwe areas, as well as the Wuntho area in Sagaing region on 14 June. Flooding has resulted in the displacement of at least 26,000 people, and infrastructural damage to at least 5,500 residential compounds in Rakhine state, as well as the Sagaing, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions since 9 June. Myanmar's Department of Meteorology and Hydrology (DMH) has forecast further heavy rains until 21 June; the total rainfall in Mon, Rakhine and Kachin states, as well as the Tanintharyi and upper Sagaing regions, is expected to exceed 20cm in the coming days. Further torrential rainfall may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by inclement weather. Associated transport disruptions are possible, as are disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications. It should be noted that Myanmar is subject to monsoons between May and November. Heavy rain during this period often results in seasonal flooding. As such, further incidents of flooding are likely in the coming months. Due to the country's poor infrastructure, travel to some regions can be seriously disrupted during this period. It should be noted that there is an elevated risk of waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhoea, in flood-affected areas. Clients in or planning to travel to the affected parts of Myanmar, particularly outside of main urban centres, should do so following consultation with the local authorities, and are advised to monitor local media for weather updates and advisories. Flood-affected areas should be avoided as a precaution; caution is advised in low-lying areas and elevated regions due to the respective threats of flooding and landslides. Travellers should also take precautions against becoming affected by flood-related diseases. Finally, please note that due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Kachin state and to within 10km of the borders with China, Laos, Thailand and India.

AFGHANISTAN / PAKISTAN (CONFLICT) - Clashes have been reported at Afghanistan and Pakistan's shared border in recent days as a result of heightened tensions stemming from the imposition of movement-restrictive measures at the Torkham border crossing. At least three Afghan border guards have been killed and several others wounded since late 12 June following an escalation in tensions regarding the construction of a gate by Pakistan in a disputed area at the border crossing. Pakistan deployed additional troops and weaponry to the affected area on 15 June amid sustained periods of indiscriminate cross-border fire. The Torkham border crossing has been temporarily closed on 15 June. It remains unclear when the aforementioned border crossing is expected to re-open. Afghanistan does not recognise the Durand Line, the frontier boundary between the two countries, as an international border and has allegedly denounced Pakistan's construction of a gate on the Pakistani side of the line, in a bid to stem the cross-border movement of militants in the region. Although the threat of open conflict between the two countries continues to be assessed as low, in light of the recent developments, tensions are likely to increase in the vicinity of the affected border crossing, located near the Khyber Pass; both sides are likely to commit additional resources to the area in the near-term. Additionally, Pakistan has signaled its intention to impose further movement-restrictive measures in the coming months at other crossing points, particularly those between Afghanistan and Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas. In light of this, elevated tensions and further conflict-related incidents remain likely. Due to several security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to FATA, Balochistan province and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and against all non-essential travel to the rest of Pakistan. Clients are advised against all travel to Afghanistan. Clients planning land travel in the affected region should exercise heightened security awareness near border areas and are advised to contact the local authorities or their travel provider for further information and for travel alternatives.

IRAN (WEST AZERBAIJAN & SISTAN VA BALUCHESTAN PROVINCES - CLASHES) - Two separate clashes have been reported in Iran in recent days. On 13 June, local media reported that the security forces had clashed with suspected Kurdish PJAK militants in the Sardasht area of the West Azerbaijan province. The confrontation left five militants dead. The date of the clashes is unclear. In another incident, clashes between the Baluch militant Jaish ul-Adl and the security forces in Khash, Sistan va Baluchestan province, left five militants and one police officer dead on 13 June. Iran's north western and south eastern border provinces are periodically affected by violence involving non-state armed groups, linked to minority groupings. The violence typically involves attacks on state facilities or personnel or clashes between the two sides. The presence of these groups has served to undermine the overall security environment along the country's borders with Iraq, Turkey and Pakistan. Clients are advised against all travel to the south eastern province of Sistan va Baluchestan due to the threats of crime, kidnapping, conflict and terrorism. In addition, all non-essential travel to within 10km of the shared Iran-Iraq border in West Azerbaijan province is advised against, due to ongoing insecurity in Iraq and periodic increases in conflict, between Kurdish rebels and the Iranian security forces. Persons operating in these areas should consider travelling with a security escort.

INDIA (JAMMU & KASHMIR - TELECOMMUNICATION DISRUPTIONS) - Telecommunication disruptions have been reported in the Jammu district of India's Jammu and Kashmir state, following disruptive protests on 14 June. Authorities suspended mobile and internet services on 15 June as a precautionary measure to curb the spread of unrest and protests related to an incident in which a temple was allegedly desecrated. The temple, located in Roop Nagar in the capital, Delhi, was reportedly vandalised on 14 June by a mentally disturbed person. The incident resulted in disruptive protests that were characterised by low-level violence for much of 14 June; at least three vehicles are said to have been set alight. Authorities have deployed additional police to the affected areas and may revoke the suspension on short notice, should related tensions de-escalate. Disruptions to banking, internet, telecommunications and other electronic-based services should be anticipated for the duration of the suspension. As with all protests in India, there is a high threat of violence, with clashes between protesters and security forces regularly reported. Associated protests remain possible in the near-term. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region) due to a number of ongoing security concerns. Persons currently in Jammu and Kashmir should anticipate disruptions to banking, internet, telecommunications, transportation and other electronic-based services and plan accordingly. Clients are further advised to monitor local developments closely for information on associated agitations and protests. All gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

LIBYA (SIRTE - CONFLICT) - Military forces loyal to Libya's UN-backed and Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) continue to battle Islamic State (IS) forces in and around Sirte in northern Libya. On 14 June, IS fighters launched an assault against pro-GNA forces west of Sirte, killing five soldiers and wounding dozens more. The operation to retake Sirte has slowed recently as pro-GNA forces approached easily defendable built-up areas. The battle for Sirte is expected to continue over the short-term. While the city is surrounded, IS forces remain entrenched and maintain the ability to organise a capable defence, and launch occasional counterattacks against pro-GNA forces. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country should travel with a security escort. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated with a security provider.

CHILE (SANTIAGO - PROTEST) - Incident description:

Student unions, including the National Coordinator of Secondary Students, are set to launch a protest action in Chile's capital, Santiago, on 15 June. Protesters are anticipated to gather at Plaza Italia and march past Forest Park before concluding the protest at Mapocho station. The agitation is scheduled to commence at 10:00 local time. The action forms part of an ongoing protest campaign, led by various student organisations, demanding the implementation of education reforms in the country. Furthermore, due to reports of clashes at previous protests, and the death of a security force member at a related protest on 21 May, local authorities have withheld authorisation for the protest. Nevertheless, union leaders have shown intent to go through with the action. 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 15 June should avoid all street protests and concentrations of security forces as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential travel disruptions.

NIGERIA (IBADAN, OYO STATE - DEMONSTRATION) - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) have called on their members to observe a mass demonstration in Ibadan, capital of Nigeria's western Oyo state, on 15 June. The protest has been called in response to various work-related grievances, including the apparent failure of the government to pay salaries and pensions. Although specific details regarding the demonstration have not been disclosed, local reports indicate that the protesters intend to march from the Nigeria Labour Congress of the Oyo State Council. It should be noted that the aforementioned agitation forms part of an ongoing related strike action by the unions, which was launched on 7 June. Although the demonstration is expected to conclude peacefully, there is credible risk of skirmishes at all protest gatherings in Nigeria. Such unrest may pose an incidental risk to bystanders. Moreover, the agitation may result in localised disruptions to business and travel services along the protest route. Persons in Ibadan on 15 June are advised to monitor local media for updates on the demonstration, as well as related advisories from the authorities. All protests and large street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Clients are further advised to make allowances for travel disruptions in the vicinity of the protest route.

TUNISIA (TUNIS - PROTEST) - The leftist opposition Popular Front party has called for a protest outside of the court of first instance in Tunisia's capital, Tunis, on 17 June, from 09:00 local time. The demonstration has been called to demand clarity regarding the assassination of Chokri Belaid in February 2013 and Mohamed Brahmi in July 2013, and a conclusion to the ongoing hearings and investigation into the murders. The event is likely to draw a large crowd. The 2013 assassinations were major national events and sparked significant anti-government demonstrations. The potential for road travel disruptions near the court building is considered elevated, as is the risk of low-level confrontations between protesters and security forces. Clients in Tunis on 17 June are advised to avoid all street protests and to exercise caution in the anticipated protest area.

PAKISTAN (LAHORE - PROTEST) - The chairperson of Pakistan's Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) opposition party, Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, has called for a protest and sit-in ('dharna') protest action in the city of Lahore on 17 June. The sit-in is anticipated to be held at the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, at an unspecified time. Unconfirmed reports indicate that the agitators are expected to gather in the vicinity of Mall Road before moving forward to the assembly. Qadri has called for the action to demand justice for those who lost their lives in the Lahore Model Town incident on 17 June 2014. At least 11 PAT workers were killed and over 100 people were injured following clashes between police and PAT workers in Lahore's Model Town. Due the sensitivity of the aforementioned issue, the protest action and associated dharna is likely to be well attended. Furthermore, all protests carry a high threat of violence, and clashes between rival groups of protesters, as well as between the police and protesters, are regularly reported. Travel disruptions are likely to continue for the duration of the protests. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to most of Pakistan, including Lahore. Persons currently in Pakistan are advised to exercise maximum security measures and should avoid demonstrations and surrounding areas as a standard precaution.

SOUTH AFRICA (WITBANK, MPUMALANGA PROVINCE - DEMONSTRATION) - The National Union of Mineworkers Youth Forum (NUM YF) has called for a mass demonstration in Witbank (also known as eMalahleni), located in South Africa's Mpumalanga province, on 17 June. The action has been called to protest against retrenchments and job losses in the mining sector, which NUM YF assert have contributed to high levels of youth unemployment in the province. Participants are set to gather at the Lynnville Stadium at 09:00 local time, from where they intend to march towards the Department of Labour. The upcoming demonstration is likely to be well attended; as such, localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the protest route. Although they are expected to conclude peacefully, union-led protests and demonstrations in South Africa have previously become violent and/or disruptive with little to no warning. Confrontations between security forces and protesters may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons in Witbank on 17 June are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and any associated large street gatherings as a standard precaution. Local media should be monitored for updates on the protest, as well as for advisories from the authorities. Clients are further advised to make allowances for possible travel delays in the vicinity of the demonstration.

INDIA (MANIPUR - GENERAL STRIKE) - The United Naga Council (UNC) is expected to embark on a 24-hour general strike in the hill districts of India's Manipur state on 18 June. The strike is expected to commence at 00:00 on 18 June and will encompass a commercial and transport blockade. The strike has been called in response to the passing of three bills in the state assembly, known collectively as the Inner Line Permit (ILP), which have been deemed anti-tribal in nature due to the perceived economic and socially repressive policies therein. The UNC is a political grouping representing the interests of the ethnic Naga people. The grouping generally calls for strikes protesting against the perceived inaction of the central government in addressing Naga demands for greater local autonomy in the administration of majority-Naga areas of Manipur, including concerns relating to the passing of the ILP. The strike is likely to result in disruptions to business and transport in the affected areas of Manipur. The possibility remains that any associated protests, agitation or events may rapidly degenerate into violent clashes between separatist activists and security forces. Clients in Manipur are advised to avoid all strike-related activity as a precaution. Persons in north eastern India are reminded that, due to persistent insecurity, all non-essential travel to Manipur and a number of other states in the region is advised against.

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