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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 / SINGAPORE (SINGAPORE AIRLINES) - Singapore Airlines will resume nonstop service between Singapore and the USA in October, about two years earlier than expected. That will come Oct. 23, when Singapore begins flying nonstop between San Francisco and Singapore on its Airbus A350-900 aircraft. That route will put Singapore Air into direct competition with United Airlines' just-launched service on the same route. Singapore Air also will beef up its presence in Los Angeles, where it will add nonstop service to Seoul. The carrier already flies from Los Angeles to Tokyo. Both of those routes continue on to Singapore.

JAPAN (OKINAWA - PROTEST) - The US Embassy in Tokyo issued a warning on 17 June relating to a planned protest and rally, expected to take place in the Okinawa prefecture in Japan, on 19 June. The gathering is scheduled to take place at the Onoyama Athletic Park, located in Naha, Okinawa, at 14:00 local time. Related rallies remain possible across the country between 17 and 19 June. The gathering has been called to oppose the US military presence on the island. A significant contingent of US troops in Japan is stationed in Okinawa. Locals are opposed to the US presence due to the alleged high number of crimes committed by the military personnel living in the area. The upcoming protest and other related gatherings are anticipated to conclude peacefully; however, the threat of violence cannot be discounted amid increasing tensions in the area. Additionally, localised travel disruptions are expected in the vicinity of the affected areas. Clients in the Okinawa prefecture on 19 June are advised to avoid the upcoming gathering and to anticipate localised travel disruptions. Furthermore, related gatherings elsewhere in Japan should be avoided as a standard precaution.

ITALY (SICILY - WILDFIRES) - Wildfires in Italy's southern island of Sicily have resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of people, overnight on 16/17 June. Among the worst-affected areas are the capital of the island, Palermo, and the cities of Agrigento, Cefalu, Collesano, Messina, and Trapani. The fires have triggered several road closures in the region, including stretches of the Autostrada A20. In addition to the destruction of several homes and the localised disruption of power utilities, at least 50 cases of smoke inhalation have been reported on the island. Emergency crews have been deployed and are currently working to contain the fires. Wildfires often occur in Italy during the country's hot and dry summer months, between June and September. Wildfires can start without warning and often spread rapidly. It should be noted that, in this instance, authorities have asserted that arson may have been the cause of the Sicilian wildfires. Further disruptions to travel, including road closures, are possible if the fires continue to spread unabated. Clients in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. A heightened level of caution is advised when travelling in all wildfire-affected areas. If travelling by car in an affected area, ensure that all windows are closed and that the air conditioning system is adjusted to prevent smoke from entering the vehicle.

ANGOLA (YELLOW FEVER OUTBREAK) - According to reports on 14 June, as many as 3,137 suspected cases of yellow fever have been reported in Angola amid an ongoing outbreak of the disease since December 2015. Moreover, at least 345 deaths have been recorded as of 10 June. Although the Luanda and Huambo provinces remain the worst affected areas, the disease continues to be reported in all 18 provinces in the country. Health officials assert that the incidence of infections is slowing; however, local transmissions of the disease remain a concern. Mass vaccination campaigns are continuing across Angola, particularly along the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to the threat posed by imported Angolan cases. Yellow fever is a viral disease primarily transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. Most infections are mild, but a severe infection can result in high fever, chills, headaches, muscle ache, vomiting, loss of appetite and backache. After three to four days, most patients improve and their symptoms disappear; however, some infected persons may enter a 'toxic phase', which often proves fatal to those infected. There is no specific treatment for yellow fever. Although yellow fever is known to occur in Angola, the current outbreak is the first to have taken place in the country in 30 years. Persons operating in Angola should ensure that they have been vaccinated against yellow fever. Furthermore, clients are advised to take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Persons who show symptoms of the disease are advised to consult a medical practitioner.

KENYA / SOMALIA (BORDER CLOSURE) - Authorities in Kenya reportedly temporarily closed its shared borders with Somalia on 16 June amid security concerns related to potential Somalia-based al-Shabaab militant attacks. Kenyan authorities also deployed additional military personnel to the Mandera County area. The cross-border movement of students, commercial vehicles and traders was significantly impacted and localised disruptions were reported in the affected areas. The closure remains in effect on 17 June; further information regarding the proposed duration of the temporary closure remains unknown. The border closure forms part of the Kenyan authority's pre-emptive measure to counter any potential al-Shabaab-affiliated attacks during the month of Ramadan. On 10 June, authorities in Kenya issued an alert regarding a possible terrorist attack associated with al-Shabaab, which is seeking to carry out an attack in the country during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which is underway until approximately 6 July. The town of Mandera continues to experience significant levels of militant activity given its close proximity to the Somalia border. Although Kenyan security forces have increased security measures across the country, al-Shabaab has staged numerous incursions into Kenya in recent years and the possibility of further small-scale attacks in border areas susceptible to militant activity remains possible. Furthermore, the closure has already resulted in localised disruptions; further disruptions should be anticipated at the affected border crossings in the near-term. All travel to areas within 50km of Kenya's shared border with Somalia in the Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties as well as all travel to Somalia, except Puntland and Somaliland, is advised against due to heightened threats of terrorism, conflict and kidnapping. Persons intending to travel via land borders between these two countries are advised to contact the relevant authority prior to departure, to check the status of the crossing and route. Persons operating in the affected areas are advised to monitor local developments closely.

IRAQ (FALLUJAH - CONFLICT) - Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) announced the capture of a key government compound in the Islamic State (IS)-held city of Fallujah, located in Anbar governorate, according to reports on 17 June. Government forces now control approximately half of the territory of Fallujah, including key central areas, following weeks of fighting backed by US led-coalition air strikes, which saw the initial capture of areas to the south and east in recent days. Reports indicate that a battle is currently underway for the Fallujah General Hospital, and that thousands of IS fighters are fleeing west out of the city. Fallujah is a key city for IS, given its proximity to the capital, Baghdad, and its strategic position on the Euphrates river. The government's offensive against the IS-held city of Fallujah, which is located 65km west of the capital, was announced on 22 May. IS has held the city since January 2014. The group put up a surprising lack of resistance, after many predicted an extended campaign. The loss of Fallujah may be followed by reprisal attacks in other urban areas, including Baghdad, in the coming days and weeks if IS activates sleeper cells. Persons in Baghdad should anticipate an increase in attacks over the immediate-term, particularly in Shiite communities and near security force personnel and facilities. Clients are advised against all travel to the Baghdad and Anbar governorates. Persons in these regions should travel with a security escort and reside in secure compounds. Travel should be limited outside of secure areas and local media should be closely monitored for updates and advisories from the authorities.

RUSSIA (REPUBLIC OF DAGESTAN - CLASHES) - Several casualties have been reported amid a security operation targeting militants in Russia's Republic of Dagestan region, on 17 June. Reports indicate that clashes between security forces and militants broke out in Suleiman Stalsky and Tabasaransky districts, as well as the areas surrounding Derbent city, where the operation has been ongoing. However the exact location of the incident remains unclear. At least four Russian special forces soldiers were killed and six wounded during the operation, and at least six militants were killed. Dagestan is considered a severely insecure region due to the presence of both separatist and Islamist extremists. Violence attributed to these forces is regularly reported. Clients are advised against all travel to Dagestan due to high levels of violence, instability and terrorism. Persons operating in the region should do so with a security escort. Recent violence-affected areas should be avoided.

THAILAND (PATHUM THANI PROVINCE - UNREST) - Unrest and associated disruptions were reported in the Khlong Luang district, located in Thailand's Pathum Thani province, on 16 June. Agitators reportedly engaged in a stand-off with authorities amid a security operation, launched at 05:00 local time at the Wat Phra Dhammakaya Buddhist Temple, in an attempt to apprehend an abbot, Phra Dhammachayo. Followers of Dhammachayo, have allegedly prohibited police from entering the temple property and blocked thoroughfares in the vicinity of the temple. Dhammachayo has been accused of money laundering and embezzlement. Supporters of Dhammachayo, in a bid to placate authorities, allege the abbot is unwell and remains in the temple property. Further compounding the issue, monks retain a privileged position in Thai society and are granted many concessions, including not paying taxes and being exempt from being arrested while in service to the temple. The recent action of the authorities to apprehend the abbot has served to increase tensions. As Dhammachayo leads the largest religious sect in Thailand, additional sympathisers are expected to congregate in the vicinity of the temple in the near-term. It should be noted that Thai security forces regularly adopt a heavy-handed approach in dealing with dissent. As such, there is a credible risk of low-level violence, should authorities attempt to enter the temple and supporters physically resist these attempts. In addition, due to proximity of the Khlong Luang district to the capital, Bangkok, localised road travel disruptions are anticipated in the affected area, including Route 3 (Sukhumvit Road) and Route 302 (Rattanathibet and Ngamwongwan Roads). Clients in the affected area of Thailand are advised to monitor local developments closely for updates and advisories relating to the ongoing stand-off. All street gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for possible localised travel delays.

SOUTH AFRICA (KNYSNA - PROTESTS & TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS) - Protests have resulted in the closure of both lanes of the N2 highway near Knysna in South Africa, on 17 June. Service delivery-related protests in the Hornlee area, located approximately 4km outside Knysna towards Plettenberg Bay, spilled out onto the highway, forcing the closure of both lanes. Protests and demonstrations stemming from political issues and labour disputes are common in South Africa. Such gatherings frequently turn violent, disrupting traffic, businesses and service delivery. There have been no reports of vehicles being damaged, as has often been the case in previous related incidents. There is no available information on the expected reopening of the highway. Alternative but longer circuitous routes are available. Clients are advised to adjust itineraries to accommodate travel delays, and to monitor local media for updates of the status of the road. Clients are also advised to avoid the affected area due to the threat of violence.

NETHERLANDS (BREDA - DEMONSTRATION) - Activist and civic groups are set to stage a demonstration in Breda, Netherlands, on 18 June. The demonstration has been called against far-right groups such as Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the Occident (PEGIDA; and against racism and discrimination with regards to the ongoing European migrant crisis. Participants are expected to gather in the vicinity of the Kasteelplein from 14:00 local time. Although the upcoming demonstration is anticipated to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Persons in Breda are advised to avoid large street protests and concentration of security forces. Allowances should be made for potential travel disruptions in the vicinity of affected sites.

MOZAMBIQUE (MAPUTO - PROTEST) - Civil society organisations have called for a protest march in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, on 18 June. The participants are expected to gather near the Eduardo Mondlane statue, located at the intersection of Eduardo Mondlane Avenue and Avenida da Tanzania, at 07:30 local time. Protesters will proceed along Eduardo Mondlane Avenue, onto Karl Marx Avenue, and conclude at Independence Square, near the city hall, where a rally may be held. The march has been called to protest recent incidents of government corruption, and against the poor state of human rights in Mozambique. Incidents of civil unrest occur sporadically in Mozambique, and are typically in response to political tensions and socio-economic concerns. Protests have the potential to turn violent; Mozambique has experienced episodes of violent civil unrest in the past. Police forces have been known to have a heavy-handed response to protests and have, on occasion, fired live ammunition to disperse protesters. Travel disruptions in the vicinity of all demonstrations should be expected. Clients in Maputo on the affected dates are advised to anticipate possible travel disruptions and should plan accordingly. Clients are advised to avoid all protest gatherings as a standard precaution.

BANGLADESH (PROTEST) - A 14-party alliance, including Bangladesh's ruling party, the Awami League, has called for gatherings across Bangladesh on 19 June. The gathering will take the form of a 'human chain' across the country, most notably in urban centres, and has been called in opposition to extrajudicial killings and the alleged increase in militant activity in the country. The gatherings are expected to take place from 15:00 local time until 16:00. The gatherings have been scheduled to oppose a series of assaults and attacks targeting minority groups since 2015. The gatherings are likely to be well attended and conclude peacefully. Travellers should anticipate road disruptions in the vicinity of all affected areas. Clients in Bangladesh are advised to exercise caution in the affected areas and anticipate localised travel disruptions.

BANGLADESH (PROTEST) - The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called for countrywide protests in Bangladesh on 18 June. All district and divisional units are expected to observe the demonstrations. In the capital, Dhaka, an associated rally is expected to take place at the Institution of Engineers, located on Moulana Bhasani Road, at 10:00 local time. The action has been called to protest against the mass arrests of opposition leaders and activists in an attempt by the government to crackdown on militancy. The demonstrations are likely to be well attended, and may result in travel disruptions in impacted areas, including in the capital. As with all protest action in Bangladesh, there is a heightened threat of violence between BNP supporters and security forces, and between BNP supporters and supporters of the ruling Awami League. Persons in Bangladesh on 18 June are advised to avoid all demonstrations and concentrations of security forces due to the risk of violent civil unrest. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for possible travel disruptions.

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