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

KOREA (KOREAN AIR) / INDIA / BRAZIL - Commencing December 2016, Korean Air will introduce direct flights to New Delhi, the capital and commercial centre of India. Korean Air will also reduce the frequency or suspend selected routes which are showing deficits. From the last week of September, and after the Rio Olympic Games, Korean Air will suspend its three times a week flight between Incheon and Sao Paolo.

CANADA (ONTARIO - RAIL SERVICE DISRUPTIONS) - Significant delays to rail services are anticipated after a pedestrian was fatally struck along Canada's Lakeshore West line, in Ontario, on 20 June. GO train services along the Lakeshore West line have been suspended. It is unclear when the line will be open again. Shuttle busses running from Port Credit to Cooksville have been provided in the interim. Residual disruptions should be anticipated once normal operations resume, as it may take several hours for authorities to clear the rail lines. Furthermore, an increased demand for alternative modes of transport should also be expected in the affected areas. Persons intending to utilise the Lakeshore West line in the aforementioned affected area are advised to contact the relevant rail operator and monitor local media for information regarding the actions and the status of services.

FRANCE (NANTES - TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS) - Reports indicate that a number of tram and bus lines in Nantes are currently out of service due to an unplanned strike, which began on 19 June, following an assault on a tram driver on 18 June. It is unclear how long the disruptions will continue. Clients in Nantes are advised to keep itineraries flexible to accommodate travel delays. Clients may also consult http://www.tan.fr/ for more travel information.

SPAIN (MADRID - RAIL SECTOR STRIKE) - (Update) An ongoing strike by unionised employees of the Madrid Metro is set to continue affecting rail services in Spain's capital, Madrid, in the coming days. The action, which entails partial work stoppages, has been organised by the SCMM union in response to unsatisfactory collective bargain agreements with the rail operator. Disruptions to metro services are expected to take place between 06:30 and 09:30 local time on 20 June, 14:15 and 16:15 on 21 June, 06:00 and 09:00 on 23 June, and 18:00 and 22:00 on 24 June. Although Madrid Metro authorities have indicated that minimum services will be available during the aforementioned strike period, disruptions cannot be discounted due to the absence of maintenance staff, should any faults arise. It should be noted that, given the ongoing nature of the dispute, the strike may be suspended or extended on an ad hoc basis. Persons intending to utilise metro services during the aforementioned strike period are advised to contact the Madrid Metro (https://www.metromadrid.es/en/index.html) or their travel provider to confirm the status of rail services.

UNITED KINGDOM (DORSET & LEEDS - BUS STRIKE) - Disruptions to First Group bus services are expected in Dorset and Leeds, in the UK, due to strikes by unionised bus drivers. In Dorset, unionised bus drivers are scheduled to observe a five-day strike from 04:00 local time on 20 June; also on the same day, an associated 24-hour strike by unionised bus drivers is also expected in Leeds. The strikes have been called with regard to ongoing disputes between bus operator, First Group and union, Unite, regarding working conditions and low wages. Should the strikes proceed as scheduled, significant disruptions to bus services are anticipated. An increased demand for alternative modes of transport should also be expected in the affected areas. It should be noted that the actions may be extended or suspended on an ad hoc basis. Persons intending to utilise First Group bus services in the aforementioned affected areas are advised to contact the relevant bus operator and monitor local media for information regarding the actions and the status of services.

GERMANY (DRESDEN - PROTEST) - The far-right group Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the Occident (PEGIDA) is expected to conduct a protest march in Dresden, located in Germany's Saxony state, on 20 June. The march is expected to commence at 18:30 local time at Wiener Platz next to the Hauptbahnhof. PEGIDA protests in Dresden, where the group was founded in 2014, are usually very well attended. Most demonstrations conclude without incident, although they sometimes prompt counter-demonstrations by rival groups. Violent confrontations involving participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces remain possible. The upcoming gathering may result in localised travel disruptions. Persons in Dresden on 20 June are advised to avoid the upcoming protest as a standard security precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of Wiener Platz.

INDONESIA (CENTRAL JAVA PROVINCE - FLOODING & LANDSLIDE FATALITIES) - (Update) The death toll from flooding and associated landslides, triggered by torrential rainfall on 18 and 19 June, has increased to at least 46 dead in Indonesia's Central Java province, as of 20 June. Thousands of residences in 16 regencies (districts) in the province have been impacted; of those, the majority of fatalities have taken place in Purworejo regency, where 29 people have died. Over a dozen more people remain missing. Related disruptions to travel and business services have been reported in areas impacted by the flooding. Emergency crews have been deployed to assist with rescue and relief efforts. Heavy rain at this time of year is unseasonal, as Indonesia receives the majority of its rain between December and March. The ongoing inclement weather has been forecast to persist until 26 June, at least. It should be noted that further heavy rain may exacerbate flood conditions in areas already affected by the recent deluge. Moreover, settlements located along the slopes of saturated hillsides and near rivers, such as the Bogowonto river, are at a heightened risk of being impacted by landslides. Weather-related disruptions to travel, business, and utility services in parts of Central Java are possible in the near-term. It should be noted that there is an elevated risk of waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhoea, in flood-affected areas. Clients currently in or intending to travel to Central Java are advised to monitor local media for flooding updates and related advisories from the authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying areas and elevated regions due to the respective risks of flooding and landslides. Travellers should also take precautions against becoming affected by flood-related diseases.

TURKEY (ELAZIG PROVINCE - RAIL ACCIDENT) - Nine people were killed after a passenger train hit a minibus at a level crossing, along the Tatvan-Ankara mainline in Elazig province, on 20 June. Emergency personnel are on the scene. Further information is unavailable. Disruptions to rail travel along the affected route are likely to persist in the coming hours. Clients intending to travel along mainline through Anatolia in the coming hours, are advised to contact their travel provider for updates on the status of the affected rail line.

RUSSIA (ASTRAKHAN - EVACUATION) - Reports indicate that hundreds of people have been evacuated from the vicinity of the Ashuluk testing range, near Astrakhan in southern Russia, following an explosion at a nearby rocket factory on 20 June. Unconfirmed reports indicate that there may be dozens of casualties. Disruptions to transport along the Volgograd-Astrakhan highway, in the vicinity of Ashuluk, are likely, as emergency personnel tend to the scene. Clients in Astrakhan are advised to avoid the affected area as a standard precaution and to follow the directives of local authorities.

KENYA (MANDERA COUNTY - MILITANT ATTACK) - At least five police officers have been killed in an attack on a security vehicle by suspected al-Shabaab militants, in Kenya's north eastern Mandera county, on 20 June. The vehicle was reportedly escorting a bus when it was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). The exact location of the attack remains unclear. Unconfirmed reports claim that one police officer is missing and is suspected to have been taken hostage by the group. Attacks by militants on Kenyan targets in the vicinity of the shared border have increased significantly since Kenyan forces were deployed against al-Shabaab positions in southern Somalia in 2011. Given the ongoing conflict in Somalia and Kenya's involvement in the hostilities, further reprisal attacks in the region should be anticipated. These are likely to include low-level shooting and bombing attacks, as well as kidnappings. Further incidents near the shared border are likely. Attacks can also occur further inside Kenyan territory. Clients are advised against all travel to areas within 50km of the Somali border, including Mandera county, due to heightened threats of terrorism and kidnapping. Non-essential travel to wider Mandera county is advised against due to the associated insecurity in the region.

IRAN (TERRORIST PLOT) - The authorities in Iran issued a statement on 20 June indicating that they had recently arrested several terrorists and foiled a plot to conduct bombings in the capital, Tehran, and several other provinces across the country during Ramadan (ending 5 July). The terrorists were identified as 'Takfiri-Wahhabi', terms commonly associated with Sunni extremist groups such as the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda. The exact identity of the militants, including details regarding exactly where they were arrested and specific terrorist targets, have not been divulged by the authorities. Iran is involved in the conflicts in Syria and Iraq against various Sunni armed groups, including extremists. As such, the risk of retaliatory violence in Iran is high. Iran's elevated security posture negates the probability of a successful attack but does not diminish the persistent threat. In addition, there is a threat of terrorism stemming from domestic non-state armed groups in Iran, including Kurd militants in the north west, Arab separatists in the west and Baluch separatists in the south east. Activity by these groups is generally limited to the country's border provinces; however, attacks in the future against Iran's core remain a possibility. Should non-state armed groups conduct attacks in Iran, state facilities, general Persian interests, security force personnel and buildings, as well as religious institutions linked to the predominant Shiite Islam religion, are the most likely targets. Clients in Iran are advised to maintain general heightened personal security awareness. Local media should be closely monitored and security providers should be regularly contacted for updates regarding the security and political dynamic in the country. This is particularly relevant if travelling to the country's restive border provinces.

LIBYA (AJDABIYA AND SURROUNDS, SIRTE AND AREA BETWEEN AJDABIYA AND TOBRUK - CONFLICT) -

An armed group, the Benghazi Defense Forces (also referred to as Defend Benghazi Brigades and the Benghazi Defence Brigades), and members of the Ajdabiya Liberation Operations Chamber clashed with Libyan National Army (LNA) forces near Ajdabiya in northern Libya on 18 and 19 June. The fighting, near several oil fields, left a number of people dead. The Benghazi Defense Forces has claimed that it is fighting under the authority of Sadiq Abdulrahman Ali Alghariani, the Grand Mufti of Libya. In response, the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR) has declared a state of emergency and placed the area between Ben Jawad and Tobruk under control of the LNA. The LNA has accused the Petroleum Facilities Guard (PFG) of facilitating the Benghazi Defense Forces access to Ajdabiya. The development in Ajdabiya coincides with ongoing fighting in Sirte, located further east. Forces loyal to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) and allied PFG are battling Islamist State (IS) fighters in Sirte. The emergence of the Benghazi Defense Forces further complicates the political and security environment in the country. It has also served to split the GNA. The GNA has officially condemned the Ajdabiya attack but two prominent members, both Islamists, have reportedly stated that the condemnation was issued without their approval. With ongoing fighting, it is likely that separate political, city-based, regional, ethnic and religiously motivated armed groups will seek to influence developments to their advantage. Further fighting is anticipated. The risk of intra-group fighting is also high. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons in the country are advised to travel with a security escort. Political and conflict developments should be closely monitored in conjunction with your security provider. Crisis management plans should be regularly reviewed and updated.

AFGHANISTAN (KABUL - SUICIDE BOMBING) - Emerging reports indicate that 12 security force members have been killed and several others injured, following a suicide bomb attack, in Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, on 20 June. A suicide bomber attacked a minibus that appeared to be from a logistics company, although it was not clear whether the victims were Afghans or Nepalese security contractors. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. The incident underscores the extreme conflict and associated terrorism risks in Afghanistan. The threat stemming from a number of extremist Islamist organisations, of which the Taleban is the most prevalent. Despite the efforts of the Afghan security forces against the group, the group continues to have an extensive operation presence in the country, including in Kabul. Given the general insecurity in the country, further conflict and security related incidents are expected to persist. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Persons currently in Kabul are advised to exercise maximum security measures and to avoid the affected area at this time.

CHINA (WUKAN - ELEVATED TENSIONS & POSSIBLE PROTESTS) - Tensions remain elevated on 20 June in the village of Wukan, located in China's south eastern province of Guangdong, following several developments there in recent days. On 18 June, the village head, Lin Zulian, was detained by police, ostensibly on charges of accepting bribes. Simultaneously, a considerable security force presence was deployed to the village to contain any protests sparked by Lin's detainment. Locals assert he was arrested because he was organising protests, scheduled for 19 June, against local government corruption and associated illegal land seizures. According to latest reports, thousands of people demonstrated in Wukan on 19 June, calling for Lin's release. There were no reports of violence.The threat of tensions leading to unrest in the coming days cannot be discounted in Wukan. The village was the site of high-profile protests over land seizures and illegal construction in 2011. The unrest escalated into a week-long standoff between protesters and security forces, with the government eventually conceding to the villagers' demands for an investigation into illegal land grabs and for village polls to be held in a transparent manner. Given the is dynamic, officials in China are aware of Wukan's potential to become a protest flashpoint, and are keen to ensure that the current discontent will not escalate into the protests of 2011. As such, the security force presence is likely to remain in place in the coming days. Tensions may escalate further due to Lin's continued imprisonment, any forceful response to demonstrations, or actions by local government officials viewed by villagers as being intransigent; this could result in intensified protest action, thereby escalating the risk of clashes between security forces and demonstrators. In addition, in light of the security force deployment, access to Wukan and surrounds may be restricted at present. Clients currently in Guangdong province are advised to monitor local developments closely. Travellers are advised to avoid Wukan and all possible related protest action and concentrations of security forces as a precautionary measure.

PERU (PROTEST) - The General Confederation of Workers of Peru (CGTP) union and its members are set to launch protests in several urban centres, in various provinces, on 22 June. The agitations have been launched in efforts to demand justice against the alleged abuse of power and business in the country. Protests are scheduled to take place in the cities of Arequipa, Puno, Tacna, Cusco and Ica. It is unclear when the aforementioned agitation is set to begin. The aforementioned protests are anticipated to proceed peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level confrontations between protesters and security forces cannot be discounted. Disruptions to road travel are expected in the vicinity of any associated gatherings. Clients in Peru on 22 June are advised to monitor local media for updates on any planned gatherings and possible protests in other areas of the country. All street protests and unofficial roadblocks should be avoided as a precaution.

PHILIPPINES (MANILA & SURROUNDINGS PROVINCES - EARTHQUAKE DRILL) - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is expected to conduct an earthquake drill at 09:00 local time in the Philippines' capital, Manila, on 22 June. The drill will also take place in the provinces lying immediately adjacent to the capital, namely Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna. Over 500 organisations, government departments, businesses, public institutions and the like are expected to partake in the simulation exercise. Power and telecommunications networks are scheduled to experience disruptions during the practice period. Moreover, collapsed buildings and bridges, train derailments, and fires will also be simulated. The earthquake drills have been initiated in order to mitigate the disaster-related risks associated with earthquakes measuring 7.2 magnitude and above, as well as evaluate the preparedness of residents should an earthquake of that magnitude impact on the metropolis. Disruptions to business operations, transport services, telecommunications, and power supply should be anticipated for the duration of the drills. Traffic delays are expected as a result of the simulations. Residual disruptions should be anticipated in the immediate aftermath of the practice period as authorities attempt to normalise schedules, services and the flow of traffic. Clients in Manila and the surrounding provinces are advised to monitor local media for updates on procedures to follow during drill periods and to adhere to any directives issued by the local authorities. Furthermore, clients should anticipate significant travel disruptions across the city, delays and increased road traffic as a result of the simulation exercises.

INDIA (GUWAHATI - AMBUBACHI MELA HINDU FESTIVAL) - The annual Ambubachi Mela Hindu festival is scheduled to take place in Guwahati, the largest urban centre in India's north eastern Assam state, from 22 to 26 June, although many devotees will have begun arriving in the city before then. The event is taking place at the Kamakhya temple, located on Nilachal Hill, in the western part of the city. Up to one million devotees are attending the festival, which is marked by large processions through the city to the temple complex. As with all significant religious events in India, the possibility exists that celebrations may be targeted by domestic and/or regional terrorist or insurgent groups seeking to highlight their respective causes. As a result of this threat, security is likely to have been heightened in Guwahati; such measures are likely to include roadblocks and increased security checkpoints at points of entry and exit in the city. In addition, road closures are likely to impact on road travel; as such, delays to public transport and an increased demand for such services should be anticipated, due to the number of people attending the event. There is also an increased risk of petty street crime, as the crowds at various festivities will provide ample cover from which petty thieves may operate. Clients in Guwahati on the affected days should anticipate travel disruptions and delays. Clients are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness due to the increased threat from petty crime and terrorism, and to report any suspicious people, packages or activities to the authorities immediately. Finally, due to an ongoing low-level separatist conflict, all non-essential travel to Assam state is advised against.

CAMBODIA - Cambodia's Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology has issued a flood warning for several provinces on 20 June. According to the ministry, a low pressure system is expected to bring heavy rain and may trigger flooding in the Kampong Speu, Kandal, Prey Veng, Takeo, Svay Rieng, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang, Banteay Meanchey, Tbong Khmum, Kampong Cham and Kratie provinces. The warning, which also applies to the capital, Phnom Penh, is expected to remain in effect until 27 June at least. The meteorological bureau has also warned that mountainous areas, low-lying regions and National Road 4, located in the Koh Kong province, are particularly susceptible to flooding; while coastal areas are expected to experience strong winds. The inclement weather is likely to cause disruptions to land, air and sea travel in the affected areas over the near-term. In addition, disruptions to utilities such as water, power and telecommunications are also possible.

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