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

BRAZIL (RIO DE JANEIRO - ARMED HIJACKINGS) - A series of armed hijackings have been reported along a major thoroughfare in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, since 26 June. On 26 June, a group of at least ten armed bandits is believed to have conducted the attacks, in what is known as 'arrestaos' or dragnets, on Avenida Brasil, in the vicinity of the Jardim Guadalupe shopping centre, causing many motorists to abandon their vehicles. No casualties were reported as a result of the incidents. Related incidents have also been reported on roads in the nearby Oswaldo Cruz and Deodoro areas of the city. In response, the authorities have increased police patrols along Avenida Brasil. These incidents underscore the elevated risk of crime in Brazil, particularly in major cities such as Rio de Janeiro. Petty street crime, fuelled by high levels of poverty, is the most prevalent concern, although violent crime incidents can periodically affect visitors. High-risk areas for violent crime are typically low-income areas (favelas), where gangs are known to operate; however, favela-related violence in Rio de Janeiro has the potential to spill over onto major roads and highways. Additionally, an uptick in opportunistic crime is anticipated ahead of and during the Rio Olympic Games 2016, which will commence on 5 August. It should be noted that the risk of physical violence increases if robbery attempts are resisted. Persons travelling in Rio de Janeiro should ensure that they do so during the day regardless of the travel area and with a trusted local contact who is familiar with the security environment. If travelling in a vehicle, clients should be alert to suspicious behaviour; ensure that doors are locked and windows closed, that local emergency contact numbers are pre-programmed on mobile phones, and that travel documents and other essential travel or business-sensitive data and valuables (watches and other jewellery) are secured in a hotel or guesthouse safe while touring the city. As assailants are often armed, clients are advised not to resist, should they fall victim to an attack.

THAILAND (SOUTHERN PROVINCES - HEIGHTENED THREAT OF ATTACKS) - Thailand's International Security Operations Command has issued a warning for security forces to be on high alert in southern provinces until the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, on 6 July. Impacted provinces include Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, as well as Hat Yai and Sadao districts in Songkhla province. More specifically, authorities warned that four recently stolen pickup trucks may be used to carry out car bomb attacks in the aforementioned provinces. There is a heightened risk of terrorist attacks in Thailand's southern provinces during the Ramadan period. This has been denoted by an increase in the number of attacks since the beginning of Ramadan, which have cumulatively left six people dead and 36 more injured. More generally, Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla have been plagued by decades of ethnic and religious tensions stemming from allegations of isolation and discrimination of Malay Muslims by Thailand's predominantly Buddhist government. The resulting Islamist insurgency in the region has been accompanied by regular bombings, shootings and skirmishes with Thai security forces, leaving over 6,000 people dead since re-igniting in 2004. Although attacks normally target security forces, civilians have been killed in associated violence. In addition, although foreign nationals are not usually targeted, the possibility thereof cannot be fully discounted. Due to the ongoing Islamist insurgency and the high risks of conflict and terrorism, clients are advised against non-essential travel to the provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala, whilst heightened caution is advised in Songkhla, including Hat Yai. All suspicious people, packages or activities should be reported to the authorities immediately. Persons currently in the area should exercise heightened security awareness and implement robust security measures, particularly at this politically sensitive time.

NIGERIA (LAGOS & OGUN STATES - INSECURITY) - Security forces clashed with unidentified gunmen in the vicinity of Ibafo in Nigeria's southern Ogun state on 27 June. The clash coincided with a visit by the deputy governor of Ogun, Yetunde Onanuga. Onanuga was in the area to reassure local residents that the government had security in hand following a spate of recent attacks. Overnight 23/24 June, militants attacked and killed at least six local residents in communities near the shared Lagos-Ogun states boundary in the Elepete, Ishawo and Igbo Olomu areas. Earlier, media reports indicated that at least 50 people had been killed in this attack. Unconfirmed reports indicate that at least nine land owners were also killed in the same area on 23 June. In addition, militants have raided areas in the Sagamu area of Ogun state since mid-June, leaving a number of people dead. During raids property has been stolen and some local people abducted. The identity of the attackers is unclear; however, some local media reports citing the authorities indicate that the gunmen may have infiltrated into the area from the Niger Delta. The gunmen are reportedly taking advantage of cover provided by the river creeks in the area to coordinate their operations. Given that the gunmen remain at large, further violence is likely. The government is also likely to dedicate more personnel to the area, increasing the risk of further clashes. Heightened caution is advised when travelling in Lagos and Ogun states. Persons operating in these areas should avoid the above-mentioned affected communities until the armed group is eliminated or it withdraws from the area. Persons travelling by road should do so with a security escort and during the day only.

CHILE (SANTIAGO PROVINCE - VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS) - (Update) The authorities in Chile are expected to implement vehicle restrictions in the province and the capital, Santiago, on 28 June. The measures take place amid ongoing air quality concerns. Vehicles with a green seal and with registration numbers that end with two and three, as well as vehicles without a green seal with registration numbers seven, eight, nine, zero, one and two, will be barred from driving in the province's urban areas from 07:30 till 21:00 local time. In addition to the driving restrictions, limitations have been placed on all types of wood-burning stoves and agricultural burning throughout the metropolitan region.It should be noted that the restrictions could result in travel disruptions in Santiago and surrounding areas on 28 June, as well as a corresponding increase in demand for alternative public and private means of transport. Further restrictions of this nature are possible in the near-term. Additionally, according to the World Air Quality index, the air quality in the aforementioned areas is deemed unhealthy. Persons in the city are advised to anticipate and plan for possible travel delays. Clients are advised to adhere to directives issued by local authorities regarding the temporary restrictions.

CHILE (SANTIAGO - PROTEST MARCH) - A protest march is expected in Chile's capital, Santiago, on 30 June. The march will be held to protest against the pension fund administration system (AFP), as well as reductions in pensions. Participants are expected to gather at the intersection of Ahumada and Huerfanos streets at 11:30 local time, and proceed to La Moneda Palace. It is unclear how well attended the protest will be; nonetheless, some disruptions to travel should be anticipated along the protest route. While the risk of violence is assessed to be low, the possibility of low-level skirmishes cannot be discounted. Clients in Santiago on 30 June are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for potential disruptions.

INDIA (PROTESTS) - Members of the All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) are set to observe sit-in protests in state capitals in India on 30 June. Although the exact locations of protests are unclear, they may focus on the offices of associate banks of the State Bank of India (SBI), namely the State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur (SBBJ), State Bank of Travancore (SBT), State Bank of Mysore (SBM), State Bank of Hyderabad (SBH), as well as State Bank of Patiala (SBP). In addition, AIBEA-led strike action has been called for 12 and 13 July. The strike has been called to protest against SBI's plans to merger the aforementioned banks. Although significant levels of unrest are not expected, the possibility of violence and confrontations cannot be discounted. Additionally, localised travel disruptions are possible in the vicinity of protests, as are disruptions to banking services. Clients in India on 30 June are advised to conduct any required transactions prior to the agitation and should maintain a cash reserve as a precautionary measure. Furthermore, all protests, gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a general precaution.

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