EFTA01807819

From: Dave Johnson Sent: Friday, March 17, 2017 12:00 PM To: Zane Cc: G Charsley (Adler ANB); Myla Baker US; Ian Fitzpatrick Subject: Fwd: Daily Digest: 01:09 GMT 17 Mar 2017 Security / Medical / Tavel updates received =rom MedAire DAVE J email: Begin forwarded message: From: =/b>Daily Digest <[email protected]> Subject: =/b>Daily Digest: =1:09 GMT 17 Mar 2017 Date: =/b>March 16, 2017 at 9:10:21 PM =DT To: =/b Daily =igest Africa Cameroon: Douala: Exercise caution in New Bell area following =epeated clashes between youths <x- msg://7/#1057284> Members in the =ommercial capital Douala (Littoral region) should exercise caution in =he coming days in the vicinity of the Shell New Bell junction following =n outbreak of violence on 15 March by youths armed with sticks, bottles =nd machetes. The violence, which included attacks on passers-by, was =riggered by the killing of a suspected thief in an incident of mob =ustice earlier in the week. Police intervened to re-establish order but =aution should be exercised in the area due to the risk of further =etaliation, which would pose incidental risk to bystanders. More <x-msg://7/#1057284> Rwanda: Western =order areas: Gun attack in Rusizi district reflects MEDIUM travel risk =n border region <x- msg://7/#1057304> EFTA_R1_00156428 EFTA01807819 Two Rwandan nationals early on =2 March were killed and another injured in an attack by unidentified =unmen in the Bugarama area of Rusizi district (Western province), near =he border with Burundi and Congo (DRC). The Rwandan authorities are =ttempting to identify the assailants, who reportedly fled to Burundi. =he incident serves as a reminder of the MEDIUM risks associated with =ravel to the border with Burundi and Congo (DRC), where incursions by =rmed groups, shelling or stray gunfire can temporarily increase =nsecurity in adjacent areas of Rwanda. More Senegal: Dakar: Expect, avoid =urther protests over mayor's arrest; related gatherings set for 17, 22 =arch <x- msg://7/#1057500> Members in the capital Dakar over the =oming days should anticipate and avoid all protests linked to the =ecent arrest of the city's mayor, Khalifa Sall, over alleged =mbezzlement of public funds. A hearing in the case is due to be held at =he High Court from 09.00 (local time) on 17 March, and related =emonstrations are possible on the day outside the court building and =he Town Hall, as well as the Rebeuss prison, where the mayor is being =etained. An additional pro-Sall rally is scheduled from 16.00 (local =ime) on 22 March in the city's Guediawaye suburb. More South Africa: Gauteng =rovince: Movement in vicinity of Springs Mall in East Rand can resume =fter attempted armed robbery (Revised) <x-msg://7/#10S7313> Normal =ovement in the vicinity of Springs Mall, in the East Rand area to the =ast of Johannesburg (Gauteng province), can resume after shots were =ired during an attempted armed cash-in-transit robbery earlier on 16 =arch. According to local media reports, two police officers and a =ystander were injured during a shoot-out near the mall's entrance; two =uspects were later arrested. The incident highlights the high levels of =iolent crime in the country and the need to adopt sensible precautions, =ven when in comparatively secure areas. More Americas Argentina: Urban centres: =void protests related to teachers' strike on 21.22 March =Revised) <x-msg://7/#1057492> Members in urban centres, including =he capital Buenos Aires and provincial capitals, on 21-22 March should =void demonstrations related to nationwide strikes by the CTERA =eachers' union over a number of issues in dispute with the government, =ncluding education funding and salaries. Members should avoid common =rotest locations in Buenos Aires city on both days, including the =ducation and labour ministries, Plaza de Mayo and the National Congress =see map). More <x-msg://7/111057492> Brazil: Yellow fever =utbreak The yellow fever outbreak in Brazil =ontinues. Initially affecting Minas Gerais State, cases have now been =onfirmed in the states of Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. =uspected cases are also under investigation in the states of Bahia, Rio =rande do Norte and Tocantins. In addition, other areas of Brazil are =onsidered at risk for yellow fever. Travellers visiting any area at =isk of yellow fever should be vaccinated at least ten days prior to =rrival. In addition, some travellers to and from Brazil are required to =how proof of vaccination to gain entry. More 2 EFTA_R1_00156429 EFTA01807820 Canada: Ontario, =uebec provinces: Reconfirm travel arrangements, continue to expect =isruption associated with winter storm Stella <x-msg://7/#1057277> Members travelling to southern parts of Ontario and Quebec =rovinces on 16 March should continue to maintain flexible itineraries =nd anticipate further travel disruption associated with winter storm =tella. Further snowfall is forecast to affect major cities, including =he capital Ottawa, Toronto (both Ontario province), Montreal and Quebec =ity (both Quebec province)on 16 March. According to the authorities, =any flights were delayed or cancelled at Toronto Pearson International =irport (YYZ, Ontario) and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International =irport (YUL, Quebec) on 14-15 March. Members should reconfirm travel =rrangements before setting out, to minimise inconvenience. More <x-msg://7/#1057277> El Salvador: San Salvador: =atal shootout near city centre highlights persistent crime =isks <x-msg://7/#1057491> At least six people were killed on 15 =arch in a shootout between gang members and private security guards in =he Mercado Central area in the centre of the capital San Salvador. The =uthorities subsequently launched a security operation and arrested five =uspects. The violence erupted when gang members opened fire on a =ecurity guard and fatally shot three nearby street vendors, triggering =he gunfight. Most shops and businesses in the area subsequently closed =ue to the unrest. The incident highlights the HIGH travel risk rating =or the country, particularly the capital where, principally due to gang =iolence, travel should only be undertaken for essential business =urposes. More <x-msg://7/#1057491> Mexico: Urban centres: Avoid =rotests related to national strike on 17-18 March by teachers' =nion <x- msg://7/#1057498> Members in urban centres around Mexico on =7.18 March should avoid all demonstrations associated with a 48-hour =ationwide strike by the CNTE teachers' union over educational reforms. =wo marches will be held on 17 March: one in Tuxtla Gutierrez (Chiapas =tate) at 09.00 from Diana Cazadora to Parque Central, and a second in =orelia (Michoacan state), starting at 10.00 (local time) from Casa de =obierno to the Centro Historico. More Peru: Disruption =elated to heavy rainfall, flooding persists in several regions; =aintain flexible itineraries <x- msg://7/#1057275> Members in or =ravelling to Ancash, Huancavelica, Junin, Lambayeque, Libertad, Lima, =iura and Tumbes regions, as well as the capital Lima, in the coming =ays should plan itineraries accounting for likely disruption caused by =ontinued heavy rainfall and resultant flooding. The flooding has =amaged roads and bridges in the aforementioned regions. Clean-up and =epair operations are under way. More United States: =ontinue to monitor developments following court ruling temporarily =locking new immigration restrictions <x-msg://7/#1057479> Members =ntending to travel to or from the US should continue to closely monitor =evelopments linked to a recent Executive Order detailing new =mmigration procedures. A federal judge in Hawaii state on 15 March =pproved a nationwide temporary restraining order against travel =estrictions within the Order, hours before the measure was to come into =ffect on 16 March. A similar ruling was subsequently issued by a =ederal judge in Maryland state. The rulings will prevent the various =estrictions in the Order from being implemented at least until legal =hallenges against the law are adjudicated at an as yet unspecified =ate. 3 EFTA_R1_00156430 EFTA01807821 More <x-msg://7/#1057479> Asia & the =acific Afghanistan: Kabul: Heavy =unfire reported near Habibiya High School on Darulam Road; avoid area =/a> <x- msg://7M1057483> SPECIAL ADVISORY Unconfirmed reports late on 16 March indicate that heavy =unfire took place near the Habibiya High School on Darulam Road in the =apital Kabul. Details of the incident are still emerging; more to =ollow. More <x-msg://7/#1057483> Afghanistan: Kabul: Reported =ilitant threat to Green Village Camp; reconfirm itineraries, stand-fast =rocedures The Ministry of Interior reported on =5 March that there is a potential militant plot to carry out a car bomb =ttack against the Green Village Camp in the capital Kabul. As yet, =here are no precise details about the timing or nature of the suspected =stack or the source of the threat information. Travellers in Kabul with =ppointments at the Green Village Camp should reconfirm their =tineraries and continue to minimise time spent near the perimeter of =he facility. Travellers at the camp should reconfirm stand-fast =rrangements and procedures. More American Samoa =US): Dengue outbreak <x-msg://7/#1057303> A public health emergency =as declared after cases of dengue fever were confirmed in American =amoa.Dengue is consistently present in the island and outbreaks are =lso ongoing in other Pacific islands.lt is spread by mosquitoes and can =ause a range of symptoms. It has no particular treatment. Some people, =specially those who have been infected before, get a more severe form =hat can lead to fatal complications. Although a vaccine has been =eveloped, it is only available in a small number of countries and is =ot recommended for travellers. Prevent infection by avoiding mosquito =ites. More <x-msg://7/#1057303> Bangladesh: Avoid planned =ationwide protests on 18 March over government's gas deal with foreign =ompany Members in the capital Dhaka and other =rban centres on 18 March should avoid the vicinity of planned =ationwide demonstrations over the government's agreement reached on 14 =arch with a South Korean oil and gas company, allowing the latter =ffshore gas exploration rights in the Bay of Bengal. The protest is =eing organised by National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral =esources, Power and Ports group to highlight various concerns, =ncluding the potential for increased gas prices and the trade deal's =rovision of corporate tax exemption benefits. More China: Hong Kong: =xpect localised disruption, make alternative transport arrangements =uring taxi operators' protests on 17 March <x-msg://7/#1057501> Members in Hong Kong should expect localised disruption and =ake alternative transport arrangements during protests by taxi =perators' unions in the morning hours of 17 March in the central =usiness district (CBD). The organisers plan to surround the Central =overnment Offices and the Legislative Council (LegCo) building in the =dmiralty area with 100 taxis, while 400 taxis will be parked on roads =round the harbourfront area in Central district. The operators are 4 EFTA_R1_00156431 EFTA01807822 =rotesting against a government plan to introduce 600 premium taxis in =ong Kong. The event in Admiralty will coincide with a discussion on the =roposal in the LegCo. More <x-msg://7/#1057501> India: Delhi, environs: =nticipate road blockades by protesting ethnic-Jats on 20 =arch <x-msg://7/#1057521> Members in the capital Delhi and the =djoining areas of National Capital Region (NCR) on 20 March should =xpect significant travel disruption during planned protests by the =thnic-Jat Akhil Bhartiya Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (ABJASS) group. =BJASS, which has been campaigning for quotas for Tats in state =overnment jobs and educational institutions, has threatened to block =he prime minister's residence, the parliament building, and all =ighways and roads in Delhi on the day if its demands are not met. More <x-msg://7/14057521> India: Fatal sexual assault of =rish national in Goa highlights need for stringent =recautions cx-msg://7/#1057294> The police on 15 March arrested a =an from Canacona city (South Goa district, Goa state) on charges of =aping and killing a female Irish national. The victim had travelled to =outh Goa with a friend on 13 March, to participate in the celebration =f the Hindu festival of Holi (commonly referred to as the efestiv=l of colours'). Her body was found in Devbagh village the following =ay. The incident highlights the need for female travellers to adopt =tringent precautions at all times to mitigate the risk of sexual =ssault, particularly in tourist areas. More Maldives: Anticipate increased =ecurity, associated disruption during Saudi Arabian king's visit from =8 March <x- msg://7/#1057506> Members should expect heightened =ecurity and associated travel disruption during Saudi Arabian King =alman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's visit from 18 March until at least 22 =arch. Roads along the capital Male's northern waterfront on 18 March, =ncluding in the vicinity of Republic Square where the welcome ceremony =ill be held, will be closed from 12.00 (local time) until the event =nds on the day. More <x-msg://7/#1057506> North Korea: Malaysian nationals =hould continue to defer all travel due to government ban on leaving =ountry Nine Malaysians - three embassy staff =nd their family members — remain stranded in North Korea =ollowing a government ban on 7 March on Malaysian nationals from =eaving the country. The ban appears to be applicable only to embassy =mployees as two Malaysian UN workers were able to leave the country on = March. Nonetheless, we continue to advise all Malaysian nationals to =efer travel to North Korea during this period of heightened diplomatic =ensions following the assassination in Malaysia of Kim Jong-nam, the =alf-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Members from other =ountries can continue to travel to North Korea, but should monitor =evelopments closely and be fully aware of, and compliant with, the =ountry's strict regulations throughout their visit. More <x-msg://7/#1057514> Pakistan: =slamabad: Anticipate heightened security, associated disruption during =akistan Day celebrations on 23 March <x-msg://7/#1057486> Members =hould expect disruption associated with heightened security measures =nd large crowds in the capital Islamabad on 23 March during Pakistan =ay (also known as Republic Day) celebrations. About 5,000 security =orce 5 EFTA_R1_00156432 EFTA01807823 personnel will be deployed to secure the annual military parade at =he Parade Ground in the Sharkarparian parkland area, east of the =slamabad Highway. Security checkpoints will be established at all entry =nd exit points of the city; the underpass at Faizabad interchange will =e closed on the day. More <x-msg://7/#1057486> Europe & =15 Belarus: Urban centres: =nticipate, avoid further protests over controversial tax (Revised) =/a> <x-msg://7/#1057508> Members in urban centres should expect and =void further protests to demand that the government annul a tax on =hose not in full-time employment. Related protests were held on 15 =arch in the capital Minsk, Hrodna (Hrodna region) and Mogilev (Mogilev =egion), as well as on 12 March in Babruisk (Mogilev), Brest (Brest =egion), Orsha (Vitebsk region) and Rogachev (Gomel region). Although =resident Alexander Lukashenko announced on 9 March that the =ontroversial levy would be suspended for 2017, activists have =hreatened to hold further protests if the authorities do not take =ecisive steps by17 Marchto permanently cancel the so-called 'social =arasite' tax. More <x-msg://7/#1057508> Finland: Helsinki: =nticipate disruption, cancellations during aviation workers' strike on =7 March <x-msg://7/#1057499> Members planning to travel through the =apital's Helsinki Airport (HEL) on 17 March should reconfirm flight =chedules due to a planned strike by security and ground handling staff. =he strike is set to take place from 15.00.19.00 (local time), as =embers of the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) lobby for better benefits, =espite a general industrial agreement for the sector. Due to the =ndustrial action, national carrier Finnair announced the cancellation =f 90 flights on the day. Further related strikes are possible on 22-24 =arch. More <x-msg://7/#1057499> France: Grasse: Movement in =icinity of Alexis de Tocqueville high school can resume following =hooting incident (Revised) <x-msg://7/#1057327> Movement in the =icinity of the Alexis de Tocqueville high school (lycee) in Grasse =Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region) can resume after at least three =eople were injured in a shooting earlier on 16 March. The suspected =unman — a 17- year-old student at the school — is in =ustody, and the authorities have confirmed that the assailant acted =lone. The motive for the shooting is not yet clear, but the police said =hey have no reason to suspect the incident is terrorism- related. More <x-msg://7/#1057327> France:=Paris: Avoid protest on 19 March against alleged police brutality, =acism <x-msg://7/#10S7474> Members in the capital Paris on 19 =arch should avoid a planned rally from Place de la Nation to Place de =a Republique, to begin at 14.00 (local time). The demonstration, called =he 'March for Justice and Dignity', has been organised in =rotest at perceived police brutality, racism and abuse against =mmigrants. A large turnout and a visible police presence along the =rotest route can be expected as similar events in Paris have resulted =n unrest between participants and the police. More France: Paris: =void rally on 19 March over police conduct due to credible risk of =nrest (Revised) <x-msg://7/#1057279> 6 EFTA_R1_00156433 EFTA01807824 Members in the capital Paris =hould avoid a rally on 19 March over alleged police brutality due to a =redible risk of unrest. Participants will march at 14.00 (local time) =rom Place de la Nation to Place de la Republique. More Netherlands: =otterdam: Avoid vicinity of pro-Turkey rally on 17 March <x-msg://7/#1057502> Members in Rotterdam (South Holland province) on 17 March =hould avoid the vicinity of a pro-Turkey march as a precaution. The =vent, called by several Turkish groups over a diplomatic dispute =etween Turkey and the Netherlands, will commence at 17.00 (local time) =t the Rotterdam Central station and conclude at Schouwbourgplein at =9.00. Recent related protests in Rotterdam have resulted in clashes =etween demonstrators and the police, as well as an emergency order =mposed by the authorities overnight on 11-12 March. More Mid East & N Africa Bahrain: Karranah, Bilad =1-Qadeem: Avoid anti-government protests on 17 March Members in Karranah (Northern governorate) and Bilad =I-Qadeem (Capital governorate) on 17 March should avoid the vicinity of =wo planned anti-government demonstrations due to the credible risk of =ocalised unrest. The protest in Karranah will begin at 16.00 (local =ime), while the protest in Bilad al-Qadeem will begin at 20:00. More <x-msg://7/#1057504> Lebanon: Beirut: Avoid further protest on 18 March against =ax increases <x-msg://7/#1057496> Members in the capital Beirut =hould plan routes bypassing a protest on 18 March against recent tax =ncreases. The Lebanese Communist Party has called for a demonstration =rom 13.00 (local time) outside the National Bank of Lebanon in the =ity's Hamra area. A related gathering took place on 16 March at Riad al =olh Square in central Beirut amid tight security. While the rally =assed off without incident, all such gatherings should be avoided due =o the potential for unrest. More Lebanon: South =rovince: Reconfirm status of Coastal Highway due to potential for =urther roadblocks <x- msg://7/#1057271> Members planning to travel =etween Sidon and Tyre (both South province) via the Coastal Highway =also known as Sidon-Tyre Highway) in the coming days should reconfirm =ts status before setting out due to the potential for roadblocks by =ruck drivers. Protesting truckers blocked the highway from around 07.00 =0 19.00 (local time) on 15 March near the Zahrani bridge south of =idon. They have threatened further protests if the authorities do not =ccept their demands. More <x-msg://7/#1057271> Morocco: Main urban centres: =nrest possible in Western Sahara during trial of pro-Sahrawi =ctivists Members in main urban centres of =orocco's Western Sahara should monitor developments and exercise =aution due to the potential for unrest during the trial of 25 =ro-Sahrawi activists involved in protests held in 2010 in Gdeim Izik. =ollowing a suspension of proceedings, hearings resumed on 13 March in =ale (Rabat-Sal -Kenitra region), a suburb of the capital Rabat, where =rotesters have been demonstrating outside the courthouse. 7 EFTA_R1_00156434 EFTA01807825 More <x-msg://7/#1057292> Turkey:=Istanbul: Arrest of suspected militants, foiled plot highlight =ersistent risk to travellers from terrorism <x- msg://7/#1057325> The=security forces on 16 March arrested two suspected members of the =xtremist Islamic State (IS) group during a counter-terror operation in =agithane district of the commercial capital Istanbul (Istanbul =rovince). The suspects were reportedly planning an attack similar to =he 1 January attack on a nightclub in the city's Ortakoy area, in which =9 people - including 25 foreigners - were killed and 70 injured. While =he arrest highlights the effectiveness of the security forces in =ackling the terrorist threat, it also underlines the credible risk of =ttacks in the country. Members should minimise time spent near likely =ilitant targets, including government and security force personnel and =acilities. More <x-msg://7/#1057325> Turkey: Urban centres: Expect, =void gatherings during Nowruz festival on 17-21 March <x-msg://7/#1057503> Members in major urban centres, including the commercial =apital Istanbul (Istanbul province) and the capital Ankara, as well as =n the predominantly Kurdish south-east, should avoid all gatherings =inked to Nowruz (Persian New Year, or spring festival) on 17-21 March. =vents organised by the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and =he Democratic Regions Party (DBP) are due to take place in numerous =ities, including in Istanbul on 19 March. While gatherings organised by =urdish parties are liable to be banned, travellers should nonetheless =xpect informal or unauthorised events to take place during Nowruz, =hich is predominantly celebrated by the country's Kurdish =opulation. More <x-msg://7/#1057503> More detail Africa Cameroon: Douala: Exercise =aution in New Bell area following repeated clashes between =ouths Level: =otice Location: Douala = Cameroon; Category: Communal unrest Members in the commercial capital Douala (Littoral region) =hould exercise caution in the coming days in the vicinity of the Shell New Bell junction following an outbreak of violence =n 15 March by youths armed with sticks, bottles and machetes. The =iolence, which included attacks on passers-by, was triggered by the =illing of a suspected thief in an incident of mob justice earlier in =he week. Police intervened to re-establish order but caution should be =xercised in the area due to the risk of further retaliation, which =ould pose incidental risk to bystanders. Advice 8 EFTA_R1_00156435 EFTA01807826 • Exercise caution =n the area of Shell New Bell junction (see map). Avoid walking in all =reas after dark; journeys after dark should only be conducted in a =ocked vehicle. • Remain alert at all times and =inimise journeys on foot. • Monitor local media and =iaise with local contacts to remain abreast of volatile =atherings/demonstrations and avoid them due to the credible risk of =lashes. In the event of unrest, where possible to do so safely, return =o your accommodation or office and remain there until the situation =tabilises. • In the event of being targeted by =riminals, assume that they are armed and do nothing to resist or =ntagonise them. • Monitor our alerts on Cameroon for =urther updates. Top Rwanda: Western border =reas: Gun attack in Rusizi district reflects MEDIUM travel risk in =order region Level: Advisory Location: Western =rovince - Rwanda; Category: Shooting, Conflict Two Rwandan nationals early on 12 March were killed and mother injured in an attack by unidentified gunmen in the Bugarama area =f Rusizi district <https://goo.gl/maps/Fy94sphCM8u> (Western province), near the border with =urundi and Congo (DRC). The Rwandan authorities are attempting to =dentify the assailants, who reportedly fled to Burundi. The incident =erves as a reminder of the MEDIUM risks associated with travel to the =order with Burundi and Congo (DRC), where incursions by armed groups, =helling or stray gunfire can temporarily increase insecurity in =djacent areas of Rwanda. Advice • Seek =tinerary-specific advice before travelling to western areas bordering =ongo (DRC), where the security environment may be affected by the =ctivities of armed groups operating in that country. Members travelling =o the north-western border city of Gisenyi (Western province), in =articular, should be aware of developments in neighbouring areas of =ongo (DRC) prior to setting out. Remain vigilant and report any =uspicious activities to the authorities. • Border crossings with Congo (DRC) and Burundi may be =losed without notice, and that visa requirements may change with little =otice. Travellers to the Parc National des Volcans/Virunga National =ark (along the Congolese border) and Nyungwe Forest (near Burundi) must =eek a permit from the Rwanda Office of Tourism and National Parks =ORTPN); visitors should travel to these locations with locally licensed =our operators who liaise with park rangers and the security forces. =/li> • If conducting cross-border road travel, ascertain =he operating hours of the intended transit point before setting out. =arry relevant identification at all times for use at any spot checks. =/li> 9 EFTA_R1_00156436 EFTA01807827 • Register with your embassy and all relevant warden =etworks, and keep abreast of local developments through your local =ontacts. • Monitor our alerts on Rwanda for further =pdates. More detail According to the Rwandan =uthorities, two of the casualties, including the fatality, were =articipating in a local civilian patrol. While the Rwandan military =aid that the attackers subsequently crossed into Burundi, this has been =enied by their Burundian counterparts. Previously, two Burundian =ationals in September 2016 were fatally shot in the same area of Rusizi =istrict by Rwandan soldiers after they reportedly defied an order to =top; the two countries subsequently tightened security along the =rontier. Relationships between Rwanda and Burundi have =een strained since Burundian president Pierre Nkurunziza in 2015 =nnounced he would run for a controversial third term. Rwanda has denied =laims by the Burundian government that it is arming and training =urundian rebels and sheltering people wanted by Burundi in connection =ith a failed coup there in May 2015. In this context, there is =otential for further skirmishes along the border. While such incidents =re unlikely to target foreign nationals, they can pose incidental =irks. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> Senegal: Dakar: Expect, =void further protests over mayor's arrest; related gatherings set for =7, 22 March Level: Notice Location: Dakar - =enegal; Category: Protest Members in the capital Dakar over the coming days should =nticipate and avoid all protests linked to the recent arrest of the =ity's mayor, Khalifa Sall, over alleged embezzlement of public funds. A =earing in the case is due to be held at the High Court from 09.00 =local time) on 17 March, and related =emonstrations are possible on the day outside the court building and =he Town Hall, as well as the Rebeuss prison, where the mayor is being =etained. An additional pro-Sall rally is scheduled from 16.00 (local =ime) on 22 March in the city's Guediawaye =uburb. Advice • Liaise with =ocal contacts to remain apprised of further protests. Avoid them to =itigate the risk of incidental exposure to any violence. • Leave an area at the first sign of unrest or if you see a =rowd forming. In the event of unrest, return to your accommodation =mmediately, where possible to do so safely, and remain there until the =ituation stabilises. • Monitor our alerts on Senegal =or further updates. 10 EFTA_R1_00156437 EFTA01807828 More detail A related protest on 10 =arch outside the Town Hall in Dakar was dispersed by the police with =ear gas, while at least three people were arrested. The forthcoming =atherings are likely to be well attended and there is potential for =ocalised disturbances. Particular caution should be exercised in the =apital's Grand-toff district, a stronghold of support for Sall, where =he mayor's arrest on 7 March triggered clashes between demonstrators =nd the security forces. Sall, who has been Dakar's =ayor since 2009, was seen as a potential candidate for the 2019 =residential election. His supporters claim that the arrest is =olitically motivated. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> South Africa: Gauteng =rovince: Movement in vicinity of Springs Mall in East Rand can resume =fter attempted armed robbery (Revised) level: Notice Location: Springs = South Africa; Category: Shooting, Violent crime Normal movement in the vicinity of Springs =all, in the East Rand area to the east of Johannesburg (Gauteng =rovince), can resume after shots were fired during an attempted armed =ash-in-transit robbery earlier on 16 March. According to local media =eports, two police officers and a bystander were injured during a =hoot-out near the mall's entrance; two suspects were later arrested. =he incident highlights the high levels of violent crime in the country =nd the need to adopt sensible precautions, even when in comparatively =ecure areas. Advice • Violent crime =ores a significant risk to travellers in South Africa. Familiarise =ourself with the crime risk areas of your destination prior to travel. =e aware that even comparatively secure areas, including shopping malls =nd transport hubs, are not immune to criminal activity. • Immediately report suspicious activity to the police or local =ecurity personnel. Police intervention could result in a shoot-out. If =n the immediate vicinity of gunshots, find the nearest secure location =nd remain there until the situation has stabilised. * Never resist an armed robbery; try to remain calm and =uiet and avoid any action that could antagonise the assailant. Keep =our hands visible - but not raised - as this may be interpreted by the =ttacker as an attempt to signal assistance. • Anticipate heightened security following a gun-related =ncident in a public area and follow all directives issued by the =uthorities. 11 EFTA_R1_00156438 EFTA01807829 Monitor our alerts on South Africa for =urther updates. More detail While the majority of such =ncidents occur in and around deprived urban areas where crime levels =re heightened and the travel risks are rated as HIGH, no area of the =ountry can be considered immune from crime. The threat is exacerbated =y the proliferation of firearms in the country. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> Americas Argentina: Urban centres: =void protests related to teachers' strike on 21.22 March =Revised) Level: =otice Location: Argentina; =/b> Category: Protest, Road =irruption Members in urban centres, including the capital Buenos Aires =nd provincial capitals, on 21-22 March =hould avoid demonstrations related to nationwide strikes by the CTERA =eachers' union over a number of issues in dispute with the government, =ncluding education funding and salaries. Members should avoid common =rotest locations in Buenos Aires city on both days, including the =ducation and labour ministries, Plaza de Mayo and the National Congress =see map). Advice • Liaise with =ocal contacts for information on demonstrations accompanying the strike =n your area. • Protests are likely to be well =ttended and largely pass off without incident. Nevertheless, plan =outes avoiding them as a routine precaution and to minimise travel =elays. • Allow additional time for journeys in the =ffected areas on strike days. • Do not cross any =oadblocks erected by protesters, as this may prompt a hostile =eaction. • Monitor our alerts on Argentina for =elated developments. 12 EFTA_R1_00156439 EFTA01807830 Top Brazil: Yellow fever =utbreak Level: =dvisory Location: Brazil; =br class=""> Category: Yellow fever The yellow fever outbreak in Brazil continues. Initially =ffecting Minas Gerais State, cases have now been confirmed in the =tates of Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Suspected cases =re also under investigation in the states of Bahia, Rio Grande do Norte =nd Tocantins. In addition, other areas of Brazil are considered at risk =or yellow fever. Travellers visiting any area at risk of yellow fever =hould be vaccinated at least ten days prior to arrival. In addition, =ome travellers to and from Brazil are =equired to show proof of vaccination to gain entry. Advice See your doctor well in advance 4 travel, and provide them with details of your intended destinations =nd route. Vaccination is both recommended and required for some =ravellers. The vaccination certificate becomes valid 10 days after the =accine was administered. Vaccination requirements may change at any =ime. Vaccination is: • Recommended =or everyone > 9 months of age who will visit any risk areas within =razil (see below for details). Travellers who have NOT been vaccinated =re advised NOT to travel to outbreak areas. • Required for travellers arriving from: =ngola, Democratic Republic of Congo (including people who have =ransited in these countries). Travellers arriving from the USA are NOT =equired to show proof of vaccination. • Required for some destinations after being in =razil, as it is a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. =ome places require proof of vaccination if you enter directly from a =isk country, others require proof if you arrive within 6 days of =eparture from a risk country (including having transited through a risk =ountry). Always check the relevant country guide prior to your trip. =roof of vaccination is NOT required to enter the USA. Risk areas for yellow fever (see the International SOS =ap) • All of the states of: Acre, Amapa, =mazonas, Distrito Federal (including the capital city of Brasilia), =spirito Santo, Goias, Maranhao, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas =erais, Para, Rondonia, Roraima, Tocantins. • Some =real within the states of: Bahia, Parana, Piaui, Rio Grande do Sul, Rio =e Janeiro, Santa Catarina, and Sao Paulo state. • The =ities of Fortaleza, Recife, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Sao Paulo =urrently do NOT have a risk of yellow fever. Prevent mosquito bites: • Use an effective insect repellent that contains DEET, =icaridin, PMD or IR3535. Wear protective clothing (long pants and =leeves, socks) as weather permits. For More Information: 13 EFTA_R1_00156440 EFTA01807831 • US Centers for Disease Control And =revention Yellow Fever Vaccination =linics • See "yellow fever" in the "Diseases and =revention" dropdown and the Travel Advice Articles "Preventing Mosquito =ites" and "Using Insect Repellents Safely" on the International SOS =ountry Guide. • See the Brazilian Ministry of Health yellow fever information portal (in =ortuguese). • About Brazil: see the International SOS =ountry Guide. • Contact any International SOS =ssistance centre. More detail Health officials have =eclared a public health emergency over a yellow fever outbreak. Over =70 cases have been confirmed, however around 1,500 suspected cases, and =t least 240 deaths, have been reported. More cases are expected, and =urther geographic expansion may occur, due to people moving between =tates, yellow fever infection in monkeys and low vaccination coverage. =he confirmed cases were identified in Minas Gerais, Espirito Santo, Rio =e Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Minas Gerais remains the state with the =ighest activity. The affected area in Rio de Janeiro state appears to be expanding with rural municipalities =Casimiro de Abreu) reporting cases for the first time. Bahia, Goias, Rio Grande do Norte and Tocantins have =uspected cases under investigation. Areas of Bahia, Goias and Tocantins =re known risk areas for yellow fever transmission, however to date Rio =rande do Norte has not been considered a state with risk of yellow =ever transmission. Health authorities have increased =istribution of yellow fever vaccine and implemented vector control =ctivities in response to the outbreak. What is Yellow =ever? Yellow fever is a viral disease that occurs in =arts of Africa and South America. It is transmitted by mosquitoes. =lthough some people infected with yellow fever only have a mild =llness, others develop a serious toxic form of the disease. The =ymptoms range from a mild influenza-like syndrome to a severe =emorrhagic fever with liver failure. There is no specific treatment for =he disease. Between 20%-50% of people who have a severe case of yellow =ever die from the disease. Because yellow fever can spread easily, many =ountries require proof of an up-to-date yellow fever vaccination before =hey allow travellers to enter the nation. Some require all travellers =o be vaccinated before entry, while others only require vaccination if =ou have recently travelled from an infected (or endemic) country. Yellow Fever Vaccination Vaccination is only available through designated yellow fever =accination clinics. They will issue a signed and stamped International =ertificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) which becomes valid 10 =ays after the vaccination, and is valid for the lifetime of the person =accinated. Booster doses are sometimes recommended after 10 years, and your doctor =ill make an individual recommendation based on your =ircumstances. Assessment Authorities are concerned =hat the outbreak will grow, given the favourable factors for ongoing =ransmission of yellow fever. The recommendations and requirements for =accination may change as more cases occur and new areas are affected. =n March 2017, the World Health Organization updated its risk assessment =or Espirito Santo and now recommends vaccination before travel to =nywhere in that state. 14 EFTA_R1_00156441 EFTA01807832 Advice for managers If relevant to your =mployees or travellers, ensure they are aware of: • Regional health threats including yellow =ever. • Vaccination requirements. * Bite prevention measures including insect repellent and bed =ets. • What to do if they get sick during and after =ravel. Top Canada: Ontario, Quebec =rovinces: Reconfirm travel arrangements, continue to expect disruption =ssociated with winter storm Stella Level: Advisory Location: Ontario, =uebec - Canada; Category: Snowstorm Members travelling to southern parts of Ontario and Quebec =rovinces on 16 March should continue to =aintain flexible itineraries and anticipate further travel disruption =ssociated with winter storm Stella. Further snowfall is forecast to =ffect major cities, including the capital Ottawa, Toronto (both Ontario =rovince), Montreal and Quebec City (both Quebec province) on 16 March. =ccording to the authorities, many flights were delayed or cancelled at =oronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ, Ontario) and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau =nternational Airport ( YUL chttp://www.admticomien> =uebec) on 14-15 March. Members should reconfirm travel arrangements =efore setting out, to minimise inconvenience. Advice • Members =cheduled to travel to and from affected areas on 16 March should =onitor local media sources and Environment Canada's website for up-to-date weather information, and be =repared to adjust travel itineraries accordingly. • We do not hold information on specific =lights. Contact the relevant airport, airline or your travel =gent directly to reconfirm flight schedules before setting out. =li class="">Liaise with local contacts to ascertain whether overland =ourneys are feasible before undertaking travel. Ensure your vehicle is =n good condition and appropriately equipped for the weather. • Exercise caution when driving because of the dangerous =onditions caused by snow and ice. • Road journeys may =ake longer than usual during and after prolonged spells of snowfall or = ue to sleet; allow additional time to reach destinations. • Monitor our alerts on Canada for further updates. 15 EFTA_R1_00156442 EFTA01807833 Top El Salvador: San =alvador: Fatal shootout near city centre highlights persistent crime =isks level: =otice Location: San Salvador =/b> - El Salvador; Category: Violent crime, Crime =tatistics At least six people were killed on 15 March in a shootout =etween gang members and private security guards in the Mercado Central area in the centre of the capital San =alvador. The authorities subsequently launched a security operation and =rrested five suspects. The violence erupted when gang members opened =ire on a security guard and fatally shot three nearby street vendors, =riggering the gunfight. Most shops and businesses in the area =ubsequently closed due to the unrest. The incident highlights the HIGH =ravel risk rating for the country, particularly the capital where, =rincipally due to gang violence, travel should only be undertaken for =ssential business purposes. Advice • Travel to El =alvador should be for essential business purposes only. Seek =tinerary-specific advice prior to travel due to the significant risk of =xposure to violent crime. • Rates of violent crime =re high; take stringent security precautions to mitigate the risk at =11 times and in all areas. Avoid known trouble spots. • In the event of being accosted by a criminal, assume that =our assailant is armed; do nothing to resist or antagonise them, as =his could elicit a violent response. • Follow =irectives issued by the authorities and the security forces. • Road travel should be taken during daylight hours only. Do =ot undertake movement on foot. • Monitor our alerts on El Salvador for related =evelopments. More detail The incident serves as a =eminder that crime is a serious concern in San Salvador, a city with =ne of the world's highest homicide rates. Opportunistic and violent =rime poses a major security threat to travellers, who may be targeted =ue to their perceived wealth, though local nationals remain the primary =argets. However, most violent crime occurs in impoverished =eighbourhoods dominated by 'maras' (youth street gangs) where =oreigners travelling on legitimate business purposes unlikely to =enture. Transnational criminal gangs continue to =emain the primary source of violence in the country. These heavily =rmed groups are largely concentrated in urban centres, especially San =alvador, and engage in drug-trafficking, kidnapping, carjacking and =xtortion, among other activities, to raise revenue. The latest =ncident, which may have stemmed from 16 EFTA_R1_00156443 EFTA01807834 an extortion attempt targeting =endors, occurred in a busy market area; violence in the historic =owntown of San Salvador is typically attributed to Mara Salvatrucha =M513) or the Barrio 18, two gangs active in the area. Clashes between rival gangs and the security forces are not =ncommon; further such violence remains possible, with the use of =irearms in these confrontations posing notable incidental risks to =ystanders. Assessment The recent violence comes =fter the authorities on 10 February announced that 327 homicides =ccurred during the first 40 days of 2017, compared to 936 recorded =tiring the same period in 2016. The approximate 65% decrease in murders =as attributed to the government's extraordinary security measures which =ere implemented last year and aimed at combating criminal gangs; the regislative assembly on 9 February extended the set of measures until =pril 2018. Despite the development, El Salvador still =aintains one of the highest homicide rates of any country in the world; =aces of overall violence will remain high overall due to the likely =erpetuation of underlying causes including lack of economic =pportunities, weak government institutions and the organisational =nertia of criminal groups. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> Mexico: Urban centres: =void protests related to national strike on 17-18 March by teachers' =nion Level: =otice Location: Mexico; =br class=""> Category: Protest, Strike Event Date: 17 Mar 2017. 18 Mar =017 Members in urban centres around Mexico on 17-18 March should avoid all demonstrations =ssociated with a 48-hour nationwide strike by the CNTE teachers' union =ver educational reforms. Two marches will be held on 17 March: one in =uxtla Gutierrez (Chiapas state) at 09.00 =rom Diana Cazadora to Parque Central <https://goo.glimapsigkzjMXqGccB2> , and a second in Morelia =Michoacan state), starting at 10.00 (local =ime) from Casa de Gobierno to the Centro Historico chttps://goo.glimaps/9NoB48RhT8r> . Advice • Avoid all =emonstrations as a security precaution. Liaise with local contacts to =Ian routes bypassing known and likely protest locations. • Maintain flexible itineraries and factor in additional time =o complete journeys. Only undertake road journeys after ascertaining =hat the route is clear and secure immediately prior to departure. =li class="">Do not attempt to cross roadblocks, as this may provoke a =ostile response from protesters. If you come across a roadblock, turn =round and seek another route to your destination. • Monitor our alerts on Mexico for further developments. 17 EFTA_R1_00156444 EFTA01807835 Top Peru: Disruption related =o heavy rainfall, flooding persists in several regions; maintain =lexible itineraries Level: Advisory Location: Peru; =br class=""> Category: Flood, Landslide, Road =isruption Members in or travelling to Ancash, Huancavelica <https://goo.gl/maps/aMepxyHOJny> , Junin, Lambayeque chttps://goo.gl/maps/BttZvJjF5Tq> , Libertad, Lima <https://goo.gl/maps/66nHuBbNzo22> , Piura and Tumbes <https://goo.gl/maps/Qi3XsAQWJNw> regions, as well as the capital Lima, in the =oming days should plan itineraries accounting for likely disruption =aused by continued heavy rainfall and resultant flooding. The flooding =as damaged roads and bridges in the aforementioned regions. Clean-up =nd repair operations are under way. Advice • Monitor the =ational Meteorology and Hydrology Service (Senamhi) and National Institute of Civil Defence (Indeci) websites (both in Spanish) for up-to-date =nformation on weather conditions, as well as location-specific =orecasts; be prepared to adjust travel itineraries accordingly. =li class="">Anticipate travel disruption during the rainy season and =iaise with local contacts to ensure that all overland routes are clear =rior to departure. • Do not drive through flooded =reas. If you see a flooded road ahead, turn around and find another =oute to your destination. • There is potential for sudden disruption to electricity =upply; ensure your hotel/accommodation has a back-up generator to =inimise inconvenience. • Monitor our alerts on Peru =or further updates. More detail The authorities on 15 March declared a =5-day state of emergency in 34 districts in Lima and in 31 districts in =uancavelica. The flooding has displaced more than 55,000 people, while =t least 43 people have been killed in weather- related incidents. Heavy =ain and flooding are likely to continue until the end of the rainy =eason in April. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> 18 EFTA_R1_00156445 EFTA01807836 United States: Continue =o monitor developments following court ruling temporarily blocking new =mmigration restrictions Level: Advisory Location: United =tates; Category: Entry restrictions Members intending to travel to or from the US should continue =o closely monitor developments linked to a recent Executive Order =etailing new immigration procedures. A federal judge in Hawaii state on =5 March approved a nationwide temporary restraining order against =ravel restrictions within the Order, hours before the measure was to =ome into effect on 16 March. A similar ruling was subsequently issued =y a federal judge in Maryland state. The rulings will prevent the =arious restrictions in the Order from being implemented at least until =egal challenges against the law are adjudicated at an as yet =nspecified date. Advice • Despite the =emporary stay, travellers from the affected countries should continue =o consult the relevant US diplomatic mission for more information on =he temporary restrictions and anticipate possible additional screening =easures on a case-by-case basis when travelling to the US. • Nationals from countries not listed above are currently not =ffected by the Executive Order; however, the Order states that further =ountries may be added to the list of those affected by restrictions in =he future. Monitor relevant developments in the coming weeks and =onths. • We do not hold information on specific =lights. Should related demonstrations occur at airports in the =hort- term, we do not expect they will affect flight schedules. However, =n the case of protests, travellers should contact the relevant airline, =ravel agent or the airport's website directly to reconfirm the status =f flights prior to setting out. • Monitor our alerts =n the US for further developments. More detail The Executive Order, signed =n 6 March by President Donald Trump, originally set out, among other =hings, to impose a 90-day restriction on citizens of Iran, Libya, =omalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen from applying for visas to travel to the =S. However, the latest judicial rulings mean these citizens will be =ermitted in the interim to continue applying for visas and undertaking =ravel to the US with valid travel documents. Even =rior to the temporary judicial stay, the Order's restrictions would not =ave affected citizens of the aforementioned countries with valid US =isas, those who already hold legal permanent residence in the US (green =ard), and dual nationals travelling on a passport from a non-restricted =ountry. The Executive Order would have also attempted to bar refugees =rom entering the US for 120 days and caps the number of refugees =dmitted at 50,000 per year. The new Executive Order =as drafted in response to a previous temporary judicial stay on a =imilar but distinct measure issued on 27 January, which included a =0-day restriction on the entry of Iraqi, Iranian, Libyan, Somali, =udanese, Syrian and Yemeni nationals to the US, as well as the =rohibition of all refugees from entering the country for 120 days. The =ew Executive Order would have recalled the previous order entirely and =eplaced it. The primary differences between the =revious Order and the new one include the removal of Iraq from the list =f countries explicitly affected by travel restrictions, and the =xemption from restrictions of individuals who as of 16 March 19 EFTA_R1_00156446 EFTA01807837 already =ossess valid visas for travel to the US. Despite the judicial stay, all =ravellers should expect increased scrutiny while passing through =ustoms and immigration, including the possibility of being asked to =ndergo additional screening measures on a case-by-case basis. Assessment The latest development =ndicates that, as with the previous Executive Order, further legal =hallenges and developments are likely to continue to emerge in the =oming weeks and months. An appeal by the government against the =emporary stay is likely to follow in the coming days. Top Asia =amp; the Pacific Afghanistan: Kabul: Heavy =unfire reported near Habibiya High School on Darulam Road; avoid area =/b>SPECIAL ADVISORY Level: Special Advisory Location: Kabul - =fghanistan; Category: Shooting Unconfirmed reports late on 16 March indicate that heavy =unfire took place near the Habibiya High School <https://goo.gl/maps/h1iLwUoHr7v> on Darulam Road in =he capital Kabul. Details of the incident are still emerging; more to =ollow. Advice • Avoid the area =ntil the situation becomes clearer. • Anticipate =ncreased spot-checks in the vicinity of the incident as the security =orces conduct investigations. Allow for localised disruption and carry =ersonal identification to ease movement through checkpoints. • Monitor our alerts on Afghanistan for further updates. Advice for managers Account for staff. 20 EFTA_R1_00156447 EFTA01807838 Top Afghanistan: Kabul: =eported militant threat to Green Village Camp; reconfirm itineraries, =tand-fast procedures Level: Advisory Location: Kabul - =fghanistan; Category: Terror plot The Ministry of Interior reported on 15 March that there is a =otential militant plot to carry out a car bomb attack against the Green =illage Camp in the capital Kabul. As yet, there are no precise details =bout the timing or nature of the suspected attack or the source of the =hreat information. Travellers in Kabul with appointments at the Green =illage Camp should reconfirm their itineraries and continue to minimise =ime spent near the perimeter of the facility. Travellers at the camp =hould reconfirm stand-fast arrangements and procedures. Advice • Travellers with =ppointments at Green Village Camp should reconfirm their itineraries =nd minimise time spent near the perimeter of the facility. • Residents and guests at the camp should reconfirm stand-fast =rrangements and procedures in the event of a security incident. =li class="">All movements outside secure locations should be =onducted with the advice and support of a dedicated local security =rovider as part of a comprehensive travel security programme. Members =hould liaise with their local security provider before undertaking =isits to the camp. • Monitor our alerts on =fghanistan for further details. More detail Militant groups have =xpressed continued intent and capability to target locations housing =oreign personnel in Kabul. The warning is consistent with this pattern. =espite the apparent specificity of the warning, other locations of =imilar profile including secure compound facilities also remain =redible targets for militant attack. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> 21 EFTA_R1_00156448 EFTA01807839 American Samoa (US): =engue outbreak level: Notice Location: American =amoa - American Samoa (US); Category: Dengue fever A public health emergency was declared after cases of dengue =ever were confirmed in American Samoa. Dengue is consistently present =n the island and outbreaks are also ongoing in other Pacific islands. =t is spread by mosquitoes and can cause a range of symptoms. It has no =articular treatment. Some people, especially those who have been =nfected before, get a more severe form that can lead to fatal =omplications. Although a vaccine has been developed, it is only =vailable in a small number of countries and is not recommended for =ravellers. Prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites. Advice Do the following: • When outdoors, wear clothing that covers =ost of your body (long sleeves, long pants, socks). • Use an effective insect repellent that contains DEET, =icaridin, PMD, or IR3535. • Ensure windows are =overed with fly-wire. Use "knock-down" insect spray to kill mosquitoes =n your room. • Choose air conditioned accommodation =f possible. • Seek medical attention if you develop = high fever, especially if you suffer "rigors" (shaking) or a rash. =/Ii> For more information: • About dengue: see "Dengue Fever" in the =Diseases and Prevention" dropdown on the International SOS Country =uides. • About preventing mosquito bites: see the Travel Advice =aides "Preventing Mosquito Bites" and "Using Insect Repellents =afely" on the International SOS Country Guides. • See =he International SOS Country Guide on American Samoa. • Contact any International SOS assistance centre. Top Bangladesh: Avoid =fanned nationwide protests on 18 March over government's gas deal with =oreign company level: Notice Location: Bangladesh; =/b> Category: Protest Event Date: 18 Mar 2017 22 EFTA_R1_00156449 EFTA01807840 Members in the capital Dhaka and other urban centres on =strong class="">18 March should avoid the vicinity of =lanned nationwide demonstrations over the government's agreement =eached on 14 March with a South Korean oil and gas company, allowing =he latter offshore gas exploration rights in the Bay of Bengal. The =rotest is being organised by National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, =ineral Resources, Power and Ports group to highlight various concerns, =ncluding the potential for increased gas prices and the trade deal's =rovision of corporate tax exemption benefits. Advice • Avoid all =ssociated demonstrations on 18 March due to =he potential for localised disturbances. If you encounter any unrest, =eturn to your accommodation or office, if possible to do so safely, and =emain there until the situation stabilises. • Liaise =ith local contacts to ensure that routes are clear of protests before =ndertaking any road movement. Where there is any doubt, journeys should =e deferred. Strict journey management planning is necessary for all =ravel within Dhaka, where the travel risks are rated as HIGH. • Do not attempt to cross roadblocks erected by protesters as =his may prompt a hostile response. • Further information on popular protest locations is =vailable in our Dhaka and Chittagong city security guides. • Monitor our alerts on Bangladesh for further updates. More detail Further details of the =fanned protests have not yet been announced. Potential popular =lashpoints include Dhaka's energy and minerals resources ministry building and National Press Club <https://goo.gl/naWr3i> , as well as the Chittagong =ress Club in Chittagong (Chittagong division). Any attempt by =rotesters to disrupt traffic by staging blockades or engage in unruly =ehaviour is likely to attract a strong police response. Any =onfrontations between demonstrators and the police can entail the use =f rudimentary weapons, such as sticks and rocks. Bystanders face =ndirect risks during any such unrest. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> China: Hong Kong: Expect =ocalised disruption, make alternative transport arrangements during =axi operators' protests on 17 March Level: Notice Location: Hong Kong =/b> - China; Category: Protest, Road =isruption Event Date: 17 Mar 2017 Members in Hong Kong should expect localised disruption and =ake alternative transport arrangements during protests by taxi =perators' unions in the morning hours of 17 March =/strong>in the central business district (CBD). The organisers plan to =urround the Central Government Offices <https://goo.gl/maps/ZiazVthtZEU2> and the =egislative 23 EFTA_R1_00156450 EFTA01807841 Council (LegCo) building <https://goo.gl/maps/wnotNU7mNot> in the Admiralty area with 100 =axis, while 400 taxis will be parked on roads around the harbourfront <https://goo.gl/maps/EdJZgRcLwgF2> area in Central district. The operators are =rotesting against a government plan to introduce 600 premium taxis in =ong Kong. The event in Admiralty will coincide with a discussion on the =roposal in the LegCo. Advice • Avoid the =rotests as a routine precaution. • Where possible, =Ian journeys avoiding the aforementioned areas to minimise =nconvenience. If travel through these locations is unavoidable, plan =lternative routes and allow additional time to complete journeys. =li class="">Pre-book taxis or make alternative transport arrangements =ue to the likely limited availability of taxis during the protests. For =urther information on travel in the city, consult our Hong Kong city =ravel guide. * Monitor our alerts on China for =elated updates. More detail The protests are most likely to pass off =eacefully, but will result in localised traffic disruption; affected =oads are likely to include Harcourt Road <https://goo.gl/maps/BRVEkMvzSFx> , Tim=Mei Avenue, Tim Wa Avenue <https://goo.gl/maps/TTdK4UHwd942> , Lung=Wo Road and Man Yiu Street <https://goo.gl/maps/JTjdfeBpw672> . Limited availability of taxis can be =xpected in the CBD for the duration of the demonstrations. The taxi =perators have said they will hold a three-hour strike if the government =oes not scrap the proposal; a date for the work stoppage has yet to be =nnounced. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> India: Delhi, environs: =nticipate road blockades by protesting ethnic-Jats on 20 =arch Level: =otice Location: Delhi - =ndia; Category: Protest, Road =isruption Event Date: 20 Mar 2017 Members in the capital Delhi and the adjoining areas of rational Capital Region (NCR) on 20 March =hould expect significant travel disruption during planned protests by =he ethnic-Mt Akhil Bhartiya Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (ABJASS) =roup. ABJASS, which has been campaigning for quotas for Jats in state =overnment jobs and educational institutions, has threatened to block =he prime minister's residence <https://goo.gl/maps/ssdTzGKaNtz> , the parliament ruilding, and all highways and roads in Delhi on the day if its =emands are not met. Advice 24 EFTA_R1_00156451 EFTA01807842 • While normal =ravel in Delhi and nearby areas can continue, members should avoid the =icinity of the parliament building and minimise road movement to and =rom Delhi on 20 March to avoid incidental risks. Reconfirm your =ntended route is free of protesters before setting out. Monitor =evelopments closely by liaising with local hosts/hotel staff/trusted =ontacts and via our alerts on India. Where there is any doubt, journeys =hould be deferred. • If travel is unavoidable, allow =dditional time to complete journeys. Convoys of protest participants on =ighways may disrupt travel. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks erected =y protesters as this may prompt a hostile response. " Expect, but do not be unduly concerned by, a visible =ecurity force presence at affected areas. Members should maintain =eightened vigilance, carry identification documents to ease passage at =heckpoints and comply with all security force directives at all =imes. • Do not stop to watch or photograph protesters =nd leave an area at the first sign that demonstrators and/or security =orce personnel are gathering, as this is often a sign of impending =nrest. • Avoid public discussion of sensitive issues =uch as religion, caste and reservations (quotas). More detail According to the organisers, =ens of thousands of protesters are expected to attend the 20 March =ally with tractors. The group has threatened to block all lanes and =ransit points into Delhi if the security forces prevent them from =ntering the city. A heightened security force presence should be =xpected around the prime minister's residence and the parliament =uilding on that day. According to the police, security personnel will =lso be deployed to all of Delhi's entry roads and near the Jantar =antar monument. Reports indicate that vehicles =arrying protesters will be prohibited from entering the city on the =ay. While widespread unrest is not expected due to pre-emptive security =easures, significant traffic disruption is likely along major motorways =eading to Delhi from the adjoining areas of NCR, particularly along the =elhi-Haryana interstate borders. Possible affected key routes include =elhi-Gurgaon expressway, National Highways 1, 2 and 10 and Delhi Noida =irect (DND) flyway. After widespread criticism of =iolence and crime during ABJASS's 2016 protest campaign, during which =ore than 30 people were killed, recent gatherings by the group have =een peaceful. However, clashes between protesters and the security =orces remain possible, especially if demonstrators attempt to block =ajor routes or engage in acts of arson and vandalism. Police are =xpected to use water cannon, tear gas, shells and lathi in response to =ny unruly behavior. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> India: Fatal sexual =ssault of Irish national in Goa highlights need for stringent =recautions Level: Notice Location: Goa - =ndia; Category: Sexual assault 25 EFTA_R1_00156452 EFTA01807843 The police on 15 March arrested a man from Canacona =ity (South Goa district, Goa state) on charges of raping and killing a =emale Irish national. The victim had travelled to South Goa with a =riend on 13 March, to participate in the celebration of the Hindu =estival of Holi (commonly referred to as the 'festival of =olours'). Her body was found in Devbagh <https://goo.gl/WIX2P8> village the following day. The =ncident highlights the need for female travellers to adopt stringent =recautions at all times to mitigate the risk of sexual assault, =articularly in tourist areas. Advice • Female =ravellers should take sensible precautions at all times to mitigate the =isk of sexual assault and crime. Keep a trusted contact informed of =our local travel schedules and details of transport arrangements, =articularly if you are travelling at night. Plan itineraries, =ccommodation and transport options carefully. • Decline=politely but firmly any invitations which make you feel uncomfortable, =ven if faced by amicable pressure to accept. Avoid travelling alone =fter dark and maintain a formal tone with strangers. • In the event of being verbally harassed, do not reply to any =omments; the best course of action is to swiftly leave the area and =eek assistance from the police or a local contact. • Carry a mobile phone programmed with useful contacts, =ress conservatively; avoid ostentatious displays of wealth, be wary of =nsolicited approaches by overly friendly strangers, and watch food and =rink in bars or nightclubs to avoid being drugged. • The above advice is not exhaustive. Consult the Standing =ravel Advice and monitor our alerts on India for more information. More detail Investigations are ongoing =o see if other perpetrators were involved. In a separate incident in =oa on 7 February, a yoga teacher was arrested for allegedly sexually =ssaulting a female US national at his school in Korgao village (Goa =tate) on the pretext of teaching massage. The victim was attending a =oga training course as part of a tourist package when the alleged =ssault occurred. While rape and sexual assault are =mongst the fastest•growing crimes reported in India, the most common =orm of sexual harassment faced by foreign women is unwelcome verbal =dvances. Most incidents are opportunistic rather than planned and are =ore common in isolated areas and tourist destinations. The risks to =emale travellers can be significantly mitigated by adopting additional =recautions, including avoiding accepting drinks from strangers or =ravelling alone after dark or in isolated locations. Top Maldives: Anticipate =ncreased security, associated disruption during Saudi Arabian king's =isit from 18 March Level: Notice Location: Maldives; =/b> Category: Road disruption, =iplomatic event 26 EFTA_R1_00156453 EFTA01807844 Members should expect heightened security and =ssociated travel disruption during Saudi Arabian King Salman bin =bdulaziz Al Saud's visit from 18 March =/strong>until at least 22 March. Roads =long the capital Male's northern waterfront on 18 =arch, including in the vicinity of Republic =quare where the welcome ceremony will be held, will be closed from =strong class="">12.00 (local time) until the event ends on =he day. Advice • Anticipate =ncreased security and associated travel disruption, including temporary =oad closures, near the northern waterfront and other locations on King =alman's itinerary. * Liaise with local contacts to be =pprised of the locations that the king is scheduled to visit, and to =scertain that routes are free of traffic restrictions before setting =ut. Where possible, plan alternative routes to minimise inconvenience; =Bow plenty of time for important journeys. • Monitor =ur alerts on Maldives for further updates. More detail Tensions have been heightened in recent =ays due to the government's alleged planned sale of Faafu atoll to =audi Arabia (see our separate report on the issue). =emporary traffic restrictions and the deployment of additional police =ersonnel will be in place along routes and locations on the king's =tinerary as a result, including at the President's Office =n the capital. Increased security will also be implemented at the One and Only =eethi Rah resort, Sheraton Maldives resort <https://goo.gl/sf27xU> (both North Male atoll) and Anantara =ihavah Villas <https://goo.gl/shlv6h> (Baa atoll) where the king and his entourage are =taying. Top cx-msg://7/#Top> North Korea: Malaysian =ationals should continue to defer all travel due to government ban on =eaving country Level: Advisory Location: North Korea; =/b> Category: Diplomatic issue, Travel =estriction Nine Malaysians - three embassy staff and their family =embers — remain stranded in North Korea following a government =an on 7 March on Malaysian nationals from leaving the country. The ban =ppears to be applicable only to embassy employees as two Malaysian UN =orkers were able to leave the country on 9 March. Nonetheless, we =ontinue to advise all Malaysian nationals to defer travel to North =orea during this period of heightened diplomatic tensions following the =ssassination in Malaysia of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North =orean leader Kim Jong-un. 27 EFTA_R1_00156454 EFTA01807845 Members from other =ountries can continue to travel to North Korea, but should monitor =evelopments closely and be fully aware of, and compliant with, the =ountry's strict regulations throughout their visit. Advice • Malaysian =ationals should continue to defer all travel to North Korea during this =eriod of heightened diplomatic tensions. Members from other countries =an continue to travel to North Korea, but should monitor developments =losely and be fully aware of, and compliant with, the country's strict regulations throughout their visit. The use of well-established tour =ompanies is essential. • Travel arrangements should =e carefully checked before commencing journeys to North Korea to ensure =hat any government restrictions do not disrupt travel. These routinely =hange without notice. • As well as the specific restrictions, in-country =ravellers should ensure that they are fully aware of the additional =ensitivities in North Korea. This includes avoidance of reference to =outh Korea and discussing sensitive issues, and respect for the =egime. • Members in the country are advised to take =ctive measures to ensure their profile minimises the attraction of =uspicion or attention. These include: • Avoid the discussion of political subjects, particularly =hose in relation to South Korea. • Avoid carrying electronic items into North Korea, =articularly mobile telephones and laptops. If travellers bring along =heir laptops, ensure all files or references to sensitive subjects are =emoved, including references to South Korea. GPS and radios should not =e taken into the country. • Do not bring books on =orth Korea or the Korean situation, South Korean newspapers or other =ritten matter in the Korean language. More detail The government has said that =he ban will remain in place until the case is 'properly =olved'. Government restrictions on travel routinely change without =otice in North Korea, and are sensitive to diplomatic tensions. While =n North Korea, there are limited means of communication outside the =ountry, and few avenues of recourse should foreigners encounter legal =r other problems. Moreover, foreigners are vulnerable to arbitrary retention by the authorities and subject to significant government =crutiny, including monitoring of all communications and conversations. =he government is also known to regularly restrict the movement of =oreigners within the country at short notice. Background While investigations into =im Jong-nam's assassination are ongoing, North Korea is widely =uspected of orchestrating the 13 February killing, which occurred at =uala Lumpur International Airport (KUL, Malaysia). However, North Korea =as denied any involvement in the incident. The Malaysian police have =rrested two women — a Vietnamese national and an Indonesian 4*=93 and are looking for four North Korean suspects, three of whom are =elieved to be hiding at their country's embassy in Kuala =umpur. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> 28 EFTA_R1_00156455 EFTA01807846 Pakistan: Islamabad: =nticipate heightened security, associated disruption during Pakistan =ay celebrations on 23 March Level: Notice Location: Islamabad =/b> - Pakistan; Category: National day, Road =isruption Event Date: 23 Mar 2017 Members should expect disruption associated with heightened =ecurity measures and large crowds in the capital Islamabad on 23 March during Pakistan Day (also known as Republic =ay) celebrations. About 5,000 security force personnel will be deployed =o secure the annual military parade at the Parade Ground in the Sharkarparian parkland area, east of the Islamabad =ighway. Security checkpoints will be established at all entry and exit =oints of the city; the underpass at Faizabad interchange <https://goo.gl/h8GT3Q> will be closed on =he day. Advice • Travel to =slamabad can continue with stringent security precautions; these =nclude maintaining a low profile and implementing a thorough and robust =ourney management plan. • Avoid the vicinity of the =ilitary parade on 23 March, as well as =ther locations where high-profile military or political figures are in =ttendance. • Allow extra time to complete journeys on =he day and anticipate considerable traffic restrictions in Islamabad. =arry identification documents to ease passage through any spot-checks =nd comply with all security force directives. • Maintain awareness at all times, minimise exposure to =ikely targets for terrorist attacks and report suspicious behaviour or =uspect packages to the authorities. * This advice is =ot exhaustive. Consult our Standing Travel Advice for Pakistan and seek =tinerary- and profile- specific advice prior to travel. More detail The authorities have imposed =ection 144 since 14 March, prohibiting public gatherings of five or =ore people in the capital. Normal business services will be disrupted =y the observance of Republic Day as a public holiday. The heightened security measures around the celebration come =mid concerns of targeted militant attacks after several high-profile =ncidents across Pakistan (see our separate report on the =ssue). The Pakistani military recently launched nationwide =ounter-terrorism operations, codenamed 'Radd-ul-Fasaad', raising fears =f further retaliatory attacks by militant groups. There=remains a credible risk that anti-government elements, including =slamist militants, may use the date as an opportunity to carry out =ymbolic attacks. While such operations generally focus on government =nd military personnel and installations, Western interests, =usiness-class hotels and crowded public places are also potential =argets for Islamist militants. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> 29 EFTA_R1_00156456 EFTA01807847 Europe & CIS Belarus: Urban centres: =nticipate, avoid further protests over controversial tax (Revised) =/b> Level: Notice =br class=""> Location: Belarus; =/b> Category: Protest Members in urban centres should expect and avoid further =rotests to demand that the government annul a tax on those not in =u11-time employment. Related protests were held on 15 March in the =apital Minsk, Hrodna (Hrodna region) and Mogilev (Mogilev region), as =ell as on 12 March in Babruisk (Mogilev), Brest (Brest region), Orsha =Vitebsk region) and Rogachev (Gomel region). Although President =lexander Lukashenko announced on 9 March that the controversial levy =ould be suspended for 2017, activists have threatened to hold further =rotests if the authorities do not take decisive steps by 17 March to permanently cancel the so-called 'social =arasite' tax. Advice • Avoid all remonstrations as a routine precaution. Liaise with local contacts for =nformation on any related protest in your area. * Anticipate a heightened police presence in the vicinity of =emonstrations; follow all directives issued by the authorities. =li class="">Plan journeys avoiding rallies and allow extra time for =ravel on protest days to minimise inconvenience. • Monitor our alerts on Belarus for further updates. More detail There has been a series of =ell-attended rallies across the country in recent weeks denouncing a =015 law that requires people who have not paid tax for at least 183 =ays of unemployment per year to reimburse the government for state =xpenditures. Despite the president suspending the controversial tax for =his year, rallies planned for 15 March went ahead, with protesters =emanding definitive steps by the government against the law. An =pcoming rally in Gomel (Gomel region) had been scheduled for 25 March; it is unclear whether this will =roceed. In addition to the aforementioned locations, =rotests have also been held in Baranavichi, Pinsk (both Brest) and =itebsk (Vitebsk). Further protests are also likely to be well attended, =ausing localised disruption. While a majority of the rallies have =assed off peacefully, there remains a potential for scuffles between =he police and protesters, particularly if a gathering is =nauthorised. 30 EFTA_R1_00156457 EFTA01807848 Top <x-msg://7/#Top> Finland: Helsinki: =nticipate disruption, cancellations during aviation workers' strike on =7 March Level: =otice Location: Helsinki =/b> - Finland; Category: Airport disruption, =irline disruption Event Date: 17 Mar 2017 Members planning to travel through the capital's Helsinki =irport (HEL <https://www.finavia.fi/en/helsinki-airport/> ) on 17 =arch should reconfirm flight schedules due to a planned strike =y security and ground handling staff. The strike is set to take place =rom 15.00-19.00 (local time), as members of =he Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) lobby for better benefits, despite a =eneral industrial agreement for the sector. Due to the industrial =ction, national carrier Finnair announced the cancellation of 90 =lights on the day. Further related strikes are possible on 22-24 March. Advice • We do not hold information on specific flights; =ontact the relevant airline or your travel agent to reconfirm flight =chedules before setting out. If planning to travel with Finnair, visit =he airline's website <https://www.finnair.com/fi/gb/flightinfo> for a list of cancelled =lights. * Residual delays are possible even after the =trike ends as airlines attempt to clear the backlog of flights. =li class="">Arrive early at the airport or check in online to prevent =our seat being reallocated to a standby passenger. • Monitor the Finnish Civil Aviation Administration's website and our alerts on Finland for related =pdates. Top France: Grasse: Movement =n vicinity of Alexis de Tocqueville high school can resume following =hooting incident (Revised) Level: Notice Location: Grasse = France; Category: Shooting Movement in the vicinity of the Alexis de Tocqueville high school (lycee) in Grasse =Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur region) can resume after at least three =eople were injured in a shooting earlier on 16 March. The suspected =unman — a 17- 31 EFTA_R1_00156458 EFTA01807849 year-old student at the school — is in =ustody, and the authorities have confirmed that the assailant acted =lone. The motive for the shooting is not yet clear, but the police said =hey have no reason to suspect the incident is =errorism- related. Advice * Movement can =esume in the vicinity of Alexis de Tocqueville high school. • Expect a heightened police presence and travel disruption in =he area. • Follow all directives issued by the =uthorities. • Monitor our alerts on France for =urther details. More detail According to the police, the =ttacker was heavily armed with two handguns, a hunting rifle and two =raining grenades. An explosive device containing a black powder was =lso defused at the scene. Reports claim that the suspect had recently =atched videos of mass school shootings and was preoccupied with the =pril 1999 Columbine high school massacre in the US. The =ncident prompted the authorities to advise residents to remain indoors; =chools in Grasse were also placed on lockdown while the situation =larified. The French authorities remain on high alert, with President =rancois Hollande confirming on 16 March that the current state of =mergency established after the November 2015 terrorist attacks in the =apital Paris will remain in place until at least 15 July. Top France: Paris: Avoid =rotest on 19 March against alleged police brutality, racism Level: Notice Location: Paris - =rance; Category: Protest Members in the capital Paris on 19 =arch should avoid a planned rally from Place de la Nation to Place de la Republique, to begin at 14.00 (local time). The demonstration, called the =E24)+March for Justice and Dignity', has been organised in protest =t perceived police brutality, racism and abuse against immigrants. A =arge turnout and a visible police presence along the protest route can =e expected as similar events in Paris have resulted in unrest between =articipants and the police. 32 EFTA_R1_00156459 EFTA01807850 Advice • Avoid all =rotests as a routine precaution. • Plan routes =ypassing the rally to minimise travel delays. If you encounter any =nrest, leave the area immediately, return to your accommodation or =ffice and remain there until the situation stabilises. • Monitor our alerts on France for further updates. Top France: Paris: Avoid =ally on 19 March over police conduct due to credible risk of unrest =Revised) Level: =dvisory Location: Paris - =rance; Category: Protest Event Date: 19 Mar 2017 Members in the capital Paris should avoid a rally on 19 March over alleged police brutality due to a =redible risk of unrest. Participants will march at 14.00 (local time) from Place de la Nation to Place de la Republique. Advice • Avoid the 19 =arch rally to mitigate the risk of incidental exposure to any violence =nd to minimise travel delays. • Do not stop to watch =r photograph demonstrations. If you encounter any unrest, leave the =rea immediately, return to your accommodation and remain there until =he situation stabilises. • Liaise with local contacts =nd monitor our alerts on France for information on further =rotests. More detail Perceived instances of police brutality =nd discrimination occasionally trigger unrest in low-income suburbs of =ajor cities. Protests have been held across the country after the =olice arrested and allegedly assaulted a man on 2 February in =ulnay-sous-Bois (Ile-de-France region). Some of these gatherings have =urned violent, including in Paris, Montpellier (Occitanie region), =antes (Pays de la Loire region) and Rouen (Haute-Normandie region). Most recently, around 55 people were arrested on 7 March =ollowing clashes with the police during a related protest in =aint-Denis (Ile-de-France), on the outskirts of Paris. The police are =iable to use measures such as tear gas and batons to disperse any =nruly protests, which pose incidental risks to bystanders. Additional =olice personnel have been deployed to flashpoint locations and can be =xpected to swiftly contain any disturbances. 33 EFTA_R1_00156460 EFTA01807851 Top <x-msg://7/#Top> Netherlands: Rotterdam: =void vicinity of pro-Turkey rally on 17 March Level: Notice Location: Rotterdam =/b> - Netherlands; Category: Protest Event Date: 17 Mar 2017 Members in Rotterdam (South Holland province) on 17 March should avoid the vicinity of a pro-Turkey =arch as a precaution. The event, called by several Turkish groups over = diplomatic dispute between Turkey and the Netherlands, will commence =t 17.00 (local time) at the Rotterdam Central station and conclude at Schouwbourgplein at 19.00. =ecent related protests in Rotterdam have resulted in clashes between =emonstrators and the police, as well as an emergency order imposed by =he authorities overnight on 11-12 March. Advice • Avoid the =strong class="">17 March rally to mitigate the risk of =ncidental exposure to any violence and to minimise travel delays. =li class="">Do not stop to watch or photograph demonstrations. If you =ncounter any unrest, leave the area immediately, return to your =ccommodation and remain there until the situation stabilises. • Liaise with local contacts and monitor our alerts on the =etherlands for information on further protests. Top Mid =ast & N Africa Bahrain: Karranah, Bilad =1-Qadeem: Avoid anti-government protests on 17 March Level: Notice Location: Bahrain; =/b> Category: Protest, Road =irruption Event Date: 17 Mar 2017 34 EFTA_R1_00156461 EFTA01807852 Members in Karranah (Northern governorate) and Bilad =I-Qadeem (Capital governorate) on 17 March =hould avoid the vicinity of two planned anti-government demonstrations =ue to the credible risk of localised unrest. The protest in Karranah will begin at 16.00 =local time), while the protest in Bilad al-Qadeem will begin at 20:00. Advice • Protests by =egments of Bahrain's majority Shia Muslim population are common. Avoid =11 demonstrations as a routine precaution as clashes often erupt =etween protesters and the security forces. • During =emonstrations, nearby roads may be blocked; anticipate travel =isruption in the vicinity of demonstrations, plan journeys =ircumventing these areas and maintain a flexible travel itinerary. =li class="">Expect but do not be unduly alarmed by a large security =orce presence in public areas. Carry photographic identification =ocuments to ease passage through checkpoints or spot checks. • Do not photograph or document demonstrations. • Monitor our Bahrain alerts for further information. Top Lebanon: Beirut: Avoid =urther protest on 18 March against tax increases Level: Notice Location: Beirut = Lebanon; Category: Protest Members in the capital Beirut should plan routes bypassing a =rotest on 18 March against recent tax increases. The Lebanese Communist =arty has called for a demonstration from 13.00 (local time) outside the =a href="https://goo.gl/maps/1W1SVuDnfow" target="_blank" =lass="">National Bank of Lebanon in the city's Hamra area. A =elated gathering took place on 16 March at Riad al Solh Square in central Beirut amid tight =ecurity. While the rally passed off without incident, all such =atherings should be avoided due to the potential for unrest. Advice • Plan alternative routes on 18 March =voiding the Hamra area of the capital Beirut. Avoid all demonstrations =s a precaution. • Anticipate delays to road travel in =he city centre and allow additional time to complete journeys. • Follow all directives issued by the security forces. • Do not self-drive unless you are very familiar with local =riving conditions. For in-country travel, arrange experienced local =rivers, taxi or limousine services through your local office, hotel or = reputable provider. • Contact your nearest =ssistance Centre or consult our Lebanon pages for additional =nformation and advice. 35 EFTA_R1_00156462 EFTA01807853 More detail Parliament on 15 March =pproved an increase in VAT and other taxes, which protesters claim will =ave a negative impact on everyday purchases. Reports suggest further =rotests over the issue are likely on 19 March. Large crowds and a =eightened security presence will cause disruption in the vicinity of =emonstrations. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> Lebanon: South province: =econfirm status of Coastal Highway due to potential for further =oadblocks Level: Notice Location: South =rovince - Lebanon; Category: Protest, Road =isruption Members planning to travel between Sidon and Tyre (both South province) via the Coastal Highway (also known as Sidon-Tyre Highway) in the =oming days should reconfirm its status before setting out due to the =otential for roadblocks by truck drivers. Protesting truckers blocked =he highway from around 07.00 to 19.00 (local time) on 15 March near the =ahrani bridge south of Sidon. They have threatened further protests if =he authorities do not accept their demands. Advice • Reconfirm the =tatus of the Coastal Highway before setting out. Liaise with local =ontacts to plan alternative routes in the event of renewed roadblocks. =o not attempt to cross any roadblocks erected by protesters, as this =ay prompt a hostile reaction. • Avoid any related =emonstration as a routine precaution. • Do not =elf-drive unless you are very familiar with local driving conditions. =or in-country travel, arrange experienced local drivers, taxi or =imousine services through your local office, hotel or a reputable =rovider. • Contact your nearest Assistance Centre or =onsult our Lebanon pages for additional information and advice. Top 36 EFTA_R1_00156463 EFTA01807854 Morocco: Main urban =entres: Unrest possible in Western Sahara during trial of pro-Sahrawi =ctivists level: =otice Location: Morocco; =/b> Category: Protest Members in main urban centres of Morocco's Western Sahara =hould monitor developments and exercise caution due to the potential =or unrest during the trial of 25 pro-Sahrawi activists involved in =rotests held in 2010 in Gdeim Izik. Following a suspension of =roceedings, hearings resumed on 13 March in Sale (Rabat-Sal -Kenitra =egion), a suburb of the capital Rabat, where protesters have been =emonstrating outside the courthouse. Advice • The security =resence is likely to be increased near the courthouse in Rabat and in =he Western Sahara region, particularly near government and security =orce buildings in Laayoune. Follow all directives issued by the =uthorities and carry relevant identification documents at all times to =acilitate passage through any checkpoints or spot-checks. • Monitor the situation closely, avoid all large gatherings as = basic security precaution and leave an area at the first sign of =nrest. • In Moroccan-controlled parts of the Western Sahara, =ravel outside the cities of Laayoune, Bu Craa and Dakhla should only be =ndertaken with the knowledge of MINURSO. Seek expert advice prior to =ravel in these areas. landmines and unexploded ordnance pose risks away =rom main roads. Protests occur regularly and are likely to be violently =roken up by the security forces. • Liaise with local =ontacts and monitor our alerts for further updates. More =etail While minor unrest is possible outside the =ourt in Sale during the trial, more significant disturbances can be =xpected in main cities of Western Sahara, particularly Laayoune, =specially if the defendants are convicted and subjected to heavy prison =entences. The trial of the 25 activists by a civilian =ourt started in November 2016. The defendants are accused of killing 11 =embers of the security forces on 8 November 2010, during the forced =ismantling of the Gdeim Izik refugee camp, near Laayoune =Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra region). A military court in =ebruary 2013 sentenced the defendants to imprisonment — between =0 years and life sentences - but the current trial was launched after a =hange in local legislation requiring that the civilian defendants be =ried by a civilian court. The original trial was denounced by human =ights groups as unfair. Top <x-msg://7/#Top> 37 EFTA_R1_00156464 EFTA01807855 Turkey: Istanbul: Arrest =f suspected militants, foiled plot highlight persistent risk to =ravellers from terrorism Level: Notice Location: Istanbul =/b> - Turkey; Category: Terror plot, Security =peration The security forces on 16 March arrested two suspected =embers of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group during a =ounter-terror operation in Kagithane district of the commercial capital =stanbul (Istanbul province). The suspects were reportedly planning an =ttack similar to the 1 January attack on a nightclub in the city's =rtakoy area, in which 39 people - including 25 foreigners - were killed =nd 70 injured. While the arrest highlights the effectiveness of the =ecurity forces in tackling the terrorist threat, it also underlines the =redible risk of attacks in the country. Members should minimise time =pent near likely militant targets, including government and security =orce personnel and facilities. Advice • Travel to =stanbul can continue with standard security precautions. • Minimise time spent in the vicinity of potential terrorist =argets, including government and military interests and tourist sites. =eport suspicious behaviour or suspect packages to the authorities =mmediately. • Be prepared to respond immediately in =he event of a terrorist incident and maintain flexible =tineraries. • Carry relevant identification documents =t all times to ease passage through security checkpoints, follow all =irectives issued by the authorities. • Monitor our =urkey pages or contact your nearest Assistance Centre for further =nformation and advice regarding travel to the country. More detail The security forces also =eized automatic guns and ammunition during the raid. The suspects are =elieved to be members of the same IS cell as Abdulkadir Masharipov, the =ilitant who carried out the 1 January attack in Istanbul. While the =rrests highlight the effectiveness of the security forces in tackling =ilitancy, it also underlines the credible risk of attacks in the =ountry. On 5 February, around 400 IS suspects were arrested during =ounter-terrorism operations across the country, including in the =apital Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir (Izmir province). Top Turkey: Urban centres: =xpect, avoid gatherings during Nowruz festival on 17-21 March Level: Notice Location: Turkey; =br class=""> Category: Key date, Travel =ecurity 38 EFTA_R1_00156465 EFTA01807856 Members in major urban centres, including the commercial =apital Istanbul (Istanbul province) and the capital Ankara, as well as =n the predominantly Kurdish south-east, should avoid all gatherings =inked to Nowruz (Persian New Year, or spring festival) on 17-21 March. Events organised by the pro-Kurdish =eoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) =re due to take place in numerous cities, including in Istanbul on =strong class="">19 March. While gatherings organised by =urdish parties are liable to be banned, travellers should nonetheless =xpect informal or unauthorised events to take place during Nowruz, =hich is predominantly celebrated by the country's Kurdish =opulation. Advice • Avoid all =owruz-related gatherings as a precaution. Liaise with local contacts =or details of such events and to plan routes bypassing them. • The potential presence of large crowds and attendant security =easures during Nowruz gatherings are likely to cause localised travel =elays. Plan journeys avoiding all such events to minimise =nconvenience. • Consult our Turkey pages for further =nformation and advice on travel to the country. Top Please do not reply to this email. Emails by country If you want to receive the latest =nformation on your countries of interest more quickly, you can sign up =o emails by country and receive the latest information on your chosen =ountries when we publish it. This way you receive the information in =our email inbox sooner than if you wait for the Daily Digest each day. =o change your email settings, go to the Email alerts link on the Travel =ecurity Online site. Global Response =entre You may contact the following Global =esponse Centre numbers: Aviation - US: +1 602 281 =330 I France: +33 (0)1 55 63 29 20 I Singapore: +65 6336 9420 Maritime - US: +1 480 333 =844 I France: +33 (0)1 55 63 29 19 I Singapore: +65 6339 8895 To unsubscribe To unsubscribe, please log on to your =embership page, portal or Travel Security Online and remove your email =egistration. 39 EFTA_R1_00156466 EFTA01807857 Advice provided in this email represents =he best judgment of AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. and Control =isks Group Holdings Ltd. Advice in this email does not however provide = warranty of future results nor a guarantee against risk. 2017 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. and Control Risks =roup Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction (other than for =uthorised internal purposes) is prohibited except with the prior =ritten consent of the copyright owners. 40 EFTA_R1_00156467 EFTA01807858