Fwd: Daily Digest: 01:07 GMT 20 Mar 2017

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Phil Baker US

Myla Baker US

Hi Phil,

We receive these daily security updates from our Medical support company. Thought you might be interested.

DAVE JOHNSON

Begin forwarded message:

From: Daily Digest medaireandcontrolrisks@travelsecurity.com

Subject: Daily Digest: 01:07 GMT 20 Mar 2017

Date: March 19, 2017 at 9:09:19 PM

To:

Daily Digest

Africa

Congo (DRC): Kasai-Central, Lomami provinces: Kidnap of foreign nationals, fresh militia violence highlight need for enhanced precautions (Revised)

Members travelling in Kasai-Central and Kasai-Oriental provinces should enquire about local conditions prior to setting out, following an increase in security incidents attributed to local militiamen in the past few months. On 14 March, sporadic shooting erupted in Kananga (Kasai-Central province) during a visit to the city by a government official. UN sources indicate that many people were killed during a retaliatory security operation by the authorities. On 13 March, the authorities announced that two UN staff members — a Swedish woman and a US man — had been kidnapped along with four Congolese nationals by unidentified assailants near Ngombe village in Bukonde district (Kasai-Central). Separately, several hundred gunmen loyal to late militia leader Kamwina Nsapu on 11-12 March attacked the Mwene Ditu area (Lomami province).

Nigeria: Abuja, south-eastern states: Protests possible from 20 March during trial of separatist activist

Members visiting the south-eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Enugu and Rivers should monitor developments during the trial of Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu, the leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) activist group and director of Biafra Radio, and three fellow activists are due to appear on 20 March at the Federal High Court in the capital Abuja. Kanu faces charges related to his role in earlier pro-Biafra protests and statements made in his radio broadcasts. He and his fellow activists have all pleaded not guilty.

Nigeria: Increase in meningitis

Suspected cases of meningitis, including meningococcal meningitis, have been reported in over 20 states since the beginning of the year, while an outbreak in Zamfara State is under investigation. Meningococcal meningitis is a serious bacterial infection that can be rapidly life-threatening. It spreads from person-to-person via infected droplets. Treatment with antibiotics is urgent. Prevention is through vaccination, and attention to hygiene, while close contacts of cases need preventive antibiotics.

Americas

Bolivia: La Paz, departmental capitals: Expect disruption, avoid rallies on 21 March over maritime dispute with Chile

Members in the commercial capital La Paz (La Paz department) and other departmental capitals on 21 March should avoid the vicinity of planned events linked to a maritime dispute with neighbouring Chile. In La Paz, protesters will gather at the University of El Alto campus, Estado Mayor, Plaza Avaroa and Puente Topater before converging on Plaza San Francisco between 17.00 and 20.00 (local time). Local reports also indicate that similar events will be held in other departmental capitals on the day, possibly simultaneously with the La Paz rally.

Chile: Santiago: Plan journeys bypassing rally at Plaza de Armas on 21 March

Members in the capital Santiago on 21 March should plan journeys bypassing a rally at 19.00 (local time) at Plaza de Armas as a precaution. The gathering is being organised to express support for Escondida mine (Antofagasta region) workers, who have been observing an indefinite strike since early February over a dispute related to a labour agreement.

Asia & the Pacific

East Timor: Expect heightened security around 20 March presidential election, avoid all rallies (Revised)

Members in East Timor should expect increased security measures associated with the 20 March presidential election, for which campaigning will end on 17 March. If none of the eight candidates achieves an absolute majority, a run-off vote will be held on 20 April. There have so far been few reports of major security incidents linked to the electoral cycle,

India: Delhi, environs: Ethnic-Jat group calls off protests scheduled for 20 March (Revised)

Normal movement can resume on 19-20 March in the capital Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) after the ethnic-Jat ABJASS group called off protests following successful talks between the group leaders and the Haryana government. ABJASS had threatened to block the prime minister's residence, the parliament building, and all highways and roads in Delhi on the day if their demands for Jat quotas in government jobs and educational institutions were not met.

Nepal: Terai region: Avoid further protests over constitutional amendment bill, local elections (Revised)

Members in the Terai region should expect and avoid protests in the coming days and weeks over a controversial constitutional amendment bill and local elections scheduled for 14 May. The United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF)- led coalition has threatened to withdraw support for the government if it does not scrap the polls and allow the constitutional amendment bill to be debated in parliament. Meanwhile, a political campaign by the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) against the constitutional amendment bill is under way.

Taiwan: Taipei: Anticipate, avoid possible rallies in coming days over controversial bill

Members in the capital Taipei in the coming days should anticipate and avoid possible rallies by supporters and opponents of a draft legislation legalising same-sex marriage. The Judicial Yuan will begin a constitutional review of the controversial bill on 24 March. Previous related demonstrations have occurred in front of the Presidential Office and Legislative Yuan buildings. While any gatherings are likely to pass off peacefully, localised travel disruption should be anticipated.

Europe & CIS

Belarus: Urban centres: Anticipate, avoid further protests over controversial tax (Revised)

Members in urban centres should expect and avoid further protests to demand that the government annul a tax on those not in full-time employment. Related protests were held on 15 March in the capital Minsk, Hrodna (Hrodna region) and Mogilev (Mogilev region), as well as on 12 March in Babruisk (Mogilev), Brest (Brest region), Orsha (Vitebsk region) and Rogachev (Gomel region). Although President Alexander Lukashenko announced on 9 March that the controversial levy would be suspended for 2017, activists have threatened to hold further protests if the authorities do not take decisive steps to permanently cancel the so-called 'social parasite' tax. Travellers should monitor developments following the expiration of a related ultimatum to the government on 17 March.

France: Air France flight attendants to strike until 20 March; reconfirm schedules, anticipate disruption (Revised)

Members scheduled to fly with Air France on 20 March should anticipate disruption because of a strike planned by flight attendants represented by the SNPNC and Unsa-PNC unions. Air France says its long-haul flights will operate normally, with only 2% of medium-haul and domestic flights likely affected. Some flights may still be cancelled and passenger numbers on board other services limited. However, Air France flights operated by other airlines, including HOP!, will remain totally unaffected. Staff are protesting over several issues including a low-cost subsidiary project that will offer reduced salaries to newly hired flight attendants.

France: Paris: Situation normalises at Orly Airport following shooting incident (Revised)

Operations at the capital's Paris-Orly Airport (ORY) have normalised following a security incident at the facility on 18 March. The airport was temporarily closed after a man at around 08.30 (local time) attempted to seize a military sentry's weapon in the south terminal, before being fatally shot by security force personnel. More than 3,000 people were subsequently evacuated from the terminal building.

Kyrgyzstan: Urban centres: Expect, avoid further rallies in support of arrested opposition leader (Revised)

Opposition groups have stated that further rallies in support of arrested opposition leader Omurbek Tekebayev will be held regularly until he is released. Tekebayev, leader of the opposition Ata-Meken Party, was arrested on 26 February on fraud and corruption charges. On 9 March, at least 100 protesters rallied outside a courthouse at Ala-Too square in the capital Bishkek during Tekebayev's hearing, calling for his release. Concurrently, Tekebayev's supporters marched along the Bishkek-Osh highway in Bazar-Korgon (Jalal Abad region). Members in or travelling to Kyrgyzstan in the coming weeks should avoid all associated gatherings as a precaution, to avoid incidental risks in the event of any unrest.

Portugal: Lisbon: Avoid planned protest by nationalist party on 21 March

Members in the capital Lisbon on 21 March should avoid a protest by the nationalist National Renovator Party (PNR) between 18.00 and 20.00 (local time). The demonstration, which is due to take place outside Universidade Nova de Lisboa's Faculty of Human and Social Sciences on Avenida de Berna, was organised to denounce the cancellation of a conference at the university on the grounds that it was associated with racism and xenophobia.

Mid East & N Africa

Egypt: Cairo: Fatal security force raid in Nasr City highlights need for precautions

Members are reminded to remain vigilant to their surroundings following a raid by security forces in the Nasr City area of the capital Cairo on 16 March that resulted in the arrest of eight suspected members of the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood movement. According to the Interior Ministry, the suspects were allegedly involved in the planning and execution of attacks against government institutions in Cairo. One civilian bystander was killed when two of the arrested suspects opened fire while attempting to escape from the terrace of the agency's headquarters. This incident highlights the incidental risk to bystanders during security force operations.

Israel: Nationwide bus strike planned from 21 March; book taxis in advance, allow additional travel time

The Histadrut general labour federation has announced that Egged bus drivers will hold a nationwide strike from March 21 over a subsidy dispute. Egged is the largest bus company in Israel and operates both intercity and urban routes. Members should expect increased demand for taxis if the strike proceeds and make advance bookings where possible.

Jordan: Dead Sea area: Plan routes avoiding restricted area for Arab Summit on 21-30 March

Members in the Dead Sea area on 21-30 March should anticipate disruption linked to security measures and restrictions in place for the Arab Summit (23-29 March). An area extending along both sides of the Jordan Valley Highway from the Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea to the Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort and Spa (Balqa and Madaba governorates) will be closed to vehicles and pedestrians from 14.00 (local time) on 21 March until 12.00 on 30 March.

Lebanon: Beirut: Avoid protests on 19 March against proposed tax increases as precaution

Members in the capital Beirut on 19 March should avoid demonstrations scheduled to begin at 12.00 (local time) in Ain Mreisseh and Riad al-Solh Square. The rallies have been called by several political parties and civil society groups in protest at proposed tax increases. Related gatherings have taken place across the country since 16 March, some of which have caused travel disruption. While most demonstrations have passed off without incident, all gatherings should be avoided as a general precaution.

More detail

Africa

Congo (DRC): Kasai-Central, Lomami provinces: Kidnap of foreign nationals, fresh militia violence highlight need for enhanced precautions (Revised)

Level: Notice Location: Kasai-Central,-Lomami - Congo (DRC); Category: Violent crime, Civil unrest, Kidnap

Advice

• Travel to Kasai-Central, Lomami and Kasai-Oriental province can proceed with enhanced security precautions.

• Members travelling to the region should enquire about local conditions prior to setting out. Maintain flexible itineraries, as impromptu outbreaks of violence remain possible and require extra vigilance.

• In Kananga city, members should closely monitor local developments and be ready to land fast at a secure location at short notice.

• For travel outside Kananga, it is preferable to seek local security support or at least to travel in vehicle convoys. • Monitor our alerts on Congo (DRC) for further updates.

More detail

It is unclear at this point who carried out the kidnapping in Kasai-Central, which the authorities have attributed to 'negative forces', a term usually used to designate members of militia groups. The official statement also underlines that the two foreign national victims — who belong to the UN's Group of Experts on Congo (DRC) — had not notified the authorities of their visit. The group most active recently in the region is the Kamwina Nsapu militia, which is also responsible for a spate of attacks in the past few months.

local sources report at least 20 fatalities in the 11-12 March attacks in Mwene Ditu, which triggered the imposition of a night-time curfew (between 20.00 and 06.00 local time)). Earlier, on 6 March, clashes erupted between military personnel and militiamen on the outskirts of Kamako, four miles (7km) from the Angolan border, in Kasai-Central. Several people were injured. Previous incidents were reported between 22 and 26 February in Nganza and Ndesha communes and the provincial capital Kananga (Kasai-Central). Security and interior minister Emmanuel Shadary has been visiting Kananga since 12 March as part of the government's efforts to contain the militia's activities.

While members of this militia have so far mainly targeted symbols of state or security forces personnel, and have not been known to engage in indiscriminate banditry, civilians were included in the above casualties. Any renewed clashes could pose significant incidental risks to bystanders in affected localities. On several occasions, militiamen have clashed with security forces near Kananga Airport (KGA); other similar incidents could pose risks to air travellers.

Top

Nigeria: Abuja, south-eastern states: Protests possible from 20 March during trial of separatist activist

level: Advisory Location: Abuja, and Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Rivers states - Nigeria; Category: Protest, Civil unrest

Advice

• Pro-Kanu gatherings are possible outside the Federal High Court building in Abuja for the duration of the trial. While any rallies can be expected to be well-policed, members should exercise caution if visiting the area and leave at the first sign of unrest.

pro-Kanu • protests, Members which visiting precedents Abia, Anambra, suggest could Enugu degenerate and Rivers states into unrest. during Liaise the trial with may local encounter contacts large for information and rowdy on possible related demonstrations and plan routes circumventing them.

In the event of unrest, minimise movement and seek refuge in a safe location until the situation stabilises.

• Monitor our alerts on Nigeria for further updates.

Top

Nigeria: Increase in meningitis

Level: Advisory Location: Nigeria; Category: Meningitis meningococcal

Treatment with antibiotics is urgent. Prevention is through vaccination, and attention to hygiene, while close contacts of cases need preventive antibiotics.

Advice

• All travellers are recommended to be vaccinated with the quadrivalent meningitis vaccine (serogroups A, C, Y and W135).

Maintain strict personal hygiene.

Avoid crowds in outbreak areas.

Do not have close contact (such as kissing) with potentially infected people.

Wash your hands frequently.

If you develop symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

More detail

In the first week of March, over 80 suspected cases have been recorded in ten States, with at least 24 deaths. Authorities have sent a team to assist Zamfara State in its investigation and response to a suspected outbreak where more than 400 people have been affected since November 2016.

Northern Nigeria lies in the 'meningitis belt' of Africa, and outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis are common, especially during the dry season (December through to June).

What is meningococcal meningitis?

Meningococcal disease, also known as cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM), is a severe and sometimes fatal infection caused by bacteria Neisseria meningitidis.

The disease spreads from person to person. People can contract the disease if they inhale droplets that have been coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person. Direct contact with an infected person's throat secretions (e.g. through kissing, sharing drinks) can also spread the disease. Typically, epidemics of meningococcal disease occur among people who live in close quarters.

Symptoms usually develop suddenly three to seven days after exposure. The bacterium invades the brain and its linings and can multiply in the blood (septicaemia). Symptoms include fever, intense headache, vomiting, and neck stiffness. A characteristic rash occurs all over the body in most serious cases. If not treated urgently, the disease may progress rapidly and can cause permanent brain damage or death.

Prevention is through hygiene, and vaccination. Close contacts must be identified as they require preventive antibiotics.

For more information:

• See the article "Meningococcal meningitis" in the "Disease & Prevention" dropdown on International SOS Country Guides

• See Nigeria on the International SOS Country Guides

• Contact any International SOS assistance centre

Assessment

Meningitis is endemic (consistently present) in Nigeria. The risk increases during the dry season between December to June, and more cases are expected.

Advice for managers

If relevant, ensure your employees and travellers:

• Consult a doctor for an individual recommendation on vaccination.

• Are aware of regional health threats including meningitis, and prevention strategies.

• Know who, and how, to contact for advice and treatment if they get sick during or after travel.

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Americas

Bolivia: La Paz, departmental capitals: Expect disruption, avoid rallies on 21 March over maritime dispute with Chile

Level: Notice Location: Bolivia; Category: Protest

Advice

• Avoid the vicinity of all related events as a basic precaution.

• Liaise with local contacts for further information on related events outside La Paz on the day.

• Large crowds and any associated security measures will cause localised disruption. Plan journeys bypassing the events to minimise travel delays and allow additional time to complete journeys.

• Expect a heightened security force presence in La Paz and other departmental capitals on the day.

Monitor our alerts on Bolivia for further updates.

More detail

During the War of the Pacific (1879-83), Chile invaded Bolivia and annexed territory, including nearly 250 miles (400km) of coastline, which is now Chile's Antofagasta region (Region II). The 21 March events have been organised to mark the 138th anniversary of the annexation and Bolivia's forthcoming response to a Chilean submission in an ongoing case linked to the dispute at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague (Netherlands).

Top

Chile: Santiago: Plan journeys bypassing rally at Plaza de Armas on 21 March

Level: Notice Location: Santiago - Chile; Category: Protest

Advice

Avoid the vicinity of the demonstration as a precaution.
Do not attempt to cross any roadblocks, as this could elicit a hostile reaction from protesters.
Monitor our alerts on Chile for further developments.

Top

Asia & the Pacific

East Timor: Expect heightened security around 20 March presidential election, avoid all rallies (Revised)

Level: Notice Location: East Timor; Category: Election

Advice

• Normal travel to East Timor during the current election cycle can continue.

• Travel outside the capital Dili, particularly in more remote locations, the Oecussi enclave and border areas with Indonesia, requires detailed planning and logistical support due to poor infrastructure.

• Protests can become violent: avoid all demonstrations and vacate the area immediately if protesters and/or security force personnel begin to gather. In the event of unrest occurring, where possible to do so safely, seek shelter in your diplomatic mission.

• Register with your embassy and relevant warden networks prior to travel and monitor domestic developments for signs of rising tension during your stay.

• Monitor our East Timor alerts for related updates.

More detail

While political stability and the security environment have significantly improved since election-related violence in 2007, there remains the potential for unrest during the current electoral cycle. Precedents from the 2012 presidential poll indicate the possibility of arson attacks and other acts of vandalism targeting government buildings and candidates' offices. In addition to the campaign period, potential flashpoints include 23-25 March, when the final results of the first round are expected.

Tight security, including roadblocks and police cordons, can therefore be expected around government buildings and party offices over the coming weeks. In Dili, security will be particularly stringent around the National Electoral Commission building, the Technical Secretariat for Electoral Administration office and the Government Palace (Palacio do Governo). Police checkpoints and traffic restrictions in the vicinity of such buildings may result in delays to road journeys.

Top

India: Delhi, environs: Ethnic-Jat group calls off protests scheduled for 20 March (Revised)

Level: Notice Location: Delhi, environs - India; Category: Transport disruption, Protest

Advice

• Normal travel can resume on 19-20 March.

• Avoid all related gatherings as a standard security precaution. Leave an area immediately at the first sign that demonstrators and/or the security forces are gathering.

• Monitor our alerts on India for further information.

More detail

Jat leaders have announced that the protest campaign could resume should the Haryana government fail to come through on the accepted demands within the next 15-20 days. There have been ongoing sit-in protests in 31 locations across Haryana state, which have been largely peaceful. Following the latest agreement on 19 March, protests at 21 sites will be withdrawn; the other 10 will remain primarily symbolic protests with limited participation as protesters await the implementation of their demands.

Top

Nepal: Terai region: Avoid further protests over constitutional amendment bill, local elections (Revised)

Level: Notice Location: Terai region - Nepal; Category: Protest, Transport disruption, Civil unrest

Advice

• Travel to the Terai region, which has a HIGH travel risk rating, can continue with flexible itineraries and heightened awareness due to the latent risk of widespread and disruptive protests. Overland travel should be conducted after confirming that planned routes are clear and with a robust journey management plan in place.

• Avoid all protests due to the potential for clashes between participants and the police. If protesters and/or security force personnel begin to gather, return to your accommodation or the nearest secure location and remain there until the situation stabilises.

• Reconfirm the status of planned travel routes before setting out due to the potential for roadblocks. Do not attempt to cross any roadblocks, as this may provoke a hostile reaction from protesters. Instead, turn around and seek an alternative route to your destination or wait at a safe distance for protesters to disperse.

• Monitor our alerts on Nepal for related updates.

More detail

The CPN-UML is opposing the constitutional amendment bill, which creates new provincial boundaries, claiming that it undermines national unity, compromises national security and fails to take into account the sentiments of ethnic-Madhesi and Tharu communities. The UDMF is against holding local elections without finalising the proposed constitutional changes. The party is also calling for investigations into police conduct during unrest on 6 March in Rajbiraj (Saptari district, Sagarmatha zone), in which five UDMF supporters were killed, allegedly when the police opened fire on the crowd.

Protests and associated clashes between UDMF and CPN-UML supporters are likely to increase ahead of the local polls, particularly in ethnic-Madhesi-majority areas. The duration and intensity of demonstrations vary between districts and are often accompanied by shutdown strikes (bandhs); this can result in significant disruption to road travel and commercial activity, particularly in the Terai. Rallies by Madhesi activists often involve sit-ins and blockades of regional highways, rendering intercity road travel impractical for several hours.

Demonstrations often degenerate into clashes between rival activists and/or protesters and the police. In the regions affected by the constitution amendment, flashpoint locations include Banke (Sheri zone), Bara (Narayani zone), Dhanusa, Mahottari, Morang, Parsa (all Janakpur zone), Saptari and Siraha (Sagarmatha). Heightened security, including the deployment of additional police officers, has been imposed across affected areas.

Top

Taiwan: Taipei: Anticipate, avoid possible rallies in coming days over controversial bill

Level: Notice Location: Taipei City - Taiwan; Category: Protest

Advice

• Liaise with local contacts to remain apprised of any planned or ongoing rallies over the issue in the coming days and plan journeys bypassing them as a basic precaution and to minimise inconvenience.

• If travel along protest-affected areas is unavoidable, allow additional time for journeys.

• Monitor our alerts on Taiwan for further updates.

More detail

Several hundred opponents of the draft legislation demonstrated on 18 March in front of the Presidential Office building at Ketagalan Boulevard in Taipei. They called on the government to postpone the scheduled review of the bill.

Protests over the issue began on 17 November 2016, when more than 10,000 opponents of the bill demonstrated outside the Legislative Yuan; several demonstrators scaled the facility's gate, resulting in minor scuffles with police officers. On 10 December 2016, at least 250,000 supporters of the legislation held a peaceful gathering outside the Presidential Office Building.

Top

Europe & CIS

Belarus: Urban centres: Anticipate, avoid further protests over controversial tax (Revised)

Level: Notice Location: Belarus; Category: Protest

Advice

• Avoid all demonstrations as a routine precaution. Liaise with local contacts for information on any related protest in your area.

• Anticipate a heightened police presence in the vicinity of demonstrations; follow all directives issued by the authorities.

Plan journeys avoiding rallies and allow extra time for travel on protest days to minimise inconvenience.

• Monitor our alerts on Belarus for further updates.

More detail

There has been a series of well-attended rallies across the country in recent weeks denouncing a 2015 law that requires people who have not paid tax for at least 183 days of unemployment per year to reimburse the government for state expenditures. Despite the president suspending the controversial tax for this year, rallies planned for 15 March went ahead, with protesters demanding definitive steps by the government against the law. An upcoming rally in Gomel (Gomel region) had been scheduled for 25 March; it is unclear whether this will proceed.

In addition to the aforementioned locations, protests have also been held in Baranavichi, Pinsk (both Brest) and Vitebsk (Vitebsk). Further protests are also likely to be well attended, causing localised disruption. While a majority of the rallies have passed off peacefully, there remains a potential for scuffles between the police and protesters, particularly if a gathering is unauthorised.

Top

France: Air France flight attendants to strike until 20 March; reconfirm schedules, anticipate disruption (Revised)

Level: Notice Location: France; Category: Strike, Airline disruption Event Date: 18 Mar 2017 - 20 Mar 2017

Advice

We do not hold information on specific flights. If planning to travel with Air France on 18-20 March, contact the airline or your travel agent directly to reconfirm the status of flights prior to setting out, to minimise inconvenience.
Residual disruption is possible after the strike concludes as the airline works to clear the backlog of passengers and reschedule cancelled flights. Arrive at the airport early to prevent your seat from being re-allocated to a standby passenger.
Monitor our alerts on France for further updates.

Top

France: Paris: Situation normalises at Orly Airport following shooting incident (Revised)

Level: Advisory Location: Paris - France; Category: Shooting, Security operation, Airport disruption

Advice

• Normal travel via Paris-Orly Airport can resume.

• We do not hold information on specific flights. Contacting your airline, travel agent or the airport's website for information on flight schedules.

• Monitor our alerts on France for further details.

More detail

Prior to the incident at Orly airport, the perpetrator at around 07.00 had shot and injured a police officer at a roadside checkpoint in Garges-les-Gonesse (Ile-de-France), less than six miles (10km) north of Orly airport; this same man then hijacked a car in Vitry-sur-Seine. There were no other casualties in the airport incident.

The assailant has been identified as 39-year-old French national Ziyed Ben Belgacem. The authorities have confirmed that he was known to the security services and had a lengthy criminal record. While his motivations remain unclear, he reportedly shouted that he wished to 'die for Allah'. He had been monitored by the Directorate General of Internal Security (DGSI) on suspicion of jihadist radicalisation. An investigation into the incident has been opened by the anti-terrorism prosecutor's office and three of Ben Belgacem's relatives have been detained.

Top

Kyrgyzstan: Urban centres: Expect, avoid further rallies in support of arrested opposition leader (Revised)

Level: Notice Location: Kyrgyzstan; Category: Political unrest, Protest

Advice

• Avoid all associated protests as a precaution, to avoid incidental risks. Liaise with local contacts to remain apprised of any scheduled or ongoing gatherings and plan routes bypassing them as a precaution.

• In the event of unrest, where possible to do so safely, return to your accommodation or office immediately and remain there until the situation stabilises.

• Anticipate a heightened security presence in the vicinity of demonstrations; follow all directives issued by the authorities.

• Monitor our alerts on Kyrgyzstan for related updates.

More detail

A related Freedom of Speech demonstration on 18 March, which included participants from Tekebayev's Ata-Meken Party, was interrupted by the police who stated that they had a court order to halt the march; several activists were detained.

The State Committee on National Security (GKNB) announced on 27 February that Tekebayev would be held in custody until 25 April. Protests have since taken place in front of respective GKNB buildings at Bishkek's Ala-Too Square, in Alay-twice-thrice a week, between 14.00 and 18.00 (local time). Demonstrators in Bazar-Korgon (Jalal Abad region) have called for protests to continue and have threatened to block the M41 motorway should Tekebayev fail to be released. At least nine people were detained overnight on 26-27 February for blocking the main road to Manas International Airport (FRU), which serves Bishkek.

The allegations against Tekebayev relate to a 2010 investment deal made while serving as deputy prime minister during an interim government. His arrest follows a series of similar criminal charges made against other Ata-Meken Party officials. Lawyers representing Tekebayev have stated they will be submitting an appeal against his detention to the Supreme Court in the coming days.

Assessment

The rallies are increasing the likelihood of political unrest in a country which violently ousted the previous government in 2010. Presidential elections, in which current President Almazbek Atambayev is barred from running, will take place on 19 November.

Top

Portugal: Lisbon: Avoid planned protest by nationalist party on 21 March

Level: Notice Location: Lisbon - Portugal; Category: Protest

Advice

• Plan routes bypassing the protest venue during the protest on 21 March.

• Avoid the event due to the potential for localised scuffles involving participants, counter-demonstrators and the police.

• Monitor local media and our alerts on Portugal for further updates.

Top

Mid East & N Africa

Egypt: Cairo: Fatal security force raid in Nasr City highlights need for precautions

level: Notice Location: Cairo - Egypt; Category: Terrorism, Security operation

Advice

• Normal travel to the MEDIUM risk areas of Egypt can continue with precautions, though members should remain vigilant and minimise time spent in the vicinity of potential militant targets including security force installations and government facilitates.

• Visit our Egypt pages for further information and advice regarding travel to the country.

More detail

Several similar security force operations have taken place in the country in the last month. On 7 March, the security forces killed an individual who was reportedly affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood at an undisclosed location in Ismailia (Ismailia governorate). On 2 March, four suspected militants, who were reportedly planning an imminent attack, were killed in a gunfight with the security forces in the town of Kerdasa (Giza governorate).

Assessment

Elements of the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as militant groups such as Sinai Province (SP, a North Sinai-based affiliate of the extremist Islamic State group), and the more recently emerged Hasm Movement have all carried out attacks on government and security force targets, triggering periodic counter-terrorism raids that can result in gunfights which pose a significant risk to travellers and other civilians caught in their vicinity. There is also potential for small-scale attacks on popular tourist destinations and 'soft' targets known to be frequented by foreigners or high-level officials.

Top

Israel: Nationwide bus strike planned from 21 March; book taxis in advance, allow additional travel time

Level: Notice Location: Israel; Category: Transport disruption

Advice

• Anticipate increased demand for taxis and other modes of transport during the strike.

• Contact the relevant service provider or your travel agent to reconfirm schedules before setting out. Maintain flexible itineraries to minimise inconvenience.

• Allow additional time for road travel; there is likely to be increased traffic congestion as commuters opt to use private vehicles.

• Avoid any associated protests. Leave the area at the first sign of unrest.

• Monitor our alerts on Israel for further developments.

Top

Jordan: Dead Sea area: Plan routes avoiding restricted area for Arab Summit on 21-30 March

Level: Notice Location: Dead Sea area - Jordan; Category: Travel restriction, Entry restrictions, Diplomatic event

Advice

Plan routes avoiding the restricted area. Consider using the Madaba Highway or the Airport Road as alternative routes.
Be aware that hotels in this area will not be taking bookings on 21-30 March.
Expect a heightened security force presence in the vicinity of the summit. Carry identification and comply with all instructions issued by the security forces.
Monitor our updates for further information.

Top

Lebanon: Beirut: Avoid protests on 19 March against proposed tax increases as precaution

Level: Notice Location: Beirut - Lebanon; Category: Protest

Advice

• Plan routes bypassing the Ain Mreisseh area in west Beirut as well as Riad al-Solh Square in central Beirut on 19 March. Avoid all related gatherings as a precaution.

• Anticipate delays to road travel in Beirut and allow additional time to complete journeys.

• Expect a heightened security presence during the rallies. Comply with all directives issued by the security forces.

• Monitor our alerts on Lebanon for related updates.

Top

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