Fwd: Daily Digest: 01:09 GMT 17 Mar 2017

Security / Medical / Travel updates received from MedAire

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From: Daily Digest medaireandcontrolrisks@travelsecurity.com

Subject: Daily Digest: 01:09 GMT 17 Mar 2017

Date: March 16, 2017 at 9:10:21 PM

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Daily Digest

Africa

Cameroon: Douala: Exercise caution in New Bell area following repeated clashes between youths

Members in the commercial capital Douala (Littoral region) should exercise caution in the coming days in the vicinity of the Shell New Bell junction following an outbreak of violence on 15 March by youths armed with sticks, bottles and machetes. The violence, which included attacks on passers-by, was triggered by the killing of a suspected thief in an incident of mob justice earlier in the week. Police intervened to re-establish order but caution should be exercised in the area due to the risk of further retaliation, which would pose incidental risk to bystanders.

Rwanda: Western border areas: Gun attack in Rusizi district reflects MEDIUM travel risk in border region

Two Rwandan nationals early on 12 March were killed and another injured in an attack by unidentified gunmen in the Bugarama area of Rusizi district (Western province), near the border with Burundi and Congo (DRC). The Rwandan authorities are attempting to identify the assailants, who reportedly fled to Burundi. The incident serves as a reminder of the MEDIUM risks associated with travel to the border with Burundi and Congo (DRC), where incursions by armed groups, shelling or stray gunfire can temporarily increase insecurity in adjacent areas of Rwanda.

Senegal: Dakar: Expect, avoid further protests over mayor's arrest; related gatherings set for 17, 22 March

Members in the capital Dakar over the coming days should anticipate and avoid all protests linked to the recent arrest of the city's mayor, Khalifa Sall, over alleged embezzlement of public funds. A hearing in the case is due to be held at the High Court from 09.00 (local time) on 17 March, and related demonstrations are possible on the day outside the court building and the Town Hall, as well as the Rebeuss prison, where the mayor is being detained. An additional pro-Sall rally is scheduled from 16.00 (local time) on 22 March in the city's Guediawaye suburb.

South Africa: Gauteng province: Movement in vicinity of Springs Mall in East Rand can resume after attempted armed robbery (Revised)

Normal movement in the vicinity of Springs Mall, in the East Rand area to the east of Johannesburg (Gauteng province), can resume after shots were fired during an attempted armed cash-in-transit robbery earlier on 16 March. According to local media reports, two police officers and a bystander were injured during a shoot-out near the mall's entrance; two suspects were later arrested. The incident highlights the high levels of violent crime in the country and the need to adopt sensible precautions, even when in comparatively secure areas.

Americas

Argentina: Urban centres: Avoid protests related to teachers' strike on 21-22 March

Members in urban centres, including the capital Buenos Aires and provincial capitals, on 21-22 March should avoid demonstrations related to nationwide strikes by the CTERA teachers' union over a number of issues in dispute with the government, including education funding and salaries. Members should avoid common protest locations in Buenos Aires city on both days, including the education and labour ministries, Plaza de Mayo and the National Congress.

Brazil: Yellow fever outbreak

The yellow fever outbreak in Brazil continues. Initially affecting Minas Gerais State, cases have now been confirmed in the states of Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Suspected cases are also under investigation in the states of Bahia, Rio Grande do Norte and Tocantins. In addition, other areas of Brazil are considered at risk for yellow fever. Travellers visiting any area at risk of yellow fever should be vaccinated at least ten days prior to arrival. In addition, some travellers to and from Brazil are required to show proof of vaccination to gain entry.

Canada: Ontario, Quebec provinces: Reconfirm travel arrangements, continue to expect disruption associated with winter storm Stella

Members travelling to southern parts of Ontario and Quebec provinces on 16 March should continue to maintain flexible itineraries and anticipate further travel disruption associated with winter storm Stella. Further snowfall is forecast to affect major cities, including the capital Ottawa, Toronto (both Ontario province), Montreal and Quebec City (both Quebec province) on 16 March. According to the authorities, many flights were delayed or cancelled at Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ, Ontario) and Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL, Quebec) on 14-15 March. Members should reconfirm travel arrangements before setting out, to minimise inconvenience.

El Salvador: San Salvador: Fatal shootout near city centre highlights persistent crime risks

At least six people were killed on 15 March in a shootout between gang members and private security guards in the Mercado Central area in the centre of the capital San Salvador. The authorities subsequently launched a security operation and arrested five suspects. The violence erupted when gang members opened fire on a security guard and fatally shot three nearby street vendors, triggering the gunfight. Most shops and businesses in the area subsequently closed due to the unrest. The incident highlights the HIGH travel risk rating for the country, particularly the capital where, principally due to gang violence, travel should only be undertaken for essential business purposes.

Mexico: Urban centres: Avoid protests related to national strike on 17-18 March by teachers' union

Members in urban centres around Mexico on 17-18 March should avoid all demonstrations associated with a 48-hour nationwide strike by the CNTE teachers' union over educational reforms. Two marches will be held on 17 March: one in Tuxtla Gutierrez (Chiapas state) at 09.00 from Diana Cazadora to Parque Central, and a second in Morelia (Michoacan state), starting at 10.00 (local time) from Casa de Gobierno to the Centro Historico.

Peru: Disruption related to heavy rainfall, flooding persists in several regions; maintain flexible itineraries

Members in or travelling to Ancash, Huancavelica, Junin, Lambayeque, Libertad, Lima, Piura and Tumbes regions, as well as the capital Lima, in the coming days should plan itineraries accounting for likely disruption caused by continued heavy rainfall and resultant flooding. The flooding has damaged roads and bridges in the aforementioned regions. Clean-up and repair operations are under way.

United States: Continue to monitor developments following court ruling temporarily blocking new immigration restrictions

Members intending to travel to or from the US should continue to closely monitor developments linked to a recent Executive Order detailing new immigration procedures. A federal judge in Hawaii state on 15 March approved a nationwide temporary restraining order against travel restrictions within the Order, hours before the measure was to come into effect on 16 March. A similar ruling was subsequently issued by a federal judge in Maryland state. The rulings will prevent the various restrictions in the Order from being implemented at least until legal challenges against the law are adjudicated at an as yet unspecified date.

Asia & the Pacific

Afghanistan: Kabul: Heavy SPECIAL gunfire ADVISORY reported near Habibiya High School on Darulam Road; avoid area

Unconfirmed reports late on 16 March indicate that heavy gunfire took place near the Habibiya High School on Darulam Road in the capital Kabul. Details of the incident are still emerging; more to follow.

Afghanistan: Kabul: Reported militant threat to Green Village Camp; reconfirm itineraries, stand-fast procedures

The Ministry of Interior reported on 15 March that there is a potential militant plot to carry out a car bomb attack against the Green Village Camp in the capital Kabul. As yet, there are no precise details about the timing or nature of the suspected attack or the source of the threat information. Travellers in Kabul with appointments at the Green Village Camp should reconfirm their itineraries and continue to minimise time spent near the perimeter of the facility. Travellers at the camp should reconfirm stand-fast arrangements and procedures.

American Samoa (US): Dengue outbreak

A public health emergency was declared after cases of dengue fever were confirmed in American Samoa. Dengue is consistently present in the island and outbreaks are also ongoing in other Pacific islands. It is spread by mosquitoes and can cause a range of symptoms. It has no particular treatment. Some people, especially those who have been infected before, get a more severe form that can lead to fatal complications. Although a vaccine has been developed, it is only available in a small number of countries and is not recommended for travellers. Prevent infection by avoiding mosquito bites.

Bangladesh: Avoid planned nationwide protests on 18 March over government's gas deal with foreign company

Members in the capital Dhaka and other urban centres on 18 March should avoid the vicinity of planned nationwide demonstrations over the government's agreement reached on 14 March with a South Korean oil and gas company, allowing the latter offshore gas exploration rights in the Bay of Bengal. The protest is being organised by National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports group to highlight various concerns, including the potential for increased gas prices and the trade deal's provision of corporate tax exemption benefits.

China: Hong Kong: Expect localised disruption, make alternative transport arrangements during taxi operators' protests on 17 March

Members in Hong Kong should expect localised disruption and make alternative transport arrangements during protests by taxi operators' unions in the morning hours of 17 March in the central business district (CBD). The organisers plan to surround the Central Government Offices and the Legislative Council (LegCo) building in the Admiralty area with 100 taxis, while 400 taxis will be parked on roads around the harbourfront area in Central district. The operators are protesting against a government plan to introduce 600 premium taxis in Hong Kong. The event in Admiralty will coincide with a discussion on the proposal in the LegCo.

India: Delhi, environs: Anticipate road blockades by protesting ethnic-Jats on 20 March

Members in the capital Delhi and the adjoining areas of National Capital Region (NCR) on 20 March should expect significant travel disruption during planned protests by the ethnic-Jat Akhil Bhartiya Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (ABJASS) group. ABJASS, which has been campaigning for quotas for Jats in state government jobs and educational institutions, has threatened to block the prime minister's residence, the parliament building, and all highways and roads in Delhi on the day if its demands are not met.

India: Fatal sexual assault of Irish national in Goa highlights need for stringent precautions

The police on 15 March arrested a man from Canacona city (South Goa district, Goa state) on charges of raping and killing a female Irish national. The victim had travelled to South Goa with a friend on 13 March, to participate in the celebration of the Hindu festival of Holi (commonly referred to as the 'festival of colours'). Her body was found in Devbagh village the following day. The incident highlights the need for female travellers to adopt stringent precautions at all times to mitigate the risk of sexual assault, particularly in tourist areas.

Maldives: Anticipate increased security, associated disruption during Saudi Arabian king's visit from 18 March

Members should expect heightened security and associated travel disruption during Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's visit from 18 March until at least 22 March. Roads along the capital Male's northern waterfront on 18 March, including in the vicinity of Republic Square where the welcome ceremony will be held, will be closed from 12.00 (local time) until the event ends on the day.

North Korea: Malaysian nationals should continue to defer all travel due to government ban on leaving country

Nine Malaysians - three embassy staff and their family members — remain stranded in North Korea following a government ban on 7 March on Malaysian nationals from leaving the country. The ban appears to be applicable only to embassy employees as two Malaysian UN workers were able to leave the country on 9 March. Nonetheless, we continue to advise all Malaysian nationals to defer travel to North Korea during this period of heightened diplomatic tensions following the assassination in Malaysia of Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Members from other countries can continue to travel to North Korea, but should monitor developments closely and be fully aware of, and compliant with, the country's strict regulations throughout their visit.

Pakistan: Islamabad: Anticipate heightened security, associated disruption during Pakistan Day celebrations on 23 March

Members should expect disruption associated with heightened security measures and large crowds in the capital Islamabad on 23 March during Pakistan Day (also known as Republic Day) celebrations. About 5,000 security force personnel will be deployed to secure the annual military parade at the Parade Ground in the Sharkarparian parkland area, east of the Islamabad Highway. Security checkpoints will be established at all entry and exit points of the city; the underpass at Faizabad interchange will be closed on the day.

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 by 17 March to permanently cancel the so-called 'social parasite' tax.

Finland: Helsinki: Anticipate disruption, cancellations during aviation workers' strike on 17 March

Members planning to travel through the capital's Helsinki Airport (HEL) on 17 March should reconfirm flight schedules due to a planned strike by security and ground handling staff. The strike is set to take place from 15.00-19.00 (local time), as members of the Finnish Aviation Union (IAU) lobby for better benefits, despite a general industrial agreement for the sector. Due to the industrial action, national carrier Finnair announced the cancellation of 90 flights on the day. Further related strikes are possible on 22-24 March.

France: Grasse: Movement in vicinity of Alexis de Tocqueville high school can resume following shooting incident (Revised)

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 people were injured in a shooting earlier on 16 March. The suspected gunman — a 17-year-old student at the school — is in custody, and the authorities have confirmed that the assailant acted alone. The terrorism-related motive for the shooting is not yet clear, but the police said they have no reason to suspect the incident is

France: Paris: Avoid protest on 19 March against alleged police brutality, racism

Members in the capital Paris on 19 March 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 'March for Justice and Dignity', has been organised in protest at perceived police brutality, racism and abuse against immigrants. A large turnout and a visible police presence along the protest route can be expected as similar events in Paris have resulted in unrest between participants and the police.

Netherlands: Rotterdam: Avoid vicinity of pro-Turkey rally on 17 March

Members in Rotterdam (South Holland province) on 17 March should avoid the vicinity of a pro-Turkey march as a precaution. The event, called by several Turkish groups over a diplomatic dispute between Turkey and the Netherlands, will commence at 17.00 (local time) at the Rotterdam Central station and conclude at Schouwbourgplein at 19.00. Recent related protests in Rotterdam have resulted in clashes between demonstrators and the police, as well as an emergency order imposed by the authorities overnight on 11-12 March.

Mid East & N Africa

Bahrain: Karranah, Bilad al-Qadeem: Avoid anti-government protests on 17 March

Members in Karranah (Northern governorate) and Bilad al-Qadeem (Capital governorate) on 17 March should avoid the vicinity of two planned anti-government demonstrations due 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.

Lebanon: Beirut: Avoid further protest on 18 March against tax increases

Members in the capital Beirut should plan routes bypassing a protest on 18 March against recent tax increases. The Lebanese Communist Party has called for a demonstration from 13.00 (local time) outside the National Bank of Lebanon in the city's Hamra area. A related gathering took place on 16 March at Riad al Solh Square in central Beirut amid tight security. While the rally passed off without incident, all such gatherings should be avoided due to the potential for unrest.

Lebanon: South province: Reconfirm status of Coastal Highway due to potential for further roadblocks

Members planning to travel between Sidon and Tyre (both South province) via the Coastal Highway (also known as Sidon-Tyre Highway) in the coming days should reconfirm its status before setting out due to the potential for roadblocks by truck drivers. Protesting truckers blocked the highway from around 07.00 to 19.00 (local time) on 15 March near the Zahrani bridge south of Sidon. They have threatened further protests if the authorities do not accept their demands.

Morocco: Main urban centres: Unrest possible in Western Sahara during trial of pro-Sahrawi activists

Members in main urban centres of Morocco's Western Sahara should monitor developments and exercise caution due to the potential for unrest during the trial of 25 pro-Sahrawi activists involved in protests held in 2010 in Gdeim Izik. Following a suspension of proceedings, hearings resumed on 13 March in Sale (Rabat-Sal -Kenitra region), a suburb of the capital Rabat, where protesters have been demonstrating outside the courthouse.

Turkey: Istanbul: Arrest of suspected militants, foiled plot highlight persistent risk to travellers from terrorism

The security forces on 16 March arrested two suspected members of the extremist Islamic State (IS) group during a counter-terror operation in Kagithane district of the commercial capital Istanbul (Istanbul province). The suspects were reportedly planning an attack similar to the 1 January attack on a nightclub in the city's Ortakoy area, in which 39 people - including 25 foreigners - were killed and 70 injured. While the arrest highlights the effectiveness of the security forces in tackling the terrorist threat, it also underlines the credible risk of attacks in the country. Members should minimise time spent near likely militant targets, including government and security force personnel and facilities.

Turkey: Urban centres: Expect, avoid gatherings during Nowruz festival on 17-21 March

Members in major urban centres, including the commercial capital Istanbul (Istanbul province) and the capital Ankara, as well as in the predominantly Kurdish south-east, should avoid all gatherings linked to Nowruz (Persian New Year, or spring festival) on 17-21 March. Events organised by the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) and the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) are due to take place in numerous cities, including in Istanbul on 19 March. While gatherings organised by Kurdish parties are liable to be banned, travellers should nonetheless expect informal or unauthorised events to take place during Nowruz, which is predominantly celebrated by the country's Kurdish population.