Indonesia: Security will be heightened in the Tanah Abang area of the capital, Jakarta, after the hardline Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) group announced it will hold a memorial prayer recital for the former leader of the al-Qaeda terrorist group, Osama bin Laden, who was killed by US troops in Pakistan on 1 May. The FPI will hold the prayers at its headquarters in the Tanah Abang area between 19:00 and 20:00 local time on 4 May. The FPI has in the past held protests against Christians and other minority Islamic sects, many of which have descended into mob violence, resulting in the ransacking of residential properties, setting alight of churches and businesses and the deaths of several people. Under normal circumstances, religious gatherings in a non-religious location in Indonesia require licensing from local authorities, but as this has been described by the FPI as strictly a prayer recital and not as a protest or demonstration, no licence is required. Nevertheless, security will be stepped up as a precaution against possible violent civil unrest. Any demonstrations that may occur as a result of the prayer recital are likely to carry a strong anti-Western sentiment; accordingly, clients in Jakarta are advised to avoid the Tanah Abang area in the short term and anticipate possible localised travel disruptions due to the heightened security. Clients are further advised to avoid any large gatherings of a religious nature and avoid any discussion on the death of Osama bin Laden. ——From Travel Alert.

Maldives: Following four consecutive days of anti-government demonstrations in the Maldives' capital, Male, red24 has increased the country's political risk rating from low to medium. Since 30 April security forces have clashed with thousands of anti-government demonstrators who are demanding the immediate resignation of incumbent president, Mohamed Nasheed, who they accuse of mishandling the country's economy. While there have been no confirmed reports of any casualties as a result of the unrest, it is believed that more than 60 demonstrators have been arrested by security forces. Despite the spate of arrests, the anti-government protests, which have purportedly been spearheaded by former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party, have made explicit their intention to continue demonstrating and there are concerns that any future gatherings may incite a more heavy-handed security crackdown. Furthermore, unconfirmed reports are suggesting that pro-government elements may be accessing the protest rallies and intentionally inflaming tensions in a bid to solicit violence confrontations between the protesters and the security forces and, as such, the potential for violence at any further gatherings is considered high. As the issues pertaining to the unrest are ongoing, clients in the country, especially those based in Male, are advised to monitor local political developments as further protests are possible in the short- to medium-term. Furthermore, all large political gatherings should be avoided as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: (Update) Tensions remain elevated along the Thailand/Cambodia border, particularly in the Sisaket and Surin provinces and Oddar Meanchey province respectively, despite the agreement of a ceasefire between the Thai and Cambodian militaries on 4 May. As a gesture of good faith, the Chong Sa-ngam/Anlong Veng and Chong Jom/O'Smach border crossings in Sisaket and Surin provinces have been re-opened. The border crossings were originally closed on 22 April after clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops around the Ta Kwai, Ta Krabey and Ta Muen Thom temple complexes between Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province and Thailand's Surin province, with the districts of Phanom Dong Rak in Surin and Banteay Ampil in Oddar Meanchey being worst affected. At least 16 soldiers have been killed in the clashes since 22 April. Tensions along the border have previously centred on the Preah Vihear temple, where at least ten people were killed in clashes between Thai and Cambodian troops in February following the 2008 decision by UNESCO to declare the temple a Cambodian World Heritage Site. Despite the ceasefire agreement, previous ceasefires in recent days have been broken within hours of being agreed upon, and the risk of further violence breaking out cannot be discounted. Accordingly, clients in Thailand should remain alert along all sections of the Thailand/Cambodia border, and should exercise caution when conducting land crossings. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Parts of US Route 30 near Portland, Oregon, have been closed following a train collision and subsequent fire adjacent to the highway on 4 May. The blaze reportedly resulted from a collision between a freight train carrying lumber and several stationary tanker cars carrying an unidentified flammable liquid. The fire prompted local authorities to evacuate the surrounding area and has forced officials to close US Route 30, also known as Highway 30, between Northwest Newberry road and Cornelius Pass road; in addition, Cornelius Pass road has also been closed between Highway 30 and Northwest Skyline boulevard. Clients in Portland are advised to take note of the closures and should anticipate traffic disruptions in the affected areas. Efforts to clear the wreckage from the train collision are ongoing and travellers planning to make use of rail services along the affected line are advised to contact the relevant transport authorities prior to travel to check the status of services, or should make alternative travel arrangements. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: US president, Barack Obama, is set to visit the 9/11 memorial at the twin World Trade Centre towers in New York on 5 May before visiting affected families and emergency workers. It is the first time that Obama has visited the site since taking office in 2009 and the occasion is certain to be marked by heightened security in the vicinity of the site, particularly due to the fact that it comes days after Obama announced the death of Osama bin Laden on 1 May. Although security concerns relating to his visit have been raised, including the possibility of a terrorist attack and protests, there have been no specific threats against the city and the visit is more likely to disrupt travel in the city. Clients in New York should expect a significant increase in security, which is likely to result in travel disruptions, and should plan accordingly. Specifically, New Yorkers have been urged to avoid driving into Manhattan on 5 May and are encouraged to make use of public transport, as streets in the lower Manhattan and Midtown areas are subject to random closures. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: A cache of six pipe bombs was discovered by security forces near a river in Cirebon, West Java, on 4 May. It is believed the bombs are similar to the one used in a suicide bomb attack by Mohammed Syarif that left dozens wounded at a mosque in a police compound in Cirebon on 15 April. Following the 15 April incident, security forces have arrested at least 25 people linked to Syarif, several of whom have ties with hardline Islamist groups, and are alleged to have been involved in a recent spate of small-scale book bomb attacks in Jakarta in mid-March. One of the 25 arrested men allegedly gave police information that led to the discovery of the cache of bombs. The fact that the most recent incidents are linked indicates that the individuals involved are receiving logistical and technological assistance from a wider network of Islamist extremists. They also indicate a shift in tactics away from high-casualty mass bombings towards more targeted assassinations, possibly due to reduced operational capability of jihadist groups in light of the success of Indonesian counterterrorism operations in recent years. Nevertheless, there remains an ongoing high threat from terrorsm in Indonesia, and clients are advised to maintain high levels of situational awareness and report any suspicious persons, packages or activities to the authorities immediately. ——From Travel Alert.

India: At least six people have been killed and four others wounded when suspected Maoist rebels (or Naxalites) detonated a bomb in the Gadchiroli district of India's Maharashtra state on 5 May. The blast in the Dhanora region of the district targeted a wedding party. The motive for the attack remains unclear. Maoists have been battling for greater rights for the landless and oppressed in a number of rural and remote areas of central and eastern India for the past forty years and present a major internal security threat to the Indian state. Attacks by Maoists against security and government targets and clashes between the military/police and rebels are frequently reported. However, attacks by Maoists targeting civilians, as appears to be the case in the most recent incident, are unusual. Attacks in eastern Maharashtra are also unusual. While Maoists are known to have a presence in the eastern districts of Maharashtra state, the number of attacks has been relatively low when compared to other eastern and central states affected by Maoist activity. While the recent incident does not necessarily indicate a change in tactics, the target and area of attack are concerning. Clients intending to travel in the affected area are advised to exercise vigilance and caution, particularly off main roads and outside of major urban centres. Furthermore, clients travelling in higher threat areas should do so only after consultation with the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Vietnam: Media reports on 5 May indicate that ethnic Hmong protests demanding land reform, the cessation of illegal logging and greater religious freedom are ongoing in a number of areas of Vietnam's north west Dien Bien province. Exact details of the unrest, which appears to be focused in the Muong Nhe district, are not currently available. In response to the unrest the security forces have stated that additional units have been deployed to the province to quell the protests, which have also purportedly resulted in a number of fatalities. The authorities also stated that the situation has been brought under control. Clients intending to travel to Dien Bien province are, nonetheless, advised to exercise a high degree of caution and vigilance in public areas and should avoid all street demonstrations as a precaution. Persons intending to travel into remote or rural areas should consult with the local authorities prior to departure. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: A 6.1 magnitude earthquake has been reported approximately 276km east of Sendai, Honshu island. There have been no immediate reports of damage or casualties and a tsunami warning has not been issued. Clients currently in the region are advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for possible updates and advisories from the authorities. Travellers should also note that aftershocks are possible in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

India: The Panama-registered cargo vessel, Full City, was hijacked along with 22 Chinese crew members by suspected Somalia-based pirates approximately 800km off India's coastline on 5 May. The intended destination of the vessel is unclear and the current state and whereabouts of the vessel and its crew are unknown. This latest incident highlights the ongoing regional threat of piracy from Somalia-based pirates. Seafarers along the east African coast, Arabian Sea and especially in the Gulf of Aden are advised to implement maximum security measures to avoid becoming a victim of piracy, and should consult local maritime authorities prior to travel for the latest updates on pirate activity. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: At least eight people have been killed and several others wounded on 6 May when a group of unidentified gunmen opened fire on a group of people who were exercising at a sports field located in Quetta's Hazara town. The gunmen, who were armed with high calibre weapons and rocket propelled grenades, arrived at the sports ground at approximately 07:00 local time and fired indiscriminately into the crowd before fleeing in two vehicles. There have been no immediate claims of responsibility and the motive for the attack has yet to be confirmed. Pakistan's south western province of Balochistan, in which the city of Quetta is located, is being plagued by various security concerns ranging from an insurgency by tribal rebels seeking greater autonomy to ongoing sectarian tensions between the region's Shiite and Sunni Muslim populations. Due to these and various other security issues, particularly the ongoing threat of terrorism, crime and kidnapping, red24 advises against all travel to Pakistan. Clients based in the country despite this advisory should maintain a low profile, limit all travel to areas outside of secure commercial areas within major urban centres, and should register their presence in the country with their respective diplomatic representations. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: The National Weather Service continues to maintain a flood warning for numerous areas near the Mississippi River in the United States on 6 May, including in the states of Mississippi, Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and Kentucky. The river's water level has been exacerbated by flooding in Canada which has raised the water level in the US; expected heavy rainfall in the US in the coming days may also exacerbate the situation. Clients intending to travel in the aforementioned states or in the vicinity of the Mississippi River in the coming days are advised to heed local flood warnings and advisories which will most likely be broadcast on local television and radio. Furthermore, caution is advised in low-lying areas, particularly near major rivers. Clients should also be prepared for possible road closures in places. Recently a section of the I-40 in Arkansas was closed due to the flooding threat. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: Various religious and political groups are planning to hold anti-US demonstrations in Karachi on 6 May in protest over what they perceive to be increasing US intervention in Pakistan's internal affairs. The protest group, which will include the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamat (ASWJ), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) F, Jamaat-e-Islami, JUI-S, Jamatt-ut-Dawa, Jamat-e-Ghurba Al Hadith, Aalami Majlis-e-Khatam-e-Nabuwat, and the Tanzeem-e-Islami political and religious entities, will also use the occasion to show discontent with what they claim to be a conspiracy by Western societies to cause disharmony in predominantly Islamic states. The protest rally, which is expected to be attended by thousands of demonstrators, is set to commence at the city's Numaish intersection after Friday prayers and conclude at the Karachi Press Club. Due to various security concerns, all travel to Pakistan, including Karachi, is advised against. Clients who will be based in the city are advised to avoid the gathering and should, if possible, remain in a secure location for the duration of the event, which will inevitably carry a strong anti-Western sentiment. While the route leading from the Numaish intersection and the Karachi Press Club has been delineated as the primary protest site, spontaneous demonstrations may also occur at various foreign diplomatic representations and other major Western interests. ——From Travel Alert.

Maldives: (Update) Anti-government protests against the government of President Mohamed Nasheed is anticipated to escalate in the Maldives capital, Male, on 6 May. Since 30 April, daily demonstrations have been held in the city in protest to high levels of unemployment and rising commodity prices attributed to economic mismanagement by Nasheed's administration. On several occasions, these gatherings have flared into violent confrontations between the demonstrators and security forces, and while there have been no immediate reports of any casualties, scores of people have been arrested. Spearheaded by former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party, it has been claimed that protesters will be shipped into Male from neighbouring islands for the scheduled protest rally on 6 May. The incumbent government has since responded by increasing security in the city and by explicitly stating it will adopt a hardline approach to any acts of civil disobedience. While no definitive time for the event has been disclosed, it is anticipated that the demonstrations will more than likely occur after mid-afternoon Friday prayers. As the threat of civil unrest during the planned protest march is considered high, clients in Male are advised to avoid all related gatherings and should, if possible, remain in a secure location for the duration of the event. If road travel cannot be avoided, clients should defer travel to all protest sites and ensure to keep copies of all relevant identification documentation and the contact details of their diplomatic representation on their person in case of an emergency. Furthermore, the anticipated demonstration is likely to cause significant travel disruptions in the affected area and visitors are subsequently advised to anticipate for travel delays and should plan accordingly. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: Protests and demonstrations sympathetic to Osama bin Laden, figure head of the al-Qaeda terrorist movement and alleged mastermind of the US 9/11 bombings, are possible after Friday prayers in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, on 6 May. Since his death at the hands of US special forces in the Pakistani city of Abbhotabad on 1 May, Islamist groups, such as the Front Pembela Islam (FPI), Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) and Majelis Mujahideen Indonesia (MMI), have been holding near-daily pro-bin Laden rallies in the city. While these have generally concluded without incident, there are concerns that post-Friday prayer gatherings may be more emotive in nature and could possibly flare into incidents of civil unrest. If spontaneous protests do occur following Friday prayer recitals, such events will more than likely be centred in and around major mosques, government buildings and possibly the US Embassy in Jakarta. As such rallies are more than likely to carry a significant anti-foreign sentiment, travellers in the city should maintain a low profile and avoid all related protests and gatherings. As recent pro-bin Laden protests have been relatively well attended, any further related demonstrations also carry the potential to cause significant travel disruptions and clients are advised to plan accordingly. ——From Travel Alert.

India: (Update) A strike by pilots belonging to the Air India commercial airline company has been called off and pilots are set to return to work immediately. The strike, which began on 27 April, was called over concerns relating to wage differentials between pilots serving domestic and international routes, and resulted in over 1,000 flight cancellations. Although Air India's flight schedule is likely to return to normal in the coming days, clients intending to use the airline in the short-term are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline for further information on the status of their flight(s). ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: At least three people are believed to have been killed and as many as 20 others have been injured after unknown assailants hurled a grenade at a gambling club in Karachi late on 6 May. The club is located in Jhatpat Market in the Lyari area of the city. The incident is the second such attack since 21 April when 18 people were killed in a bomb attack on a gambling club also located in the Lyari area of Karachi. There have been no claims of responsibility as yet; however, some officials believe the attack is linked to the activities of rival criminal gangs rather than acts of terrorism. Security personnel have subsequently been deployed and have cordoned off the impacted area. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, including an extreme risk of terrorism, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Karachi. Persons currently in the city are advised to avoid the affected area for the short-term. Maximum personal security measures should be implemented in Pakistan at all times. ——From Travel Alert.

Russia: Extensive traffic disruptions are expected in Russia's capital, Moscow, on 9 May due to the annual Victory Day celebrations. Victory Day is widely celebrated in Russia and parts of the former Soviet Union and commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany at the end of the Second World War. Large-scale military parades involving some 20,000 servicemen and 100 military vehicles are expected in central Moscow. Clients in the city are advised to expect widespread road closures, especially in the vicinity of Moscow's Red Square and Tverskaya Ulitsa, the main route of the parades. Furthermore, additional security personnel will be deployed throughout Moscow and clients are advised to expect heightened security measures in the city, especially at public transport infrastructure. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Tropical Storm Three is due to affect the Eastern Visayas region and eastern parts of the Luzon region within the next 30 hours. Strong winds and heavy rainfall conducive to coastal storm surges and flooding are possible. Clients in the affected area are advised to exercise caution in coastal and low-lying areas due to the threat of flooding and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. Disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity), should be expected. Travellers are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: A small commercial aircraft (flight MZ868) with at least 27 passengers onboard has crashed in the sea while approaching Kaimana Airport in West Papua; at least 15 people have been killed in the incident. The aircraft, operated by Merpati Nusantara Airlines, was en route to Kaimana from Sorong when it crashed. The cause of the accident remains unclear. Clients intending to travel via Kaimana Airport or with Merpati Nusantara Airlines are advised to contact their travel provider, the airport or airline directly for the latest updates. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: (Update) At least three people have been killed in the north eastern Philippines after Tropical Storm Aere made landfall over the Luzon island group on 8 May, bringing associated heavy rains and landslides. The worst affected areas thus far include the provinces of Catanduances and Camarines Sur in Bicol region, where several roads have become impassable due to flooding. A number of domestic flights in the region have also been cancelled. Tropical Storm Aere is currently moving in a north westerly direction and is likely to bring further inclement weather to Luzon, including Manila, and Visayas within the next 12 hours. Several storm warnings have been issued by Philippine authorities alluding to the threats of flash flooding and coastal surges. Clients in the northern Philippines are advised to exercise caution in coastal and low-lying areas due to the threat of flooding and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. Further disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity), should be expected. Travellers are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

India: Train services on the Bhopal and New Delhi route were disrupted after a commuter train derailed near Sourai on 9 May, injuring 25 people. Several carriages have been derailed and are blocking traffic along both directions of the line. The cause of the accident has yet to be ascertained and it currently remains unclear when the line will re-open. Travellers should expect extensive delays to services along the Bhopal and New Delhi route and are advised to check on the status of the services on this route prior to departure. ——From Travel Alert.

US: A commuter train crashed into an abutment at the end of the track when pulling into the Hoboken station in New Jersey on 8 May. At least 34 people were slightly injured in the crash, which resulted in the closure of all three lines at the station for several hours; one line has since been re-opened. However, it currently remains unclear when the remaining two lines will be fully operational again. In a separate incident, an empty Amtrak train derailed in the early morning hours of 9 May on Manhattan East River line; no one was hurt in the incident. Commuter services on the Long Island Rail Road, Amtrak and New Jersey Transit are likely to be disrupted and travellers in the greater New York city area are advised to seek alternate modes of transport wherever possible. Additional bus and ferry services will be provided; however, travellers are advised to expect significant delays in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: (Update) Tropical Storm Aere continues to cause travel disruptions in northern Luzon on 9 May. The storm also caused further casualties on the night of 8/9 May. At least 50 domestic and international flights have been cancelled, and widepread power outages continue to be reported. The storm is moving in a north westerly direction and is expected to leave the Philippines and head out to sea by 10 May, after which it may affect southern Taiwan late on 11 May. Several storm warnings have been issued by Philippine authorities with regard to the threats of further flash flooding and coastal surges. Clients in the northern Philippines are advised to exercise caution in coastal and low-lying areas due to the threat of flooding and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. Further disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity), should be expected. Travellers are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Vanuatu: A 7.1 magnitude earthquake has been reported approximately 134km south west of Isangel, located on the island of Tanna. There have been no immediate reports of any casualties and/or property damage and a tsunami warning has not been issued. Aftershocks are possible in the affected area and travellers are advised to take the necessary precautions including following the directives of the local authorities. Travellers are further advised to monitor local media and emergency broadcast channels for updates and advisories from the country's emergency coordination service. ——From Travel Alert.

Malaysia: At least 20 people have been injured in acid-splashing attacks since the beginning of 2011 in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. The motive behind the attacks remains unknown, although most incidents involve attackers driving past the victim on what is believed to be either a Honda EX5 or Yamaha motorcycle and throwing corrosive acid on the victim before driving away. Attacks have increased in frequency recently, with five people falling victim to acid attacks on 6 and 7 May. Attacks previously occurred during daylight hours; however, more recent attacks have occurred after dark in areas such as Jalan Bangkung, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Jalan Sultan Abdul Samad, Jalan Mantin, Jalan Pudu Lama and The Mall shopping centre in Jalan Putra. Clients in Kuala Lumpur are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness, particularly in the aforementioned areas, and report any suspicious people or activities to the police immediately. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: Tropical Storm Aere is set to affect the Ryukyu islands, located in the southern Okinawa prefecture, within 24 hours. Strong winds and heavy rainfall conducive to coastal storm surges and flooding are possible. Clients in the affected area are advised to exercise caution in coastal and low-lying areas due to the threat of flooding, and in mountainous regions due to the threat of landslides. Disruptions to air, maritime, road and rail transport, as well as to utilities (water and electricity), should be expected. Travellers are advised to monitor local media for updates and to follow the advisories of local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Chile: Educational institutions in Chile have called for a countrywide general strike on 12 May in protest against purported privatisation and exclusive policies being adopted by the government of incumbent president, Sebastian Pinera. The general strike is expected to be observed by both teachers and students from all educational levels, who are demanding that the government provide greater financial support to public education and policies. The general strike is also set to coincide with a protest march by the Confederation of Workers and the College of Teachers union scheduled to take place in Alameda Avenue in the capital, Santiago. Although the general strike is likely to conclude peacefully, clients should nonetheless avoid all related gatherings as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the associated protest march is expected to be well attended and set to take place in central Santiago, travellers to the city are advised to anticipate significant travel disruptions and delays. ——From Travel Alert.