India: Air India cancelled 60 domestic and international flights on 2 June due to its inability to purchase fuel for its aircrafts. The airline has accrued large amounts of debt to fuel supply companies, and the companies have refused to extend fuel on credit until outstanding debt is paid. Domestically, routes between Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore have been affected, while internationally the cancellations have affected flights to London, Dubai and Tokyo, amongst others. There is no indication at present when full services will resume; clients intending to use the services of Air India in the short-term are advised to contact the airline and/or their travel provider to enquire about the status of their flight(s). Clients travelling within or from India are also advised to anticipate increased demand for available flights due to the affects of the cancellations, and to plan accordingly. ——From Travel Alert.

Chile: (Update) Police have used water cannons to disperse students demonstrating for education reforms, in the capital, Santiago on 2 June; numerous arrests have been made. The students, who were demonstrating in protest against purported privatisation and exclusive policies being adopted by the government of incumbent president Sebastian Pinera, broke through police erected barricades and threw stones at police. Persons in Chile, including Santiago, are advised that further unrest is likely as the protest is continuing and should avoid all large gatherings as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: The Punjab Union of Journalists is scheduled to hold a demonstration in Lahore on 2 June. The protest will begin at around 17:00 (local time) on Mall Road opposite Dayal Singh Mansion, and will finish at Charing Cross on the same road, opposite the Punjab Assembly building. In addition, the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has called for nationwide demonstrations on 3 June. The protests have been provoked by the death of Syed Saleem Shahzad, a prominent Pakistani investigative journalist who focused on national security and terrorism issues. Shahzad's body was found on 31 May in the Mandi Bahauddir area of Gujarat, 150km southeast of Islamabad. Elements of the Pakistani media have speculated that he was killed by the country's main intelligence agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). On 2 June, the ISI issued a statement to the media denying any role in his disappearance and death. The government has ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident, while also denying allegations of complicity. The demonstrations planned for 2 and 3 June are likely to attract significant support given the emotive nature of Shahzad's death and the circumstances surrounding it. Clients should anticipate heightened security and traffic disruptions along Shahrah-e-Quaid-Azam in Lahore on 2 June, as well as along Beadon Road, Cooper Road, Davis Road, Egerton Road, Hall Road, Lawrence Road and Mozang Road. Traffic disruptions may also impact nearby Aziz Bhatti Road, resulting in increased travel time to Allama Iqbal International Airport. Clients should monitor local media for developments and avoid all large politically motivated gatherings as a precaution. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan. Persons planning to travel to the country despite this advisory should adopt robust security precautions at all times and should restrict all movements to secure locations within the country's major urban centres. ——From Travel Alert.

Japan: A 6.3 magnitude earthquake has been reported approximately 270km east of Iwaki, 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.

Peru: The second round of Peru's presidential elections is scheduled to take place on 5 June and will be contested by Ollanta Humala of the nationalist Gana Peru alliance and Keiko Fujimori of Fuerza 2011, who is also the daughter of jailed ex-president Alberto Fujimori. In the first round of voting, which took place on 10 April, no candidate garnered more than 50 percent of the vote. However, Humala and Fujimori (31.7 and 23.5 percent of the vote respectively) were the top two candidates and will thus contest the second round. Despite some fears that the Marxist-aligned Shining Path rebel group would attempt to disrupt the poll, the first round of voting concluded without incident, and the second round is expected to run its course peacefully. Nevertheless, security will likely be tightened in the run up to and during the second-round vote. This is particularly the case in the departments of Ayacucho, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huanuco, Huallaga, Junin, Loreto, San Martin and Ucayali, where the Shining Path is considered active. As a precaution, clients are advised to maintain a low profile and to exercise heightened security awareness in and around government buildings, security installations, polling stations and ballot-counting centres, which may be targeted in the event of a rebel attack. Furthermore, while no incidents of politically motivated violence are anticipated, travellers should nonetheless avoid all politically motivated gatherings due to the risk of violent civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

Russia: Up to 13,000 people have been evacuated and three injured following an explosion at an ammunition storage facility in the town of Pugachevo, in Udmurtia Republic, on 3 June. As a result of ongoing fires and explosions, the Yelabuga-Izhevsk zone of the M7 federal highway, connecting Moscow and Ufa, has been closed. The nearby railway link was also closed. The military facility forms part of the missile and artillery division of Russia's Ministry of Defence and stores up to 10,000 railway carriages of ammunition. Russian authorities have deployed up to 30 firefighter units and three firefighter to contain the ongoing blaze. Clients are advised to avoid travel to the affected area and to anticipate localised travel disruptions. Travellers already in the area should follow the directives of local authorities as further explosion at the military facility is likely. ——From Travel Alert.

Sri Lanka: The Marxist party, Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), has called for renewed protests against police brutality to be held in the city of Katunayake on 3 June. Protests are expected to focus on the Katunayake Free Trade Zone, as well as the national hospital, Government Press, Lake House roundabout, Colombo port and the headquarters of the Water Supply and Drainage Board. The call for renewed protests comes amid a week of ongoing protests in Katunayake as trade unionists claim that the proposed government pension plans may not be beneficial to private sector employees. One person was killed and at least 200 injured when protesters and police clashed on 30 May, resulting in further protests on 2 June in opposition to police brutality. The government has responded with the deployment of the military to replace police officers patrolling the protest zones. While the planned protests are likely to be centred on Katunayake, related civil unrest may occur in other areas of the country; clients are advised to avoid all related protest gatherings as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: Hundreds of people in the eastern Arizona town of Alpine were ordered to evacuate on 2 June by 20:00 local time, as a wildfire burning to the south west of the town spread. The fire started in the Bear Wallow Wilderness on 29 May and has continued to spread, helped by strong winds and dry conditions. Several roads have already been closed in the area, including the Arizona 260 west to Pinetop-Lakeside, US 191 between Alpine and the Strayhorse campground and the Arizona 261 and 273. Local fire departments have thus far been unable to contain the blaze, which continues to spread rapidly and may affect several other communities including Springerville and Eagar, both located in Apache County. The fire is likely to be further fuelled by the continuing warm and dry conditions as well as strong winds, which have been forecast for the coming days; further fires are likely in the short-term. Clients are advised to defer travel to Apache County until the fire has been brought under control, and travellers currently in the area are advised to monitor local media for updated information, and adhere to all evacuation orders from the authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: At least five people have been injured following a collision between two passenger trains near Union Station in Chicago. According to reports, a Metra commuter passenger train struck a stationary Amtrak intercity passenger train at low speed at approximately 08:30 local time on 3 June; earlier reports of a train derailment caused by the collision appear to have been unfounded. Emergency and salvage personnel are currently attending to the scene, and services on the Burlington Northern and SouthWest Service lines are presently suspended. Clients in Chicago planning to make use of rail services along the affected lines 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.

Chile: Authorities have issued a red alert for the Puyehue Volcano, located in the Puyehue National Park in the central Ranco province following signs of increased seismic activity. While currently only steam plums are emitted, a larger eruption remains possible. An evacuation order is in place for the municipalities of Rio Bueno, Lago Ranco, Futrono (Region de Los Rios) and Puyehue (Lakes Region); approximately 3,500 people have already been moved to safety. In addition, the Cardenal Antonio Samore mountain pass has been closed to all traffic. Clients in the Ranco province are advised to defer all travel to the Puyehue Volcano at this time and should monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. In addition, disruptions to road travel in the wider region should be expected. ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: A dawn-to-dusk general strike (hartal) is currently underway in Bangladesh's capital, Dhaka. The strike has been called by opposition groups, led by former prime minister Khaleda Zia, and is in opposition to government plans to make amendments to the country's constitution. Anti-government protesters reportedly torched at least 11 buses on 4 June and thousands of police officers have been deployed throughout the capital to avert further acts of violence and vandalism. Strike action in Bangladesh is often associated with high levels of violence and security forces are known to employ heavy-handed tactics in response to protests. Clients in Dhaka are advised to anticipate heightened security and transport disruptions. In addition, clients should avoid all associated protests and political gatherings as a precaution against civil unrest. ——From Travel Alert.

India: At least 30 people have been injured after police forcibly dispersed thousands of supporters of yoga guru Baba Ramdev in Delhi on 5 June. The security operation, which reportedly commenced at 01:00 local time, took place at Ramlila Maidan, where Ramdev and thousands of supporters had been taking part in a hunger strike, purportedly in protest over endemic corruption in India. Authorities stated that Ramdev had been granted permission to hold a yoga function for 5,000 people; however, an estimated 40,000 descended on the venue, prompting the security operation. Police reportedly fired teargas to disperse Ramdev's supporters. Ramdev was detained in the operation; however, authorities have denied arresting Ramdev, instead stating that Ramdev had been returned to his ashram in the northern town of Dehradun. Some of Ramdev's supporters are reportedly still gathered at Ramlila Maidan in protest against the police action and rumours of Ramdev's arrest may prompt further protests and demonstrations at the protest venue or elsewhere in the city. Clients in Delhi are advised to avoid the affected area and related gatherings as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: At least one person has been killed and thousands have been left without power as severe thunderstorms affect the state of Indiana. At least 35,000 people have been left without electricity in the counties of Madison, Hamilton, Boone, Johnson and Howard. Severe weather conditions have also knocked over trees and transmission lines in the counties of Tippecanoe, Cass, White, Miami and Carroll. In addition, at least one person died in Madison county on 4 June when a tree fell on a vehicle. Clients should note that severe thunderstorm warnings are currently in effect across central and northern Indiana and adverse weather conditions are expected to continue on 5 June. Clients in the affected region are advised to monitor local weather developments carefully and should anticipate travel disruptions in the region until the adverse weather conditions dissipate. ——From Travel Alert.

India: The Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM), a civil society grouping, has called for a bandh (shutdown) in Goa state, located in south western India, on 6 June in protest against new government education policy that provides grants to schools which have English as the primary medium of instruction. The bandh is being supported by a number of political parties including Bhartiya Janata Party, Nationalist Congress Party, Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and Shiv Sena and a private transport organisation, the All Goa Private Bus Owners Association. The authorities have deployed additional security force units across the state ahead of the bandh and have stated that they will act against any person attempting to halt vehicular movement. Clients in the state on the affected day should expected widespread transport and business disruptions. Persons in the state on the affected day are advised to consult with their travel provider, host or the local transport authorities for an update on the status of services prior to departure. Protest rallies led by the BBSM and the political parties supporting the bandh are also likely in major cities and towns, including Panaji and Vasco da Gama. All associated gatherings should be avoided as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Pakistan: A bomb explosion outside of a bakery in Nowshera, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province in North West Pakistan on 5 June has left at least 14 people dead and 20 others wounded. The attack, which has been claimed by Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (Pakistan Taleban), followed a bombing at a bus terminal in Mattani in the same province earlier in the day which left six people dead and 11 more wounded. There have been no claims of responsibility for the Mattani attack; however, militants aligned to the Pakistan Taleban are the likely culprits. The Sunni extremist group has carried out numerous attacks in Pakistan in recent months, which have claimed hundreds of lives. The attacks are viewed as a response to an ongoing Pakistan military offensive along the shared Afghanistan/Pakistan border against Islamist extremists groups. The recent killing of al-Qaeda leader, Osama Bin Laden, by US Special Forces in Abbottabad on 2 May has also provided additional motivation for groups like the Pakistan Taleban to conduct attacks against Pakistan civilian and military targets in the country. Further attacks are expected. Due to the extreme threat of terrorism clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan, including Nowshera and Mattani. ——From Travel Alert.

Bangladesh: The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called for mass anti-government demonstrations in the capital, Dhaka, on 6 June and countrywide rallies on 7 June in protest over the arrests of several BNP activists who were detained following recent protests. On 5 June, scores of BNP supporters clashed with security forces in Dhaka and the towns of Begumganj, Narsingdi and Narayanganj, during a general strike which was called by the opposition in protest over a recent announcement made by incumbent prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, in which he claimed that the ruling Awami League (AL) party was considering abandoning the country's political tradition of appointing a caretaker government during electoral periods. There is a culture of civil unrest in Bangladesh, and politically motivated protests and demonstrations are a regular occurrence, particularly in the cities of Dhaka and Chittagong. Protests can take place for a number of reasons, including increased food prices, higher wage demands and reactionary demonstrations over government policies. These can occur at any time, and are known to turn violent and/or severely disrupt travel in the affected areas. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to Bangladesh is advised against. Clients in the country on 6 and 7 June are advised to avoid all related gatherings and should, if possible, remain in a secure location for the duration of these events. If road travel cannot be avoided, clients should keep copies of all relevant identification documentation and the contact details of their diplomatic representation on their person in case of emergency. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: Security forces are on heightened alert until 13 June for possible protests by students against increased tuition fees. Leaders of the National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) and League of Filipino Students (LFS) have called for walkouts and rallies on college and university campuses on 13 June, when the majority of state-run tertiary institutions are set to start classes. Leaders of the NUSP, CEGP and LFS have also called for youth unable to afford tertiary education to join in the 13 June protests, and the risk of violence breaking out cannot be discounted. Protests were also scheduled to take place on 6 June, when state-run elementary and high schools were set to re-open; however, there were no reports of any disruptive or violent protests. Clients in the Philippines are advised to avoid any protest action and all college and university campuses in the days leading up to, but particularly on 13 June, due to the risk of civil unrest. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for the latest updates and advisories from authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Vanuatu: In response to increasing activity at the Mount Yasur volcano on Tanna Island, the Vanuatu authorities have raised the volcanic alert level hazard rating to Level 3 on June 1. The authorities have closed tourist access to the volcano and have established a 500 metre exclusion zone around it. Vanuatu's Metrological and Geohazards Department has recorded a series of strong explosions and emissions from all three of Mount Yasur's vents in recent months, and while there is no immediate threat to surrounding towns and villages, there has been significant ash fall and ground movement around the volcano's principal rim. There are currently no plans to evacuate inhabitants of communities in the vicinity, however, clients are advised to avoid the area, monitor local media for developments and follow the directives of local authorities in the event of an eruption. ——From Travel Alert.

China: Ongoing flooding has prompted the evacuation of an estimated 40,000 in China's south western Guizhou Province. Wangmo county was among the areas worst affected by the adverse weather conditions, where floodwaters damaged several hundreds houses, prompted the evacuation of 21,000 residents, cut power lines and inundated several major and secondary roads. Climatologists have forecast further heavy rains for Guizhou and several other southern provinces over the next 72 hours. Persons currently in the affected areas are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and should monitor local news for possible flood warnings, evacuation advisories and/or other emergency broadcasts. Furthermore, it is advisable that travel to locales in close proximity to storm drains, rivers, drainage channels and saturated hillsides be avoided, as these will generally be at greatest risk of further flooding and landslides. ——From Travel Alert.

Fiji: An ongoing leptospirosis outbreak has left at least ten dead and scores more infected since the beginning of May; at least 28 cases have been defined as severe. There has been a significant increase in infection rates since 2010, with at least 45 people infected since mid May; this number is likely to have risen in recent weeks. Leptospirosis is a disease caused by the Leptospira bacterium and is contracted through contact with water, food or contaminated soil; the disease is not known to be spread from person to person. The disease can occur in two phases; symptoms of the first phase include fever, chills, headache, muscle ache, vomiting and diarrhoea. In some cases, the patient may seem to recover, only to become ill again later. Symptoms of this more severe second phase, also referred to as Weil's disease, are kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure and respiratory distress. In rare cases, death occurs. In order to prevent infection, water and food that is potentially contaminated should be avoided. Clients in Fiji are advised to drink water that is bottled or has been boiled or otherwise sterilised, and ensure that fruit and vegetables are washed with purified water or are peeled before consumption. Clients recently or presently in Fiji who are exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms are advised to consult with a health practitioner immediately.——From Travel Alert.

United States: Rising water levels on the Missouri River have caused at least two levee breaches and have prompted evacuation orders amid fears of flooding in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. The significant increase in water volume has followed steady spring rains and the thawing of earlier snow. Approximately 600 people in Iowa were evacuated on 5 June after the Missouri River breached a levee on the state's south west border with Missouri. The evacuation notice covers a significant proportion of the town of Hamburg, 8km from the levee. Efforts are currently underway to repair the breach; however, status of the restoration process is unconfirmed. Meanwhile, a partial breach on a levee in Atchinson county, north west Missouri, was reported on 6 June in an area that had been warned of the threat of flooding for some time, and concern was also raised about a section of levee in Brownsville, Nebraska. In late May, residents of Yankton and Dakota Dunes in South Dakota were tasked with preparing for evacuation; however, the construction of a backup levee has quelled fears of flooding for the time being. Officials in states through which the Missouri River flows have warned that water levels are likely to increase until at least mid-June. Clients along the Missouri River, particularly those in the tri-border area between Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri, and in South Dakota, are advised to monitor developments, and follow all evacuation orders and other advisories issued by the local authorities. ——From Travel Alert.

Indonesia: A ferry has capsized off the southern Kalimantan coast of Borneo in Indonesia on 6 June. While the exact number of passengers on board the ferry has yet to be confirmed; at least 17 people were killed when strong waves caused the ferry to capsize. Ferries, although a popular mode of transport in Indonesia, are often over crowded and poorly maintained and accidents occur frequently. Clients in the region are advised to exercise caution if travelling by ferry; inspect the craft prior to departure and if the craft becomes overcrowded travellers are advised to disembark and await the next ferry. Travel delays and disruptions as a result of the accident and the subsequent rescue operations should be anticipated in the short-term. ——From Travel Alert.

United States: (Update) A state of emergency has been declared in Apache and Greenlee counties, Arizona as an out of control 9-day old wildfire continues to burn, threatening several communities. Evacuation orders have been issued for the town of Greer, with the areas of Alpine, Nuntrioso, Hannagan Meadow Lodge, Sprucedale Guest Ranch, Brentwood campground, Hannagan campground, KP campground, West Fork Black River campground and East Fork Black River campground already having been evacuated. Further evacuations are expected in the short term. The Wallow wildfire has been burning since 29 May and remains largely uncontained, predominantly due to strong winds and hot, dry conditions. Several other wildfires are also burning in the region, and travellers in Arizona are advised to exercise extreme caution. Travel to Apache and Greenlee Counties, where the Wallow fire is located, should be avoided in the short-term until the fire has been brought under control. ——From Travel Alert.

Chile: (Update) Several environmental groups are scheduled to hold a rally in the capital, Santiago, on 10 June in protest against the proposed HidroAysen hydroelectric project in Aysen (Region XI). The protest march is scheduled to begin at 19:30 local time at Plaza Italia and will then move toward Palacio de La Moneda. Past demonstrations over the issue have attracted significant participation and have involved clashes between the protesters and the police. On 28 May, thousands of environmental campaigners rallied from Plaza Italia to Plaza Baquedano in Santiago, causing major travel disruptions; protesters also vandalised property and threw stones at the police. On 21 May, environmental activists clashed with police outside the National Congress building in Valparaiso during a rally against the project; Chilean police used teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters and more than 50 demonstrators were arrested. As such, significant participation and associated traffic disruption should be anticipated along the rally route in Santiago on 10 June. Clients should also anticipate increased security and possible roadblocks and checkpoints. As recent events highlight the potential for sporadic violence, clients are further advised to monitor local media for developments and to avoid all large, politically motivated gatherings as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: The state weather bureau, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, warned of an elevated risk of flash floods over southern Luzon on 8 June, and adverse weather conditions are also expected to affect the Mindanao and Visayas regions. Additionally, a number of domestic and international flights at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila have been cancelled. Clients are advised to contact their airport of departure for the latest information and to adjust their travel arrangements accordingly. Road travel in southern Luzon may also be adversely affected given the elevated risk of flash floods, and clients are advised to monitor local media for updates. ——From Travel Alert.

Thailand: Thai meteorological authorities have stated that heavy rain is expected in several northern and western provinces in the coming days. Provinces likely to be worst affected incude Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Tak, Phichit, Petchabun and Kampaengpetch, as well as the southern parts of Chiang Mai and Lamphun. Flash floods are possible in these provinces, particularly in low-lying areas and near dams, rivers, lakes and levees. The risk of landslides also exists, especially in mountainous or hilly regions. Northern Thailand generally experiences its rainy season between June and October, and southern regions between May and November, when heavy rain and widespread flooding are possible. Clients in are advised to monitor the media for updates and advisories from authorities and alter their travel plans accordingly. ——From Travel Alert.

India: The opposition Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is scheduled to initiate a four-day protest campaign on 8 June in Goa, south western India. The demonstrations have been called in response to various issues, including illegal mining and the government's alleged mishandling of a recent protest by local tribal groups. BJP plans to organise around 50 public meetings and rallies during this four-day period, which coincides with the four-year anniversary of the Indian National Congress-led government in Goa. The planned meetings and rallies are likely to attract a significant number of participants and will be held amid an increased police presence. Clients should anticipate localised traffic disruption, particularly around the legislative assembly building in the Porvorim suburb of the state capital, Panaji. Past demonstrations have also involved the erection of illegal roadblocks by demonstrators on National Highway 17, which connects Panvel (Maharashtra state) to Kochi (Kerala state), and National Highway 4A between Panaji and Belgaum (Karnataka state). Clients are further advised that violent confrontations between the police and protesters cannot be ruled out; such clashes will pose an incidental risk to bystanders and as a consequence, travel alert advises clients to avoid all large, politically motivated gatherings as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Canada: Employees of Air Canada are to hold a protest rally at Toronto's Pearson International Airport on 9 June. Workers will converge at Terminal 1 domestic arrivals at 13:00 local time, but it is unclear whether the rally will move from that facility. The Canadian Auto Workers union (CAW), which represents 3,800 Air Canada workers, has called the strike amid an impasse in contract talks between the union and airline employees. Although CAW and Air Canada are currently in talks to resolve the contentious contract items, the union has stated its intention to serve a 72-hour strike notice on 10 June for a strike beginning at 00:01 on 13 June. In the event of strike action, Air Canada has maintained that contingency plans are in place to maintain full operations at all affected Canadian airports; however, disruptions are possible. Clients intending to make use of Pearson International airport on 9 June are advised to contact their travel provider, airline or tour operator prior to departure for an update on the status of their flight(s). This advisory extends to all clients planning to make use of Canadian airports from 13 June; affected persons should monitor local media for developments with regard to the strike. ——From Travel Alert.

China: At least 18 people have been injured and several more arrested after police clashed with approximately 200 protesters in Chaozhou city, in the south eastern Guangdong province on 8 June. Demonstrators had gathered in front of a local government building demanding authorities punish three people suspected of attacking a migrant worker on 1 June during a wage dispute. Protesters also claimed they were still owed two months wages from their employers. Clashes ensued when security forces were deployed to disperse the demonstrators. Despite the fact that Chinese security forces have a heavy hand in dealing with dissent, recent years have seen an increasing number of protests in China, usually related to labour issues. Although foreign nationals are not targeted in such incidents, all protest action should be avoided as a precaution. ——From Travel Alert.

Philippines: At least six people have been killed in several separate incidents since 7 June following clashes between government troops and New Peoples' Army (NPA) rebels in the southern Mindanao region, with the majority of attacks occurring in the south eastern Davao area of Mindanao. The latest attacks come as a result of the NPA attempting to put pressure on the central government to release jailed NPA rebels. The NPA is the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has been fighting a low-level insurgency for decades. The NPA primarily targets government troops and installations, particularly in the rural areas in the south of the country, where the most recent incidents occurred, as well as in more rural areas of Luzon. Although formal talks between the central government and the NPA leadership began in February 2011, an official agreement has not yet been reached, and NPA attacks and clashes with security forces continue. In addition, several Islamist separatist groups are active in the southern Philippines; these groups carry out bomb attacks and target both locals and foreign nationals in kidnapping incidents. Due to numerous ongoing security concerns, all travel to the Mindanao region, including the Sulu archipelago, is advised against. Clients currently in the region are advised to maintain a low profile and implement robust security measures. ——From Travel Alert.