ARGENTINA (Country risk rating: High); 2 April; Heightened threat of unrest ahead of Falkland Islands War anniversary

The 31st anniversary of the start of the Falkland Islands War, fought between Argentina and the UK in 1982, falls on 2 April. The lead up to the anniversary has been characterised by a marked increase in combative rhetoric from Argentina's president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner. She has reiterated the country's claims to ownership of the disputed archipelago; the British government has maintained that the status of the islands will not be altered. Tensions regarding the status of the islands have been elevated recently. Although the increased tensions have prompted suggestions of a renewed military confrontation, this is viewed as an unlikely scenario, given Argentina's limited military capability when compared to the UK. Nevertheless, historical precedent suggests that the anniversary period will be marked by some nationalist protests in Argentina. Furthermore, heightened bilateral tensions in 2013 may prompt an increase in related civil unrest comparable to recent years; at least four separate Falkland Islands-related protests in 2012 illustrate this concern. In previous years, protests have focused on the British Embassy on avenida Dr Luis Agote in the capital, Buenos Aires; other areas of the city that are prone to demonstrations include Plaza de Mayo, Congreso Nacional and avenida 9 de Julio. Possible protests pose a threat of violent civil unrest and traffic disruptions in and around affected areas. Clients in or travelling to Argentina are advised to monitor local media for demonstration notices. All protest gatherings should be avoided and caution should be exercised in the vicinity of British interests in the country, particularly in Buenos Aires.

BRAZIL (Country risk rating: High); 1 April; Protest over bus fare increase to take place in Porto Alegre

A protest relating to an increase in bus fares is set to take place in Porto Alegre, capital of Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state, on 1 April. The event will begin at 18:00 local time and centre on Paco Municipal (city hall) in Praca Montevideu. Protests relating to the bus fare increase began in Porto Alegre in mid-March but have escalated in recent days. In the most recent gathering, which occurred on 27 March, security forces clashed with protesters. Some protesters attempted to enter Paco Municipal; minor property damage due to vandalism was reported in the vicinity. Further demonstrations following the 1 April gathering are possible. In addition to Paco Municipal, other potential protest hotspots include avenida Loureiro da Silva, avenida Joao Pessoa and public gathering spaces such as city squares (known locally as pracas). Violence at these events remains very likely and precedent suggests that travel disruptions are possible in the vicinity. Persons in Porto Alegre should avoid all protest gatherings as a precaution, particularly in the vicinity of Paco Municipal and the wider Centro area of the city on 1 April.

BRAZIL (Country risk rating: High); 30 March; Foreign nationals held hostage and assaulted in Rio de Janeiro

Two foreign nationals were briefly held hostage and severely assaulted in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on 30 March. The victims, whose nationalities have not yet been released, were seized by two assailants after boarding a minibus in the popular tourist area of Copacabana. They were taken to the city's Botafogo area where they changed vehicles and were driven to Niteroi, located 14km east of Rio de Janeiro. The female victim was sexually assaulted and both hostages were held for several hours whilst the assailants withdrew funds from their bank accounts; they were subsequently released in Itaborai. The two perpetrators have since been arrested. There is a high threat of violent crime in Brazil, particularly in urban centres and popular destinations such as Rio de Janeiro. The majority of both petty and violent crimes occur in low-income neighbourhoods (known locally as favelas), where youth and drug-oriented gangs are most active. Criminals mainly target locals; however, foreign nationals have become increasingly affected in recent years. This is largely due to the perceived wealth of these individuals, as well as the assumption that victims will not file police reports or return to testify at criminal proceedings. The government has initiated various national crime reduction programmes in an effort to increase safety and security prior to hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2014. However, violent crime is likely to remain a significant concern for both locals and foreign visitors in Brazil for the short- to medium-term. Clients in Brazil should implement robust security precautions at all times. Furthermore, as most gang-related violence and crime are generally focused on lower-income areas, all non-essential travel to favelas is advised against.

MEXICO (Country risk rating: High); 29 March; Fatalities reported following shooting incident in Chihuahua

Seven people were left dead and a further two injured following a shooting incident in the city of Chihuahua, state capital of Mexico's eponymous state, on 29 March. The casualties occurred when an unidentified gunman opened fire in a bar situated on calle Aldama in the north east of the city. Although the identity of the perpetrator remains unknown, incidents of drug-related violence in and around entertainment establishments have become a frequent occurrence in urban centres where drug-related crime is prevalent. Chihuahua, in particular, experiences persistent high levels of violence due to conflict between local drug trafficking cartels and security forces, as well as competition and frequent violent confrontations between rival cartel members. Drug-related violence in the city generally targets members of drug cartels, police officers, criminal justice officials or journalists investigating the cartels; however, such violence has the potential to affect persons not involved in the narcotics trade, including foreign nationals. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Chihuahua state. Persons in or intending to travel to the region despite this advisory are advised to implement robust security precautions and remain vigilant of their surroundings at all times. If possible, travel to venues such as casinos, nightclubs and bars, which are considered hotspots for outbreaks of drug-related violence, should be deferred. Clients visiting such venues are advised to remain aware of the ongoing threat and exercise heightened caution. In the event of a shooting incident, it is advisable to seek shelter until the situation stabilises.

BANGLADESH (Country risk rating: High); 31 March; Casualties reported countrywide during hartal-related violence

Over 100 people, including police officers, were injured in clashes between police and protesters in Bangladesh during a dawn-till-dusk countrywide general strike, known locally as a hartal, on 31 March. The strike was called by the opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and its student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD). The worst violence reportedly occurred in the north western city of Rajshahi. Police clashed with members of Islami Chhatra Shibir, the youth wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, which is the country's largest Islamist party and an ally of the BNP. These clashes reportedly included the use of explosive devices and resulted in scores of injuries. Further violence, including vehicle burning, was reported in the capital, Dhaka, and the city of Chittagong. The BNP and its JCD wing regularly call for protests and strikes in opposition to government policy. Over the past month, opposition agitation has increased significantly in response to the sentencing of prominent Jamaat-e-Islami leaders for war crimes committed during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. In response to the sentencing, Jamaat-e-Islami and its alliance partners, including the BNP, have announced numerous protests and hartals. Many of these have been affected by violence, leaving dozens of people dead and hundreds wounded. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bangladesh. Persons operating in the country are advised to monitor local developments closely, particularly for information related to planned protest action. All street gatherings should be avoided as a precaution. Furthermore, during planned protest action, clients should limit travel, make use of private rather than public transport, and consider travelling with a trusted contact or security escort familiar with the local security environment.

KOREAN PENINSULA; 30 March; (Update) Further inflammatory rhetoric from North Korea

North Korean state media announced on 30 March that North Korea had entered a 'state of war' with South Korea. Reports indicate that there are currently no unusual North Korean military operations. Cross-border co-operation at the joint industrial complex at the North Korean border city of Kaesong is also normal. The announcement follows a number of recent inflammatory statements by the North Korean government and media threatening conflict with South Korea and the US. As with previous statements, the current announcement is not viewed as a precursor to full-scale conflict, but rather a political strategy by North Korea intended to simultaneously bolster Kim Jong-un's domestic standing and to place pressure on South Korea's new president, Park Geun-hye. In addition, the increased rhetoric is viewed as a response to the recent UN sanctions and the annual joint US/South Korea military exercises. An increase in the frequency of anti-US and anti-South Korea demonstrations in North Korea's capital, Pyongyang, should be expected in the coming weeks; these are most likely to focus on Kim Il-Sung Square. These events are not likely to be violent or disruptive, nor will they pose a direct threat to foreign nationals. Nonetheless, monitoring any protests, including photographing these events, increases the risk of being detained by the local authorities. In South Korea, increased security measures and military drills and announcements, which are commonplace, may increase in frequency in response to North Korean threats. Clients operating in the Korean Peninsula should monitor developments closely. In the event of a security incident along the shared border, clients should remain aware of the potential for further escalation. Persons intending to operate in North Korea should ensure that all documentation is up to date. All protests and large public gatherings should be avoided.

PAKISTAN (Country risk rating: Extreme); 29 and 31 March; Security incidents in Peshawar and Bannu

At least 12 people were killed and 28 others wounded in a suicide bombing targeting a security force convoy near a checkpoint in Peshawar, the administrative capital of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, on 29 March. An assailant with an explosive-laden vest detonated his explosives as a security force contingent, comprised of members of the Frontier Constabulary (FC), stopped at a checkpoint in the Saddar area of the city. The incident was followed by a roadside bombing in the Wali Noor area in Bannu district, also in KP province, on 31 March. The bombing killed two people and wounded a number of others, including Awami National Party leader, Adnan Wazir. Wazir, believed to be the intended target of the attack, was en route to a political rally when the incident occurred; he is a candidate in the forthcoming May general elections. The Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP) later claimed responsibility for both the 29 and 31 March attacks. There is an extreme threat of terrorism in Pakistan. Attacks are frequently reported in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and KP province and are generally attributed to or claimed by the TTP. A spike in militant activity is anticipated in the run up to the 11 May election. Likely targets are political party representatives, party offices and rallies, state facilities and personnel and Western interests. Due to various security concerns, red24 advises against all travel to Pakistan. Persons currently in or intending to travel to the country are advised to implement robust personal, travel and residential security protocols.

KOSOVO (Country risk rating: High); 2 April; Possible protests in Mitrovica as mediated talks enter new round

Kosovo's Vetevendosje (Self-Determination) movement has launched a renewed protest campaign ahead of EU-mediated talks between Kosovo and Serbia which are set to enter a new round in Brussels, Belgium, on 2 April. The protests are likely to be concentrated in the northern city of Kosovska Mitrovica, where several demonstrations have taken place recently; however, events are also expected in the capital, Pristina. The recent high-level meetings between representatives from the two countries, including the first official dialogue between the respective presidents since Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence in 2008, have prompted numerous protests in recent weeks. These have been in opposition to the normalisation of relations between the two countries, as well as certain decrees which have been issued, particularly those pertaining to the status of ethnic Serbs resident in northern Kosovo. Vetevendosje, a radical nationalist movement in Kosovo, specifically opposes foreign involvement in the country's affairs and campaigns for increased popular sovereignty. The Serbian government continues to reject Kosovo's independence; bilateral relations deteriorated significantly in 2011, when trade between Kosovo and Serbia was suspended from 21 July to 16 September 2011. Previous Vetevendosje-led protests have been marred by violence and the possibility of clashes at future events cannot be discounted. Due to the persistent tensions between ethnic Albanians and Serbs, frequent demonstrations and regular incidents of targeted low-level violence, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to the northern parts of Kosovo, including Kosovska Mitrovica as well as Zvecan, Leposavic and Zubin Potok. Clients are further advised to avoid all associated protests and concentrations of security forces in urban centres throughout the country, due to the risk of violent civil unrest.

ALGERIA (Country risk rating: High); 25 to 30 March; Series of skirmishes between security forces and militants in the north of the country

There have been a number of minor skirmishes between the security forces and Islamist militants in northern Algeria over the past week. The most recent incident was reported on 30 March when security forces killed a militant in the Tadmait area of Tizi Ouzou province. On 29 March, another militant was killed by the army during a military operation in the Damous area of Tipaza province. These incidents followed the elimination of a senior al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) commander, Said Badache, and four other associates in the Makouda area of Tizi Ouzou during a security force operation on 25 and 26 March. The incidents serve to highlight the continued threat posed by militants in northern Algeria, particularly in provinces in the vicinity of the capital, Algiers. Militants operate predominantly in rural areas and engage in criminal activities such as smuggling, extortion and kidnapping. Attacks targeting state facilities and personnel are also periodically reported. Over the past two years, the number of successful terrorist acts has diminished in response to Algerian police and military operations against their strongholds; however, as the recent incidents highlight, militants maintain a presence in the region. Clients operating in northern Algeria are advised to exercise heightened security awareness. Intercity travel should ideally be conducted by air or, if travelling by road, during the day and with a local escort familiar with the security environment.

IRAN (Country risk rating: Medium); 1 April; Pro-government rallies likely on Islamic Republic Day

Iran will commemorate Islamic Republic Day on 1 April. The day marks the declaration of Iran as an Islamic republic in 1979 following the Iranian Revolution, which overthrew the former monarchy led by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. State-sponsored rallies and events are likely on the day in the capital, Tehran, and other cities and towns across the country. The events, should they proceed, are likely to carry a strong anti-Western and anti-Israel sentiment; however, violence or significant disruptions are not expected. Opposition groups may also hold demonstrations on the day. Iran is scheduled to hold a presidential election in June and the day affords opponents of the current regime an opportunity to hold rallies. However, opposition protests have decreased in frequency considerably since the disputed 2009 presidential elections. As such, widespread or significant opposition gatherings are unlikely. Nonetheless, some minor events may occur. Should these proceed, a security force deployment at the sites is possible and there is a threat of confrontations between protesters and the police. Persons in Iran on 1 April are advised to monitor local developments closely; all large public gatherings on the day should be avoided as a precaution.

IRAQ (Country risk rating: High); 29 and 31 March; Bombings in central and northern governorates result in casualties

A spate of bombings in numerous locations in central and northern Iraq on 29 and 31 March resulted in scores of casualties. At least 19 people were killed and more than 100 left injured in a series of car bombings near Shiite Muslim mosques in the capital, Baghdad, and Kirkuk on 29 March. The blasts in Baghdad occurred in the Binook, Jihad, Qahira and Zafaraniyah areas; the bombing in Kirkuk targeted the Hussainiya al-Rasoul al-Adham area. All these incidents took place within an hour of each other. On 31 March, bombs targeting security interests in the Kazimiyah and Abu Ghraib areas of the capital resulted in 18 casualties. A prominent Sunni Muslim cleric and two others were killed in a blast at a mosque in Fallujah. Further small-scale bombings were also reported in Basra, Kirkuk and Mosul. Acts of terrorism are common and occur frequently in Iraq, particularly in the central and northern governorates. Given the targets of the recent attacks, the likely suspects are Sunni extremists aligned to al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). AQI frequently targets Shiite Muslim, state and Western interests in mass-casualty attacks. Although a connection between the Kirkuk and Baghdad bombings on 29 March has yet to be confirmed, AQI is also known to execute coordinated countrywide bombings. Clients are advised against all travel to several governorates, including the Kirkuk and Baghdad governorate. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the Basra governorate. For red24's full travel advisory for Iraq, please click here. Persons in Iraq are advised to adopt stringent security measures at all times; heightened security awareness is advised in the vicinity of potential bombing targets.

LIBYA (Country risk rating: High); 30 March; Armed group attacks military facility near Sabha

At least two military personnel were killed and three others wounded when a large group of gunmen attacked the Tamahind military facility near Libya's southern city of Sabha on 30 March. The identity of the perpetrators and the motive for the assault are unknown. Central and southern Libya is considered insecure, as numerous armed militant and criminal groups operate in this area. The region has also been affected by bouts of severe ethnic/tribal violence since the end of the civil war in 2011. In December 2012, in an effort to secure the south, the government declared Ghadames, Ghat, Obari, al-Shati, Sabha, Murzuq and Kufra closed military zones under the rule of a military governor. Although the motive for the 30 March assault is unknown, it is highly likely that a criminal group targeted the base in response to recent military operations in their area, which have focused on reducing smuggling. The attack could also have been conducted by an Islamist militant group. Militants have an active presence across the Sahara and are known to be involved in smuggling to finance their activities. The military zone designation is expected to remain in place for the near-term at least. Tensions between the security forces and non-state armed groups operating in the area are, therefore, expected to remain elevated. Further conflict is anticipated. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Libya; clients operating in southern Libya, particularly in the closed military zones, are advised to contact the local authorities prior to departure. Overland travel and travel at night are ill-advised; persons in the region should travel by air where possible, and land travel should be conducted in the presence of a security escort.

YEMEN (Country risk rating: Extreme); 30 March; Ongoing southern separatist protests in Aden

A civil disobedience campaign by southern separatists aligned to the Southern Movement (SM) is ongoing in southern Yemen. On 30 March, renewed protests were reported in Aden. During these events, clashes between the police and demonstrators left at least one person dead. Demonstrators also blocked numerous roads in the city, which is a common protester tactic. An escalation in protests by some supporters of the SM has been noted recently. Protesters generally gather on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Aden, and occasionally in other cities and towns in southern Yemen. Radical elements within the SM are opposed to National Dialogue Conference talks currently underway between the government and opposition groups, including moderate members of the SM. Radical SM supporters are agitating for the immediate secession of South Yemen, while moderate supporters have agreed to negotiate with the central government. Further protests are anticipated in the south of the country for the near-term at least. As the recent unrest highlights, the threat of violence at secessionist protests is high. red24 advises against all travel to Yemen. Clients in the country are advised to implement robust security measures, particularly if travelling outside of the capital, Sanaa. All street demonstrations should be avoided as a precaution.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (Country risk rating: High); 29 March; Rebel group and FARDC clash in Kitshanga

At least six people were killed in clashes between Mai-Mai group, Alliance of Patriots for a Free and Sovereign Congo (APCLS), and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)'s North Kivu province on 29 March. Kitshanga is located in the Masisi territory some 60km north west of the provincial capital of Goma. Although peacekeepers from the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) were able to restore calm, tensions in the region remain elevated. The violence is the latest to impact on Kitshanga after it was captured by APCLS forces on 5 March. Fighting over the territory has been ongoing since 27 February and resulted in more than 85 fatalities to date; several hundred villagers have taken refuge at a nearby MONUSCO-operated camp. Originally part of the Coalition of Congolese Patriotic Resistance (PARECO) Mai-Mai group, a Hunde faction, led by General Janvier Buingo Karairi, broke away from the movement and formed the APCLS in 2008. This followed a coordinated peace deal which sought to integrate PARECO combatants into the FARDC, together with members of the rival Tutsi-dominated and Rwandan-backed National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP). The group, which is alleged to have forged strong ties to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) extremist group, maintains a significant presence in North Kivu. Further clashes between FARDC forces and members of the APCLS are likely. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to North Kivu, as well as South Kivu province. Persons currently in or intending to travel to these regions are advised to register their presence with their respective diplomatic representation, restrict movements to major urban centres, and ensure robust security measures are followed.

KENYA (Country risk rating: High); 30 March; Isolated incidents of unrest in Nairobi following Supreme Court ruling

Isolated incidents of unrest and rioting were reported in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and the port city of Kisumu following a key ruling by the Supreme Court on 30 March. The court rejected the petition issued by incumbent prime minister and electoral runner up, Raila Odinga, which challenged the results of the 4 March presidential and legislative elections, announcing that president-elect, Uhuru Kenyatta, had been elected freely and fairly. Odinga contested the election results amid allegations that the ballot was rigged to ensure a victory for Kenyatta. Although Odinga announced he would accept the court's ruling in a televised statement, small-scale protests by his supporters were reported in Nairobi's Mathara and Kibera areas. These were marred by clashes between protesters and police forces; no injuries were reported. However, in Kisamu, two people were killed and several injured in clashes during a demonstration. Although the violence was not as violent and/or widespread as witnessed in 2007 and security forces have since contained the civil unrest in both Nairobi and Kisumu, political tensions are likely to remain elevated in the country ahead of Kenyatta's presidential inauguration; this is scheduled to take place on 9 April. All politically motivated gatherings by either Odinga or Kenyatta supporters are assessed as being at an elevated threat of turning violent, given the underlying political and ethnic tensions which exist between the two groups. Persons in Kenya are advised to monitor local developments and avoid all demonstrations and other public gatherings as a precaution.

MALI (Country risk rating: Extreme); 29 to 31 March; Spate of security incidents in the north highlight insecurity

A spate of separate security incidents in northern Mali in recent days highlights the persistent insecurity in the region; these include a suicide bombing, landmine explosion and clashes between rival non-state armed groups. In latest developments, heavy fighting between Islamist militants and security forces was reported in the northern city of Timbuktu on 31 March when Islamist fighters infiltrated the city after orchestrating a suicide bombing at a military checkpoint in the west of the city the previous day. In a separate incident on 30 March, a military vehicle drove over a landmine in the north east of the country in the vicinity of the town of Ansongo, leaving two people dead. On 29 March, at least nine people were killed in clashes between National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad (MNLA) and Islamist militants between the cities of Gao and Kidal. Northern Mali has experienced heightened conflict levels since early 2012 when Islamist militants and MNLA rebels seized much of the north of the country from the government. A dispute between the two factions ended in the Islamists repelling the MNLA from much of the north in mid-2012. In January 2013, French military forces intervened in the conflict and routed Islamist forces from their primary urban bases. The MNLA subsequently declared its support for the French offensive. Since then, there have been a number of clashes between the MNLA and Islamist militants in the north. Further clashes, Islamist raids and acts of terrorism should be anticipated in the near-term. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Mali. Given the ongoing conflict in the northern and eastern regions of Gao, Kidal, Mopti and Timbuktu, clients should consider departing these regions if safe and possible to do so.

MAURITIUS (Country risk rating: Low); 30 March to 1 April; Flooding in Port Louis results in casualties

At least ten flood-related deaths have been reported in Port Louis, capital of Mauritius, as heavy rainfall continues to impact on much of the country since 30 March. The heavy rainfall has also resulted in significant travel disruptions, including road closures, in the city and elsewhere. The inclement weather is forecast to continue into 1 April at least. The ongoing heavy rain has resulted in saturated ground conditions, thus increasing the risk of property flooding from rivers and surface water. Associated transport disruptions and further disruptions to amenities such as water, electricity and telecommunications should also be expected. Persons currently in the affected areas are advised to avoid low-lying, flood-prone areas and monitor local news for possible advisories and information regarding the status of road and public transport infrastructure.

NIGERIA (Country risk rating: High); 31 March; (Update) Clashes continue in Riyom, Plateau State

At least 50 people were killed in continued violence in the Riyom local government area of Nigeria's central Plateau State on 31 March. The violence was first reported on 26 March when unidentified armed assailants initially attacked the villages of Dajak and Attakar, located in the Ganawuri district; however, the violence has since spread to surrounding areas, including the Bokkos district. Heightened security measures have been implemented in the affected region. The violence has been attributed to ethno-religious tensions in the region. Plateau State marks the religious fault line between the country's Muslim north and Christian south and religious tensions between the two groups sporadically result in sectarian violence. The situation is particularly acute in the predominantly agrarian Riyom region, where competition between Muslim Hausa-Fulani herdsmen and Christian Berom farmers for access to limited land resources is especially intense. Tensions in the affected area are likely to remain elevated in the short-term at least, despite the increased security measures. Accordingly, further violence is possible. Due to various security concerns, including the high threats of ethno-religious conflict and terrorism, all travel to Plateau State is advised against. Persons currently in the region should exercise heightened security awareness at all times and avoid communal violence-affected areas.

NIGERIA (Country risk rating: High); 29 March; (Update) Kidnapped Lebanese nationals released in Lagos

Authorities confirmed on 29 March that all three Lebanese nationals, kidnapped on 27 March in Lagos, Nigeria, had been released unharmed. Earlier reports indicated that two of the victims were released following the payment of a US$60,000 ransom earlier on 28 March. It was later confirmed that the release of the last victim was secured later that day; however, it remains unclear as to whether a third ransom was paid. The incident occurred in the Victoria Island area on 27 March and followed the abduction of a British national in the same area on 23 March; this individual was also subsequently released on 28 March. These incidents highlight the high and persistent threat of kidnapping in Lagos. Although Victoria Island is generally considered safer than other parts of the city, the latest kidnappings illustrate that no area is immune to the threat. Persistent high levels of insecurity in parts of Nigeria have increasingly enabled militant and criminal groups to carry out kidnappings for ransom with near impunity. These are generally perpetrated for financial gain and most victims are released unharmed after being held for relatively short periods of time. However, rescue efforts by Nigerian security forces have resulted in casualties in the past. There have been no claims of responsibility for the latest abductions. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Nigeria due to various security concerns. Persons in or planning to travel to the country are advised to implement comprehensive travel, residential and personal security measures, and consider the use of a security escort, particularly if travelling outside of major urban centres. Clients are further advised to maintain a low profile and avoid travel after dark if possible.

NIGERIA (Country risk rating: High); 29 March; Security operation in Kano results in fatalities

At least 15 people were killed in a security operation in the city of Kano, capital of Nigeria's Kano state, on 31 March. The Joint Task Force (JTF) operation targeted suspected Boko Haram militants. A gun battle ensued in the north of the city, leaving 14 militants and one soldier dead. JTF members reportedly discovered numerous explosives during a subsequent raid. The JTF has launched a number of extensive security operations against Boko Haram in several north eastern states, including Kano, since August 2012 in an attempt to curtail the group's overall operational capacity. The latest operation is likely in response to the elevated terrorism threat during the Christian Easter period from 29 to 31 March. Boko Haram has carried out a number of attacks targeting Christian institutions in the past, including during Easter. The impact of such security operations by the JTF is expected to remain localised; this is due to Boko Haram's extensive network in several northern states as well as its decentralised command structure. Reprisals by the group therefore remain likely across Nigeria. Clients are currently advised against all non-essential travel to Nigeria and against all travel to the state of Kano as well as to the states of Adamawa, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau and Yobe. Clients are further advised against all travel to the Niger Delta due to a number of ongoing security concerns. Persons in the country should exercise a high level of security awareness at this time, particularly in and around places of worship, security installations, popular entertainment establishments, government buildings and major transport hubs, all of which are considered to be at a high risk of being targeted.

SUDAN (Country risk rating: High); 30 March; SLA-AW releases kidnapped Darfuris in West Darfur

According to a statement by the International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) on 30 March, the Sudan Liberation Army-Abdul Wahid (SLA-AW) released 31 Darfuris who were kidnapped on 24 March. The hostages were released unharmed after being held at an undisclosed location in Sudan's western Darfur region. Abdel Wahid Mohammed al-Nur, the SLA-AW leader, has stated that the Darfuris were kidnapped in error and subsequently released. The kidnapped persons were displaced Darfuris who were traveling under the UN Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) towards a refugee conference when their convoy was ambushed by SLA-AW gunmen. The SLA-AW is a breakaway faction of the Sudan Liberation Army, which has entrenched its control over a significant part of Darfur. In the past, foreign nationals have also been affected by kidnapping in the region. Most incidents have been for ransom purposes and victims have been released unharmed. The threat from kidnapping stems from both criminal and rebel groups that are active in the country. The ability of the local security forces to adequately counter the threat is severely limited, particularly outside of larger urban centres. Foreign nationals, including peacekeepers (who may have been the intended targets of this kidnapping) and aid workers, remain at a particularly high risk. Due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to a number of western and southern states, including West Darfur. Persons in or intending to travel to the state are advised to implement robust personal, travel and residential security measures. Furthermore, clients should maintain a low profile, avoid unnecessary publicity and limit travel outside of secure areas. Consideration should also be given to obtaining close protection services.