Headlines by location | 9 May 2025 | Location ratings

Expect localised disruption in urban centres during demonstrations linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Pro-Palestinian rallies led by local activist groups regularly occur at major gathering points, transport hubs, government buildings and university campuses. Although such rallies have mostly been peaceful, scuffles between rival demonstrators may occur. Expect an increased police presence around related events.

Expect and avoid further protests near the Jamuna State Guest House, the residence of the chief adviser of the interim government, in the capital Dhaka over the coming days. The National Citizen Party (NCP) will hold a protest at the location on 9 May following afternoon prayers to demand a ban on the Awami League (AL) party. A sit-in protest over the issue has been under way since 8 May outside the guest house. The police have cordoned off routes adjacent to the location, including Hare Road and the Kakrail crossing. Barricades have also been installed at the site.

Expect, but do not be unduly alarmed by air-raid siren testing in the capital New Delhi in the coming hours and follow all official directives. The authorities will test air-raid sirens installed in the Public Works Department headquarters in the Income Tax Office area of the capital at 15.00 (local time). According to the authorities, the test is expected to last until around 15.20 (local time). The testing comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan (see related alert). Abide by all official directives.

Essential movement can resume within Chandigarh union territory following the de-activation of air-raid sirens on 9 May. The authorities said that the warning alert ended at around 10.15 (all times local), following activation at around 09.15. No casualties or damages were reported. Continue to defer all inbound travel to Chandigarh until further notice (see related alert). Follow all directives issued by the authorities.

Defer all travel to Punjab, Rajasthan and Gujarat states, as well as Chandigarh, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh union territories, until further notice following recent attacks by Pakistan. Ensure standfast capabilities for at least 48 hours. This comes after India said its air defence systems had ‘neutralised’ Pakistani drone and missile attacks on 8 May. Continue to shelter in place if you hear air raid sirens or artillery shelling. Account for a heightened security posture nationwide, especially at critical infrastructure sites and airports. Follow all official directives, including any movement restrictions.

Continue to shelter in place amid reports of drone attacks targeting Jammu and Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir union territory) and Rajasthan and Punjab states during the evening of 9 May. According to media reports, Indian air-defence systems intercepted the attacks. Nevertheless, three people have been reportedly injured in Ferozepur (Punjab). Expect heightened security nationwide, especially at critical infrastructure sites and airports. Follow all official directives, including any movement restrictions.

Avoid protests on 8-9 May around the capital’s Central Jakarta District Court complex due to the risk of unrest. Security has been tightened for the trial of Hasto Kristiyanto, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle’s secretary-general, in the Corruption Crimes Court (Tipikor). Gatherings by supporters and opponents of Hasto on both days are likely to attract hundreds of participants and become unruly. More than 800 police officers have been deployed in the area and Jalan Bungur Besar Raya has been closed to keep pro- and anti-Hasto demonstrators apart. Plan journeys bypassing the area as precaution and to minimise delays.

Expect heightened security and localised disruption nationwide over the coming days linked to the anniversary of the 2024 riots on 13 May. Demonstrations in the capital Noumea have been banned until 15 May due to the sensitivity, though no protests have been announced so far. Large-scale unrest remains possible but not likely as tensions have eased amid negotiations and French proposals viewed as concessions by the pro-independence movement. Further, the pro-independence Field Action Coordination Cell (CCAT) group have ruled out protests and called for restraint on the day. However, localised attempts to block roads or commit acts of vandalism cannot be ruled out. Follow all official directives.

Expect traffic disruption on 9-10 May in urban centres during demonstrations led by labour unions. Participants will gather to condemn recent government amendments to the Equal Pay Act. The events are likely to be well attended. Plan journeys accordingly and follow all official directives if travelling nearby.

Defer all travel to Pakistan until at least 13 May. Workforce already in country should exercise caution and follow official directives in the coming days amid heightened tensions with India. Indian authorities claimed that Pakistan launched drones and missiles into western India overnight on 8–9 May (see related alert). Pakistan denied conducting cross-border strikes into Indian territory. However, Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has stated that Indian military installations along the Line of Control (LoC) have been targeted, killing at least 40 Indian soldiers. Amid heightened tensions, Pakistan’s military intercepted numerous drones on 8-9 May in several parts of the country.

Expect disruption to road travel in the capital Seoul on 10 May during a march led by feminist groups and plan journeys accordingly. Participants will gather from 14.00 (local time) at the War Memorial and proceed to the Jongno Cultural Center. They will march via the Sookmyung University, Seoul and Euljiro stations and the offices of the Hankook Ilbo newspaper. The event, which will highlight feminist issues ahead of the 3 June presidential election, is likely to be well attended.

Plan journeys on 11 May bypassing a pro-Palestinian demonstration in the capital Seoul. Participants will gather at Kyobo Bookstore from 14.00 (local timebefore marching towards the US embassy and the Israeli embassy. The demonstrations are being held to show solidarity towards the Palestinian people amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip (Palestinian Territories, see related alerts).

Plan journeys in Taipei on 10 May accounting for disruption linked to two separate rallies. Participants in both events will congregate from 08.00 (local time) near Ketagalan Boulevard in the city’s Zhongzheng district. They will denounce child abuse and discrimination against spouses. Vehicular restrictions will be in place from 08.00-20.00 on Ketagalan Boulevard. Traffic control measures will also be in effect for section 1 of Xinyi Road, section 1 of Linsen South Road and section 1 of Jinan Road, all between 14.00 and 17.30.