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Travelers are urged to use caution as well as prepare for travel delays in many parts of the world:

GLOBAL - The European Commission has updated the EU Air Safety List, the list of airlines that are subject to an operating ban or operational restrictions within the European Union. This list is essential to guarantee the highest level of air safety for European citizens, which is an absolute priority of the Commission. It complements the new authorization scheme for third country operators, which is being phased-in since June 2015 and will further boost air safety while cutting red-tape. The updated EU Air Safety List clears Kazakh carrier Air Astana, whose operations in the EU had been restricted since 2009. It added Iraqi Airways due to unaddressed safety concerns. No air carriers from Thailand were added to the Air Safety List at this time. The Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) are willing to continue to work with the Thai authorities to enhance aviation safety in the country. The Commission and EASA will however closely monitor future developments and, if the protection of air passengers against safety risks so requires, the Commission could then propose to include one or more air carriers from Thailand in the Air Safety List. The updated EU Air Safety List includes all airlines, to a total of 228, certified in 20 states. This is because of a lack of safety oversight by the aviation authorities from these states: Afghanistan, Angola (with the exception of one airline which operates under restrictions and conditions), Benin, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Gabon (with the exception of 2 airlines which operate under restrictions and conditions), Indonesia (with the exception of 4 airlines), Kazakhstan (with the exception of Air Astana, which is being cleared today), the Kyrgyz Republic, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Nepal, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Sudan and Zambia. Additionally, the list also includes two individual airlines, based on safety concerns with these air carriers: Iraqi Airways (Iraq) and Blue Wing Airlines (Suriname), bringing the overall total of airlines banned from EU skies to 230.The list also includes seven airlines which are subject to operational restrictions. These airlines can only fly to the EU with specific aircraft types: Afrijet and SN2AG (Gabon), Air Koryo (Democratic People's Republic of Korea), Air Service Comores (the Comoros), Iran Air (Iran), TAAG Angolan Airlines (Angola) and Air Madagascar (Madagascar). The full list can be downloaded at this site: http://ec.europa.eu/transport/modes/air/safety/air-ban/index_en.htm

GLOBAL - Gogo announced Thursday a new "messaging pass," which will give fliers the ability to use messaging apps during flights for less than $3. "We realize that some passengers simply want to continue conversations and stay connected in flight, but don't necessarily want or need to utilize email or full web browsing," Ash ElDifrawi, Gogo's chief commercial officer "Our messaging pass is a low-bandwidth solution that is offered at a lower price point than our internet service, making it the perfect solution for passengers who simply want to exchange messages with other app users on the ground." The messaging pass is available on most Gogo-enabled flights Delta offered something similar in 2014, charging $2 for messaging and basic mobile web browsing.

TURKEY/SOMALIA - Turkish Airlines has suspended flights to Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, for an indefinite period following an attempted attack on the Aden Adde International Airport by al-Shabaab militants on 13 December. African Union (AU) troops and Somali security forces are said to have thwarted the attack; the airport compound hosts a number of diplomatic quarters. This is the latest flight suspension initiated in Somalia, with a number of countries having already suspended or restricted flight services due to the high-risk operating environment and extreme threat of terrorism and conflict in the country. Airports situated in northern Somaliland (such as Hargeisa Egal International Airport, located in the city of Hargeisa) and in neighbouring Kenya are the preferred airport gateways for travel to Somalia. Clients intending to conduct air travel to Aden Adde International Airport with Turkish Airlines over the near-term are advised to confirm the status of their flight(s) with their travel provider prior to departure. Please note that due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Somalia.

Our records indicate your company does not have any travelers scheduled to fly to or from Aden Adde International Airport who were ticketed through ATG.

UNITED STATES(MONTANA,IDAHO,WYOMING,COLORADO,UTAH,NEW MEXICO & ARIZONA) - The US National Weather Service has issued Storm Warnings and Winter Storm Warnings for several states across the North West and western parts of the South West on 14 December. Affected states include Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. The adverse winter weather is expected to persist until 16 December at least. Heavy snowfall and generally adverse winter weather are likely to result in moderate to severe disruptions to parts of the affected areas over the next 48 hours. Disruptions to road, air and rail traffic should be anticipated. Clients travelling in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories. Scheduled transport services should be reconfirmed prior to departure with a travel provider or transport provider.

PHILIPPINES(MULTIPLE REGIONS) - (Update) Heavy rain and resultant flooding have been reported in the Philippines' Eastern Visayas region as a result of Tropical Storm Melor, which made landfall on Batag Island in the Northern Samar province on 14 December. At least 750,000 people have been evacuated across the affected areas in the Eastern Visayas region, where the category 3 tropical storm resulted in landslides, flooding and strong winds, with sustained speeds of 140km/h. Authorities have suspended ferry services and issued advisories ordering fishing vessels to defer operations due to coastal storm surges. Additionally, a significant amount of domestic flights have been cancelled on 14 December. Emergency responders have been mobilised and are responding to the worst-affected areas; no casualties have been reported thus far. The storm is also impacting the Luzon region, most notably Sorsogon province, located approximately 385km from the capital, Manila. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has indicated that the storm, currently located in the vicinity of Bulusan, is expected to move in a westerly direction towards Burias Island and has issued storm warnings for much of the southern Luzon region. Severe weather conditions should be anticipated across the central and eastern regions of the Philippines in the coming hours, at least. The storm system is expected to continue to bring strong winds and heavy rainfall, potentially resulting in further flash flooding, landslides and coastal surges, as it moves in a westerly direction. Due to the aforementioned inclement weather conditions, further disruptions to transport and utility services are anticipated. Clients in the affected regions of the Philippines are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories; these can also be found on the PAGASA website (http://kidlat.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/). Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions due to the risks of flooding and landslides, respectively. Persons intending on travelling in storm-affected areas in the coming hours should contact their travel provider for updates on the status of their travel arrangements.

IRAN(TEHRAN) - The authorities in Iran's capital, Tehran, issued a statement on 14 December warning the elderly and children to remain indoors due to elevated levels of air pollution. Tehran experiences severe air pollution. The authorities regularly issue warnings for persons to take precautions to avoid respiratory-related ailments. Clients in Tehran should monitor local media closely for updates and advisories from the authorities. Persons experiencing respiratory issues/ailments should contact their medical practitioner for further information/advice.

TURKEY(DIYARBAKIR) - Protesters clashed with police in Turkey's south eastern city of Diyarbakir on 14 December. Police reportedly used teargas and water cannons to disperse crowds of protesters in the city. A heightened security presence remains in the city following the clashes. The protest was organised by pro-Kurdish opposition groups against a curfew in the Sur district of Diyarbakir. The indefinite curfew was implemented on 11 December, following clashes between security forces and Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants. A previous curfew, imposed on 2 December in response to the ongoing insecurity, was lifted on 10 December. Furthermore, curfews remain in place in the towns of Cizre and Silopi in the Sirnak province. Turkey's south eastern provinces, including Diyarbakir, have been affected by acts of violence linked to the PKK since late July. The violence has undermined the local security environment and increased the incidental risk to foreigners travelling in the region. The insecurity in the province is expected to persist and may worsen should the curfew remain in effect for a lengthy period of time. Local political and activist groups may also seek to escalate protest activity in response to the curfew or the deteriorating security situation, as evidenced by the 14 December protest. The risk of violence at all Kurdish-related street protests in the country is considered elevated. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Diyarbakir and Sirnak provinces due to the risk of conflict between the Turkish military and Kurd rebels, as well as elevated risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and crime. Clients in the above-mentioned provinces should obtain a full security risk assessment from their security provider prior to departure. Travel should be conducted during the day, on main roads and with a security escort. This is particularly relevant for persons travelling outside of primary urban centres. Clients are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the curfew and should abide by all directives issued by the local authorities. Furthermore, clients are advised to avoid all related street gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

TURKEY(ANKARA) - The US Embassy in Turkey's capital, Ankara, located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, issued a Security Message on 14 December stating that the facility would have limited consular services on 14 and 15 December due to a 'possible security threat'. The nature of the threat was not elaborated on. There is a high risk of terrorism in Turkey stemming from various non-state armed groups. Most hold an anti-Western/US position and could be the source of the recent threat. The US and Western states' diplomatic facilities remain prominent targets of these groupings. The embassy is likely to request and receive additional security (police patrols and checkpoints) in light of the threat. Note that the limited services may be extended further in the coming days. Clients intending to utilise consular services on 14 and 15 December should contact the embassy by telephone for further guidance. Heightened caution is advised in the vicinity of the diplomatic representation.

TURKEY/BULGARIA - Authorities in Bulgaria have closed the Kapitan Andreevo land border crossing point, along its shared border with Turkey, for an indefinite period on 13 December. The closure was prompted by the arrest of at least 14 customs officials at the aforementioned crossing point amid an anti-corruption raid. Media sources cite increased cross-border contraband smuggling and human-trafficking as the primary reasons for the closure. Additionally, the uncontrolled flow of asylum seekers across the border, which serves as a major crossing point between the Middle East and Europe, also contributed to the decision. It remains unclear when the border will reopen. The closure of the border coincides with an ongoing anti-smuggling and anti-crime operation near border towns in Bulgaria, in an attempt to reduce criminality in the region. The shared border is a particular hotspot, as criminal and human trafficking groups operate extensive smuggling operations in this region. The closure has already resulted in localised disruptions at the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing, which is considered one of the busiest crossing points in the region. Increased delays and disruptions should be anticipated at the affected border crossing in the near-term. Persons travelling via the Turkey/Bulgaria Kapitan Andreevo land border should confirm the status of their intended border crossing prior to departure. Persons operating in the affected areas are advised to monitor local developments closely.

SOMALIA(HIRAN PROVINCE) - At least 13 people have been killed and 30 others wounded in communal clashes in Beledweyne, capital of Somalia's south central Hiran province, since 13 December. According to reports, rival clan militias clashed after an armed militia attacked a rival clan militia in the Howl-wadaag area of the city; sporadic clashes are said to be ongoing on 14 December. Unconfirmed sources report that the conflict relates to retaliatory killings; however, it remains unclear what the initial cause of the dispute relates to. Competitions for scarce resources often serve as catalysts for outbreaks of communal violence in Somalia. Inter-clan clashes have previously been reported in Hiran and frequently result in conflict and retaliatory attacks. Although foreign nationals are not directly targeted, there is an incidental risk to persons in the vicinity of communal conflict. Clients are advised against all travel to Somalia, except Puntland and Somaliland, due to the extreme threats posed by conflict, terrorism and kidnapping. Persons in Beledweyne should avoid the affected area until the situation stabilises and consider travelling with a close protection officer, and should ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated with their security provider.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC - Violent clashes and unrest were reported amid a referendum on the adoption of a new constitution in the Central African Republic (CAR) on 13 December. The majority of the violence was contained in the capital, Bangui, where at least five people were killed amid clashes between factions of the Muslim Seleka forces and Christian anti-Balaka militia in the PK-5 district. In the north east of the country, clashes between the aforementioned sects occurred near polling stations, wounding as many as 20 people. The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) forces were subsequently deployed to quell the unrest. There are high levels of insecurity in the CAR due to an increasing ethno-religious conflict involving predominantly Muslim Seleka militants, Muslim and Christian ethnic groups, and Christian anti-Balaka militants in the country. The upsurge in sectarian violence is attributed to the ousting of former president Francois Bozize in 2013 by Seleka militants. It should also be noted, presidential and parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place on 27 December amid the aforementioned political and ethnic tensions, which may serve to further heighten tensions. Seleka-affiliated groups maintain control of parts of the north and east of the country and refute the legitimacy of the upcoming election, as well as the transitional government responsible for drafting the latest constitution. Christian anti-Balaka groups have also refused to formally recognise the transitional government and upcoming elections following the Constitutional Court ruling barring Bozize, who many anti-Balaka groups are in support of, from contesting the upcoming election. As such, further violent clashes are likely to persist in the lead up to and after the elections on 27 December. Clients are advised against all travel to the CAR. Persons intending to travel in the country should do so with a close protection officer and should reside in a secure compound or hotel. Contingency plans should be regularly reviewed and updated. Additionally, clients are advised to avoid all large politically motivated gatherings, as well as political offices and election-related facilities as a precaution at this time.

SUDAN(SOUTH DARFUR STATE) - At least 17 people were killed and 29 others wounded in communal clashes between the Rizeigat and Miseria tribes in Sudan's South Darfur state on 12 December. The clashes took place in the Al-Ziaifa area of the Baleel locality. Reports on 13 December indicate that additional military force personnel have been deployed to the area, fearing a threat of further clashes. The Rizeigat and Miseria tribes have been involved in a protracted communal conflict for the past three years over access to land and resources in the area, frequently resulting in outbreaks of violence. Community-level initiatives to broker a peace agreement between the warring communities have proved ineffective. Communal violence does not usually target foreign nationals; however, there is an incidental risk to all bystanders in the vicinity of such violence. Tensions are likely to remain elevated in the near-term, as spates of communal violence typically involve a series of reprisals and counterattacks; accordingly, further violence is possible despite the increased military deployment. Due to high levels of conflict, kidnapping and associated insecurity, clients are advised against all travel to the Darfur region. Persons currently in or intending to travel to the region are advised to register their presence in the country with their respective diplomatic representations and ensure that all movements are coordinated in the presence of a security escort.

PAKISTAN - On 12 December, the US Embassy in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, issued a security warning pertaining to an elevated risk of terrorist attacks and associated violence. This is in light of the one-year anniversary of the 16 December attack on the Peshawar Army Public School, in which as many as 123 people were killed. Authorities have named the Karachi Stock Exchange, and Kohsar market, Safa Gold Mall and Centaurus Mall in Islamabad among the areas where an elevated threat exists. There is an extreme threat of terrorism in Pakistan; the security warning underscores the elevated levels of terrorism in the country. The primary threat stems from Sunni Islamist extremist groups such as Tehreek-i-Taleban Pakistan (TTP) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, as well as other militant organisations operating in the north western regions of the country. These groups regularly conduct attacks in retaliation for military offensives targeting militant positions in the highly insecure Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), where many of these groups maintain an operational presence. In addition to targeting western or government interests in the country, the above-mentioned groups also frequently carry out sectarian-based attacks on members of the Shiite community and Shiite targets. It should be noted that crowded areas such as marketplaces, tourist areas, public transport hubs and services, as well as government and security force personnel and facilities, are considered at an elevated risk of being targeted. Although Islamabad and Karachi have been named as potential target sites for attacks, the possibility of attacks occurring elsewhere cannot be discounted. In light of the security warning, an increased security presence is possible in the affected cities in the short-to-medium term. Due to the threat of terrorism, all travel to the FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces is advised against. Additionally, all non-essential travel to the rest of Pakistan, namely Punjab and Sindh provinces, Islamabad Capital Territory and the regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, are advised against. Persons in Pakistan are further advised to implement robust personal, residential and travel security protocols at all times.

FRANCE(BOULOGNE-SUR-MER) - A demonstration in solidarity with migrants will be held in Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, on 14 December. The demonstration will coincide with the trial of an activist associated with the 'No Border' organisation, accused of inciting violence at a demonstration early in November. Participants are expected to gather at the Tribunal de Grande Instance (TGI) court house at 14:00 local time. The ongoing European migrant crisis has prompted numerous anti-immigration and solidarity protests across the region, including in France, in recent months. These have been well attended and have occasionally been marred by incidents of low-level clashes between rival protesters and police. The possibility of similar clashes occurring during the upcoming demonstrations cannot be dismissed. Clients in Boulogne-sur-Mer on 14 December are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and make allowances for potential disruptions in the vicinity of the TGI.

SOUTH SUDAN - Protests, conflict and associated insecurity is possible across South Sudan on 15 December amid the second anniversary of the country's civil war. The protest threat is highest in the country's capital, Juba, and other major urban centres such as Wau, while localised outbreaks of conflict are also possible in the northern states of Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei which remain occupied by both government and rebel forces. Sporadic incidences of violence between forces loyal to incumbent president, Salva Kiir, and those aligned to former vice president, Riek Machar, continue to occur despite both parties entering into a ceasefire agreement in late August 2015. The terms of the ceasefire include the creation of a power-sharing government, the reinstatement of Machar as vice president and various other political and security reforms, illustrating that the agreement remains tenuous. Rebels loyal to Machar have rejected the peace deal and have vowed to continue their insurrection against the Kiir regime. The forthcoming anniversary may be used by those opposed to the peace deal as a platform to violently display their grievances. Due to the current uncertain security environment, clients are advised against all travel to South Sudan. Persons currently in or intending to travel to the country are advised to register their presence with their respective diplomatic representation and have a comprehensive contingency plan in place.

BRAZIL - Countrywide pro-government protests against calls for President Dilma Rousseff's impeachment are anticipated in Brazil on 16 December. The protests will be supported by dozens of unions and social movements, including the Unified Workers' Central (CUT) and Homeless Workers' Movement (MTST) unions. In the capital, Brasilia, participants will gather at the Mane Garrincha Stadium from 16:00 local time. In Sao Paulo, participants will gather on Paulista Avenue at 17:00. The protests will also be held in other cities and towns across the country. The upcoming protests have been organised in response to widespread calls for President Rousseff's impeachment, the most recent of which were held across the country on 13 December; these were supported by thousands of protesters. Rousseff lost much support after being blamed for the country's severe economic slump and as a result of corruption allegations levelled against her. The upcoming demonstrations will likely conclude peacefully; however, the possibility of low-level incidents of violence between protesters and the police or protesters and anti-Rousseff supporters cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of demonstration-affected sites. Clients in Brazil on 16 December are advised to avoid all street protests and related gatherings as a precaution. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates on associated protests. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions in the vicinity of any protest gatherings.

SOUTH AFRICA(PRETORIA) - Activist groups have called for an anti-government demonstration in South Africa's capital, Pretoria, on 16 December. The demonstration was organised in response to the controversial dismissal of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene by President Jacob Zuma on 9 December. Participants are expected to gather at the Union Buildings in Pretoria from 10:00 local time. The protest is expected to be well attended and likely result in travel disruptions in the vicinity of the Union Buildings. The protest is expected to conclude peacefully; however, the risk of isolated acts of violence cannot be discounted. Clients in Pretoria on 16 December are advised to avoid all street demonstrations as a standard precaution and make allowances for localised disruptions.

BAHRAIN - Bahrain will commemorate National Day on 16 and 17 December. Some commemorations marking National Day have already taken place since 13 December. In addition, Martyrs' Day also falls on 17 December. Martyrs' Day is traditionally observed by opposition groups, and commemorates anti-government demonstrations in 1994, during which time anti-government groups demanded democratic reforms. There is a heightened probability of an increase in anti-government protest action on 16 and 17 December. Bahrain is polarised between the minority Sunni ruling regime and the majority Shiite population. Protests relating to ongoing political agitation by the predominantly Shiite Muslim population are regularly reported. The forthcoming period offers opposition groups an opportunity to stage further protests. Given the symbolism of National Day and Martyrs' Day, a higher than normal frequency of politically motivated demonstrations is expected. These are likely to include both pro- and anti-government gatherings. The risk of violence at all gatherings is elevated, particularly if anti-government demonstrators attempt to block major roads or enter the capital, Manama. Protest events may also be accompanied by low-level acts of violence, including bombings, targeting state security forces. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Bahrain, excluding Manama, the Bahrain International Airport and main roads leading from the airport to the capital. Unaccompanied travel at night outside of secure areas in all locations is advised against. All street protests should be avoided.

INDIA/BANGLADESH - India and Bangladesh are expected to commemorate Victory Day on 16 December, which marks the 44th anniversary of Bangladesh's liberation from Pakistan, following a nine-month long conflict in 1971. In Bangladesh, festivities and cultural activities have been reported in the vicinity of the Shaheed Minar and the Shilpaka Academy national culture centre, in the capital, Dhaka; associated events are expected to continue until 16 December. Additionally, a Victory Day rally is expected to take place along Manik Mia Avenue from 08:00 local time in Dhaka on 16 December. Associated events are expected to take place amid heightened security, across urban centres in both countries. Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) is commemorated in India and Bangladesh as it marks its military victory over Pakistan in 1971 during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. The end of the war also resulted in the unilateral surrender of the Pakistan Army and subsequent secession of East Pakistan into Bangladesh. As with all significant large-scale events in India and Bangladesh, the possibility exists that civil, political and militant/terrorist groups may use the events to highlight their respective causes. There is a heightened threat of attack from several quarters on this day, particularly in India; Islamist militants, many from Pakistan, opposed to Indian rule in Kashmir may seek to use the day to launch attacks on military and civilian interests within India. There is also an increased risk of petty street crime, as the crowds at various festivities will provide ample cover from which petty thieves may operate. Associated disruptions are expected to accompany the events, with heightened security and localised travel and road disruptions expected in the vicinity of all gatherings associated with Victory Day. Persons in Bangladesh and India are advised to exercise heightened situational awareness, due to the increased threat from petty crime and terrorism on 16 December, and to expect localised travel disruptions due to heightened security measures. Clients are also advised to avoid any large gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution. Furthermore, clients are advised to report any suspicious people, packages or activities to the authorities immediately. Heightened caution is advised in the Chittagong Hill Tracts region of Bangladesh, where the security situation is more volatile than in other parts of the country, due to a low-level insurgency, as well as near the border with India, as occasional low-intensity clashes between Indian and Bangladeshi security forces occur. Non-essential travel to the north eastern states of Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region) and rural and remote areas of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal is advised against due to an ongoing Maoist insurgency and the ongoing threats of separatist conflicts and terrorism. Non-essential travel to within 10km of India's shared border areas with Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal and Pakistan, is advised against as these areas are prone to various security concerns, including territorial disputes, smuggling and low-level insurgencies. This advisory excludes border areas within the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Jammu and Kashmir (except the eastern Ladakh region), where the non-essential advisory applies to the entirety of the state and/or region.

KENYA(NAIROBI) - The tenth World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference will be held in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, from 15 to 18 December. The conference will be held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre; increased security measures have been implemented since 13 December. In addition, the closures of Harambee Avenue, City Hall Way, Parliament Road and Taifa Road, together with disruptions on Wabera and Kaunda streets, should be anticipated from 14 December. The heightened security measures will likely result in disruptions to travel in Nairobi for the duration of the conference. These may include police checkpoints, random identification checks, exclusion zones and other movement-restrictive measures. In addition, while there have been no known threats to the conference, given its international prominence, the possibility of opposition groups using the event as a platform to voice their grievances cannot be discounted. Clients in Nairobi over the coming days are advised to abide by the directives of the authorities and to make allowances for localised travel disruptions. All street protests should be avoided as a standard precaution.

SOUTH KOREA - The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has called for a countrywide strike on 16 December. An associated protest is also anticipated in the vicinity of the Korea National Assembly Building in the capital, Seoul, from 15:00 local time. The agitation is in protest against government-proposed labour sector reforms. An unconfirmed strike has also been scheduled for 19 December. The KCTU and other labour unions have staged a number of strikes and protests in recent months. Associated protests have been well supported and marred by incidents of unrest. On 14 November, security forces resorted to using water cannons and other heavy-handed tactics in a bid to disperse a KCTU rally in Seoul; a number of protesters sustained injuries during the clashes while others were detained. The possibility of similar clashes occurring during the upcoming demonstrations cannot be dismissed. In addition, travel disruptions and an increased police presence in the vicinity of such gatherings and any related protests should be anticipated. Persons in South Korea on 16 December are advised to avoid all possible protest gatherings, as the possibility of violent civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, clients should monitor local media for announcements of further related gatherings.

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