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

SWITZERLAND(ZURICH) - Travel disruptions have been reported in Zurich, Switzerland, on 17 December. Security forces are currently conducting a security operation in the city following reports of suspicious activity in the affected area. Security cordons are in place surrounding an unspecified school, affecting travel along Schoentalstrasse and Hallwylstrasse. An increased security presence and associated security cordons are expected to remain in place in the coming hours. Further details regarding the operation are unavailable. Although the security operation is largely precautionary, the security response highlights that fact that authorities in Switzerland, particularly in Zurich, take all security threats seriously. As police operations are still underway, residual localised disruptions to road travel are expected in the immediate-term. Persons in Zurich are advised to avoid the affected area as a precaution. Clients are further advised to expect localised travel delays and disruptions in the immediate vicinity of the affected area.

POLAND - Civic group Committee for the Defence of Democracy (KOD) is set to hold a number of demonstrations in several major urban areas in Poland on 19 December. The demonstrations have been called against the recent appointment of Constitutional Court officials. The largest demonstration is expected in the capital, Warsaw, with participants scheduled to gather outside the parliamentary building located on Wiejska Street from 12:00 local time. Associated demonstrations are also expected in Krakow, Katowice, Lodz and Poznan. The demonstrations are anticipated to be well attended and accompanied by a heavy police presence. Although the protests are expected to conclude without major incident, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions are anticipated in the vicinity of the affected sites. Persons in Poland on 19 December are advised to avoid large street protests as a precaution. Clients are further advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the upcoming demonstrations.

PARAGUAY(ASUNCION & THE AMAMBAY, PRESIDENTE HAYES, NEEMBUCU, CONCEPCION & DISTRITO CAPITAL DEPARTMENTS) - Flooding has affected Paraguay's capital, Asuncion, and a number of other regions in recent days. Some of the worst-affected areas are those located along the Rio Paraguay. Approximately 50,000 people have been displaced by the flood waters. The authorities issued an emergency declaration in the capital and the departments of Amambay, Presidente Hayes, Neembucu, Concepcion and Distrito Capital on 16 December. The flooding coincides with the seasonal heavy rainfall period in Paraguay. Further flooding near rivers, including the Rio Paraguay, should be anticipated. Clients in affected areas are advised to exercise caution near rivers and should avoid walking or driving through flooded areas. Local media should be closely monitored for updates and advisories from the local authorities.

BURKINA FASO - The French Embassy in Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou, has issued a travel warning for the UNESCO-listed W National Park, which is located in the eastern Tapoa province and stretches across parts of Benin and Niger. Although the warning, issued on 16 December, does not go into detail regarding the potential threat, it is believed that it is in response to threats by Islamist extremist groups operating out of Mali and potentially Niger who have threatened to kidnap foreign nationals from the W National Park. The warning coincides with the December to May tourist season, during which thousands of recreational travellers are known to visit the park. There is a medium risk of kidnapping in Burkina Faso. While the threat is most acute in the northern border regions with Mali and Niger, various extremist, militant and Mali-based rebel groups may be motivated to kidnap foreign, particularly Western nationals, for financial or political/ideological agendas. This possibility was illustrated by the abduction of a Romanian national from a mining site in Oudalan province in Burkina Faso's northern Sahel region. Following the attack, the kidnappers were seen travelling towards the Burkina Faso-Mali border. The abduction was reportedly claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked al-Mourabitoun militant group, which maintains operational capability in Mali. As such, it is not inconceivable that militants based in Mali could extend their operational reach through south western Niger into the W National Park. Due to the elevated threats of kidnapping and terrorism, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to within 100km of Burkina Faso's borders, in the Boucle du Mouhoun, Nord and Sahel regions, with Mali and Niger. Clients in the aforementioned areas are advised to implement robust security measures at all times and should review and update all travel, residential and personal security measures and evacuation procedures. Although outside of the above regions, clients in or planning travel to the W National Park should exercise heightened security awareness at this time, in light of the potential threat.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO - According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 19,000 cases of cholera have been reported across the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since January 2015. Though these numbers reflect an overall decline, the Ministry of Health has notified the WHO of ongoing outbreaks in an attempt to increase efforts to counter the spread of the epidemic. The bulk of cholera cases were in the provinces of South Kivu (4,906), ex-Katanga (4,565), Maniema (3,971), North Kivu (3,294) and ex-Oriental (2,969). South Kivu is particularly at risk due to the presence of numerous refugees from Burundi. Cholera is an acute diarrheal intestinal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium. Symptoms include profuse watery diarrhoea and vomiting. Clients currently in or intending to travel in the country should take precautions against contracting cholera, which include using only bottled water and avoiding food and beverages sold by street vendors. Persons displaying symptoms or requiring additional information should contact their medical practitioner. Note that due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to the DRC is advised against. There are also some areas where clients are advised against all travel, including North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, the Ituri Interim Administration and the Haut-Uele and Bas-Uele districts of Orientale province.

IRAN - (Update) An outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1)/swine flu has left 57 people dead and infected approximately 900 since mid-November in Iran. The areas worst affected include Kerman (33) and Sistan va Baluchestan provinces (5). The media, citing the health ministry, continues to warn that the virus is expected to spread to other areas of the country, including the capital, Tehran. H1N1/swine flu is transmitted in a similar fashion to normal flu: through the air when infected people cough or sneeze, or by ingesting the virus after touching an infected surface. The symptoms of H1N1/swine flu include fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Persons displaying symptoms should consult a medical practitioner. Further information on the virus can be found on the World Health Organization website (http://www.who.int/ith/diseases/si_iAh1n1/en/). Please note that due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Sistan va Baluchestan and against all non-essential travel to within 10km of the shared Iran-Iraq border in a number of Iran's north western provinces, including West Azerbaijan and Kermanshah.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC(NANA-GREBIZI PREFECTURE) - Nourredine Adam, the leader the Popular Front for the Rebirth of the Central African Republic (FPRC), a Seleka rebel-linked group operating in the country's north, declared an autonomous state, the Republic of Logone (headquartered on the town of Kaga-Bandoro), on 15 December. The move comes after a national referendum on a new constitution was held on the 13 and 14 December and ahead of a national general election to be held on 27 December. Adam has stated that no election will be held on territory controlled by his forces. The United Nations (UN) Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has condemned the declaration. The FPRC declaration is unlikely to alter the baseline security risks in the country. The group and other non-state armed actors maintain significant control over territory across the north and east of the country and the ability of the current government to project into these areas is limited. The FPRC move is more likely politically motivated and aimed at extracting concessions from the government in Bangui ahead of national elections. 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.

KENYA(LAMU COUNTY) - At least one person has died after heavily armed gunmen attacked and robbed a truck carrying pharmaceutical supplies in Milihoi in Kenya's south eastern Lamu County, located about 80km from the Somalia border, on 16 December. The gunmen are thought to be linked to al-Shabaab. The truck was travelling from Mokowe to Mpeketoni when it was forced off the road and robbed, the driver killed and the vehicle set alight. The gunmen escaped into the Boni forest. Additional security force personnel have since been deployed to the affected area. Attacks on Kenyan targets in the vicinity of the shared border by militants have increased significantly since Kenyan forces were deployed against al-Shabaab positions in southern Somalia in 2011. Given the ongoing conflict in Somalia and the involvement of Kenya in the conflict in that country, further reprisal attacks in the region should be anticipated. These are likely to include low-level shooting and bombing attacks, and kidnappings. Kenyan authorities recently launched a campaign to drive al-Shabaab militants out of the Boni forest area bordering Somalia. Further incidents near the shared border are likely. As the recent incident underlines, attacks can also occur further inside Kenyan territory. Clients are advised against all travel to areas within 50km of the Somali border in the Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties and against all non-essential travel to other areas in these counties, due to heightened threats of terrorism and kidnapping. Persons travelling in these areas should consider doing so with a security escort.

TURKEY(DIYARBAKIR, SIRNAK & MARDIN) - Fighting between Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militants and the Turkish military, and increased PKK agitation continue to be reported in south eastern Turkey. The fighting has displaced thousands of people in the provinces of Sirnak (Cizre and Silopi districts), Diyarbakir (Sur, Silvan and Bismil districts) and Mardin (Nusaybin, Derik and Dargecit districts) in recent weeks. These affected districts are also reportedly experiencing regular water and electricity shortages. Recent confrontations were reported in Cizre on 15 December. The military claimed to have killed eight PKK militants during fighting in the town. A curfew was also established in Cizre and Silopi during the week of 14 December. The government has deployed thousands of police and military personnel to the south east in recent months to confront the PKK. The government has imposed regular curfews and travel restrictions on worst-affected areas and has stated that it intends to eradicate the PKK. Clients are advised against all travel to within 10km of the shared border with Syria in the Turkish provinces of Hatay, Kilis, Gaziantep, Sanliurfa, Mardin and Sirnak, due to the threat of conflict spillover from Syria and an increased risk of terrorism. Heightened caution is advised elsewhere in these provinces (except Sirnak, see below) due to elevated conflict and terrorism risks. Clients are further advised against all non-essential travel to the provinces of Diyarbakir, Van, Sirnak and Hakkari 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. Heightened caution is advised in other eastern and south eastern provinces of Turkey, particularly in rural areas, due to the risks of terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping, crime, and Kurd rebel-related conflict. These provinces include Ardahan, Agri, Kars, Igdir, Siirt, Batman, Bitlis, Mus, Bingol, Elazig, Erzincan, Tunceli and Erzurum.

IRAQ(NINEWA GOVERNORATE) - Kurdish armed forces repelled Islamic State (IS) assaults in a number of areas in the northern Iraq governorate of Ninewa on 16 December. IS attacks were reported in the vicinity of Nawaran, Bashiqa, Tal Aswad, Khazr and Zardik. The Kurds claimed to have killed 70 IS militants. The Kurd forces currently hold a large swathe of territory across northern Iraq opposite IS-controlled territory. The front line has remained largely static in recent months, with only small changes reported. IS forces periodically coordinate assaults on Kurd forces; however, since the IS victories against the Iraqi government in central and northern Iraq in 2014, the organisation has not made any significant in-roads into Kurdish territory. IS' inability to push the Kurds back is partially a consequence of the support provided to the Kurds by a number of Western governments, including the US. Further fighting along the de facto border should be anticipated. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of IS- and Kurd-controlled regions in northern Iraq, including all of Ninewa governorate. Personnel operating in this area should obtain comprehensive pre-travel security briefings. Travel with a security escort is recommended.

ARGENTINA(BUENOS AIRES) - The Front for Victory party of former president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, has called for a protest at 17:00 local time on 17 December near the National Congress in Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires. The protest has been called to denounce recent decisions by newly elected president, Mauricio Macri. Macri was inaugurated on 10 December. The protest is likely to be well attended. Localised road travel disruptions are possible near the National Congress throughout the course of the rally. Low-level confrontations between protesters and the police are possible, as are pro-Macri protests. Clients in Buenos Aires on 17 December are advised to avoid all street protests near the National Congress as a standard precaution.

ROMANIA(BUCHAREST) - Automotive industry unions and civic groups are currently staging a protest in Romania's capital, Bucharest, on 17 December. The protest has been called against a proposed increase in road tariffs and taxes on vehicle purchases. The protest consists of a vehicle blockade on Victory Square, and has resulted in significant disruptions to traffic in the immediate vicinity of the square. Traffic disruptions have been reported along Aviatorilor Boulevard, Soseaua Pavel Dimitrievici Kiseleff and Boulevard lancu de Hunedoara. Participants are expected to remain at Victory Square until 17:00 local time. Although the demonstration is currently proceeding peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Residual disruptions to travel in the affected area are expected for the coming hours. Clients in Bucharest are advised to monitor developments closely and avoid the aforementioned affected site as a precaution. Clients should also make allowances for localised road traffic disruptions.

CYPRUS(NICOSIA) - Farmers are expected to stage a protest outside the parliament buildings in central Nicosia, from 11:00 on 17 December. The protest has been organised to highlight rural issues in the country. While the upcoming protest is expected to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. The demonstration is also expected to be well attended; as such, localised disruptions are expected in and around the vicinity of the gathering. Clients in Nicosia on 17 December are advised to avoid all large protests as a precaution and anticipate localised travel disruptions.

SRI LANKA(COLOMBO) - The All Ceylon Farmers' Federation has called on affiliated farmers to participate in protest action in Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo on 17 December. The participants are expected to gather outside the Presidential Palace, further information is unavailable. The protest has been called in opposition to the government's decision to reduce the fertiliser subsidy. Protests and demonstrations related to political and socio-economic issues occur sporadically in Sri Lanka; however, these occur more frequently in Colombo and other major urban centres. Although the upcoming protest is expected to conclude peacefully, the threat of violent unrest cannot be discounted. Clients in Colombo on 17 December are advised to avoid the upcoming protest and any associated street gatherings as a standard precaution. Allowances should be made for possible localised travel delays in the vicinity of the Presidential Palace.

UGANDA - The ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) political party is expected to hold countrywide political rallies on 17 and 18 December. The rallies will form part of the party's election campaign ahead of the 18 February general elections. On 17 December rallies are expected to be held in the Kibuku and Pallisa districts, from 12:00 local time. Rallies are also anticipated in the Pallisa and Tororo districts on 18 December, from 12:00 local time. Uganda held its first multiparty presidential and parliamentary elections in February 2006, in which the NRM won the majority vote. The main opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), refused to accept the results, claiming that there were widespread irregularities and massive fraud. Elections were held again in February 2011 amid renewed allegations that the ruling party had adopted illegal electoral tactics to defeat the opposition. The FDC'S subsequent declaration that the election was rigged, along with the rising cost of living and alleged government corruption, prompted widespread anti-government protests from mid-April 2011; sporadic protests have since continued. This may pose the most significant threat to the NRM's hold on power in the upcoming elections. Although the upcoming rallies are expected to conclude without incident, the threat of politically motivated violent unrest cannot be discount in the run up to the upcoming elections. Although the upcoming rallies are expected to conclude peacefully, clients should nonetheless avoid all election related gatherings as the possibility of civil unrest cannot be discounted. Furthermore, as the rallies are expected to result in significant travel disruptions, clients should make allowances for delays and plan accordingly.

SOUTH KOREA - Countrywide anti-government protests are expected to take place across in South Korea on 19 December. The protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations opposing President Park Geun-hye's proposed labour and education sector reforms. The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) has initiated the protest, which is expected to be observed by members of more than 1,000 civil society groups and unions. Protests are scheduled to take place in urban centres, including the capital, Seoul. 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. Although the upcoming demonstrations have been sanctioned by the court, police have filed numerous petitions against anti-government demonstrations in recent weeks, some of which have been granted. It should be noted that there have been frequent reports of low-level violence and arrests at unsanctioned and sanctioned demonstrations. 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 19 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 pertaining to the gatherings.

TURKEY(ISTANBUL) - A commemorative protest march is expected to take place in Istanbul, Turkey, on 19 December. The event is scheduled to commence at Tunel Square, located in the Beyoglu area of the city, at 19:00 local time. The annual event is commemorated to mark the 2000 prison siege, which took place in Umraniye prison in Istanbul; prisoners embarked upon a hunger strike in opposition to brutality and were subsequently prevented from doing so amid a raid. At least 15 inmates were reportedly killed amid the siege. In previous years, associated commemorative events have been characterised by low-level incidents of unrest, including clashes between participants. As such, the possibility of violence and associated disruptions cannot be discounted. Such unrest poses an incidental threat to bystanders. The event is expected to be well attended and accompanied by an increased police presence; as such, localised travel disruptions should be anticipated along the march route and associated gathering sites. Persons in Istanbul on 19 December are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and to make allowances for any potential travel delays.

TURKEY(ANKARA) - The US embassy in Turkey's capital, Ankara, issued a message on 16 December warning of a student protest at the Middle East Technical University (METU) from 14:30 local time. Students will be gathering in support of the Kurdish people. The embassy has stated that it anticipated large numbers of people to attend. Protests in Turkey in support of Kurdish interests have been affected by confrontations in the past. The risk of violence increases if police deploy in large numbers to the protest site or if counter-protests are held. Clients in the vicinity of the campus on 17 December are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution.

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