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

UNITED STATES/CUBA - The United States and Cuba have removed a ban on scheduled commercial air service between the two nations, the U.S. State Department announced. Commercial air travel from the United States to Cuba has been restricted since 1963. U.S. law prohibits tourism in Cuba, but "a stronger civil aviation relationship will facilitate growth in authorized travel between our two countries," according to a State Department spokesperson. American Airlines, United Airlines and JetBlue all have indicated that they will submit proposals for United States-Cuba flights to the U.S. Department of Transportation, and Delta Air Lines has expressed interest in such flights in the past. American added that it hopes to launch service in 2016.

PAKISTAN(PAKISTAN INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES) - (Update) A strike initiated by employees of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) remains ongoing since 15 December; it is unclear when the strike will end. Striking workers have called for associated protests at all major airports across the country on 18 December. Protesters are set to march from PIA city offices to major airports, including in Lahore (Allama Iqbal International Airport), Karachi (Jinnah International Airport), Peshawar (Bacha Khan International Airport) and Islamabad (Benazir Bhutto International Airport). Related rallies are anticipated outside all other international airports after Friday midday prayers. The strike was initially called in protest against the company's proposed sale to a private investor; disruptions to PIA flights are expected to persist for the duration of the strike. The risk of violence at all protests cannot be discounted. Clients scheduled to fly with PIA during the affected period are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline directly to enquire about the status of their flight(s). All protests should be avoided as a standard precaution. Finally, it should be noted that clients are advised against all travel to Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces due to extreme conflict and terrorism risks, as well as the high risks of crime and kidnapping. All non-essential to the rest of Pakistan is advised against due to the threat of terrorism.

FRANCE(PARIS) - An ongoing taxi protest has resulted in travel disruptions in Paris, France, on 18 December. Taxi unions and their members are said to have gathered at the capital's Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports at 05:00 local time and are currently staging a go-slow protest, proceeding to an unspecified location near Porte Maillot station. The protest has been called against perceived unfair competition from luxury-car taxis, unlicensed taxi operators and the inadequate regulation of taxi services. While disruptive, the procession is proceeding peacefully. However, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Previous associated demonstrations have been characterised by incidents of unrest, including clashes between protesters and police, as well as incidents of vandalism. Residual disruptions to travel along the protest route and in the vicinity of the demonstration are expected for the coming hours. Additionally, clients should expect a significantly lower number of taxis in service and an increased demand for alternative forms of transport. Persons in Paris are advised to monitor local media for updates on the strike action and any related demonstrations. Clients are further advised to maintain flexible itineraries to make allowances for associated travel disruptions in the vicinity of any related protest action.

NETHERLANDS(ROTTERDAM) - The Dutch faction of the Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamisation of the West (PEGIDA) group is set to hold an anti-immigration and anti-Islamisation protest in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on 19 December. Participants are expected to gather at the Wilhelminapier from 13:00 local time. The protest is expected to be met by a counter-demonstration organised by a number of anti-fascist groups in the same vicinity. Although the upcoming demonstration is anticipated to conclude peacefully, the possibility of isolated skirmishes cannot be discounted. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated. Persons in Rotterdam on 19 December are advised to avoid the demonstration and any counter-demonstrations as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

CHINA(BEIJING) - (Update) Authorities in China have issued a red alert, the highest level on the three-tiered rating system, in response to increased pollution levels in China's capital, Beijing for the period between 19 and 22 December. The red alert is the second to be issued since 7 December. Strict road travel restrictions are expected to be implemented during the aforementioned affected period. Additionally, schools are scheduled to close and outdoor construction activities will be halted for the affected period. The poor quality of air in Beijing and surrounds can be attributed to high levels of pollution originating from increased industrialisation and coal burning. This is further exacerbated by the winter season, in which sustained wind speeds and rainfall levels are considerably lower, as opposed to other seasons, and coal burning for heat increases. It should be noted that the poor quality of air poses a risk to the young and elderly, particularly those with respiratory concerns. Due to the effects of the pollution, reduced visibility often results in the closure of roads as well as flight disruptions. The above-mentioned restrictions, and any other associated restrictions, are likely to result in travel disruptions for the affected period, and possibly beyond that, should the situation persist. Clients in or planning to travel to Beijing and surrounding areas in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Furthermore, the increased demand for other forms of local transport, as well as disruptions, should be anticipated. Travellers suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses are advised to consult local media or their medical practitioner for further guidance and recommendations.

CAMBODIA(PHNOM PENH) - According to reports released on 17 December, three Chinese nationals abducted in October by an alleged criminal syndicate in the Sihanoukville province, located in south west Cambodia, have been released. The release follows a raid conducted by a specialised task-force on residential premises located in the Mean Chey district in the capital, Phnom Penh, where the captives had been transferred. Reports indicate the motive of the abduction may have been related to a business dispute; however, this has yet to be confirmed. The risk of kidnapping in Cambodia is assessed to be low and it is not considered to be a significant risk to foreign nationals. However, crime levels are high, and criminal syndicates and groups are known to operate in various parts of the country, particularly in Sihanoukville province and in Phnom Penh. Kidnappings of this nature tend to be a tactic employed by criminal groups in order to procure finances. Reported kidnap for ransom cases generally impact locals and nationals of neighbouring countries, and in most cases there is a link to gambling and/or money lending businesses. Despite this, there is an incidental risk to foreign nationals conducting business within the country; locals employed by foreign companies may also be subject to this risk. Clients, particularly businesspeople and those involved in commercial activities in the country, are advised to adopt a basic level of personal security awareness at all times, including maintaining a low public profile and not advertising one's itinerary, if possible.

IRAQ/TURKEY - Media reports indicate that the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing between Iraq's Kurdistan region and Turkey has been temporarily closed since 16 December. The reports indicate that Turkish authorities closed the border due to ongoing military operations. It is unclear when the border crossing will be reopened. The border closure comes amid increased tensions between Turkey and Iraq following the Turkish deployment of security forces to a camp near the Islamic State (IS)-controlled city of Mosul (Ninewa governorate), in northern Iraq, early in December. Iraq has called for the withdrawal of the Turkish forces; however, Turkey has refused to withdraw the military personnel. Iraq government-aligned Shiite militias have threatened to use force against Turkish forces in northern Iraq if the latter do not depart. Threats have also been made against 'Turkish interests'. The risk of conflict between Turkey and pro-Iraq government groups is considered low, as Shiite militias and central government military forces have a minimal presence in the north. The predominantly non-IS military forces in the north are those aligned to the KRG, which has friendly ties with Turkey. Nonetheless, the potential for low-level assaults targeting Turkish interests elsewhere in the country, specifically in central and southern Iraq, where Shiite militias maintain bases of support, remains possible. There is also a persistent threat of coordinated assaults by IS in and around IS-controlled territory. Clients are advised against all travel to a number of IS- and Kurd-controlled regions in northern Iraq, including all of Ninewa governorate. Clients are also advised against all non-essential travel to the south eastern Turkish provinces due to 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. Persons operating in these areas should obtain comprehensive pre-travel security briefings. Travel with a security escort is recommended. Finally, persons intending to travel via the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing over the near-term are advised to check the status of their crossing prior to travel with the relevant authority.

YEMEN(HARAD(HAJJAH GOVERNORATE) & HAZM(AL JAWF GOVERNORATE)) - Military forces loyal to Yemen President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi crossed into northern Yemen and seized two towns from the Houthis in northern Yemen on 17 and 18 December. The towns are Harad (Hajjah governorate) and Hazm (Al Jawf governorate). The fighting coincides with a seven-day ceasefire, which went into effect on 15 December. Yemen has been beset by conflict between pro-Houthi and pro-Hadi forces since early 2015. The fighting has largely occurred in southern Yemen (Aden, Lahij, Ad Dali, Bayda and Taiz governorates), eastern Yemen (Marib governorate) and along the Yemen-Saudi Arabia frontier. The incursion by pro-Hadi forces is a major development and, if confirmed, will serve to weaken the Houthis' position in the north. The Houthis' primary area of strength is Saada governorate, located between Hajjah and Al Jawf governorates. The Houthis also control the capital, Sanaa, and the Amran governorate. Clients are advised against all travel to Yemen. Persons in or operating in the country should ensure that crisis management plans are regularly reviewed and updated in conjunction with a security provider.

NIGER - According to reports released on 17 December, incumbent president, Mahamadou Issoufou, issued a statement relating to an attempted military coup which was thwarted by security officials. The statement follows earlier reports of the arrests of four senior military officials allegedly implicated in the attempted overthrow of government on 15 December. Heightened security measures, including increased troop deployments, have been implemented in the capital, Niamey. Further information relating to the coup attempt remains unavailable. The reported coup attempt coincides with increased political tensions across the country. Niger is scheduled to hold presidential elections in February 2016. President Issoufou, leader of the Nigerien Party for Democracy and Socialism, and Seyni Oumarou, ousted in a coup in 2010 and leader of the main opposition National Movement for the Development of Society (MNSD), are scheduled to contest the upcoming elections. Senior government officials, including the president, have alleged that disruptive elements affiliated with select opposition parties are attempting to destabilise the current government and prevent the re-election of Issoufou. Opposition parties allege that the government has employed restrictive and repressive measures in the run up to the election. In light of the above-mentioned coup attempt and current tensions, heightened security is expected to remain in place for at least the short- to medium-term. This is likely to result in localised travel disruptions in the affected areas. Additionally, opposition-led protests and associated agitation remain possible in the lead up to elections. There is an increased potential for violence at all politically motivated gatherings at this time. Due to various concerns, all non-essential travel to Niger, including Niamey, is advised against. Clients in Niger are advised to monitor local developments and avoid all politically motivated gatherings and concentrations of security forces as a precaution.

ETHIOPIA - At least five people have been killed amid sporadic protests and associated agitation reported in Ethiopia's Oromia region since 14 December. The protests were initiated in recent weeks in opposition to government-proposed urban expansion and have resulted in numerous arrests and clashes. According to reports, authorities have increased security in the aforementioned region and established checkpoints in an attempt to restrict the movement of agitators, who local authorities assert are attempting to destabilise the government through a campaign of civil disturbances. Anti-government protests have been reported in multiple locations in Ethiopia's Oromia region in recent weeks; a cumulative total of 60 people are said to have been killed due to the associated violence. The protests have been in opposition to a government plan (the Surrounding Oromia Special Zone Integrated Development Plan) to expand the capital, Addis Ababa, into surrounding farm areas in the Oromia region and the associated anticipated displacement of thousands of local farmers and residents. The Oromo, an ethnic group located in the aforementioned region, have accused the government of attempting to displace thousands of Oromo from areas near the capital without compensation. Additionally, the Oromo People's Congress (OPC) has asserted that the government planned to hold inclusive consolations and meetings regarding the proposed expansion with representatives from Oromo communities in 2014, but later reneged on this agreement. Protests are likely to persist in the absence of a negotiated settlement surrounding the aforementioned issues. Protests and associated agitation relating to the proposed expansion are likely to continue over the near-term, particularly in light of the recent unrest. These are likely to take place in secondary towns and cities in the region, particularly near the capital. The threat of violence at all associated gatherings is considered elevated and police may forcibly disperse further gatherings. The increased security presence is expected to remain in the affected area over the near-term. Associated travel disruptions should be anticipated. Clients intending to operate in the Oromia region should avoid all street protests as a standard precaution. Travellers should also consider being escorted by a trusted local contact. Travel at night should be avoided.

INDONESIA(BALI) - At least four people were killed as a result of gang-related violence in Kerobokan, located in the Badung Regency of Bali, Indonesia, on 17 December. According to reports, the clashes were initiated at the Kerobokan prison facility and later spread to streets in the vicinity of the prison, where confrontations between affiliated gangs were reported. Riot police were deployed to the affected sites. Further information remains unavailable. In light of the above-mentioned incident, tensions between authorities and gang members as well as rival gangs remain elevated in the affected area. Retaliatory attacks and further gang-related violence cannot be discounted. It should be noted that while the majority of violent gang-related violence predominately affects locals, the underlining threat to foreign travellers remains. Persons in Bali, including in Kerobokan, are advised to monitor local security developments closely. In addition, clients are advised to adopt heightened security measures and remain vigilant at all times, regardless of area of travel.

NIGERIA(ONITSHA) - At least five people were killed and seven others wounded amid clashes at a pro-Biafra march in Onitsha, located in Nigeria's Anambra state, on 17 December. The gathering was scheduled to celebrate the provisional release of detained Radio Biafra director and secessionist Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who had been in police custody since late October. The clashes were reported following exchanges of gunfire and confrontations between multiple civil society groups, including the IPOB, Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), and the Joint Task Force (JTF), near the Niger Bridge Head area. The violence was reportedly sparked after security forces fired live ammunition at protesters marching to the affected area. A series of pro-Biafra protests have been reported in recent weeks following the arrest Kanu on 20 October. These gatherings have been marred by incidents of unrest, including clashes between security forces and protesters, as well as significant disruptions to road travel in the affected areas. The majority of the protests have been contained in the south east of the country; affected areas include Port Harcourt (Rivers State), Owerri (Imo state) as well as Onitsha and Awka (Anambra state). Although Kanu has been provisionally released, protests and associated politically motivated gatherings remain possible; the risk of associated violence is considered elevated. Due to various security concerns, all non-essential travel to Nigeria is advised against, while all travel to Rivers and Delta states is advised against. Clients in the country's south eastern regions should monitor local developments and avoid all protests and gatherings.

MEXICO - The National Union of Education Workers (SNTE) has called for countrywide protests in various cities across Mexico on 19 December. A mass march is expected in the capital, Mexico City. Participants are anticipated to gather at 10:00 local time at the National Auditorium and proceed towards the Interior Ministry; specific details regarding other protest venues have not been disclosed. The civil action has been called in demand of the release of arrested teachers, the decriminalisation of protests and in opposition to the ongoing teachers' evaluations. The demonstrations have been planned as part of an ongoing protest campaign to denounce a number of socio-economic issues, including ongoing education reform, in the country. Various teachers' unions have been staging an ongoing protest campaign over grievances relating to education reforms since early 2013. Although widespread civil unrest is not anticipated during the gatherings, previous protests have been marked by low-level clashes between protesters and security forces, as well as incidents of civil disorder. Police officers have used rubber bullets, baton charges and teargas to disperse protesting teachers in the past; as such, there remains an incidental risk to bystanders. Protesters have also resorted to blockading major roads in the past, which has led to extensive travel disruptions. Clients in Mexico, particularly in Mexico City, are advised to monitor local media for updates regarding the planned action, make allowances for travel disruptions, and avoid all large street gatherings as a precaution against civil unrest.

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.

MACAU(TERRITORY-WIDE) - Commemorative events marking the 16th anniversary of the transfer of Macau Special Administrative Region, a former Portuguese overseas territory, to China are expected to be held on 20 December. Events are anticipated to be held at Lotus Square, the Olympic Sport Centre stadium and at the Macau Tower waterfront. Pro-democracy demonstrations have previously coincided with these events. Although there has not been any confirmation of any planned protests, such gatherings have previously been held at Tap Seac Square and Jardim de Penha. Precedent indicates that activist groups are likely to organise pro-democracy gatherings on 20 December. The risk of significant confrontations at the aforementioned events are considered low; however, minor scuffles and localised road travel disruptions should be expected. Clients in Macau on the aforementioned date should avoid all security force concentrations and street gatherings as a precaution.

SPAIN - General elections will be held countrywide in Spain on 20 December. As in previous years, the elections are anticipated to be dominated by the People's Party (PP) and the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE). The Ciudadanos Party, Podemos and Catalan secessionist coalition, and the Popular Unity Candidacy (CUP) are expected to make significant inroads into former parties' political dominance. Previous election periods have passed peacefully, with no significant incidents of politically motivated violence having been reported. However, isolated protest action by various political, civic and labour groups prior to or following the elections cannot be discounted. An increased security presence should be anticipated in and around strategic interests such as polling stations, ballot counting centres and political party offices. Lastly, voter turnout is expected to be high; as such, disruptions to business and transport services should be anticipated on the day. Persons in Spain on 20 December are advised to avoid all polling stations, politically motivated gatherings and security personnel as a standard precaution. In light of the potential for travel disruptions, clients should adapt their itineraries if necessary.

MONTENEGRO(PODGORICA) - Opposition and activist groups are set to hold a series of anti-government protests in Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, on 20 and 23 December. The demonstrations form part of the ongoing protest campaign demanding the establishment of an interim government, due to the perceived maladministration of the incumbent government. Demonstrations will be held outside the Parliament building, located on Svetog Petra Cetinjskog Boulevard; the starting times of the demonstrations are yet to be announced. An increased police presence is expected to accompany the events. While event organisers have emphasised the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, there remains a threat of low-level confrontations at all politically motivated protests in Montenegro. Associated demonstrations have previously been marred by incidents of unrest, including clashes between police and participants. As such, the possibility of incidents of violence occurring at the upcoming demonstrations cannot be discounted. Localised road travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of the affected area. Persons in Podgorica on the affected days are advised to avoid the upcoming demonstration and related gatherings as a precaution. Clients should also make allowances for localised road traffic disruptions.

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