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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/MEXICO - The United States and Mexico will allow unlimited routes between the two countries, U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx announced. Pending "internal ratification procedures" in Mexico, the air transport agreement "eliminates government interference in commercial aviation decisions," so U.S. carriers can serve any location in Mexico from any location in the United States, he said. Under a previous agreement, only a limited number of U.S. carriers, usually two or three, could operate between each city pair. The agreement also is a key component of Delta Air Lines' plans to increase its stake in Aeroméxico.

SPAIN(MADRID) - Ground operators at the Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport serving Spain's capital, Madrid, have called for two 24-hour strikes on 22 and 27 December. The work stoppage has been organised over the shortage of staff at the airport. Although authorities are likely to implement contingency plans to minimise the effect of the upcoming work stoppage, flight service disruptions should nonetheless be anticipated at the affected airport. Clients intending to transit Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport on 22 and 27 December are advised to contact their airline or travel provider to confirm the status of their flight(s).

GREECE - Strike action across several sectors is or is expected to take place across Greece on 21 December. A work stoppage by port workers is currently underway; it is unclear when this stoppage will conclude. Unionised employees of Athens Metro will strike from 21:00 local time, while workers on intercity rail operator TrainOSE will strike from 11:59 to 15:00 local time. Further to this an associated demonstration is expected to take place in the capital, Athens, from 11:30; the rally will take place at Klafthmonos Square. The strikes and demonstrations have been called to oppose government-initiated privatisation of state-owned infrastructure and facilities generally, and against the privatisation of ports specifically. Labour strikes and related demonstrations continue to impact on the country on a near-weekly basis. The labour agitation is largely in response to ongoing economic difficulties and associated austerity measures, which have widely impacted on the public sector. Union-led protests have frequently been marred by skirmishes between police and participants in the past. Accordingly, a significant riot police presence is likely. It should be noted that the impact on road travel in the area can be moderate to severe. Clients in Greece are advised to avoid all protests and related street gatherings. Furthermore, the anticipated demonstration is likely to cause significant travel disruptions in the affected area. Clients are thus advised to anticipate travel delays and should plan accordingly.

COLOMBIA(CARTAGENA) - Public transport workers in Cartagena, the administrative capital of Colombia's Bolivar department, are set to partake in strike action on 23, 24, 30 and 31 December to protest against proposed changes to Transcaribe, the city's bus transport system. In addition to the strike, which is expected to result in travel disruptions, associated protests are also expected. There is a threat of violence at all such protests; indeed, during a related strike on 17 December, police used force to disperse protesters, while demonstrators also threw rocks at Transcaribe busses and attempted to intimidate drivers who did not participate in the strike. Although foreign nationals were not particularly targeted during these events, a clear incidental threat was posed nonetheless. Furthermore, an increased demand for alternative forms of transport should be expected on the impacted days. Persons in Cartagena are advised to anticipate disruptions to bus services during the strike period and plan accordingly. All associated protest action should be avoided as a precaution.

GERMANY(DRESDEN & MUNICH) - The Patriotic Europeans against the Islamisation of the Occident (PEGIDA) announced its weekly rallies will be held on 21 December at the Schlesischer Platz outside the Dresden Neustadt train station in Dresden at 18:30 local time, and at the Odeonsplatz at 19:00 local time in Munich. According to reports, the rally in Dresden will begin at the Schlesischer Platz before proceeding along Hansastrasse and Grossenhainer streets. Far-right groups periodically hold protests and demonstrations in Germany, often prompting counter-demonstrations by rival groups. In addition, violent confrontations involving participants, counter-demonstrators and/or security forces have taken place in the past. The possibility of similar clashes marring the upcoming demonstration cannot be dismissed. Persons in the above-mentioned areas on 21 December are advised to avoid the upcoming rallies, as well as any counter-demonstrations, as a standard precaution. Itineraries should be kept flexible in order to make allowances for localised travel disruptions.

CHINA(SHENZHEN) - Ongoing disruptions continue to be reported in Shenzhen, in China's Guangdong province, on 21 December, following a landslide that occurred there on 20 December. The incident took place at Hengtaiyu industrial park in the city's north western Guangming New District after a large pile of construction waste collapsed, burying over 30 buildings. Approximately 91 people remain missing following the landslide. Over 1,500 emergency personnel have been deployed to the site to assist in rescue operations. Given the scale of the incident and the fact that it took place in a major urban centre, localised disruptions are expected to persist for the short-term at least, while rescue and recovery operations continue. Additionally, in light of reports of a related gas explosion, the threat of further such explosions exists, which pose an incidental threat to clients. Persons currently in or planning to be in Shenzhen are advised to avoid the affected area for the short-term, as a precaution.

MEXICO(MATAMOROS) - The US Consulate in Matamoros, located in Mexico's Tamaulipas state, issued a statement warning of increased security deployments in parts of the city, due to an unspecified security concern on 19 December. The affected parts of the city include the Campestre Del Rio 1, San Juan Del Rio 2 and San Juan Del Rio 3 areas. Although unconfirmed, reports indicate the security concerns may be linked to an increase in reported kidnappings and cartel-related violence in the aforementioned areas. The recent increase in security underscores the persistent security risks in the border region, which stems from drug cartel-related activity and associated conflict. Matamoros, which is located along the US-Mexico border, is considered a strategic transit point for drug trafficking. The city and its surrounding areas experience high rates of conflict between rival cartels, predominantly Los Zetas and the Gulf Cartel, and between cartels and security forces. Associated criminally motivated kidnappings are frequently reported, although these primarily affect locals. The threat remains high countrywide, and is further elevated in certain areas including Tamaulipas. It should be noted that drug cartel-related violence generally targets members of drug cartels, police officers, criminal justice officials or journalists investigating the cartels; however, there remains an incidental risk of harm to persons in the vicinity of the violence. Heightened security is expected to remain in place in the short- to medium-term; this may lead to travel disruptions in the affected areas. Heightened caution is advised across Mexico, due to the threats of crime and kidnapping, and the incidental risk of organised crime-related conflict. This is particularly relevant outside of all major cities and primary resort areas in the country, specifically in the state of Tamaulipas. Persons operating in high-risk states, at night or in lower-income areas of major cities should consider travelling with a trained security driver and residing in a secure residence.

NIGERIA(KWARA STATE) - A 24-hour curfew was implemented on 20 December as a result of communal clashes in Nigeria's Kwara state, where as many as 20 people were wounded between 19 and 20 December. The clashes, which involved gun fights, were reported between the Share and Tsaragi communities due to a recurring land dispute. Heightened security measures and a deployment of military personnel have been reported in the affected area. Nigeria has a long history of ethnic, religious and communal violence, which has resulted in thousands of fatalities in recent years. Sporadic communal clashes, triggered by ongoing disputes over access to land and resources and in retaliation to regular cattle killing incidents, occur fairly frequently. Foreign nationals have not been specifically targeted in past clashes; however, there is a high incidental threat to the safety of all persons in conflict-affected areas. Heightened security measures are expected to remain in place for the short- to medium-term and may result in localised disruptions to travel. Further incidents of this nature remain possible. Due to numerous ongoing security concerns, including ethno-religious conflict, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Nigeria. Persons in or planning to travel to the affected area and surrounds should maintain a low profile, exercise heightened security awareness at all times and consult with the local authorities before travelling into rural areas. Furthermore, travel in rural areas should only be undertaken during daylight hours.

AFGHANISTAN(HELMAND PROVINCE) - Taleban insurgents have reportedly captured the Sangin district, in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, following heavy fighting with security forces on 21 December. At least 90 security force members were killed in clashes there and in the Gereshk district during the previous 48 hours. Elsewhere, reports indicate that five soldiers have been killed and six more wounded in a suicide bomb attack near the Bagram military base in Parwan province. The fall of the strategically important Sangin district comes amid concerns of the possibility of the Taleban insurgents overrunning the whole of Helmand province, which would be a significant blow to government forces. The province is a major producer of opium, and therefore a key source of income for the Taleban, who are involved in the illicit cultivation and sale of opium. More generally, the conflict in Helmand underscores the ongoing deterioration of the security dynamic, as well as the inability of the Afghan National Army (ANA) to exert control over large parts of the country. Given this dynamic, further conflict, including attacks on major urban centres such as provincial capitals, should be expected in the short- to medium-term. Due to a number of security concerns, all travel to Afghanistan is advised against. Maximum travel, personal and residential security protocols should be implemented at all times. All movement should be conducted during daylight hours only and in the presence of a security escort. Crisis management plans (evacuation and contingency) should be updated with a security provider, from whom regular updates should also be requested.

KENYA - Authorities detonated an explosive device in the Kutus Catholic Church located in Kirinyaga County, in Kenya's Central Province, on 20 December. Unknown assailants allegedly planted the bomb earlier on 20 December; however, the device was later discovered and the Church evacuated. This incident follows a statement issued by authorities on 10 December, warning of the potential for increased attacks over the December and January festive period; security measures have been considerably heightened as a precaution. There were no claims of responsibility for the attempted attack; increased security has been reported in the affected area. In a separate incident, at least 15 people were injured following a bus explosion in the Umoja area of Nairobi on 20 December. Authorities have indicated the explosion may have been related to the ignition of fuel in the vehicle; the incident is not believed to have been caused by terrorist-related activities. The above-mentioned incidents are indicative of the high risk operating environment within Kenya. The increased security measures likely relate specifically to the regional threat posed by the Somalia-based Islamist insurgent group, al-Shabaab. The group has repeatedly threatened and executed attacks in Kenya in retaliation for the country's military involvement in the African Union Mission in Somalia's peacekeeping force. The heightened security measures will likely result in disruptions to travel in the affected areas and may include police checkpoints, random identification checks, exclusion zones and other movement-restrictive measures. Although it remains difficult to predict when and where a terrorist incident will occur, it should be noted that marketplaces and other crowded areas, train stations, churches, mosques, tourist facilities, as well as government and security force personnel and facilities, are considered to be at an elevated risk of being targeted. Continued assaults and attacks remain possible over the affected period. Clients in Kenya are advised to exercise heightened security awareness, to limit time spent at marketplaces and other crowded areas and to report all suspicious persons, packages and vehicles to the local authorities. Furthermore, clients are advised to abide by the directives of the authorities and to make allowances for localised travel disruptions. All travel to areas within 50km of the Somali border in the Mandera, Wajir, Garissa and Lamu counties is advised against, due to heightened threats of terrorism and kidnapping. All non-essential travel to the wider Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Lamu and Tana River counties is advised against, in addition to Nairobi and Mombasa's respective areas of Eastleigh and Mombasa Island, due to militant activity, terrorism and associated insecurity in these regions.

BRAZIL(SAO PAULO) - A demonstration organised by student groups is anticipated in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on 21 December. Participants are expected to gather at the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo (MASP) from 17:00 local time. The demonstration has been organised over a government restructuring programme, which would have resulted in the closure of over 90 schools. On 17 December, authorities announced that the programme would be suspended for 2016; the demonstration aims to formalise the conclusion of the occupation of some schools by protesters over the issue, since early November. Related protests in Sao Paulo have been well attended and have drawn thousands of people. The upcoming gathering is also expected to be well attended and will likely result in localised disruptions in the vicinity of the MASP. It should be noted that a previous related protest was marred by low-level clashes between protesters and police on 2 December. Police forces made use of stun grenades and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Given this precedent, the risk of violence at the upcoming demonstration cannot be discounted. Clients in Sao Paulo on 21 December are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and plan for potential disruptions in the vicinity of the MASP.

CAMBODIA(BAVET) - Police in Bavet, in Cambodia's Svay Rieng province, forcefully dispersed thousands of protesting garment workers on 21 December. According to reports, the incident took place after police were deployed to the Manhattan Special Economic Zone to disperse striking workers there; several protesters were arrested after they threw rocks at security forces, who responded with teargas and water cannons. It is unclear if there were any injuries following the violence. Strike action that resulted in the violence began on 16 December, after workers were informed they would receive a lower than expected pay rise. It should be noted that protests associated with garment worker strikes have previously resulted in violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces, some resulting in fatalities. Accordingly, should strike action continue, the possibility of similar violent unrest cannot be discounted. As any further strike-associated rallies are likely to be well attended, localised travel disruptions are also possible. Persons in Cambodia are advised to avoid any large public gatherings or demonstrations as a precaution. Furthermore, clients in Bavet should monitor local developments closely.

CHILE - The Confederation of Chilean Students (CONFECH) movement has called for countrywide protests in Chile on 22 December. The protests have been organised in response to the implementation of free education in 2016 and the possible exclusion of three state universities from such benefits. In the capital, Santiago, participants are expected to gather at Plaza de Armas from 18:30 local time. Protests in other urban areas will likely centre on universities and other education facilities, as well as government buildings. The protests are expected to be well attended and will likely result in localised travel disruptions. The threat of violence is considered low; however, minor confrontations are possible. Clients in Chile on 22 December are advised to avoid all street protests as a standard precaution and make allowances for potential localised disruptions.

LIBYA - Libya will observe Mouled al Nabee (Mawlid) on 23 December. The event commemorates the birth of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad. There is an associated safety risk due to the increase in the use of fireworks during this period. Independence Day (anniversary of independence in 1951) will be commemorated on 24 December. State-sponsored events are possible in places. Mouled al Nabee is typically marked with fireworks and other celebrations. In recent past observances, specifically in the capital, Tripoli, hundreds of people have been injured in accidents related to the unregulated use of fireworks. Celebratory gunfire remains an additional safety concern. Note celebrations may occur on either 23 or 24 December, coinciding with Independence Day. Clients are advised against all travel to Libya. Persons operating in the country should do so with a security escort. Clients in Libya on 23 and 24 December should exercise heightened caution near all Mouled al Nabee or Independence Day-related events. Persons in the vicinity of unregulated celebratory gatherings should avoid these as a precaution and remain indoors.

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