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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(HYATT HOTELS CORP) - Hyatt Hotels Corp said on Wednesday that its payment processing system was infected with credit-card-stealing malware in an attack discovered three weeks ago, the latest in a series of breaches at hospitality firms. Company spokeswoman Stephanie Sheppard said in an email late on Wednesday that the attack was discovered on Nov. 30. She did not say if the attackers succeeded in stealing payment card numbers, how long its network was infected or how many of the chain's 627 hotels were affected. "Customers should review their payment-card account statements closely and report any unauthorized charges to their card issuer immediately," she said. Hyatt, controlled by the billionaire Pritzker family, is the fourth major hotel operator to warn of a breach since October. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc last month disclosed attacks on payment processing systems.. Donald Trump's luxury hotel chain, Trump Hotel Collection, also confirmed the possibility of a data security incident. FireEye Inc said that Hyatt had hired it to help the company investigate the attack. FireEye's Mandiant unit is one of the biggest providers of response services to companies that are victims of cyber attacks. Representatives at a Hyatt call center set up to handle inquiries about the breach said the malware was programmed to collect payment cardholder names, card numbers, expiration dates and internal verification codes. "We have taken steps to strengthen the security of our systems," Sheppard said in the email. "Customers can feel confident using payment cards at Hyatt hotels worldwide." Hyatt did not disclose the type of malware used in the attack. The company said that customers should look for information on the attack at www.hyatt.com/protectingourcustomers. Cyber intelligence firm iSight Partners in late November warned merchants about a new strain of payment-card-stealing malware dubbed ModPOS that it said evades almost all security software.

UNITED STATES(BOSTON & NEW YORK) - Planned protests are anticipated in Boston and New York on 29 December in response to a grand jury decision to not indict two police officers for killing a young man in 2014. In New York, protesters are expected to gather at the north side of Union Square Park at 14:00 local time, and in Boston, protesters will gather upstairs at the Park Street Station at 17:00. The planned protests follow demonstrations in New York and San Francisco on 28 December. The aforementioned demonstrations are the latest in a series of anti-police brutality protests that have taken place in cities across the US since 2014. A number of high-profile incidents in recent months, in which white police officers allegedly used excessive force on black suspects, have sparked mass demonstrations. The protests are typically well attended and often take place amid a significant police presence. Although these protests generally conclude without major incident, it should be noted that several demonstrations have degenerated into violence in the past. Clashes between protesters and police may pose an indiscriminate risk to bystanders. Persons in New York and Boston should avoid the aforementioned protest locations and immediate surrounds for the duration of the protest gatherings. Localised traffic disruptions are possible.

INDIA(DELHI) - Authorities are set to impose travel restrictions in India's capital, Delhi, from 1 January 2016 in an attempt to combat high levels of smog and associated air pollution. Vehicles with licence plates ending in odd numbers will be banned from the roads on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while vehicles with licence plates ending in even numbers will be banned on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The restriction will be in place until 15 January, and will be in effect from 08:00 until 20:00 local time on the aforementioned days. Women driving alone or accompanied by children under the age of 12 are exempt, as are cars driven by the physically disabled, two-wheeled motors, hybrid and electric cars and vans that run on compressed natural gas and emergency vehicles. The above-mentioned restrictions could result in travel disruptions in Delhi and surrounding areas on the affected days, as well as a corresponding increase in demand for alternative public and private means of transport. Clients in or planning to travel to Delhi in the coming days are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Furthermore, travel disruptions throughout the city should be anticipated until 15 January 2016.

AUSTRALIA(QUEENSLAND) - Localised disruptions have been reported in the vicinity of Julia Creek, located in Queensland, Australia, as a result of a train derailment on 29 December. The train has reportedly leaked approximately 31,000 litres of toxic sulfuric acid near the site of the incident. There have been no reported casualties; emergency and clean-up operations remain ongoing. Authorities have declared a 2km exclusion zone around the site of the derailment. Additionally, parts of the Flinders Highway have been rendered impassable. Disruptions should be anticipated along the affected railway line for the immediate-term as emergency response crews respond to the incident. Authorities have indicated that repatriation and cleanup operations may be exacerbated by the current weather conditions in the region, including rainfall and flooding. As such, continued disruptions should be anticipated in the coming days. Persons currently in Julia Creek are advised to avoid the affected area for the immediate-term and to monitor local media for developments. Clients should abide by the directives of authorities and plan for localised travel delays.

CHINA - Authorities in China have issued a yellow alert for several areas due to severe smog on 29 December. The alerts are in place for the cities of Tianjin and Beijing, and the provinces of Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, Shandong and Sichuan, according to the Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Center (BMEMC). The smog that is hanging over the region is expected to begin clearing on 30 December. China has a four-tiered colour-coded weather warning system, with yellow representing the second tier on the scale, ahead of blue but behind orange and red. The poor quality of air in the northern region 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 than in 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 and flight disruptions. The above-mentioned restrictions and associated regulations 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 the aforementioned cities and provinces 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.

BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA(SARAJEVO) - Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital, Sarajevo, has experienced elevated air pollution levels in recent days. On 28 December authorities advised motorists in the city to reduce movements during the morning and evening periods, when air quality is assessed to be poorest. Additionally, health authorities have urged those with health problems, as well as pregnant women and children, to refrain from going outdoors. Elevated pollution levels prompted the closure of schools on 24 December and caused some disruptions to flights at Sarajevo International Airport amid reduced visibility. Other areas affected by elevated air pollution levels include Tuzla, Lukavac and Zenica. Weather forecasts indicate that the pollution levels are likely to persist until mid-January. The poor quality of air has been attributed to high levels of pollution originating from polluting industries, particularly in Tuzla and Zenica, as well as fuel burning for heating and the presence of older cars which fall below European standards, particularly in Sarajevo. The above-mentioned advisories, and any other associated restrictions, are likely to result in travel disruptions over the near-term. Clients in Sarajevo are advised to monitor local media for related updates and abide by the directives of the authorities. Allowances should be made for any potential travel delays; clients intending to transit Sarajevo International Airport over the near-term are advised to contact their travel provider or the airline for further information on the status of their flight(s). Finally, travellers suffering from asthma or other respiratory illnesses are advised to consult their medical practitioner for further guidance and recommendations.

COLOMBIA - Authorities in Colombia issued a red alert for the high probability of forest fires in at least 20 departments across the country on 28 December. The affected departments include Caldas, Antioquia, Huila, Cauca, Cesar, Sucre, Boyaca, Norte de Santander, Quindio, Bolivar, Risaralda, Tolima, Santander, Narino, La Guajira, Atlantico, Valle del Cauca, Cordoba, Magdalena and Cundinamarca. The warnings will remain in place until 30 December, at least, although the possibility of these being extended cannot be discounted. According to media reports on 28 December, at least 15 forest fires have affected parts of the country in recent days, including in Boyaca, Cundinamarca and Antioquia. The high threat of fires occurring has been attributed to overall dry conditions as well as the El Nino weather phenomenon, which has resulted in higher than normal temperatures. It should be noted that wildfires can start suddenly and without warning and often spread rapidly. Although efforts to contain the forest fires remain ongoing, it should be noted that populated areas may still be threatened and may prompt evacuation orders. Clients in the affected areas are advised to monitor local media for updates on the situation and any advisories. Clients should comply with the directives of the authorities, including mandatory evacuations, should they be issued. Furthermore, clients are advised against all non-essential travel to rural and remote areas of Colombia, specifically to areas outside of secure urban and tourist centres (Bogota, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, Medellin and Santiago de Cali) due to high levels of insecurity.

IRAN - (Update) An outbreak of Influenza A (H1N1) swine flu has left 112 people dead since mid-November in Iran. The areas worst affected include the Kerman and Sistan va Baluchestan provinces. Health authorities continue 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.

GUINEA - Travel advisory for Guinea no longer advises against non-essential travel to the country due to the West African Ebola outbreak. The West African Ebola outbreak was first reported in the south eastern Macenta, Gueckedou and Kissidougou prefectures, where the disease was initially mistaken for Lassa fever. Subsequent cases were confirmed in the Dabola, Djingaraye, Djingaraye, Boffa, Kouroussa, Dubreka, Fria, Siguiri and Pita administrative divisions. The presence of the disease was also reported in the densely populated capital, Conakry. A total of 3,810 cases have been reported in the country, including an estimated 2,536 fatalities. However, on 29 December, Guinea was officially declared Ebola-free after not reporting any new cases of the disease for a 42-day period. Nonetheless, clients in or travelling to Guinea should continue to practise strict hygiene protocols, avoid contact with sick persons and make allowances for travel delays due to ongoing screening measures employed at points of entry into Guinea. It should be noted that red24 continues to advise heightened caution in rural and remote areas near Guinea's shared border with Mali and Cote d'Ivoire due to a heightened threat of kidnapping and banditry in these areas.

LIBERIA - Travel advisory for Liberia no longer advises against all non-essential travel to the country due to the West African Ebola outbreak. In Liberia, both suspected and confirmed cases of Ebola were reported in the Lofa, Montserrado (including Monrovia), Margibi, Bomi, Bong, Nimba, Rivercess, Grand Cape Mount and Grand Bassa counties. A total of 10,675 cases, including 4,808 deaths, were reported across the country. In September, the World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that Liberia was free of Ebola virus transmission following a 42-day period without new infections reported. However, later that year in November, three cases of the disease were reported in the Grand Cape Mount district of Monrovia, underlying the ongoing risk of new infections. Nonetheless, no further Ebola infections have been reported in the country and Liberia will be declared Ebola-free if no further infections are detected as of 15 January 2016. Clients in or travelling to Liberia should continue to practise strict hygiene protocols, avoid contact with sick persons and make allowances for travel delays due to ongoing screening measures employed at points of entry into Liberia. It should be noted that red24 continues to advise heightened caution in rural and remote areas of Liberia's Nimba, Grand Gedeh, River Gee and Maryland administrative divisions due to a heightened threat of armed banditry in these areas.

SIERRA LEONE - Travel advisory for Sierra Leone no longer advises against non-essential travel to the country due to the West African Ebola outbreak. In Sierra Leone, the presence of Ebola was detected in most administrative divisions of the country, including in the capital, Freetown. The virus cumulatively infected at least 14,089 people, and claimed the lives of 3,955 people. On 7 November 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Sierra Leone free of new Ebola virus transmissions; no further infections have been reported since then. Despite the WHO declaration, clients in or travelling to Sierra Leone should continue to practise strict hygiene protocols, avoid contact with sick persons and make allowances for travel delays, due to ongoing screening measures employed at points of entry into Sierra Leone.

PAKISTAN(MARDAN) - At least 12 people were killed and over 30 more were wounded in a bomb attack in Mardan, located in the eponymous district of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, on 29 December. The blast took place at the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) office. While details and the motive for the incident are yet to be confirmed, local media have attributed the blast to terrorist activity. Emergency services are currently on the scene. The incident highlights the extreme terrorism risk in Pakistan despite the considerable reduction in the number of bomb attacks (by approximately 70 percent) during the course of 2015. There are several groups with the operational capacity to carry out such an attack. These groups are known to carry out small-scale and mass-casualty attacks, targeting both state and civilian interests. Heightened security, including additional patrols and checkpoints, are expected to remain in the affected area for the short- to medium-term. Due to the threat of terrorism, all travel to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province is advised against. Persons in Mardan should defer all travel to the affected area for the near-term. All suspicious persons, packages and/or vehicles should be reported to the local authorities.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC(BANGUI) - Three people were killed in the Central African Republic's (CAR) capital, Bangui, on 28 December, after a convoy of supporters of presidential candidate Karim Mekassousa was targeted by grenade attacks. The incident comes two days before the CAR will go to the polls in presidential elections on 30 December. Although violence levels have decreased in recent weeks amid the deployment of foreign and regional peacekeepers, the CAR remains chronically unstable, and the possibility of further violence cannot be discounted. The elections are assessed as having a heightened threat of being marred by violence. Armed groups maintain control of parts of the north and east of the country and refute the legitimacy of the upcoming elections, 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 the upcoming elections, following the Constitutional Court ruling barring Francois Bozize, who many anti-Balaka groups support, from contesting the upcoming elections. As such, further violent clashes are likely to persist in the lead-up to, and after, the elections on 30 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.

INDONESIA(PUNCAK REGENCY) - Three officers were killed in an armed attack on a police station in Indonesia's Papua province over the night of 27/28 December. The incident took place in Puncak regency, in Sinak specifically, when a group of 15 armed assailants attacked the police station, resulting in the fatalities. Assault rifles and ammunition was stolen in the raid. At least two police officers were also wounded in the incident. There have been no claims of responsibility for the incident; however, it may have been carried out by separatist militants from the Free Papua Movement (Organisesi Papua Merdeka; OPM). The OPM is made up of ethnic Papuans who are culturally and religiously distinct from ethnic Indonesians. The group seeks a separate state, consisting of Indonesia's West Papua and Papua provinces, and has engaged in conflict with the Indonesian authorities over this issue in the past. The generally poor security situation and relative remoteness of both Papua provinces will facilitate such armed attacks. In light of the incident, an increased security force presence is likely in Sinak in the coming days, as are security operations to the military and police to apprehend the attackers. Such operations are often violent and retributive in nature, therefore raising the threat of further retaliatory violence in the short-term. Clients in Indonesia are advised against non-essential travel to the West Papua and Papua provinces, due the current insecurity. Travel should only be undertaken during daylight hours and in the presence of a security escort.

TURKEY - Several trade unions representing both private and public sector workers have called for a one-day strike to take place across Turkey on 29 December. It will be observed by the Confederation of Progressive Trade Unions (DISK), the Confederation of Public Sector Trade Unions (KESK), the Turkish Doctors' Union (TTB) and the Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), among others. In addition to the strike, associated rallies are scheduled to take place in major urban centres from 12:00 local time on the day. The strike and demonstrations have been called to protest against the ongoing government offensive against members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in south eastern Turkey, which has left over 200 people dead in recent days. Given that public sector workers will partake in the strike action, disruptions to transport and business operations should be expected. In addition, although unconfirmed, major public squares and government buildings are likely gathering points for the protests. It should be noted that protests of this kind have turned violent in the past, and the risk of clashes between police and demonstrators cannot be discounted. Although foreign nationals are not targeted during unrest, there remains an incidental threat to all persons in the affected areas. Clients in Turkey's major urban centres on 29 December are advised to maintain a low profile, monitor local developments and avoid all protest action as a precautionary measure.

INDIA(JHARKHAND STATE) - A general strike organised by various tribal groups and supported by the Jharkhand Disom Party (JDP) and the Jharkhand People's Party (JPP) is currently underway across India's Jharkhand state on 29 December. The strike has been organised to demand the implementation of domicile policies in the state. Strike organisers have also called for associated protests, particularly in the regional capital, Ranchi; however, none have been reported as yet. State-wide disruptions to business and travel should be expected for the remainder of 29 December as a result of the general strike. It should be noted that there is a risk of violence at all protests in India, and the possibility of violence between security forces and protesters on 29 December cannot be ruled out. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel Jharkhand state due to an ongoing Maoist insurgency. Travellers in the region on 29 December should reconfirm all scheduled transportation services with their travel provider or the relevant transport authority and adjust itineraries to cater for potential delays. All protests, public gatherings and concentrations of security forces should be avoided as a standard precaution.

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