IN TODAY'S ISSUE
AMERICAS
Paraguay
United States
ASIA
Bangladesh
Nepal
Philippines
South Korea
EUROPE
Greece
Ukraine
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Bahrain
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Liberia
Nigeria
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Nigeria
AMERICAS
Paraguay (Country threat level - 3 ): In the early morning hours on 18 December 2008 traffic became heavily congested around the areas of La Avenida Artigas and Peru in Asuncion, where drivers were required to present registration documents to customs officers. The documentation controls began on 18 December and affect drivers of motorcycles, cars and vans. Traffic is likely to be congested around these areas until the process becomes more fluid.
United States (Country threat level - 3 ): A snowstorm is causing significant disruptions at Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport (KLAS/LAS) on the morning of 18 December 2008. Although the airport is not currently closed, poor visibility is expected to result in more cancellations and delays. The airport lacks de-icing and snow removal equipment. On 17 December the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a nationwide ground stop for all flights bound for Las Vegas that had not already departed, though the order appears to have since been lifted. Delays and cancellations have also been reported at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (KRNO/RNO).
ASIA
Bangladesh (Country threat level -
): The Bangladeshi government began deploying troops and increasing security across the country on 18 December 2008 in preparation for the 29 December elections. Security is being increased until the elections because of threats by Islamist militants and concerns about sabotage. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued directives to all districts in Bangladesh to be wary of possible attacks or disruptions to the elections process. Political leaders and media offices recently received threatening letters and compact discs from militant Islamists warning of an attack, and the Bangladesh Intelligence Agency revealed that it had discovered a plan to stage countrywide attacks ahead of the elections.
Nepal (Country threat level -
): On 18 December 2008 the Nepali government announced that electricity consumers may face scheduled outages of up to 10 hours per day due to a shortfall in power supply. The government states that unusually low levels of water in the country's hydro-electric dams are to blame for the current shortage.
Philippines (Country threat level -
): Two bombs exploded in short succession on 18 December 2008 at a department store and clothing store in Iligan City, located approximately 500 mi/800 km south of Manila in the southern province of Lanao del Norte. The blasts killed three people and injured 48 others. The bombs -- described as homemade devices filled with nails -- detonated approximately 15 minutes apart, beginning at 1325 local time (0525 UTC). The Unicity Commercial Center and Jerry Supermart were targeted in the attack, which occurred the day before a scheduled visit by Filipino President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Although there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, Islamist militants are suspected due to previous attacks carried out in the southern Philippines by these groups.
South Korea (Country threat level -
): On 18 December 2008 South Korean opposition party members used sledgehammers and other tools during an attempt to storm a National Assembly meeting. Members of the opposition Democratic Party clashed with security guards, who used fire extinguishers to prevent lawmakers from entering the meeting. The action was an attempt to prevent the ruling party from approving a free trade agreement with the United States. Those who oppose the pact fear that it will have a negative impact on the country's agricultural sector. The opposition's attempts to prevent the parliamentary committee's approval of the bill failed, and the proposal will move on to the legislature.
EUROPE
Greece (Country threat level -
): As previously announced, Greek air traffic controllers launched a three-hour strike beginning at 1200 local time (1000 UTC) on 18 December 2008 to demand higher pay. The work stoppage halted all flights to and from Athens' International Airport (LGAV/ATH) and was accompanied by a protest rally in central Athens. Healthcare workers are also staging a 24-hour strike, resulting in limited availability of services at hospitals. Meanwhile, violent protests related to the shooting death of a teenager are continuing in Athens. Anti-riot police officers clashed with hundreds of protesters demonstrating outside of the Parliament building on 18 December. Protesters threw Molotov cocktails and paint at officers, who fired tear gas to disperse them.
Ukraine (Country threat level -
): Supporters of the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc launched a protest outside of the Kiev City State Administration building on 18 December 2008. Approximately 1,000 people participated in the action, which protested increases in the tariffs for housing, utilities and public transport. The protest is reportedly ongoing, but no incidents have been reported.
Meanwhile, protests organized by trade unions over the current economic crisis took place across the country on 17 December. Reports indicate that more than 112,000 people took part in demonstrations in Vinnitsa, Dneptropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zhitomir, Zaporozhye, Ivano-Frankovsk, Kirovograd, Lutsk, Lvov, Lugansk, Nikolayev, Odessa, Poltava, Rovno, Sumy, Simferopol, Sevastopol, Ternopol, Uzhgorod, Kharkov, Kherson, Khmelnitsky and Chernigov. No confrontations or other incidents were reported at any of the actions. Union leaders are planning an additional demonstration in Kiev on 23 December, where they expect a crowd of approximately 20,000 people. If needed, the unions have stated that they will stage additional rallies in 2009 and possibly go on strike.
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Bahrain (Country threat level -
): Bahraini officials announced on 17 December 2008 the arrests of 15 suspects who were reportedly planning bombings in the country. The group -- which was arrested early on 16 December -- was preparing to use canisters filled with homemade explosives to attack observances and celebrations coinciding with the country's National Day, which was celebrated on 16 December, and Accession Day, which was celebrated on 17 December. The explosives reportedly contained flammable materials and small iron balls and could have caused considerable damage and/or fatalities. Security was significantly increased throughout Manama, the capital, in recent days in light of the events and celebrations.
ASI Comment: Few other details have been released, and although media sources have referred to the group as planning a "terrorist attack," it is possible that the plot is related to sectarian issues in the country. Bahrain's Shiite population has long alleged discrimination and marginalization by the Sunni-led government, and these issues have at times given rise to violence. Additionally, the incident coincides with the one-year anniversary of nearly a week of violent protests and rioting near Manama by Shiites; at the time, a celebration to mark King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa's coronation turned into an anti-government protest that escalated after the death of an activist. Sporadic incidents of violence have since occurred. Bahrain has not experienced a major terrorist attack, and the arrests are not necessarily indicative of an overall increase in security concerns in Bahrain.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Liberia (Country threat level -
): Former Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) soldiers staged a demonstration in the capital city of Monrovia on 17 December 2008, demanding that the government give them two months of back pay. Approximately 4,000 ex-soldiers blockaded the main entrance of the Ministry of Finance and significantly disrupted traffic on United Nations Drive. The soldiers also warned that if the government continues to refuse to pay them, they will disturb the upcoming holiday season with additional demonstrations and possibly violence. There were no reports of arrests or violence during the protest.
Nigeria (Country threat level -
): Tanker drivers belonging to the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) began an indefinite boycott in Lagos on 17 December 2008. The drivers stated that they decided to boycott delivery of fuel to Lagos filling stations after constant harassment from the Lagos state government, insisting that the drivers were a nuisance to other motorists. Although NUPENG insists that the union is not on strike, it did state that Lagos filling stations will soon begin experiencing shortages unless fuel can be delivered by other means. The drivers have stated that the boycott will likely last until the state government allocates specific roadways and lanes for their use.
Meanwhile, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) threatened on 18 December 2008 to embark on an indefinite strike. The PENGASSAN workers will strike because the management has apparently refused to re-evaluate an unpopular policy that would require examinations and interviews before promotions. The workers stated that they will ensure that all flow stations supplying fuel to filling stations nationwide are shut down during the strike, which is likely to begin by 22 December.
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Nigeria (Country threat level -
): On 17 December 2008 the U.S. Embassy in Abuja issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being issued to update American citizens in Nigeria about the November 27th incidents of violence in Jos City in Plateau State which resulted in personal injuries, fatalities and significant damage to property. While the stationing of Nigerian security services to Jos has brought the situation under control, the city remains under curfew from 7:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. and the environment is still tense.
"As a result, the U.S. Mission Nigeria has updated its travel policy and has temporarily deferred travel of U.S. Mission personnel to Plateau State. This travel policy supersedes the warden message of December 6, which informed Americans that the U.S. mission had temporarily deferred non-essential travel of U.S. mission personnel to all areas north of Abuja/Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Although there have been no recent incidents of violence reported in the city of Jos and areas North of Abuja/FCT since the November 27th outbreak, there remains concern about possible acts of isolated communal violence that could erupt quickly and without warning. American citizens are urged to review the Travel Warning on Nigeria, take any necessary security precautions to ensure their own safety and wellbeing and to reevaluate their travel plans in light of the foregoing information."
SIGNIFICANT DATES
18 December
Niger: Republic Day (Public holiday. Offices and businesses close.)
Qatar: National Day (Public holiday; many offices and businesses close.)
20 December
Argentina: Anniversary of the ousting of Fernando de la Rua (Street demonstrations likely to occur.)
21 December
Chinese Calendar: Dongzhi (Winter Solstice)
Israel: Hanukkah
23 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Japan: Birthday of the Emperor (Public celebrations. Some businesses and government offices close.)
Ukraine: Trade unions to stage mass protest in Kiev
24 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Kyrgyz Republic: Kyrgyzstan Muslim Union to stage demonstration in Bishkek.
Libya: Independence Day
Christianity: Christmas Eve (Partial holiday in many countries)
25 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Taiwan: Constitution Day (Public holiday, government and business offices closed.)
Christianity: Christmas (Observed as a public holiday in many countries.)
26 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Australia: Proclamation Day (Public holiday in South Australia)
Bahamas: Boxing Day (public holiday)
Christianity: Second Day of Christmas/St. Stephen's Day/Boxing Day (Observed as a public holiday in many countries.)
27 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Cayman Islands: Public holiday
Palestinian Authority: Anniversary of founding of Hamas in 1987 (Often celebrated with large parades.)
28 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Ghana: Run-off presidential election
AMERICAS
Paraguay
United States
ASIA
Bangladesh
Nepal
Philippines
South Korea
EUROPE
Greece
Ukraine
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Bahrain
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Liberia
Nigeria
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Nigeria
AMERICAS
Paraguay (Country threat level - 3 ): In the early morning hours on 18 December 2008 traffic became heavily congested around the areas of La Avenida Artigas and Peru in Asuncion, where drivers were required to present registration documents to customs officers. The documentation controls began on 18 December and affect drivers of motorcycles, cars and vans. Traffic is likely to be congested around these areas until the process becomes more fluid.
United States (Country threat level - 3 ): A snowstorm is causing significant disruptions at Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport (KLAS/LAS) on the morning of 18 December 2008. Although the airport is not currently closed, poor visibility is expected to result in more cancellations and delays. The airport lacks de-icing and snow removal equipment. On 17 December the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a nationwide ground stop for all flights bound for Las Vegas that had not already departed, though the order appears to have since been lifted. Delays and cancellations have also been reported at Reno-Tahoe International Airport (KRNO/RNO).
ASIA
Bangladesh (Country threat level -
Nepal (Country threat level -
Philippines (Country threat level -
South Korea (Country threat level -
EUROPE
Greece (Country threat level -
Ukraine (Country threat level -
Meanwhile, protests organized by trade unions over the current economic crisis took place across the country on 17 December. Reports indicate that more than 112,000 people took part in demonstrations in Vinnitsa, Dneptropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zhitomir, Zaporozhye, Ivano-Frankovsk, Kirovograd, Lutsk, Lvov, Lugansk, Nikolayev, Odessa, Poltava, Rovno, Sumy, Simferopol, Sevastopol, Ternopol, Uzhgorod, Kharkov, Kherson, Khmelnitsky and Chernigov. No confrontations or other incidents were reported at any of the actions. Union leaders are planning an additional demonstration in Kiev on 23 December, where they expect a crowd of approximately 20,000 people. If needed, the unions have stated that they will stage additional rallies in 2009 and possibly go on strike.
MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA
Bahrain (Country threat level -
ASI Comment: Few other details have been released, and although media sources have referred to the group as planning a "terrorist attack," it is possible that the plot is related to sectarian issues in the country. Bahrain's Shiite population has long alleged discrimination and marginalization by the Sunni-led government, and these issues have at times given rise to violence. Additionally, the incident coincides with the one-year anniversary of nearly a week of violent protests and rioting near Manama by Shiites; at the time, a celebration to mark King Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa's coronation turned into an anti-government protest that escalated after the death of an activist. Sporadic incidents of violence have since occurred. Bahrain has not experienced a major terrorist attack, and the arrests are not necessarily indicative of an overall increase in security concerns in Bahrain.
SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA
Liberia (Country threat level -
Nigeria (Country threat level -
Meanwhile, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) threatened on 18 December 2008 to embark on an indefinite strike. The PENGASSAN workers will strike because the management has apparently refused to re-evaluate an unpopular policy that would require examinations and interviews before promotions. The workers stated that they will ensure that all flow stations supplying fuel to filling stations nationwide are shut down during the strike, which is likely to begin by 22 December.
GOVERNMENT WARNINGS
Nigeria (Country threat level -
"As a result, the U.S. Mission Nigeria has updated its travel policy and has temporarily deferred travel of U.S. Mission personnel to Plateau State. This travel policy supersedes the warden message of December 6, which informed Americans that the U.S. mission had temporarily deferred non-essential travel of U.S. mission personnel to all areas north of Abuja/Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Although there have been no recent incidents of violence reported in the city of Jos and areas North of Abuja/FCT since the November 27th outbreak, there remains concern about possible acts of isolated communal violence that could erupt quickly and without warning. American citizens are urged to review the Travel Warning on Nigeria, take any necessary security precautions to ensure their own safety and wellbeing and to reevaluate their travel plans in light of the foregoing information."
SIGNIFICANT DATES
18 December
Niger: Republic Day (Public holiday. Offices and businesses close.)
Qatar: National Day (Public holiday; many offices and businesses close.)
20 December
Argentina: Anniversary of the ousting of Fernando de la Rua (Street demonstrations likely to occur.)
21 December
Chinese Calendar: Dongzhi (Winter Solstice)
Israel: Hanukkah
23 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Japan: Birthday of the Emperor (Public celebrations. Some businesses and government offices close.)
Ukraine: Trade unions to stage mass protest in Kiev
24 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Kyrgyz Republic: Kyrgyzstan Muslim Union to stage demonstration in Bishkek.
Libya: Independence Day
Christianity: Christmas Eve (Partial holiday in many countries)
25 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Taiwan: Constitution Day (Public holiday, government and business offices closed.)
Christianity: Christmas (Observed as a public holiday in many countries.)
26 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Australia: Proclamation Day (Public holiday in South Australia)
Bahamas: Boxing Day (public holiday)
Christianity: Second Day of Christmas/St. Stephen's Day/Boxing Day (Observed as a public holiday in many countries.)
27 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Cayman Islands: Public holiday
Palestinian Authority: Anniversary of founding of Hamas in 1987 (Often celebrated with large parades.)
28 December
Israel: Hanukkah
Judaism: Hanukkah (Feast of Lights)
Ghana: Run-off presidential election
ASI THREAT LEVEL DEFINITIONS
(1) - A minimum threat of physical harm. Petty crime is the most common threat.
(2) - A low threat of physical harm. Petty crime and infrequent demonstrations are the most common threats.
(3) - A medium threat of physical harm. Petty crime and demonstrations are common and violent acts do occur.
(4) - A high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, demonstrations or terrorism.
(5) - A very high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, terrorism, demonstrations or war.
(1) - A minimum threat of physical harm. Petty crime is the most common threat.
(2) - A low threat of physical harm. Petty crime and infrequent demonstrations are the most common threats.
(3) - A medium threat of physical harm. Petty crime and demonstrations are common and violent acts do occur.
(4) - A high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, demonstrations or terrorism.
(5) - A very high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, terrorism, demonstrations or war.