News & Reports

Unionized farmers in northern India will continue protests through mid-December, demanding better compensation. Daily marches are planned from Punjab to Delhi, with heightened security and restrictions on gatherings. Road blockages and clashes with police are possible, along with traffic disruptions and potential internet curbs.

Advice: Avoid demonstrations and leave the area at any sign of disturbance. Be prepared for local transport and business disruptions. Follow official security and transport advisories, and avoid protest roadblocks until cleared by police.

Police are investigating a suspected arson at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, on Dec. 6. Two masked individuals reportedly spread accelerant and set the site on fire, causing significant damage. No arrests or casualties have been reported. Heightened security and potential disruptions are expected in the area, with authorities possibly increasing patrols at other places of worship in Melbourne.

Advice: To avoid travel delays, avoid the affected area and allow extra time for your journey. Follow all official security warnings. If you are a worshipper, avoid the area until further notice from authorities.

Severe weather is forecast for New Zealand’s South Island and southern North Island through Dec. 9, with heavy rain and strong winds likely. The MetService has issued Orange Warnings for heavy rain in Westland and strong winds in Canterbury, Wairarapa, and Wellington. Yellow Watches cover several other regions. Flooding, landslides, power outages, and travel disruptions are expected. Evacuations may occur in flood-prone areas, and warnings may be updated.

Advice: Stay updated on local weather advisories. Confirm travel plans and appointments. Expect delays or disruptions in flood-prone areas. Avoid driving on flooded roads. Keep devices charged in case of power outages.

Flight disruptions are expected at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) due to a ground delay issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Dec. 5 caused by an equipment outage. The delay is set to last until at least 01:59 on Dec. 6, with departures delayed by an average of 182 minutes as of 14:45. Further delays or air traffic measures may be announced, and residual disruptions could continue as airlines manage backlogs.

Advice: Verify flight reservations if traveling through EWR. Stay at your accommodations until your onward travel is confirmed. Explore alternative options for urgent travel if needed.

Protests near Universidad del Valle’s Melendez campus in southern Cali are causing disruptions through Dec. 5. Demonstrators have blocked Avenida Pasoancho and set a motorcycle on fire, prompting public transport reroutes and nearby business closures. Clashes with police, vandalism, and further violence remain possible.

Advice: Stay clear of the area until the protest concludes and demonstrators disperse. Plan for extra travel time if heading near the campus through late Dec. 5.

Maintenance-related flight delays and cancellations will likely continue at Miami International Airport (MIA) through late Dec. 5 due to scheduled window replacement in the air traffic control tower. A ground delay program issued by the FAA is expected to remain in place until at least 22:59, with an average departure delay of 176 minutes reported as of 14:45. Further delays or disruptions may occur even after maintenance concludes as airlines manage passenger backlogs.

Advice: Verify flight reservations if traveling through MIA until at least late Dec. 5. Stay in current accommodations until your travel plans are confirmed. Consider alternative options for urgent travel if needed.

Unionized public sector workers with trade unions ADEDY plan a strike and protests across Greece from 12:00 on Dec. 11, demanding salary increases. A protest at the Ministry of Finance in Athens is set for 13:00, with possible demonstrations elsewhere. Disruptions to public services like health care, education, and administration are likely, with potential delays at private clinics due to public hospital overflows. Police will be present at protest sites, potentially causing transport disruptions. Minor clashes between protesters and law enforcement cannot be ruled out.

Advice: Reconfirm appointments with public institutions. Anticipate higher employee absenteeism on Dec. 11 and consider flexible work policies. Avoid demonstrations, follow law enforcement instructions, and leave immediately if unrest occurs.

Activists will protest in New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco on Dec. 4, demanding the resignation of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeul. Protests are planned at the South Korean Consulates in Los Angeles (6 PM), New York City (5 PM), and the San Francisco Federal Building (6 PM). Police will monitor the protests, and transport disruptions and possible confrontations may occur.

Advice: Avoid the protest locations as a precautionary measure and plan for extra travel time to reach nearby destinations. Follow all directives from law enforcement closely, and leave the area promptly at the first indication of any security issues.

The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU) launched a nationwide strike on Dec. 4, demanding President Yoon Suk Yeol’s resignation, with a protest at Gwanghwamun Square. Other unions in transport, education, and public services are also striking. Expect transport disruptions, increased protests, and heightened security. Authorities may disperse unrest, and clashes are possible.

Advice: Prepare for nationwide transport disruptions, especially rail and Seoul metro services, due to the strike. Arrange alternative transport and confirm business plans. Adjust freight shipping from Dec. 2. Avoid demonstrations and follow official security advice.

Opposition protests may occur in Kampala through Dec. 10 due to the detention and trial of opposition leader Kizza Besigye, currently held at Luzira Prison. His next court hearing is on Dec. 10 at Makindye Court, where previous clashes have occurred. Protests may also happen near the Kenya High Commission and Luzira Prison. Authorities are likely to disperse gatherings, with a strong security presence and potential localized disruptions.

Advice: Use caution near potential protest areas. Avoid demonstrations, expect delays, and leave if violence occurs. Avoid roadblocks and follow official advice.

Health officials in Uganda have reported 683 mpox cases since July 24, with 240 new cases from Nov. 10-24. Kampala leads with 307 cases, followed by Wakiso (102) and other districts. All infections are the clade Ib strain. Authorities are raising awareness, combating misinformation, and encouraging medical care. More cases are expected as surveillance and contact tracing continue. This update is current as of Dec. 2.

Advice: Follow basic health precautions: wash hands often, cover coughs, and avoid sick individuals. Avoid crowded places and practice safe sex in areas with monkeypox outbreaks. Seek medical care if symptoms appear within two weeks, especially after new sexual contact. Vaccines are available.

High temperatures will persist in interior Peru through Dec. 3, with highs up to 38°C (100°F). SENAMHI has issued red-level warnings for parts of Loreto, Ucayali, San Martin, Huanuco, and Madre de Dios. The heat may increase energy demand, wildfire risks, and heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable groups and outdoor workers. Transport disruptions, road damage, and power outages are also possible. Alerts may be updated as conditions change.

Advice: Stay updated via local media. During heatwaves, stay indoors with AC when possible. If outside, rest in shade, avoid peak heat, and stay hydrated with safe water. Avoid alcohol, wear light, loose clothing, and seek medical help for heat-related issues. Charge devices in case of power outages.

Hundreds of unionized farmers from Bhartiya Kisan Parishad are blocking the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway near the Delhi-Noida border on Dec. 2, demanding better government support for land acquisitions, market compensation, and other issues. The protest is causing heavy traffic, with authorities negotiating to reopen the road. Increased security is in place, and clashes with police are possible, along with further traffic disruptions and potential business impact.

Advice: Exercise caution in the affected area. Avoid demonstrations and leave at the first sign of unrest. Expect possible transport and business disruptions. Follow official security and transport advice, do not pass protest roadblocks, and wait for police clearance.

Winter weather is expected across parts of the north-central US through December 4. Areas affected include southwestern Michigan, central New York, northern Indiana, northern Ohio, and western Pennsylvania. Snow accumulation could reach up to 2 feet near Lakes Michigan and Erie, with blizzard conditions possible. Winter storm warnings are in effect, and states of emergency have been declared in parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Road closures, power outages, and transport disruptions are likely.

Advice: Stay updated on weather and road conditions, especially in areas with heavy snow. Allow extra time for travel, carry an emergency kit, and wear warm clothes if driving. Plan for potential delivery delays if shipping by truck, confirm flights, and charge devices in case of power outages.

Winter weather is expected across southern Ontario through December 4, with up to 2 feet of snow near Lakes Michigan and Erie. Blizzard conditions are possible, and winter storm warnings are in effect. A state of emergency has been declared in parts of Ontario. Road closures, power outages, and transport disruptions are likely.

Advice: Stay updated on local weather and road conditions, especially where heavy snow is forecast. Allow extra time for travel, carry an emergency kit, and wear warm clothes if driving, especially on rural routes. Plan for potential delivery delays, confirm flights, and charge devices in case of power outages.

Around 36,000 New Zealand nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants will strike on Dec. 3 from 11:00 to 19:00 after failed negotiations with Health New Zealand. The walkout will disrupt nonemergency services, including elective surgeries, with potential follow-up strikes Dec. 10-19. Demonstrations are planned in Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington, likely causing delays at hospitals, increased security, and localized travel disruptions. Lingering service backlogs are expected after the strike.

Advice: Stay cautious near rallies, verify medical appointments ahead of time, and be prepared for potential disruptions to healthcare services on Dec. 3. Follow all official guidance.

Protests will likely continue in Georgia through early December after the government delayed EU accession talks until 2028. Thousands gathered in Tbilisi on Dec. 1, clashing with police who used tear gas and water cannons. Demonstrations also occurred in cities like Poti, blocking key roads. Over 150 arrests and 44 injuries have been reported. Key protest sites include Parliament, major squares in Tbilisi, and university areas in Batumi. Heightened security and disruptions are expected.

Advice: Avoid demonstrations as a precaution. Stay alert near government buildings and political offices. Plan for travel delays during protests and use alternate routes. If violence occurs, leave immediately and find safe shelter. Follow all local authority instructions.

Pro-Palestine activists plan to protest at Paternoster Square in London from 7:30 on December 3. Several thousand are projected to participate. An elevated security presence, local traffic delays, and small-scale counter-protests are possible.

Advice: Avoid the protest area and consider alternate routes to bypass it. Refrain from discussing related geopolitical issues. Adhere to all official instructions, and leave promptly if tensions escalate.

Severe weather, including intensive rainfall and scattered thunderstorms, is expected across southern Thailand through December 5. Extended periods of rain may lead to flooding in low-lying areas near rivers, streams, and creeks, while urban areas with poor drainage systems could also be affected. In hilly or mountainous regions, saturated soil increases the risk of landslides. These conditions may cause disruptions to electricity and various modes of transportation.

Advice: To minimize potential disruptions, verify road conditions and transportation reservations prior to traveling. Ensure battery-powered devices are fully charged in advance. Avoid driving through flooded areas under any circumstances.

Temperatures throughout Ecuador are forecast to surpass 38 degrees Celsius through at least December 3. The intense heat and humid conditions significantly heighten the risk of dehydration, heat stroke, and potential power outages from increased air conditioning use.

Advice: Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces during the day whenever possible. If you must be outdoors, take frequent breaks in shaded areas and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms of heat stroke or dehydration. Keep battery-powered devices charged in case of prolonged power outages.

Severe weather is expected across the Northern Territory and Queensland through December 7. Extended periods of rain may lead to flooding in low-lying areas near rivers, streams, and creeks, while urban areas with poor drainage systems could also be affected. In hilly or mountainous regions, saturated soil increases the risk of landslides. These conditions may cause disruptions to electricity and various modes of transportation.

Advice: To minimize potential disruptions, verify road conditions and transportation reservations prior to traveling. Ensure battery-powered devices are fully charged in advance. Avoid driving through flooded areas under any circumstances. Stay updated by monitoring local media for weather-related information.

Throughout December, a series of demonstrations and events are planned across Germany to oppose right-wing extremism, promote democracy, and foster solidarity. These include open Antifa meetings, student plenaries, lectures, film screenings, concerts, and vigils in cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Dresden, and many more, addressing issues like racism, authoritarianism, and human rights that could impact the security level of Germany.

Advice: For foreigners in areas hosting events against right-wing extremism, stay informed about local activities to understand potential disruptions or safety concerns. Avoid large gatherings unless invited or involved, and always prioritize personal safety. See the attached report for a broader analysis of the growing protest climate.

MAGNUS Weekly OP-ED Report Final – Extremism Without Borders; Hate Goes Global

As Ghana’s December 7, 2024, elections approach, security measures have intensified due to identified hotspots and past election-related incidents. The National Elections Security Taskforce has assured the public of its readiness to provide maximum security for the safe conduct of the elections.

Advice: Foreigners in Ghana during the 2024 elections should avoid political gatherings, stay informed about local developments, and limit travel to high-risk areas. Prioritize safety by following security advisories and avoiding discussions or displays of political affiliations.

Authorities warn of a JET-A1 aviation fuel shortage at HAV and VRA airports until at least Dec. 8 amid Cuba’s ongoing energy crisis. The shortage will likely cause significant flight disruptions, including delays, rescheduling, or cancellations.

Advice: Confirm flight schedules with airlines before traveling to airports. Allow extra time for adjustments and consider alternative transport options. Monitor airline updates and plan for possible delays.

The National Security Council (NSC) warns of heightened threats against Israelis in Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand. Intelligence assessments indicate potential risks to locations associated with Israel or Jewish communities.

Advice: Israeli travelers staying in countries with travel warnings should exercise increased caution. Avoid places identified with Israel/Jews. Conceal anything that could identify you as Israeli. Limit social media activity – avoid sharing travel details or military service information.

New York is facing heavy lake-effect snow, with up to 46 inches reported in areas like Tug Hill, leading to blocked roads and hazardous travel conditions. Officials urge residents to stay home if unprepared and to drive cautiously if travel is necessary.

Advice: Avoid travel unless essential; if driving, ensure your car is winter-ready, drive slowly, and carry emergency supplies. Check weather and road updates before heading out.

Opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane has called for eight days of protests in Mozambique (Dec 4–11), involving car stoppages, anthem singing, noise-making with whistles, and demands to close schools, ruling party offices, and toll booths. He also urged flight cancellations and the suspension of New Year celebrations over disputed election results.

Advice: Avoid all protest sites, political events, road blockages, large gatherings, and plan for travel disruptions. Monitor updates and anticipate travel and communication disruptions. Follow all official instructions and leave immediately at the first sign of any potential security disturbance.

In November 2024, Barranquilla experienced a surge in violent crime, recording 47 homicides, contributing to a total of 771 violent deaths in the Atlántico Department for the year. This alarming trend has raised concerns among residents and authorities, prompting discussions on the effectiveness of current security strategies and the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the escalating violence.

Advice: Residents and visitors in Barranquilla should avoid high-risk areas, stay vigilant, and prioritize personal safety by using secure transportation and avoiding displaying valuables. Authorities must enhance

Academics warn that a ruling on Argentina’s polluted Matanza-Riachuelo basin could worsen health issues, with residents near the basin experiencing persistent skin rashes, headaches, respiratory problems, and vomiting. Despite years of concern, these health crises continue to affect communities near Buenos Aires and the tourist district of La Boca.

Advice: Travelers should avoid direct contact with the Matanza-Riachuelo basin and its surroundings due to potential health risks like skin irritation and respiratory problems from lingering pollution. It’s advisable to stay informed about local conditions, stick to well-maintained tourist areas, and prioritize hygiene, including using safe drinking water.

Nine people, including women and elders, were killed in an attack in Shirka district, Arsi Zone, in Ethiopia’s Oromia region on Friday 29th of November, with locals accusing the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), though the group denies involvement. The ENAT Party condemned the violence, urging swift government action to protect civilians and prevent further tragedies.

Advice: Civilians working or traveling in the Arsi Zone should avoid this area due to unexpected escalating violence. Stay indoors, follow local updates, and seek safe shelter until the situation improves.