While investigating reports of a missing person in Wieambilla, Australia on December 12, police were fired upon by an unidentified gunman. The ensuing firefight led to the deaths of two police officers and 4 civilian. While the gunman is believed to have been captured, an emergency declaration is still in effect at this time.
A hostage situation occurred at a mall in Dresden, Germany on December 10. Police responded to reports of a shooting at the Altmarkt-Galerie mall, evacuating the local area. The two suspects were later freed unharmed, although the suspect was reportedly killed. No clear motive for the attacks has been established. Police have lifted restrictions in the city center, but the mall will remain closed.
Numerous protests groups began marching on December 8 throughout Mexico City, Mexico to denounce water shortages, government corruption, and police brutality. The protests began in numerous locations around the city, such as the Judiciary of Mexico City, the Senate of the Republic, and the National Palace. The demonstrations continued and expanded into December 9, drawing more protesters around government buildings. These protests are expected to continue into the coming days.
A police operation is currently underway in Margate, Australia as of December 4 at 8:30 PM. An emergency and exclusion zone between Bank Street, Disraeli Street, Wighton Street, and Oxley Avenue has been declared. Authorities are responding to a public safety threat, and travelers should avoid the area.
The national rail operator SNCF in France will be striking nationwide from December 2-4. The strike has been organized to demand improved salaries and working conditions. 60% of train services across the country experienced cancellations on December 2. Similar widespread disruptions are anticipated until December 5. Other public transport services may experience overcrowding due to increased demand. Strike-related protests are possible.
Heavy rain and flooding has been forecast across parts of Brazil from December 1-2. A high level red warning was issued for Bahia, Espírito Santo, and Minas Gerais states. At least 2 people in Parana were killed in a landslide; dozens more are missing. Mass infrastructure damage has been reported. Flooding in Santa Catarina has forced hundreds of people to evacuate their homes. Travel disruptions are likely across the country due to the storm debris and flooding.
As of December 1, six letter bombs have been sent to high-profile targets across Spain, including the Ukrainian and US Embassies, the Interior Ministry, the Defence Ministry, a European Union satellite center, and Instalaza (a Spanish weapons manufacturer). The US Embassy in Madrid is the latest to receive a letter bomb, and there is currently heightened security in the area.
Heightened security measures have been active in Shanghai, China as of November 28. This is due to the violent anti-Covid19 restrictions protests on November 27. Barriers have been erected in areas between Wulumuqi Road and Wuzhong Road. Increased patrols, random searches, and travel restrictions have been reported. Police have been checking people’s phones in order to prevent future protests. These measures will likely be in place for the coming days.
Healthcare workers in Greece are striking from November 28 until December 1 to denounce a bill that increases the privatization of public health services. The union representing public hospital staff will strike from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on December 1. Protestors plan to gather in Athens on November 29 in front of the Health Ministry at 12:00 PM and on December 1 in front of Parliament at 12:00 PM.
A demonstration was held in Istanbul, Turkey on November 25 to support the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Local officials had banned the demonstration, yet hundreds of activists gathered to protest. The activists gathered at Taksim Tunel at 7:00PM; they were met by police who had set up blockades by the streets and alleys in the area. Police reportedly used pepper spray to disperse the crowds; dozens of people were arrested.