The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 11 letter word FLASHPOINTS
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "volatile areas" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case volatile areas = flashpoints.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FLASHPOINTS mean?
FLASHPOINTS noun- The lowest temperature at which a liquid can form an ignitable mixture in air near the surface of the liquid.
- A hotspot; a dangerous place of violent political unrest
- A time and place when violence or conflict suddenly arises.