Another confrontation at Scarborough Shoal
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for May 9, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
On Thursday, we collected 60 events,
including another confrontation
between the Philippines and China at
Scarborough Shoal, so let's get started.
On Monday, two Chinese Navy frigates
and a China Coast Guard cutter harassed
a Philippine Navy patrol ship in the
South China Sea near Scarborough Shoal.
The incident involved aggressive
maneuvers by the Chinese vessels,
including intercepting and attempting
to block the Philippine ship.
The Philippine military expressed
concern over the incident, criticizing
China's disregard for international
regulations and lauding the
professionalism of the Philippine crew.
This is not the first incident between
the two countries over the disputed
waters, with a similar incident
occurring last month involving the
same Philippine ship's sister vessel."
"Afghanistan
Over the last two days, Taliban
intelligence agents have apprehended
three journalists in Takhar, a
northern province of Afghanistan.
The current locations and status of these
journalists are unclear, highlighting a
continuing trend of detentions and media
limitations imposed by the Taliban."
"India
A Pakistani intruder was shot
dead by Border Security Force
(BSF) troops in the Mamdor sector
of Ferozepur on the intervening
night of Wednesday and Thursday.
The incident occurred when the intruder
tried to enter Indian territory, despite
being challenged by BSF personnel."
"India
On Thursday, a Maoist IED blast
occurred in the forests of Veerabhadra
Puram-Perur, killing three security
personnel and injuring eight others.
The terrorist also opened
fire on the police.
The incident happened during
regular combing operations by
the Telangana Greyhounds police."
"Kenya
Thursday morning, an improvised explosive
device (IED) blast hit a police vehicle
in Daadab, Garissa County, injuring
three police officers and two civilians.
No group has claimed
responsibility for the attack."
"Nigeria
Two farmers, Tony Adejo and
Jeremiah Danjuma, were shot and
killed by suspected armed herders
in Omebe village, Benue State.
The incident occurred while they
were working on their farmland,
and the assailants fled the scene
before security forces arrived.
The bodies of the deceased were taken
to the Federal University of Health
Sciences Teaching Hospital for autopsy."
"Nigeria
The Akwa Ibom State Police have
apprehended six individuals suspected
of kidnapping at different locations
in the Eket local government area.
The suspects, from various states
and Cameroon, were arrested
through a joint operation and are
currently undergoing interrogation.
A vehicle and mobile phones were
recovered during the operation, which
is believed to be connected to recent
kidnapping incidents in the area."
"Nigeria
On May 5, at around 11:30 p.m.,
four people, including a 7-month-old
baby, were abducted by armed
assailants from their residence
in Akupal village, Kaduna State.
The victims are Ayuba Mathew,
Magret Ferdinand, Sintia
Thomas, and Jessica Thomas.
Security personnel have been
deployed to the scene, and a
search-and-rescue operation is underway."
"Nigeria
On Wednesday, Nigerian forces
thwarted a Boko Haram attack in
the Gwoza area of Borno State.
Following the failed attack,
the security forces killed eight
terrorists after launching an
operation against the rebels."
"Nigeria
On Tuesday, armed men believed to
be pirates seized three boats and
abducted 19 passengers on the Isaka
River in the Okirika Local Government
Area (LGA) of Rivers State.
The pirates also stole goods and
property worth millions of naira.
One of the vessels was en route to Bonny
Island, while the other two were bound
for the Cawthorne Channel in Bille,
located in the Degema Local Government
Area, when the assailants attacked."
"Nigeria
Troops from the 6 Brigade and Operation
Whirl Stroke have successfully apprehended
four suspected terrorists and seized
a cache of weapons in Taraba State,
following a distress call reporting the
presence of armed men in the community.
The operation resulted in the recovery
of various items, including rifles,
cutlasses, cartridges, mobile phones,
and a national identity card."
"Pakistan
On Tuesday, Baloch Liberation Army
(BLA) insurgents targeted a military
convoy with a remote-controlled
IED, killing 12 soldiers, including
two special operations commanders."
"Pakistan
On Wednesday, Baloch Liberation Army (BLA)
insurgents conducted a remote-controlled
IED attack on a Bomb Disposal Squad of
the Pakistani Army in the Kulag Tigran
area of the Kech district, resulting
in the deaths of two personnel."
"Philippines
The Philippine National Police
(PNP) reported on Wednesday that
two Chinese nationals were arrested
for the alleged kidnapping of three
foreigners in Batangas Province.
The suspects were apprehended on
Saturday, May 3, at a checkpoint
located in Bacoor City, Cavite Province.
Early on May 2, in Barangay Balaytigue,
Nasugbu, Batangas, seven armed men,
three of whom wore police uniforms,
abducted the victimsâtwo Chinese
nationals and one South Korean.
The hostages were released the
next day after their families paid
an undisclosed ransom amount."
"Syria
A former regime security member
was shot and killed by two
unidentified gunmen in Hama city.
The victim was allegedly involved
with the former regime's air
force intelligence service."
"Syria
A man was killed in Al-Safirah
city, Aleppo, by unidentified
gunmen who fired a headshot.
The victim was a former member of the 25th
Division, a group led by Brigadier General
Suhail Al-Hassan during the former regime.
The attackers escaped the scene."
"Syria
ISIS gunmen attacked SDF military vehicles
in eastern Deir Ezzor countryside, but
were repelled without causing casualties.
The attackers used machine guns and
RPGs in a second incident in Theeban
Town, but again, no casualties or
material damage were reported."
"Syria
The Internal Security Forces reported
an attack on one of their security posts
in the Ziban town of Deir Ezzor canton
by ISIS mercenaries on a motorbike.
The attackers used RPG weapons,
but were repelled by the forces'
rapid intervention, resulting in no
casualties among the security personnel.
The forces reaffirmed their commitment
to maintaining security and stability and
continuing the fight against ISIS cells."
"Syria
ISIS cells launched multiple attacks
in Deir Ezzor, Syria, targeting
various checkpoints, including
those of the Internal Security
Forces, SDF, and Al-Asayish.
While clashes erupted in some
areas, no casualties were
reported in any of the incidents.
The attacks occurred in several
locations, including Hawaij
Zaiban Town and Jadid Okaidat in
eastern Deir Ezzor countryside."
"Turkey
Turkish authorities have detained
16 suspected members of the
Islamic State terrorist group in
Istanbul, with seven more at large.
The detentions are part of a countrywide
operation against the Islamic State,
which has been a significant threat
to Türkiye since its self-proclaimed
""caliphate"" collapsed in 2019."
"West Bank
Israeli settlers have set fire to a
farmhouse in the Palestinian village
of Abu Falah near Ramallah, according
to Palestinian media reports.
No arrests have been reported in
connection with the incident."
"West Bank
Israeli security forces have
detained a Palestinian suspect in
connection with yesterday's shooting
attack near the Reihan checkpoint
in the northern West Bank, which
seriously wounded two reservists.
The suspect surrendered to officers from
the Gideonim unit and IDF troops following
intelligence provided by the Shin Bet."
"China
The US has imposed sanctions on a Chinese
refinery, Hebei Xinhai Chemical Group,
and three port terminal operators,
for handling hundreds of millions
of dollars worth of Iranian oil.
This is the third US action against
a Chinese ""teapot"" refinery since
February, as part of efforts to pressure
Iran and prevent it from generating
revenue for its ""destabilizing agenda.""
The move comes despite ongoing
talks on a nuclear deal."
"Germany
The Federal Office for the Protection of
the Constitution (BfV) has temporarily
suspended its classification of the
Alternative for Germany (AfD) party
as a confirmed extremist organization.
This decision comes after the AfD
launched a legal challenge, accusing
the outgoing government of a
politically motivated smear campaign.
The BfV will now monitor the party
as a ""suspected case"" under
stricter judicial oversight, allowing
surveillance but with more oversight."
"Israel
The Israeli police have shut down
six schools operated by UNRWA
in East Jerusalem, enforcing a
ban on UNRWA operations within
Israel's sovereign territory.
Approximately 900 students were
affected, but the Jerusalem Municipality
is working to provide alternative
placements in other schools.
A new educational center is also being
planned in the Shuafat refugee camp,
overseen by Israel's Education Ministry."
"Kenya
The US government has announced a $10
million bounty on Abdullahi Banati,
an Al-Shabab militant linked to the
January 5, 2020, attack on Manda Bay
Airfield in Kenya, which killed three US
citizens, including military personnel.
Abdullahi, a member of the elite
Jaysh al-Ayman group, was involved
in planning the raid, which involved
around 30 to 40 militants using
mortars, RPGs, and small arms."
"Russia
Russia and China have issued a joint
statement criticizing US President
Donald Trump's plans for an ""Iron
Dome"" missile defense system.
The statement, released after
talks between Presidents Putin
and Xi Jinping in Moscow, calls
the plan ""deeply destabilizing.""
Specifically, they object to the system's
potential to strengthen the US arsenal for
conducting combat operations in space."
"Armenia
On Wednesday, Azerbaijani armed
forces fired towards Khnatsakh
village in the Syunik region, damaging
a residential building's roof.
The Armenian Defense Ministry stated
there were no casualties and urged
Azerbaijan to investigate the incident
and offer a public explanation.
This incident signifies a
recent increase in tensions
between Armenia and Azerbaijan."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
have struck over 150 targets in the
Gaza Strip, including Hamas cells and
infrastructure, in the past 72 hours.
A drone strike killed Nasser Juma,
a veteran Hamas commander and rocket
production unit member, and nearly
200 people are reported dead, although
the figures have not been verified."
"India
Between Wednesday night and Thursday
morning, Indian forces returned fire after
Pakistani troops opened fire with small
arms and artillery across the Line of
Control (LoC) in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri,
and Akhnoor sectors of Jammu and Kashmir."
"India
Recent tensions between India and
Pakistan have escalated with both
countries engaging in military actions.
Pakistan attempted to target Indian
military installations in 15 cities, but
Indian forces responded by neutralizing
Pakistani Air Defence Radars and systems.
India used advanced systems, including
HARPY drones and the Russian-made S-400
defence system, to destroy Pakistani
air defences and shoot down missiles."
"Lebanon
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon,
targeting Hezbollah infrastructure.
The strikes hit a facility near
Beaufort Castle, used by Hezbollah
to manage rocket fire and defenses,
and destroyed ""terrorists,
weapons, and tunnel shafts.""
The IDF claims this action was necessary
due to a violation of understandings
between Israel and Lebanon."
"Myanmar
On Wednesday, over 300 civilians from
Myanmar crossed into Thailand following
an assault by the Karen National
Liberation Army (KNLA) and the allied
Karen National Defence Organisation (KNDO)
on a military base controlled by the
junta in Kayin state, located roughly 1.5
miles from the Thai border."
"Myanmar
On Wednesday, junta forces conducted
air strikes on the villages of Yaehtwet
and Leikkya, Township, killing one
person and injuring nine others."
"Myanmar
During the first week of May, the Karen
National Liberation Army (KNLA) launched
sustained attacks on the junta's Htee Khee
Strategic Camp along the Dawei-Htee Khee
road in Dawei Township, prompting more
than 21 soldiers and nine police officers
to flee across the border into Thailand.
On Wednesday morning, KNLA insurgents
targeted a junta checkpoint at Pauk Taing
Bridge, the primary access point to Dawei
town, leading to reported casualties.
In retaliation, junta troops have
enhanced security and added more
checkpoints in the vicinity."
"Nigeria
Two feared bandit leaders, Jijji Æan Auta
and Sagili, were reportedly killed in a
gun duel with local security team members
in Maikwanugga, Zamfara State, on May 7.
The vigilantes have been credited
with stepping up efforts to
combat banditry in the region."
"North Korea
On Thursday, North Korea launched
multiple Short-Range Ballistic
Missiles (SRBMs) over the Sea of Japan.
According to South Korea's Joint
Chiefs of Staff, the missiles were
launched from the vicinity of Wonsan,
an eastern port city, between 8:10 a.m.
and 9:20 a.m.
One missile traveled as far
as 800 kilometers (497 miles).
The exact number of missiles
fired was not confirmed."
"Pakistan
Pakistan's military claims to have
shot down 25 Indian drones, while India
says it has neutralized Pakistan's
attempts to strike military targets.
The situation has led to the evacuation
of thousands of people from villages near
the border and the suspension of flights
at multiple airports in both countries."
"Sudan
The city of Port Sudan in eastern
Sudan has been hit by a drone attack
for the fifth consecutive day, amid
ongoing fighting between the army
and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The attack targeted the Air Force
College headquarters, with no immediate
information on casualties or damage."
"Sudan
On Wednesday evening, Rapid Support
Forces (RSF) conducted drone strikes
on the Sudanese city of Kassala
and the northern city of Merowe,
prompting anti-aircraft fire."
"Sudan
On Thursday, Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) again conducted drone strikes
on the Flamigo Naval Base at
Flamingo Bay, north of Port Sudan.
Explosions were heard across the city."
"Sudan
Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
conducted drone strikes on the
Sudanese military-controlled
city of Kosti on Thursday.
The strikes targeted fuel depots,
causing fires to break out.
There were no immediate
reports of casualties."
"Syria
Two members of the general security
forces were injured in a clash with
unidentified gunmen in the Karam
Al-Zaytoun neighbourhood of Homs city.
The incident occurred when a patrol
of general security forces stormed the
area, leading to a confrontation with
the attackers, who managed to escape."
"Syria
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has
set up a medical facility near the Druze
village of Hader in southern Syria to
treat those wounded in sectarian violence.
The facility is part of the IDF's
efforts to support the Syrian Druze
population and maintain their security.
Over 30 wounded Syrian Druze have
been evacuated to Israeli hospitals
in recent weeks, and the IDF
continues to monitor developments
and maintain readiness for defense."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked five Chinese
military aircraft, eight naval
vessels, and one official ship
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Wednesday and 6 a.m.
on Thursday.
One aircraft entered the
countryâs southwestern Air
Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
Despite President Vladimir Putin's
unilateral 72-hour ceasefire,
Russian attacks on northeastern
Ukraine have continued.
At least one person was killed
and several residential buildings
were damaged in the Sumy district.
Ukraine's air force reported
intensified Russian airstrikes
using guided aerial bombs.
The Ukrainian military has been
instructed to return fire only if
attacked during the ceasefire period."
"Ukraine
The Russian military attacked a civilian
car with an FPV drone near the village
of Velyki Prokhody, Kharkiv region,
injuring three women aged 18, 30, and 58.
The victims were hospitalized
with shrapnel wounds."
"Ukraine
Ukraine's Defense Forces intercepted
20 Russian attack drones and six
decoy UAVs in the sky over Ukraine.
The drones were launched from Russia's
Millerovo area between 14:30 and 20:30.
The attack caused damage
in the Cherkasy region.
As of May 8, no missile or UAV
attacks have been recorded, but
the Russians employed tactical
aviation at night, targeting the
Sumy region with guided bombs."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,200 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 325 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Russia claimed to have introduced a
three-day ceasefire in eastern Ukraine,
but Ukrainian military spokesperson Viktor
Trehubov says Russian troops continued to
attack Ukrainian soldiers after midnight.
Ukraine's general staff reports 139
clashes on the frontline as of 10 p.m.
last night and 196 for
the last day as of 8 a.m.
this morning."
"Ukraine
On May 8, a Russian drone struck
a car in Kupiansk, injuring two
employees of a utility company.
A 49-year-old locksmith was driving
the car and sustained wounds,
while a 51-year-old employee in
the car suffered an acubarotrauma
and acute stress reaction."
"West Bank
Israeli forces have killed a wanted
Palestinian gunman in Nablus, who was
allegedly planning attacks as a member
of the former Lion's Den terror group.
Undercover Border Police officers shot the
gunman after they identified him as armed.
A second wanted Palestinian was detained
and handed over for questioning.
No Israeli forces were
injured in the operation."
"France
Violent clashes broke out in Paris
after PSG defeated Arsenal in
the Champions League semi-final.
A car drove into supporters,
injuring three people, and a
vehicle was set alight by a gang.
The celebrations, which included
fireworks and flares, turned violent,
with shop windows broken and police
using tear gas to disperse the crowd.
A total of 43 arrests were
made during the disorder."
"Turkey
A large rally took place in Istanbul,
supporting jailed mayor Ekrem Imamoglu,
who is a key figure in the opposition's
campaign against the government.
The demonstration was one of the biggest
in recent weeks, with thousands of people
attending to show support for Imamoglu,
who is facing corruption charges and
could be barred from participating
in the 2028 presidential election."
"India
A private helicopter carrying
seven people, including the
pilot, crashed in the Gangani
area of Uttarakhand on Thursday.
The incident resulted in the deaths
of 6 people, including four from
Mumbai and two from Andhra Pradesh,
while one person was injured.
The helicopter was en route from Yamunotri
Dham when it plunged into a deep gorge.
Relief and rescue operations are underway,
with the administration and emergency
teams present at the crash site."
"Syria
A 60-year-old civilian lost their
life in an explosion in northern
Aleppo countryside, while in SDF-held
areas near Al-Qamishli, five children
sustained severe injuries from shrapnel
in a separate landmine explosion."
"Syria
A young man was seriously injured in
Al-Dasheishah, southern Al-Hasakah, after
playing with an unexploded war remnant.
He was taken to a hospital
in Damascus for treatment."
"United States
A small plane crashed at Raleigh
Executive Jetport in Sanford on
Wednesday afternoon at 4:15 p.m.
Two people were injured and
airlifted to a hospital, but the
extent of their injuries is unknown.
The FAA will investigate the incident."
"United States
On May 7, a 2007 Diamond DA-42
twin-engine aircraft experienced
a non-injury plane crash at the
Bellefontaine Regional Airport.
The incident occurred when the
co-pilot inadvertently retracted
the landing gear during takeoff,
causing a gear strike with the runway.
Fortunately, neither pilot was injured,
and the runway remained open with
only minor damage to the aircraft."
"United States
A plane, a Cessna 182, crash-landed
approximately 4 miles from Ocala
International Airport on Wednesday night.
The pilot, the only person on board, was
taken to a hospital as a trauma-alert
patient but is expected to survive.
The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) will investigate the incident."
Thanks for joining us for the May
9, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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