Congo breaks ties with Rwanda, and the US and Colombia have a back-and-forth over deportation flights
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for January 27, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
We mapped 63 events on Sunday, including
the Democratic Republic of Congo
breaking ties with Rwanda, and the US and
Colombia in a tit-for-tat exchange over
deportation flights, so let's get started.
Terrorism
"India
On Sunday, Indian security forces averted
a major tragedy in the Chandel district
of Manipur, near the border with Myanmar.
Officials reported that troops recovered a
2 kg improvised explosive device (IED) and
hand grenades along the road connecting
the villages of Gamngai and Phaijang
under the Chakpilarong police sector.
The security forces later
safely defused the IED.
During the continuation of the
operation, troops also recovered a 9
mm Pistol with three live ammunition,
a local Mortar (Pompi), an IED
explosive-1 kg, two Hand Grenades,
46 Empty cases, and 2 Detonators."
"Morocco
Morocco's Central Bureau of
Judicial Investigations (BCIJ)
has disrupted a terrorist plot
in its advanced planning stages.
Special forces arrested four
individuals linked to ISIS,
including three brothers, in the Had
Soualem area of Berrechid province.
The operation uncovered a cache
of materials for manufacturing
explosives, including bladed weapons,
chemicals, and suspicious substances.
The suspects had purchased
explosive-making chemicals and conducted
reconnaissance missions to potential tar"
"Nigeria
Between Friday and Saturday, over 50
Boko Haram fighters were killed in a
fierce rivalry battle with the Islamic
State West Africa Province (ISWAP) near
Kachalla Kellori village in Mobbar Local
Government Area (LGA), Borno State.
The conflict began when ISWAP launched
an offensive against Boko Haram
fighters who were in retreat and
disarray, heading towards Gashigar.
During the retreat, some Boko Haram
members were captured, while others sought
refuge in abandoned villages nearby."
"Nigeria
On Friday, a suspected ISWAP suicide
car bomber rammed his vehicle into a
convoy of advancing Nigerian troops
in the Timbuktu Triangle Region,
killing 27 soldiers, including their
commander, and wounding several others."
"Pakistan
On Sunday, a passenger bus traveling
toward Pakistan's Punjab province was
targeted by an improvised explosive
device (IED) in Khori, a small town
40 kilometers from Khuzdar city in
southwestern Balochistan province.
The attack resulted in one fatality and
left 15 others, including an unspecified
number of army soldiers, injured.
No group has claimed
responsibility for the blast."
"Somalia
On Friday, a suspected ISIS drone
attack on Somali forces in the Janno
Jiifta area of Puntland State killed
one soldier and wounded three others."
"Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
conducted a security operation
in Qamishli, resulting in the
dismantling of an ISIS cell
and the arrest of two members.
The cell was planning to
carry out terrorist acts by
planting explosive devices."
Military Conflict
"Democratic Republic of Congo
At least 13 soldiers serving with
peacekeeping forces in the Democratic
Republic of Congo (DRC) have been
killed in clashes with M23 rebels.
The rebel group M23, mainly
composed of ethnic Tutsis, has
made significant territorial gains,
encircling the strategic city of Goma.
The DRC has accused Rwanda
of fueling the rebellion and
has severed diplomatic ties."
"Iraq
On Sunday, a drone strike injured
a Peshmerga member near Zakho in
Duhok province, Kurdistan Region.
The incident occurred in the Zeriza
area, where the drone targeted a
private vehicle carrying the soldier.
Authorities are investigating the attack.
No group has claimed responsibility yet."
"Iraq
Turkey's Ministry of National Defense
announced on Sunday that its forces
'neutralized' 13 Kurdistan Workers'
Party (PKK) fighters during operations
in the Hakurk, Gara, and Metina areas of
the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq.
Turkish authorities use the term
'neutralized' to mean that the
terrorists in question have surrendered
or been killed or captured."
"Lebanon
The IDF confirms troops opened fire
in southern Lebanon as Lebanese
civilians and Hezbollah supporters
tried to reach villages where the
Israeli military is still deployed.
Troops fired warning shots and opened fire
to ""remove threats"" in several areas.
Four people, including a soldier,
have been killed and over 30 wounded.
Several suspects were detained
and are being questioned."
"Lebanon
The Lebanese health ministry
reports 11 deaths and 83 injuries
from IDF fire in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military fired on
suspects approaching troops, who
were still deployed in the area.
Israeli forces were supposed to
withdraw today, but they will stay
due to the ceasefire terms not
being fully enforced by Lebanon."
"Myanmar
Last Tuesday, January 21, Arakan Army
(AA) insurgents reportedly seized control
of the junta Ka Myin Kan military camp
located near the border of Ann and Ngape
townships in the Rakhine mountain ranges.
The camp housed over 100 personnel.
In response, the junta launched
airstrikes on AA positions.
Furthermore, AA militants clashed
with regime troops in the Paneyesan
and Kyatyesan areas in recent days."
"Myanmar
Last Friday, January 24, junta
forces conducted drone strikes
on the Kachin Independence Army
(KIA) headquarters in Laiza.
One of the strikes landed on
the Myitkyina Hotel in the town.
There were no injuries reported, but
some parts of the building were damaged"
"Myanmar
Last Wednesday, January 22, junta
forces in Yegyi township arrested nine
residents of Arakan State, including women
displaced by the conflict, on suspicion
of having links with the Arakan Army (AA).
The detainees comprised six men
and three women who were displaced
from Gwa and Ann townships."
"North Korea
According to state media, North Korea
conducted a strategic cruise missile test
at an undisclosed location on Saturday.
The multiple underwater-to-surface
strategic cruise missiles reportedly
traveled around 932 miles and flew
between 7,507 and 7,511 seconds
before hitting their targets.
North Koreaâs leader, Kim
Jong Un, oversaw the test."
"Philippines
A member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute
Group was killed in an encounter
with the Philippine military
in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.
The encounter lasted 15
minutes and resulted in the
recovery of war materials."
"Russia
In the early hours of January 26,
drones attacked the Ryazan oil
refinery, causing a large-scale fire.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported
that 15 Ukrainian drones were intercepted,
with eight destroyed over Ryazan, six
over Kursk, and one over Belgorod.
The governor of Ryazan confirmed the drone
strike, and local media shared geolocated
footage showing a fire near the refinery.
The refinery was cordoned off, and fire
engines were dispatched to the site.
The attack led to temporary flight rest"
"Russia
Ukrainian Air Force units and other
formations of the Ukrainian Defense
Forces have attacked drone storage
facilities in Russia's Oryol region.
The strike targeted concrete
structures storing thermobaric
warheads for drones, rendering over
200 Shahed strike drones inoperable."
"Sudan
According to the WHO Director-General
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the drone
attack on the Saudi Hospital in El-Fasher
on Saturday reportedly killed at least
70 people and wounded 19 others."
"Syria
Turkish fighter jets conducted
airstrikes in Bojaq village and
surrounding areas near Manbij,
but no casualties were reported.
A Turkish drone attacked a Syrian
Democratic Forces (SDF) military post,
killing one fighter and injuring three.
A National Army militiaman
was arrested while attempting
to infiltrate SDF positions.
Clashes between National Army factions and
SDF resulted in two deaths and injuries.
SDF rocket launchers targeted
faction gatherings, killing ten
militiamen, including a comm"
"Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
announced that they eliminated 20
Turkish-backed militants, injured nine
others, and downed two suicide drones
during clashes in northern Syria.
The fiercest fighting occurred in Abu
Qalqal, where 14 militants, including a
prominent commander, were eliminated."
"Syria
Two civilians were killed, and ten
others were injured in an attack
by a Turkish drone targeting the
Teshrin vicinity of eastern Aleppo."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked six Chinese
military aircraft and seven vessels
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Friday and Saturday.
Two aircraft crossed the median line
of the Taiwan Strait and entered the
countryâs northern and southwestern
Air Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
Russian forces attacked 35 settlements
in Ukraine's southern Kherson region
on January 25, wounding four people.
The attacks targeted various
towns and caused damage to
residential areas, including two
apartment buildings and a car."
"Ukraine
An 86-year-old woman was injured
in a Russian bomb strike in
Kupiansk, Kharkiv region.
The head of the Kharkiv Regional
Military Administration shared the news.
The woman suffered a blast injury and
a fracture and has been hospitalized."
"Ukraine
Russian troops killed one civilian
and injured another in the
Donetsk region on January 25.
Several buildings and houses were
damaged in different locations.
Russian forces shelled settlements
in the region 11 times within the
past day, leading to the evacuation
of 36 individuals, including seven
children, from front-line areas."
"Ukraine
In the Ukrainian city of Sumy, an
overnight attack by Russian drones
damaged an apartment building and
educational and administrative buildings.
There were no casualties, but emergency
response teams are working at the sites."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone strike in Kherson
injured a 49-year-old resident.
The man is currently receiving treatment
in the hospital for a blast injury."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,720 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Around 120 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Russian forces bombed a healthcare
facility in Beryslav, Kherson
region, injuring doctors.
The hospital staff took shelter, but some
doctors suffered concussion-type injuries.
Russian troops also attacked
35 settlements in the Kherson
region, injuring four people."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian defense forces have shot
down 50 drones launched by Russian
troops, with nine additional UAVs
failing to reach their targets.
The Ukrainian Air Force deployed
anti-aircraft missile troops,
electronic warfare units, and mobile
fire teams to counter the assault.
As of January 26, Ukrainian forces
had intercepted and destroyed 50
drones across multiple regions.
Nine Russian simulator drones deviated
from their intended paths, and one Russian
UAV remains in Ukrainian airspace."
"Ukraine
Russian forces attacked Kharkiv on January
25 using drones, resulting in casualties
and damage to vehicles and buildings.
Three individuals sustained
injuries and stress reactions but
did not require hospitalization.
In the Osnovianskyi district, a drone
strike damaged the windows and roofs of 12
homes, but no casualties were reported."
"Ukraine
Russian shelling in Ukraine's
Donetsk region on January 26 resulted
in one death and four injuries.
The attack caused damage to apartment
buildings, private houses, a garage,
a car, and an electrical network."
"Ukraine
During an overnight attack in Kharkiv,
Russian drones targeted a private
house, causing damage to the windows,
roof, and part of the building.
No casualties have been reported."
"Ukraine
Russian strikes caused significant
damage to residential and
non-residential buildings in Sumy
and the Pishchane village community.
Thirty buildings were affected,
including ten apartment buildings,
17 private residential houses, and
three non-residential structures.
Three cars were damaged.
The strikes also shattered 99 windows and
balcony frames and damaged four roofs."
"Ukraine
Russian forces conducted a drone
strike on the Mala Danylivka community
in the Kharkiv region, damaging
four five-story apartment buildings.
The attack resulted in damage to
building facades and window glazing,
but no injuries were reported."
"Ukraine
The Russian military used a drone
to attack and kill a man riding
a bicycle in the Kherson region.
The incident occurred between the
villages of Veletenske and Rozlyv.
Oleksandr Prokudin, the head of the
Kherson Regional Military Administration,
reported the incident on Telegram."
"Ukraine
Russian forces shelled the Nikopol
district in Ukraine's southeastern
Dnipropetrovsk region multiple
times, causing significant damage.
The attack targeted the district
center, as well as the Marhanets
and Pokrovske rural communities.
A private house, two buses, a transport
enterprise, a power line, and an
agricultural enterprise were damaged.
No injuries were reported."
"West Bank
The IDF conducted a drone strike
in the Balata camp near Nablus to
disperse a gathering of gunmen."
"West Bank
The IDF conducted Operation Iron Wall in
the West Bank city of Jenin, where they
destroyed a bomb-making lab as part of
their ongoing counterterrorism operation."
Political Conflict
"Colombia
On Saturday, 104 Revolutionary Armed
Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels,
including 20 minors, surrendered
to government forces in Cucuta.
The surrender comes amid an offensive
by the rival National Liberation Army
(ELN) in the country's northeast region.
The rebels turned over
weapons and ammunition."
"Colombia
On Saturday, Colombia's government
announced it was offering a reward of
approximately $700,000 for information
leading to the arrest and conviction
of four leaders of the National
Liberation Army (ELN) rebel group.
This rebel group is responsible for the
deadly violence in the Catatumbo region."
"Colombia
President Donald Trump announced
retaliatory measures against Colombia,
including tariffs and visa sanctions,
after the nation denied entry to two U.S.
military deportation flights.
The flights, carrying Colombian
migrants, were denied landing after
Colombian President Gustavo Petro
revoked diplomatic clearances.
Trump justified the measures by claiming
that Petro's denial jeopardized U.S.
national security.
The retaliatory measures also
include a travel ban, visa
revocations, and sanctions on
government officials and allies.
The U.S.
accuses Colombia of violating its
obligations to accept deported nationals.
The total estimated value
of trade between the U.S.
and Colombia in 2022 was $53.5
billion."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
Congo has severed diplomatic ties
with Rwanda due to ongoing fighting
between Rwanda-backed rebels and
government forces near the city of Goma.
The M23 rebel group, composed mainly
of ethnic Tutsis, has made territorial
gains along the border with Rwanda.
Rwanda denies backing the rebels but
has acknowledged having troops in
eastern Congo for security purposes.
The United Nations estimates there are
up to 4,000 Rwandan forces in Congo."
"Gaza Strip
Hamas has informed mediators that Israeli
hostage Arbel Yehud is alive and has
provided guarantees for her release.
Israel is refusing to allow
displaced Palestinians to return to
northern Gaza until Yehud is freed.
Hamas accuses Israel of violating
the ceasefire agreement and
holds them responsible for
obstructing its implementation.
They are working with mediators
to find a solution that allows the
displaced to return to northern Gaza."
"Gaza Strip
Thousands of Palestinians are
waiting to return to the northern
Gaza Strip from the central area.
The IDF was supposed to withdraw from part
of the Netzarim Corridor to allow this,
but Israel is now demanding the release
of a civilian before allowing access.
Hamas has also not provided a
list of hostages who are alive.
The IDF has warned against returning
through the Netzarim Corridor,
where troops are still present."
"United States
On Saturday, US Secretary of State
Marco Rubio escalated tensions by
threatening bounties on the heads
of Afghanistan's Taliban leaders.
Rubio's comments came just days after
the Afghan Taliban government and
the United States swapped prisoners,
one of the final acts of former
president Joe Biden's administration.
Rubio also suggested that more
Americans may be detained in Afghanistan
than previously reported, further
heightening the confrontational tone."
Civil Unrest
"Australia
Tens of thousands of people in Australia
participated in protests against
using January 26 as the national day.
Most demonstrations were peaceful,
but arrests were made in Adelaide,
including a man displaying a Nazi symbol.
""Invasion Day"" rallies took place
in multiple cities, celebrating
Indigenous culture on a day of
mourning for many First Nations people.
In Melbourne, 25,000 people marched from
Parliament House to Flinders Street.
A small pro-Australia Day rally
also occurred in Melbourne.
Multiple arrests were made in Adelaide
as far-right group members tried
to disrupt a Survival Day march.
In Sydney, thousands of people joined
a demonstration at Belmore Park."
"Bangladesh
Police used force to disperse independent
Ebtedayi madrasa teachers protesting for
the nationalization of their schools.
The teachers tried to breach a police
barricade to submit a memorandum.
Some teachers were injured
and taken to the hospital."
"Greece
Protests are occurring in Greece
and internationally in response
to the Tempe railway disaster,
which resulted in 57 deaths.
The protests, organized by the
association of victims' families,
are taking place in 97 cities in
Greece and 13 cities internationally.
A demonstration is being held in Athens at
Syntagma Square, with traffic regulations
and Metro station closures in effect.
In Thessaloniki, the ""New Railway
Station"" Metro station is closed, but
train services on Line 1 are unaffected."
"Malaysia
Dozens of mostly youth protesters
marched peacefully in downtown Kuala
Lumpur on January 25, calling for Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim to accelerate
reforms and combat corruption.
The crowd, which grew to around
200, chanted slogans and carried
posters denouncing corruption.
The protest was organized by a group
called the People's Secretariat
Against Corruption, with participation
from opposition parties."
"Pakistan
A large protest march organized by
the Awami Tehreek (AT) took place
in Sindh, with participants rallying
against corporate farming and the
construction of six new canals.
The protesters demanded that land be
allocated to local, landless farmers
instead of corporate entities."
"United States
Hundreds of community members
gathered at Fletcher Plaza to protest
President Trump's threat of mass
deportations, housing injustices,
and exploitation by the ultra-rich.
The rally aimed to challenge
anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies
affecting Aurora's diverse population.
Immigrants and supporters
expressed concerns about Trump's
""Operation Aurora"" and the
demonization of immigrants."
Cyber
"Israel
A group of Iranian hackers
breached the loudspeaker and panic
button system in kindergartens
and educational institutions.
They broadcasted Persian songs and Arabic
messages to the children and staff.
The systems have been disconnected
and the company responsible
is working to fix the issue.
Several Israelis also received text
messages as part of the cyberattack."
Weapons
"Syria
Syrian authorities have intercepted
a weapons shipment destined for
the Hezbollah group in Lebanon.
The shipment was being smuggled
through the Lebanon-Syria border
near the city of Sarghaya.
The seized weapons include assault
rifles, RPG launchers, and ammunition.
This is the second recent incident where
Syrian authorities have intercepted
weapons intended for Hezbollah."
Accidents
"India
On Sunday, a parcel van collided with
and derailed two empty train coaches
near the Padmapukur Railway Station
in the Howrah district of West Bengal.
No one was injured in the derailment."
"Italy
The bodies of two children were
found after a migrant boat sank
in the southern Mediterranean.
A search-and-rescue vessel rescued 15
people, while three are still missing.
Survivors and the bodies were transferred
to an Italian Coast Guard boat along
with 38 other rescued individuals.
The incident occurred in Malta's SAR area,
about 58 nautical miles from Lampedusa."
"Nigeria
At least 18 people died, and 10 others
were injured in southern Nigeria
after a gasoline tanker exploded.
The accident occurred on the
Enugu-Onitsha expressway in Enugu state.
The tanker lost control, collided with
17 vehicles, and burst into flames."
"Pakistan
On Saturday, a remnant mortar shell
blast killed a child and injured three
others in Azam Warsak, South Waziristan.
The incident occurred when the children
picked up and mistook the mortar shell for
a toy, leading to the fatal explosion."
"Syria
A civilian in his 50s died in
the explosion of a hand grenade
near Al-Mashnaqa Square in
the center of Al-Suwaydaa."
"Syria
Several incidents involving explosions
of unexploded objects and old landmines
have resulted in injuries and fatalities
in different regions of Syria.
Three children were injured while playing
near a soil barrier in Al-Raqqah, a
young man was killed in Al-Shakosiyah
village in eastern Hama, four young men
were injured in Maarrat Al-Nuâman city
in Idlib, a child was killed and two
others were injured in Al-Quriyah desert
in Deir Ezzor, and a woman was killed
and two young men were injured in Al-K"
Other Events
"South Korea
On Sunday, January 26, 2025, South
Koreaâs prosecutors indicted President
Yoon Suk Yeol for insurrection
over his short-lived declaration
of martial law on December 3, 2024.
This is the first time a sitting South
Korean president has faced criminal
charges while still in office."
"Thanks for joining us for the January
27, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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