Duterte impeachment trial pushed to June, as planning and cleanup continue for Trump's Gaza plan
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for February 7, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
We collected 72 events on Thursday,
including Philippines Vice President
Duterte's impeachment trial being pushed
to June, and continued cleanup over the
Trump Gaza plan, so let's get started.
Terrorism
"Gabon
Last Friday, January 31, armed pirates
attacked a fishing trawler in the Gabonese
waters off the coast of Libreville,
abducting three Senegalese crew members.
The Gabonese navy swiftly deployed a
patrol vessel to conduct search operations
for the pirates and the three abducted
sailors while the fishing trawler
was escorted back to Port-Gentil."
"Iraq
On Thursday, the Baghdad Operations
Command announced that Iraqi
security forces had arrested a
suspected terrorist in the capital.
Security units, in collaboration with the
Anti-Kidnapping Cell of the Intelligence
and Security Department, executed
the pre-planned ambush alongside other
agencies to apprehend the suspect."
"Iraq
Security forces arrested a suspected
terrorist during an operation in the
town of Baiji in Saladin province."
"Niger
On Monday, an attack by terrorists near
the village of Takzat, near Niger's
border with Burkina Faso, resulted in
the deaths of 10 soldiers, according
to the Nigerien military junta.
The assailants managed to flee the area;
however, security forces hunted down
and killed 15 terrorists on Tuesday."
"Nigeria
Brigadier General Maharazu Tsiga
(retired), a former Director General of
the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC),
was abducted by suspected terrorists
at his residence in Tsiga, Bakori Local
Government Area (LGA), Katsina State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday
night, where the terrorists shot
and killed one person before
abducting Tsiga and nine others."
"Nigeria
Terrorists have attacked the Majagada
community in Lere Local Government
Area (LGA), Kaduna State, killing
at least four people, injuring
others, and abducting 12 individuals,
including women and children."
"Nigeria
A violent dispute over land ownership
between the Afo people of Angwan
Duse and Angwan Kasa communities in
the Odu ward of Nasarawa State has
resulted in the deaths of two people
and the destruction of several homes.
Despite previous mediation efforts,
the crisis remains unresolved."
"Nigeria
Two people were killed and others
injured when their vehicle detonated an
IED planted by Boko Haram terrorists.
The incident occurred while they were
traveling from Harang and Jibhuhwui
villages to Garkida community."
"Pakistan
On Wednesday, a suspected grenade
blast in the Mohallah Khudadad area
of Peshawar wounded one person."
"Pakistan
A leader of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf
from Nowshera district, Mian Usman
Shah, was killed by unidentified
assailants near Pabbi railway station.
He was traveling with a friend when
they were ambushed by motorcyclists.
Usman died on the spot while
his friend was injured and
is now receiving treatment."
"Pakistan
A police official and his friend
were killed in an armed attack
on their car near Muridke.
The official was from the Organised
Crime Unit (OCU) headquarters in Lahore.
The driver was injured
and taken to the hospital.
Police collected evidence and registered
a case against unidentified attackers."
"Pakistan
One person was injured in a suspected
grenade explosion in Mohallah Khudadad.
The bomb disposal unit is
investigating the cause.
The incident has raised concerns
among locals in the busy trade hub.
An assistant from a shop was also
injured and taken to the hospital."
"Pakistan
A militant attack on a police post in
Karak, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths
of 3 officers and injuries to 5 others.
The attack occurred before dawn on
Thursday, with police returning fire.
No one immediately claimed
responsibility for the attack.
However, Pakistan's Interior
Minister, Mohsin Naqvi, condemned
the attack and blamed the Pakistani
Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP), for the incident."
"Pakistan
Tuesday night, terrorists attacked
the Janta Raghazai security checkpoint
in Saratoga tehsil of Upper South
Waziristan district, killing two security
personnel and injuring five others.
Security forces killed three
militants during the attack.
According to sources, militants
launched an assault on the
checkpoint, resulting in an exchange
of gunfire with security forces."
"Philippines
Two New People's Army (NPA) combatants
were killed in a series of clashes
with the Philippine Army in the
area of the village of Santo Nino,
Paranas, Samar province, on Wednesday.
The troops also recovered war
materials, including an M16 rifle, a .45
caliber pistol, anti-personnel mines,
one rifle grenade, assorted magazines,
and ammunition after the encounters."
"Somalia
Between Tuesday and Wednesday, a violent
24-hour battle between Islamic State
fighters and Puntland security forces
around the Dharin and Qurac areas of
the Cal Miskaad mountains in Somalia's
Puntland region resulted in the deaths of
nearly 70 people and up to 50 injuries.
According to security officials, at
least 57 Islamic State militants and 15
soldiers were killed during the fighting.
Puntland forces successfully captured
the strategic village of Dharin in
Togga Jecel, dealing a significant
blow to the extremist group's
operational capabilities in the region.
Furthermore, Tuesday night, the
United Arab Emirates conducted a drone
strike against the IS militants in
the area to support Puntland forces."
"Syria
Gunmen from ISIS cells launched a
surprise attack on a group of SDF
members in the Deir Ezzor countryside.
One SDF member was killed, and another
was injured before the gunmen escaped."
"Syria
A man was found dead with gunshot
wounds in his car on the road between
Ras Al-Ain and Al-Jebbah in the western
Qalamoun area in the Yabroud countryside.
The man was collaborating with
the former regime and played a
major role in the advancement of
regime forces in Bakh'a town."
"Thailand
On Thursday, a bomb blast disrupted
the new mayor's first day in office
at the Rueso Tambon Administrative
Organisation in Narathiwat province.
An explosive device had been hidden
in a garbage truck parked within the
TAO office compound, detonating and
igniting a brief fire in the vehicle.
Firefighters on the scene were
able to extinguish the blaze."
Military Conflict
"Colombia
Colombian Defense Minister Iván
Velásquez reported that a member
of the ELN was killed in Operation
Catatumbo in the country's northeast.
Two other insurgents were
captured, along with weapons.
The ELN launched four explosive
devices, but no soldiers were affected."
"India
A truck driver was shot dead
by an Army search team in North
Kashmir's Baramulla district.
The driver allegedly defied a signal
to stop at a checkpoint and sped away.
The troops chased the truck for 23
km before overtaking and stopping it.
The driver, identified as Waseem Majeed
Mir, was declared dead at the hospital.
The truck, which was fully loaded,
has been sent to the nearest police
station for further investigation."
"Iran
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have
acquired their first ship capable of
launching drones and helicopters at sea.
The Shahid Beheshti, a converted container
ship, has a 590-ft runway and can operate
without refueling for up to one year.
This new addition to Iran's fleet aims
to increase defense and deterrence
capability in distant waters and
maintain national security interests."
"Iraq
Turkey conducted airstrikes on PKK
militants near Gelale Village, Mawat
district in Sulaymani province on
February 6, 2025, resulting in the death
of three militants, including a senior
official, and leaving two others missing."
"Iraq
Drone strikes carried out by
Turkey in northern Iraq killed a
PKK commander and two fighters.
The PKK, designated as a terrorist
organization by Turkey and its
allies, has been engaged in a
long-standing insurgency against Ankara.
The strikes targeted two cars
and a hideout in the Mawat
area of Sulaimaniyah province."
"Lebanon
Israeli fighter jets reportedly
conducted strikes in the Nabatieh
area and the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon.
These areas are north of the Litani River,
where Hezbollah is supposed to withdraw
according to a ceasefire agreement.
The IDF has not yet commented
on the reported strikes."
"Russia
Ukraine's Defense Forces targeted
Russia's Primorsko-Akhtarsky military
airfield in the Krasnodar Territory.
The airfield is used for storing and
launching attack drones at Ukraine."
"Sudan
On Thursday, the Sudanese army
captured three more towns from
the rebel Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) in central Sudan, including
al-Maseed, al-Nuba, and al-Tayyi.
This brings the Sudanese army closer
to controlling key areas in Al-Jazirah
State, with the towns of Giad and
Abu Quta still under RSF control."
"Sudan
According to military spokesperson Brig.
Gen.
Nabil Abdullah, the Sudanese army, has
secured complete control of several key
areas within the capital city of Khartoum.
The army has successfully breached
RSF defense lines in the Al-Shajara
area and regained control of
several residential neighborhoods.
The RSF still controls some areas,
including Khartoum International
Airport and positions under the Tuti
Bridge, but the army is advancing
from the south to encircle them.
The military aims to regain
control of strategic locations,
including the Jebel Aulia Dam."
"Syria
The Qarquzaq bridge and Teshreen
Dam in Aleppo's eastern countryside
were bombarded by Turkish forces
and their proxy factions, as well as
the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
Turkish forces fired rockets near
the Qarquzaq bridge, while SDF rocket
launchers targeted positions on the
same frontline, resulting in casualties.
Additionally, SDF rocket launchers
attacked Turkish-backed factions near
the Teshreen dam, causing casualties.
Turkish drones also conducted airstrikes
on positions in Kherbat Twini village
near the dam, with unconfirmed
reports of casualties among the SDF."
"Syria
The Military Operations Administration
conducted a combing operation in
several villages in western Homs
countryside to expel militants,
smugglers, drug traffickers, and
individuals linked to Hezbollah.
Tanks, armored vehicles, drones, and
heavy weaponry were used, resulting
in shells hitting civilian areas.
Clashes occurred between
security forces and militants,
leading to one person dead."
"Syria
Turkish forces stationed in the Nabaaâ
Al-Salam area in eastern Ras Al-Ain
countryside fired heavy artillery
shells on Dirdara, Aboush, Om Al-Kaif,
and Tel Tawil Villages in Tel Tamr
countryside northern of Al-Hasakah.
No casualties were reported."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked 27 Chinese
military aircraft, six naval
vessels, and one official ship
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Wednesday and 6 a.m.
on Thursday.
23 aircraft crossed the Taiwan
Strait median line in the nationâs
northern, southwestern, and eastern
Air Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
On the night of February 6, the
Ukrainian Air Force shot down
56 out of 77 Russian drones.
Various units of the Ukrainian Air Force
and Defense Forces repelled the attack.
Additionally, 18 Russian
imitator drones were lost without
any negative consequences.
The Russian attack affected the regions
of Kharkiv, Cherkasy, and Dnipro."
"Ukraine
On February 4, a Russian drone
attack damaged a dormitory and
a building at Taras Shevchenko
National University of Kyiv.
The blast wave caused windows to break
and a classroom ceiling to collapse.
Debris from the attack was also seen
falling on a high-rise building in the
Pechersk district, damaging windows
in educational institutions, an
outpatient clinic, and outbuildings."
"Ukraine
In Kharkiv, a Russian drone
struck one of the city's
largest markets, causing a fire.
The mayor provided
updates on the situation.
No casualties have been reported so far.
Ukraine is under attack by
multiple groups of Shaheds."
"Ukraine
The Russian army launched a killer drone
attack on the city of Kharkiv, according
to the city's Mayor, Ihor Terekhov.
The drone hit a densely populated area
near a nine-story building, but there
are no confirmed casualties at this time.
The attack also caused damage
to a hundred shopping kiosks
in the city's largest market."
"Ukraine
The Russians attacked a car
belonging to Ukrposhta JSC near
Pokrovsk, but the employees survived.
The CEO, Ihor Smelyansky,
reported the incident on Telegram,
highlighting the ongoing attacks
on Ukrposhta in frontline regions.
The employees were able to
survive thanks to their armor."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone damaged power lines in
the Novobavarsky district of Kharkiv.
Trade pavilions in the Kyiv
district were also damaged.
There were no casualties.
In Kupiansk, a man was injured
in a shelling, and a volunteer
was injured when a drone dropped
an explosive device on a car.
In Borshchova, a hit to
the ground was recorded.
Ukrainian troops repelled four
Russian attacks in the Vovchansk
and Kozacha Lopan areas.
The Russian army launched eight
attacks in the Kupiansk sector.
Fifteen people were evacuated
from Kupiansk and Borivske.
A tractor driver was injured in
Kupiansk due to a Russian drone strike."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,240 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 300 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
In Odesa district, a Russian
missile strike on a residential
building resulted in one fatality
and one person being injured.
The incident occurred when both men
were passing by an unfinished building.
The injured individual is in
critical condition, and emergency
services are at the scene."
"Ukraine
Russian forces injured four residents
of the Donetsk region on February 5,
according to Vadym Filashkin, the head
of the regional state administration."
"Ukraine
In the Kherson region, Russians shelled
the village of Dniprovske with artillery,
injuring a 66-year-old civilian.
The victim sustained an explosive
injury, a shrapnel wound to the chest,
and an open fracture of the scapula."
"Ukraine
In the Nikopol district of the
Dnipro region, civilian objects
were damaged by Russian army
strikes, resulting in injuries and
the hospitalization of a woman.
The attacks targeted Nikopol, Marhanets,
and Chervonohryhorivska communities
using kamikaze drones, artillery,
and ammunition dropped from a drone.
Multiple buildings, houses, outbuildings,
a greenhouse, a non-operational
building, and cars were damaged.
Two enterprises, infrastructure, shops,
and a power line were also affected."
"Ukraine
In the Sumy region, a Russian drone
crashed in the Okhtyrka community,
damaging four private houses.
No injuries were reported."
"West Bank
Israeli forces conducted a
large-scale counterterrorism
operation in the northern West Bank.
They discovered and destroyed a
bomb manufacturing lab and seized
explosive devices, weapons, and
money used for terror activities.
Two terror suspects were arrested,
and no Israeli forces were injured."
Political Conflict
"Democratic Republic of Congo
Malawi's President Lazarus Chakwera
has instructed the Malawi Defence
Force (MDF) to prepare for the
withdrawal of its troops from the
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
following the deaths of three soldiers.
The troops are part of the Southern
African Development Community
(SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC),
which aims to assist the country
in dealing with armed insurgents.
The exact timing of the withdrawal
is yet to be determined.
South Africa, on the other hand, has
pledged to maintain its troops in the
DRC as part of the SAMIDRC mission."
"India
On Wednesday, the Hamas Palestinian
Islamist organization reportedly formed
an alliance with the terrorist groups
Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in
Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and threatened
to separate Kashmir from India.
The coalition took place at a
conference held in Rawalakote.
This development reveals Pakistan's
crucial role in promoting terrorism under
the guise of 'Kashmir Solidarity Day.'
Hamas has historically been
involved in terrorist activities
in the Middle East, but its recent
expansion into India indicates a
growing influence in the region."
"Israel
Inspired by President Trump's relocation
vision, Israeli Defense Minister Israel
Katz has ordered the IDF to prepare a plan
for Gazans to voluntarily leave the Strip.
Katz welcomed Trump's plan and
accused Hamas of using Gaza
residents as human shields.
He wants residents to be able to
emigrate to countries that have leveled
""false accusations"" against Israel.
Potential destinations include
Spain, Ireland, Norway, and Canada.
The plan would allow for exit through
land, maritime, and aerial routes.
Katz believes this plan could advance
rehabilitation in a demilitarized Gaza.
Several of the named countries
have condemned the plan."
"Myanmar
Thailand has cut off power
supplies to areas in Myanmar
known for operating scam networks.
These areas, including Myawaddy and
Tachilek, are havens for criminal
syndicates involved in online scams,
such as false romantic ploys, bogus
investments, and illegal gambling.
The scams have resulted in billions
of dollars in stolen funds, while
those recruited to carry them out are
often trapped in virtual slavery."
"Philippines
The impeachment trial of Vice President
Sara Duterte in the Philippines will
begin in June after Congress reopens.
The House of Representatives
impeached Duterte on various charges,
including plotting to assassinate
the president and corruption.
Over 215 legislators signed
the complaint, allowing it to
be transmitted to the Senate.
Senate President Francis Escudero stated
that the trial can only start when the
Senate resumes its session on June 2."
"Philippines
The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry
Division presented 232 former NPA
members, including regular NPA
members and members of the People's
Militia, who surrendered firearms.
Special Assistant to the President,
Antonio Ernesto Lagdameo Jr.,
praised the former rebels for
choosing peace and emphasized
the importance of unity.
The former rebels will be enrolled in
the government's reintegration program."
"United States
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
and Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff are
walking back or softening some elements
of Trump's plan to take over Gaza.
Rubio clarified that the removal of
Palestinians would be temporary and that
the US would assist with debris removal,
munitions removal, and reconstruction.
Trump mentioned the possibility of
sending troops to Gaza, but Witkoff
stated that Trump does not want to deploy
troops or spend US dollars on Gaza.
The administration had been working
on this plan for some time."
"United States
US President Donald Trump clarified
his plan to relocate Palestinians
from Gaza and have the US take
over the territory's rebuilding.
He suggests that the Gaza Strip
would be turned over to the US by
Israel after the fighting concludes.
Trump believes that Gazans would
be resettled in safer and more
beautiful communities in the region.
He states that no US soldiers
would be needed in Gaza, as the US,
along with development teams from
around the world, would gradually
and carefully begin construction."
"United States
The U.S.
Postal Service initially announced a
ban on inbound packages from China and
Hong Kong on Tuesday due to new tariffs
and the removal of a customs exemption.
However, the ban was reversed on
Wednesday without explanation.
The ban had the potential to
disrupt online shopping platforms
and increase prices for companies
that rely on cheap shipping."
Civil Unrest
"United States
Protesters gathered in Washington, D.C.,
to demonstrate against the Trump
administration's decision to furlough
most employees at the United States Agency
for International Development (USAID).
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has expressed
support for shutting down USAID,
leading to concerns about halted work
and the potential spread of Ebola."
"United States
Protesters gathered in Denver, Colorado,
for a ""spontaneous"" demonstration
following immigration raids.
Thousands attended the protest at the
state capitol, making it the largest
protest since Trump's second inauguration.
The protest coincided with the #50501
protest, which involved 50 demonstrations
across all 50 states in a single day."
Cyber
"Afghanistan
The Taliban's Ministry of
Communications has confirmed a cyber
breach where documents from multiple
government departments were leaked.
The breach is believed to have
occurred due to inadequate security
measures on individual computers.
The Taliban maintains that their
central government database
has not been compromised.
An unidentified group launched
a cyberattack and published
classified documents from 21
ministries and agencies online."
"United Kingdom
A cyberattack has hit engineering
firm IMI following a similar incident
at rival company Smiths Group.
The extent of the data accessed
is undisclosed, but multiple
locations have been affected.
IMI has isolated systems and is
working with cybersecurity experts"
Weapons
"India
On Wednesday, a joint team of security
forces recovered three AK 47 rifles,
11 AK magazines, 292 AK rounds, one
UBGL (Under-Barrel Grenade Launcher),
nine UBGL grenades, and two hand
grenades and other explosives from a
hollow trunk of a tree at Anganpathri
in Boniyar, Baramulla district."
Accidents
"Canada
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada
(TSB) is investigating a train derailment
in a northern Ontario community.
Canadian National Railway (CN)
confirmed that the derailment
occurred west of Emo, Ont.
The derailed cars were
transporting potash.
Train movement has resumed, and CN
crews are working to clear the site.
No hazardous goods, fires,
or injuries were reported.
TSB investigators have been
deployed to gather information
and assess the incident."
"Gaza Strip
Two Israeli soldiers were killed,
and eight others were wounded in
an accident in the Gaza Strip.
The incident involved a collapsed
crane due to harsh winds."
"India
On Thursday, an Indian Air Force
(IAF) Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft
crashed in Madhya Pradesh's
Shivpuri, injuring its pilots.
According to defense officials, a
Court of Inquiry has been ordered to
investigate the cause of the crash.
The incident occurred during a
routine training sortie, and the
pilots were immediately rushed
to a hospital for treatment."
"Italy
On Wednesday, a helicopter crashed in
Castelguelfo di Noceto, near Parma,
Italy, killing all three people on board.
Among the victims was Lorenzo
Rovagnati, the CEO of a renowned
Italian deli meat company famous
for its ""Gran Biscotto"" ham."
"Malaysia
An Indonesian national died in a
helicopter crash during a refueling
stop in Bentong, Malaysia on Thursday.
The incident occurred when the
helicopter lost control, striking
Finsen with its rotor blade.
The pilot survived with minor injuries."
"Philippines
On Thursday, a US military-contracted
plane crashed in a rice field in Ampatuan
town in the southern Philippines, killing
all four foreign nationals on board."
"Philippines
On Thursday, a helicopter crash
occurred in the Philippines,
resulting in four fatalities.
The helicopter, which was carrying only
one person at the time of the crash,
had transported a passenger to a nearby
city and was on its way back to Manila
when it encountered engine difficulties
and eventually crashed in a swampy area
in Guimba town, Nueva Ecija province."
"Syria
A civilian was killed in a
landmine explosion in the
southern Deir Ezzor Desert.
In a separate incident, two children were
injured by shrapnel from another landmine
explosion in the Efrin countryside.
They were taken to a
hospital for treatment."
"Syria
An explosion of an old
landmine in Hursh Kafr Nebl in
southern Idlib killed a child.
No other details were
reported in the incident."
"United States
Wednesday night, a pilot survived a
plane crash off Alexander Road near
Pine Bluff, Lincoln County, Arkansas."
"United States
Wednesday afternoon, a small plane
crash occurred just near the Perry
County Airport near New Lexington,
resulting in minor injuries
to the pilot and passenger."
Other Events
"Israel
The State Attorney's Office has filed an
indictment against a 31-year-old Israeli
settler, Shmuel Za'afran, for shooting
at a Palestinian family in the West Bank.
Za'afran is charged with aggravated
assault with a terrorist motive.
The attack occurred in late October 2024
while the family was harvesting olives.
Two people were wounded, with
one requiring multiple surgeries.
The indictment charges Za'afran with
two counts of terrorism and deliberately
causing injury with aggravated intent."
"Taiwan
Taiwan's Ministry of Justice
indicted three Taiwan Air Force
officers and an accomplice for
leaking military intelligence
to China in exchange for loans.
The suspects allegedly provided classified
information, including details of
the Han Kuang Exercise, to a Chinese
intelligence officer operating in Taiwan."
"Thanks for joining us for the February
7, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
As a reminder, complete reports with
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