Hamas delays hostage releases, and China retaliates with tariffs
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for February 11, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
We collected and mapped 67 events
on Monday, including Hamas delaying
future hostage releases and China
retaliating with tariffs on the US.
Let's go ahead and get started.
Terrorism
"Afghanistan
Over the past several days, the
Afghan Islamic Emirate's special
forces have conducted a successful
operation against an ISIL-affiliated
network in Takhar, Kunduz, Baghlan,
and Samangan provinces, arresting
an unspecified number of terrorists.
Troops also recovered large
quantities of weapons, ammunition,
grenades, and explosives from them.
The network, led by the Khorasan
branch of ISIS in Pakistan's
Balochistan, was responsible
for several terrorist attacks."
"Afghanistan
Local sources in Farah report a
mine explosion that killed three
people and injured two others near
the Abu Naser Farahi checkpoint
in the Qala-e-Kah district.
The explosion occurred when a passenger
vehicle came in contact with a landmine."
"Cameroon
Late Sunday night, Boko Haram insurgents
attacked the village of Sanda Wajiri in
northern Cameroon, killing four people
and setting fire to homes and food stores.
Residents put up a fierce resistance,
managing to kill one attacker
before the insurgents retreated.
The attack is the latest in a series
of violent raids in the Lake Chad
region, where multiple countries have
struggled to contain the insurgency."
"India
A potential tragedy was averted in Manipur
as four improvised explosive devices
(IEDs) were recovered by security forces.
The explosives were found using a
sniffer dog in Bishnupur District.
The IEDs were later defused by the police
bomb detection and disposal squad."
"India
On Friday night, a group of approximately
30 armed men attacked a police outpost
in Kakmayai, Thoubal district of Manipur.
The assailants looted nine firearms
before one of the attackers was detained.
The arrested individual led the police
to the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP)
hideouts in the Ngamukhong foothills in
Imphal East, where police recovered eight
of the stolen weapons as well as a large
cache of additional arms and ammunition.
Security forces also conducted combing
operations in Ningel, Malom, Toubul, and
Langathel and busted a KCP hideout in
Langathel Chingkhong, leading to further
recoveries of arms and ammunition."
"Nigeria
On Sunday, at least 19 people are
feared dead after clashes between two
rival groups, Icelanders and Deybam,
in Obelle in southern Rivers State.
The fighting is linked to oil company
levies in the region and is believed
to have started after a raid on
the Obelle Community on Wednesday.
Police confirmed ten deaths."
"Nigeria
A pastor, Buba Galadima, was shot
and killed by armed robbers at his
residence in the village of Lubo,
Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area (LGA)
of Gombe State, early Sunday morning."
"Nigeria
On Monday, February 10, 2025,
suspected local bandits killed one
person and kidnapped nine others in
an attack on Palaita, a village near a
military base in Erena, Shiroro Local
Government Area (LGA), Niger State.
The terrorists, who rode on motorcycles,
attacked villages along the road to
Palaita before moving to the town,
where they killed one person and
kidnapped five men and four women.
Villagers fled their homes to
Erena as soldiers confronted
the attackers in Palaita.
The terrorists also stole livestock
like cattle, sheep, and goats."
"Philippines
Gunmen ambushed and killed a bus company
manager and another person as they were
traveling in their vehicle in Barangay
Kayaga, Kabacan, Cotabato, on Monday."
"Somalia
Somali forces arrested two men while
they planted explosives on the road
connecting Turmasaale and Quruc, a
major supply route for the Puntland
Defense Forces in the Bari region."
"South Sudan
Two students from the Nagero Secondary
School in Western Equatoria State,
South Sudan, were abducted and killed
by the South Sudan People's Defense
Forces (SSPDF) over the weekend.
Authorities found the bodies
of the students on Monday."
"West Bank
Israeli forces detained a Hamas operative
planning terror attacks in the Jenin area.
The operation involved the
Shin Bet security agency, Yamam
counter-terrorism unit, and IDF.
The detained Palestinians had
been planning attacks against
Israeli civilians and IDF troops.
A handgun and explosive devices
were seized during the arrest."
Military Conflict
"Afghanistan
The Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) has
claimed responsibility for attacking
a Taliban checkpoint in Herat.
They reported killing two Taliban
members and injuring two others.
The Taliban blocked roads to the site,
hindering independent reporting."
"India
Security forces conducted a joint
operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara
district, recovering two AK series Rifles,
ammunition, and other war-like stores.
The operation, named Green
House, is currently in progress."
"Iraq
The Iraqi Air Force has conducted
a precision airstrike on an ISIL
hideout in Kirkuk, targeting terrorist
remnants based on intelligence reports.
This operation is part of Iraq's
ongoing counterterrorism efforts
to eliminate ISIL remnants.
Casualties and damage were unknown."
"Israel
After Hamas postponed the release of
Israeli hostages, the IDF raised its
alert level and canceled furlough
for troops in the Southern Command.
Combat soldiers and essential units
will remain deployed in the area.
The IDF is also increasing forces for
defensive missions on the Gaza border.
These actions were taken after
a fresh assessment by the IDF."
"Myanmar
Between last Friday and Saturday,
Arakan Army insurgents shelled junta
battalions and military bases in Sittwe.
Casualties and damage were unknown."
"Myanmar
On Saturday, a junta airstrike on
Kyeintali Town, Gwa Township, killed
one person and wounded six others.
Several homes sustained damage.
The airstrike targeted the Bo Te
structure in Kyeintali, thinking Arakan
Army insurgents (AA) soldiers held it."
"Myanmar
On Saturday, junta airstrikes targeted an
area between Let Pan Pin Yin and Nyaung
Pin Le villages in Rathedaung Township.
There were no casualties.
However, several homes sustained damage."
"Nigeria
Sunday night and early Monday morning,
troops from Operation Fansan Yanma
conducted a night raid in Nasarawa
village, Anka Local Government
Area (LGA) of Zamfara State.
The operation targeted a bandit
hideout and resulted in the
neutralization of four armed criminals,
including a high-profile bandit.
One suspect was captured and taken into
custody for further investigation."
"Pakistan
The Counter-Terrorism Department
(CTD) and police conducted a joint
operation in Karak district, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, killing five terrorists.
The operation was based on intelligence
reports about the presence of
terrorists in the Mir Kalam Banda area.
The bodies of the militants
have been taken to the District
Headquarters Hospital for
identification and investigation.
No casualties were reported among
the CTD or police personnel."
"Pakistan
The security forces in Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa province conducted two
operations, killing seven terrorists.
Three terrorists were killed and two
injured in one operation, while four
terrorists were neutralized and four
others injured in another operation."
"Russia
Drones attacked the Afipsky oil refinery
in Russia's Krasnodar territory.
The refinery is a key oil processing
plant with a strategic role in
fueling Russian military equipment.
It is also a key logistical hub for
supplying diesel fuel and aviation
kerosene to the Russian military."
"Somalia
Puntland Defense Forces launched
an assault on ISIS hideouts in
the upper parts of Togga Jaceel,
in the Cal Miskaak mountain range
in the Bari region on Sunday.
Troops shot and killed a Tunisian
national after he attempted to
surrender but then tried to detonate
an explosive device among the soldiers.
The assault also resulted in the
deaths of two Puntland soldiers."
"Somalia
Security forces in Somalia's Puntland
region conducted airstrikes targeting
terrorist hideouts, resulting in the death
of over 13 foreign Islamic State fighters.
The operation also uncovered previously
used bases by the terrorist group.
The country responsible for the
airstrike was not specified, but
it occurred shortly after US Africa
Command confirmed conducting airstrikes
against the Islamic State in Somalia."
"Sudan
On Friday and Saturday, Rapid
Support Forces (RSF) attacked Saloma
village and the surrounding area in
Sudan's North Darfur state, displacing
an estimated 8,000 households.
The village homes were burned
during the fighting, leaving
thousands without shelter."
"Syria
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) attacked
a military vehicle in Al-Qasemiyah
village, killing two militiamen.
SDF bombarded a military base
near Qarrah Quzaq frontline,
injuring five militiamen."
"Syria
A commander of ISIS blew himself
up, and another member was shot
dead by SDF commando forces
during a siege in Markadah town.
The operation, supported by International
Coalition Forces, also resulted in the
arrest of five other ISIS members."
"Syria
The Turkish Defense Ministry
announced that they neutralized
three PKK members in northern Syria.
The term ""neutralized"" refers
to individuals who have been
killed, captured, or surrendered.
The Turkish army targeted the militants
in areas controlled by Operation Euphrates
Shield and Operation Peace Spring."
"Syria
Turkish fighter jets and drones conducted
airstrikes on Al-Qasimiyah village
and other areas in Sarin countryside,
causing panic among residents.
Additionally, a Turkish drone
attacked a military post of the Syrian
Democratic Forces (SDF), resulting
in the death of two SDF members."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked six Chinese naval
vessels and five military aircraft
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Sunday and 6 a.m.
on Monday.
Three aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait
median line in the countryâs southwestern
Air Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
The Russian army fired artillery
at the central part of Kherson,
hitting a high-rise building
and injuring one person.
The attack damaged
apartments and cars nearby.
In a separate incident, a
79-year-old resident of Antonivka
was attacked with a drone."
"Ukraine
In the Fastiv district of the Kyiv
region, a Russian UAV attack on
February 10 damaged three private
houses and an educational institution.
The windows and doors of the affected
buildings were damaged, but there
were no civilian casualties or
damage to critical infrastructure.
Emergency teams are assessing
the aftermath of the attack."
"Ukraine
In the Poltava region, a
Russian drone attack caused
damage to a dacha cooperative.
The drone was shot down by the air defense
system, resulting in a car catching
fire and damage to 30 summer cottages.
Fortunately, there were no casualties and
no damage to critical infrastructure."
"Ukraine
Fighting is ongoing on the outskirts of
Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk region.
The fighting has impacted the Russians'
attempts to advance in other directions.
Fighting is also ongoing in the village
of Kotlyne in the Pokrovsk sector."
"Ukraine
The Defense Forces of Ukraine
have shot down 61 Russian drones
and lost track of 22 others.
The Russian forces launched 83
strike UAVs from multiple locations.
Ukrainian forces successfully repelled
the attack and destroyed Russian
drones across various regions.
Russian attacks caused damage in
several regions, including Poltava.
Drone debris damaged buildings
in a residential cooperative
in the Poltava region."
"Ukraine
During the day, the Russians
struck 401 times at 12 settlements
in the Zaporizhzhia region.
The Russians carried out air
strikes, UAV attacks, rocket
launcher attacks, and artillery
shell attacks on various locations.
There were 15 reports of damage
to apartments and private houses,
but no civilians were injured."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,170 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Around 300 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Russian shelling in the Dniprovskyi
district of Kherson damaged
an educational institution.
The attack resulted in damage to
the school's premises, including
trees, fencing, and windows.
A 72-year-old woman was also
injured in a separate drone attack."
"Ukraine
At least six residents of
Kostyantynivka and Kramatorsk
were injured in Russian strikes in
the north of the Donetsk region.
Four people were wounded in
Kostyantynivka and two in Kramatorsk.
The head of the Donetsk Regional
Military Administration called
for evacuation to safer regions."
"Ukraine
Russian troops shelled the city
of Kupiansk, Kharkiv region,
setting a private house on fire
and injuring an elderly woman.
Russians also attacked the village
of Liutivka, Kharkiv region,
with a drone, injuring a man."
"Ukraine
The number of people injured
in the Donetsk region due to a
Russian strike has risen to 17.
The attack included 10 aerial bombs,
resulting in casualties and destruction.
In Kramatorsk, a man was killed, and
12 civilians were wounded, while in
Kostyantynivka, five people were injured."
"Ukraine
The Russian military conducted an
airstrike on the village of Tavriiske in
the Zaporizhzhia region using glide bombs.
According to Ivan Fedorov, Head of
the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military
Administration, up to 10 strikes
were carried out, resulting in damage
to private houses and vehicles.
No casualties have been reported so far."
"Western Sahara
On Sunday, the Sahrawi People's Liberation
Army (SPLA) reportedly targeted
Moroccan military bases in the Amgala
sector, resulting in significant losses.
The attacks were concentrated
in the Kaddat Sakan and Amgli
al-Hara areas, targeting a command
headquarters and another base."
Political Conflict
"China
On Monday, the trade war between the
US and China escalated with China
imposing tariffs on some American
goods, including a 15% border tax on
US coal and liquefied natural gas,
a 10% tariff on American crude oil,
and a 10% tariff on agricultural
machinery and large-engine cars.
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump
announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on
steel and aluminum imports into the US.
He also threatened to impose reciprocal
tariffs on other nations but did not
specify which would be targeted."
"China
The Cook Islands Prime Minister, Mark
Brown, is visiting Beijing to sign
agreements with China, despite concerns
from New Zealand, its chief benefactor.
China insists that the visit is not meant
to conspire against New Zealand but to
strengthen relations and access to mineral
resources, fisheries, and global stature.
The visit has raised concerns
about China's growing influence
in the South Pacific and its
potential security implications."
"Gaza Strip
Hamas said they are delaying the
next release of hostages due to
what they say is a breach by Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz
criticized Hamas for delaying the release,
calling it a violation of the ceasefire.
He instructed the IDF to be on high alert
in Gaza and protect border communities to
prevent a return to previous tensions."
"Iran
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian
questioned the sincerity of the
United States in seeking negotiations
with Tehran during a rally.
He asked why the US sanctioned Iran if
they were sincere about negotiations.
Pezeshkian emphasized that
Iran does not want war but will
not yield to foreign pressure.
Crowds of people across Iran rallied
to mark the anniversary of the 1979
Islamic Revolution, chanting ""Death
to America"" and ""Death to Israel."""
"Somalia
The federal government of Somalia
has launched a new strategy to combat
terrorism by targeting financiers
of violent extremist groups.
The strategy aims to restore stability
and peace for the sake of development.
The government plans to take action
against businesses and individuals
financing terror groups, with
those found culpable potentially
losing their business permits.
This strategy includes shutting down
mobile money transfer firms and bank
accounts associated with Al-Shabaab
militants, as well as closing social
media accounts and websites that
support the group's activities."
"West Bank
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud
Abbas has signed a decree canceling
legislation that provided payments
to Palestinian security prisoners and
families of terrorists killed in attacks.
The new decree states that
welfare assistance will be
based solely on financial need.
The reform has been in the works
for over a year and was finalized
during the Biden administration."
Civil Unrest
"Bangladesh
Police used force, including
batons, tear gas, and water
cannons, to disperse protesting
primary school teachers in Dhaka.
The teachers were demanding the
cancellation of a High Court order
that invalidated their appointments.
The protesters blocked a road for several
hours, causing traffic congestion.
Some protesters were injured
and detained by the police."
"Bosnia and Herzegovina
Hundreds of students in Sarajevo
protested the lack of accountability
and prompt assistance from authorities
following devastating floods in October.
The disaster highlighted the
challenges of managing funds in
the fragmented Balkan country.
Reconstruction work and aid distribution
have been slow, prompting the students to
demand transparency and responsibility."
"Israel
Protesters in Tel Aviv are blocking the
Ayalon highway to demand the completion
of a hostage release-ceasefire deal.
Hamas has delayed the next prisoner
swap due to alleged Israeli violations.
The protesters want the agreement
timeline shortened to expedite the return
of Israeli hostages, some of whom were
released in poor medical condition."
"Turkey
Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya
announced the arrest of 45 people in
nationwide raids for their alleged
involvement in a 2016 coup attempt.
The detainees are accused of
having links to the Gulen movement,
which the Turkish government holds
responsible for the failed coup.
The operations were conducted
in 22 provinces by gendarmerie
teams named 'Clamp-38'.
Out of the 45 detained, 24 have
been formally arrested, eight are
under judicial control, and legal
processes are ongoing for the rest."
"United Kingdom
British farmers protested in
London on Monday against the Labour
government's decision to extend
inheritance tax to agricultural land.
The protest, organized by Save
British Farming, was the third in
four months and featured a convoy
of tractors descending on Whitehall.
The farmers demanded that the
government rethink its inheritance
tax plan, which they claim will
lead to a food crisis in the UK."
"West Bank
Israeli Police officers raided
two bookstores in East Jerusalem
that focus on Palestinian identity
and the Israeli-Arab conflict.
They confiscated many books and
arrested the owner for the night.
The officers used Google Translate to
determine which books to confiscate.
The owners are suspected of disrupting
public order, not incitement."
Active Shooting
"United States
One person was critically injured
in a shooting at Union Station.
The shooting occurred inside the station,
but the specific location is unknown.
The shooter has fled, and it is not
considered an active shooter situation.
First responders are providing CPR to
the victim, and no details about their
gender or age have been disclosed."
Accidents
"India
Three wagons of a goods train derailed
near the platform at Katni Junction.
The train was carrying cement from
Katni Railway Station to Mudwara.
No injuries were reported.
A team of workers is
clearing the derailment.
An investigation is underway
to determine the cause."
"Libya
A vessel carrying approximately
65 passengers capsized near
the port of Marsa Dela, Libya.
It is not clear how many bodies
were found after the accident."
"Russia
On Sunday, a Chinese cargo ship, the
""An Yang 2,"" ran aground due to bad
weather off of Sakhalin's Nevelskij
district on the southwest coast
of Russia's Pacific island region.
The ship, which was carrying 20 crew
members, 700 tons of fuel oil, 100
tons of diesel fuel, and 1,000 tons of
coal, was stranded in shallow waters."
"Syria
A young man died in a landmine
explosion in the Al-Rasafa Desert.
Three children were injured in a
similar incident in Khalsa Village.
In Tadif City, a man was injured
while working on his land."
"United States
On Saturday, a Massachusetts Bay
Transportation Authority commuter
train derailed while arriving
at Boston's South Station.
The derailment did not result in
injuries but disrupted commuter
rail and Amtrak operations."
"United States
A small plane crashed upside down in a
vegetable field near Minter Field Airport
in Kern County, California, on Sunday.
Both occupants escaped the wreckage
and refused medical treatment.
The incident is currently under
investigation by the FAA and
has been turned over to the
Shafter Police Department."
"United States
Officials are investigating the
cause of a small airplane crash that
occurred shortly after takeoff from
Doylestown Airport in Bucks County.
The pilot, who was the only
person on board, was unharmed.
The FAA is conducting an
investigation into the crash."
"United States
An investigation is underway after a plane
crashed in an almond orchard in Madera.
A man in his 60s was taking a test
flight when the engine stalled, and
he crash-landed into the orchard.
The pilot walked away with
only some scrapes, and no
other injuries were reported."
"United States
At least one person has died
after two jets collided on the
runway at Scottsdale Airport.
A Learjet veered off the runway and
crashed into a Gulfstream business jet.
One person was found dead, three were
hospitalized, and another person is
still trapped inside one of the jets.
Flights into the airport have
been temporarily paused."
"Thanks for joining us for the February
11, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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