Hamas releases four more hostages, as issues continue in the South China Sea
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for January 26, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
We mapped 61 events on Saturday,
including hostage and prisoner releases,
as well as another issue in the South
China Sea, so let's get started.
Terrorism
"Afghanistan
A suicide bombing occurred in
front of the Taliban governor's
office in Taluqan, Takhar province.
The Taliban sealed off the area
after the blast, and there were
casualties among their members.
The number of casualties is
unknown, and no group has claimed
responsibility for the attack."
"Gaza Strip
Hamas has released four hostage
soldiers, Karina Ariev, Daniella
Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag,
who are in good physical condition,
according to military officials.
Army doctors checked them
upon being handed over to the
IDF by the Red Cross in Gaza.
No special medical intervention
is needed at this time.
The soldiers will undergo
additional assessments by doctors
and mental health officers before
being taken to a hospital."
"India
Early Saturday morning, security
forces launched a search operation
in the Bhatodi area of the Kathua
district following an exchange of
fire with suspected terrorists.
The clash lasted for about 30 minutes
and resulted in no casualties.
The terrorists reportedly fled into
a forest area during the clash."
"India
Police arrested a Kanglei Yawol
Kanna Lup (KYKL) militant in
Imphal West on Wednesday."
"India
On Saturday, ahead of the Republic Day
celebrations, police arrested two arms
dealers in the North Tripura district.
Police recovered a factory-made pistol
and ammunition from the individuals.
This was the second arrest of
arms dealers with weapons in
recent days, raising concerns over
potential threats in the area."
"India
On Thursday, security forces
arrested two Kangleipak Communist
Party (PWG) terrorists in Thoubal.
Troops recovered pistols and
ammunition from the individuals."
"Iraq
According to a source, a deadly
clash between Iraqi Border Guards
and PKK terrorists in Zakho resulted
in the deaths of two guard members
and the wounding of another.
The border guards killed two PKK
members during the gun battle.
The clash took place after the patrol
approached a house where two PKK fighters
were hiding and demanded their surrender.
The militants refused to surrender
and opened fire on Iraqi troops."
"Nigeria
A 27-year-old man was killed,
and five people were abducted by
bandits in Akansan Garmadi, Rumaya
Community, Kwassam Ward, in Kauru
Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The abducted victims were
identified as Afiniki Baban Gida,
Afiniki Timothy, Talatu Timothy,
Manayi Abu, and Richard Dalhatu.
One person survived
with gunshot injuries."
"Nigeria
Boko Haram terrorists attacked
a military base in Borno State,
killing over 20 Nigerian Army
personnel and leaving many missing.
The insurgents used multiple gun
trucks and razed buildings and
military vehicles during the attack.
The commanding officer of the
battalion and two senior officers
were among those killed."
"Pakistan
The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) in
Punjab conducted 163 intelligence-based
operations (IBOs) in various cities,
including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura,
Mianwali, Sargodha, and Faisalabad.
As a result, 10 terrorists were arrested.
Three members of the extremist
group Fitna al-Khawarij were
detained in Rawalpindi, and one
terrorist was apprehended in Lahore.
Police recovered explosives, an IED
bomb, 11 safety fuses, 22 feet of wire,
pamphlets, and cash from the suspects."
"Pakistan
On Friday, a remotely-controlled
IED blast on the Mir Hassan Road in
the Dera Murad Jamali area struck
a car, wounding three people."
"Pakistan
On Friday, terrorists abducted a police
constable and set his home on fire in the
village of Grahi Shada, Tank District.
The constable's body was later
found dumped in a field."
"Syria
Four members of ISIS attacked an Asayish
checkpoint in Kharoum area, killing
one member and injuring another."
"Syria
Security units of the SDF conducted a raid
in Khasham Town in the eastern Deir Ezzor
countryside to search for ISIS cells.
During the operation, two commanders,
including an Emir, were arrested and taken
into custody by the security department."
"West Bank
Settlers have attacked Tuba in
the southern West Bank, setting
fire to a home and a vehicle.
No injuries were reported in the attack."
"Yemen
Yemen's Houthi rebels unilaterally
released 153 war detainees, a move
seen as a positive step towards
reviving negotiations to end
the country's decade-long war.
The release comes after the rebels
detained seven Yemeni workers from
the United Nations, sparking anger.
The Red Cross, which oversaw
the release, welcomed it and
expressed hope for more reunions.
The Houthis stated that those released
were humanitarian cases, including
the sick, wounded, and elderly."
Military Conflict
"Colombia
In response to a week of deadly violence
on the Colombia-Venezuela border, the
Colombian government has launched a major
military offensive against the leftist
guerrilla group blamed for the unrest.
Defense Minister Ivan Velasquez announced
that over 9,000 troops have been deployed.
The offensive targets the National
Liberation Army (ELN), which has
been attempting to assert control
over border plantations and
trafficking routes that supply much
of the world's cocaine supply."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
Three South African peacekeepers
were killed in the eastern Democratic
Republic of Congo during intensified
fighting between security forces
and Rwandan-backed M23 fighters.
The M23 and the Rwandan army have
been advancing towards Goma, the
capital of the North Kivu province.
The European Union called for the M23
to halt its advance, while the United
Nations began evacuating staff from Goma.
The UN Security Council called an
emergency meeting to discuss the crisis.
Over 400,000 people have been displaced
by the fighting since January."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
M23 has made significant territorial
gains in recent weeks, encircling Goma,
a regional hub with two million people.
The fighting has resulted in hundreds
of injured civilians and peacekeepers.
The rebels also killed the
governor of North Kivu province.
The conflict has displaced over 400,000
people and worsened conditions in
overcrowded displacement centers,
leading to an increase in cholera cases.
Rwanda is accused of backing
M23, but denies the claim.
At least nine UN peacekeepers
were wounded on Friday."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
On January 17, the Ugandan
People's Defence Forces (UPDF)
took control of Lubero, a strategic
territory in the eastern Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This deployment was critical to counter
the escalating threat posed by the Allied
Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group.
The UPDF's actions come in response
to repeated requests from the
government in Kinshasa for assistance
in curbing the ADF's violence in
the North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
This development marks a significant
step in ongoing efforts to address the
security challenges in the region."
"Gaza Strip
Palestinian media reports one dead
and several wounded after IDF troops
opened fire on Gazans approaching
the Netzarim Corridor area.
Israel has not yet
commented on the claims.
Israel refuses to allow Gazans
to reach the north of the Strip
until Hamas arranges the release
of civilian Arbel Yehud."
"Iraq
The Terrorism Unit and Asayish
in the Kurdistan Region
conducted a joint operation in
Tuz Khurmatu, Saladin province.
They destroyed three caves and
three hideouts containing explosive
materials based on accurate
intelligence about ISIS locations.
In a separate mission, they dismantled
three more hideouts and caves and
detonated an abandoned vehicle
belonging to ISIS militants."
"Iraq
Turkish artillery and warplanes
launched strikes on PKK positions
in Duhok, destroying a house.
No casualties were reported.
The residents had previously
fled due to the conflict."
"Nigeria
The Nigeria Police Force has announced
that three terrorist kingpins associated
with the Eastern Security Network
(ESN) have been killed in Imo State.
The operation, carried out by
police operatives on January 24,
2025, targeted the terrorists'
hideouts in a forest within Ihube,
Okigwe Local Government Area.
The operation resulted in
the neutralization of six
members of the terrorist group,
including three ESN kingpins.
Additionally, the police recovered
five AK-47 rifles, 552 rounds of
live ammunition, improvised explosive
devices (IEDs), communication
equipment, and eight operational
motorcycles used by the group."
"Nigeria
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reported
that troops neutralized 79 terrorists
and arrested 224 others across various
theatres of operation in Nigeria.
Among the significant actions, troops
in the North Central Operational Theatre
killed Abu Mosaje, a notorious terrorist
commander and gunrunner, in Barkin Ladi
Local Government Area of Plateau State."
"Pakistan
On Saturday, the Inter-Services Public
Relations (ISPR) reported that security
forces killed four terrorists, including
two senior leaders, and injured two in
an intelligence-based operation in the
general area of Bagh, Khyber District.
Troops recovered weapons and
ammunition during the operation."
"Somalia
On Friday, the army of the semi-autonomous
Puntland region in Somalia announced
that they had taken control of a
âstrategic mountain command baseâ
of the Islamic State group (IS).
The captured base is located
in the Golis Mountains and was
important for ISâs movements and
connections to other locations."
"Sudan
On Friday, a drone attack struck
the last functioning hospital in
El-Fasher, killing at least 30
people and wounding dozens of others.
The strike also led to the
destruction of the hospital building.
It was not immediately clear which
side was responsible for the attack."
"Sudan
According to a military spokesman,
Sudanese armed forces and allied
fighters repelled a major attack by the
paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
on El Fasher in North Darfur on Friday.
The attack allegedly resulted in
the death of over 400 RSF fighters.
The fighting began after the
RSF issued a 48-hour ultimatum
for government troops and their
allies to withdraw from El Fasher.
Witnesses reported that RSF fighters
attempted to push into the city
from several directions with a
large number of military vehicles.
Sudanese forces, local police,
and allied groups engaged the RSF,
who attacked from multiple fronts,
including the southwestern town of
Golo and the northern Milit gate."
"Sudan
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) claimed
on January 24, 2025, that they had
expelled the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
from the Al-Jaili Oil Refinery, located
about 70 kilometers north of Khartoum."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked 28 Chinese military
aircraft and eight vessels
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Friday and Saturday.
27 aircraft crossed the median
line of the Taiwan Strait and
entered the countryâs southwestern
Air Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
Two apartment blocks were
damaged in a Russian kamikaze
drone attack on January 25.
Nine apartments and six
vehicles were affected.
A fire also broke out at an enterprise
premises, but firefighters were
able to contain and extinguish it.
There is no information
yet about any victims."
"Ukraine
The Russian army attacked the
town of Nikopol in Ukraine's
Dnipropetrovsk region with artillery,
injuring a man and a woman.
Several buildings, a house,
and a car were damaged.
Authorities are assessing
the extent of the damage."
"Ukraine
For the third time, Russian forces
launched a drone attack on the Kyivskyi
district in the city of Kharkiv.
The mayor, Ihor Terekhov, reported
injuries and damage to cars.
The attacks also caused a fire.
As a result, some areas of the city
may experience issues with electricity
and water supply, but efforts are
underway to restore these services."
"Ukraine
A drone attack in Ukraine's Poltava
region caused partial damage to five
private homes in the Lubny district.
No injuries or damage to critical
infrastructure were reported."
"Ukraine
In Cherkasy, a high-rise building and
several private homes were damaged
by blast waves during an overnight
attack by Russian strike UAVs.
Preliminary reports suggest that
around 50 windows were blown out.
Inspections and assessments of the damage
are underway, and emergency services
and social support teams are on-site.
Immediate repair efforts are ongoing, and
some households in Cherkasy were without
electricity following the drone attack."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,650 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Around 190 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
A five-year-old child was injured in a
Russian drone attack in the Kyiv region.
The attack damaged three apartment
buildings and thirteen cars.
A fire at an enterprise was also
caused but quickly extinguished."
"Ukraine
Two women and a man were injured
in Russian strikes on Kharkiv.
The head of the Kharkiv Regional
Military Administration confirmed the
injuries and stated that all three
suffered from acute stress reactions.
The strikes occurred in
different districts of the city."
"Ukraine
Over the past day, one resident of
the Donetsk region was wounded by
Russian forces in the city of Pokrovsk.
Damage assessments were not
reported in the attacks."
"Ukraine
Ukraine's Defense Forces have
successfully intercepted two Russian
Kh-59/69 guided aircraft missiles
and 46 drones since late Friday.
The attack, which included missiles and
various types of drones, was repelled by
anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic
warfare units, and mobile fire groups.
The downed UAVs caused damage in
several regions, including Kyiv,
Cherkasy, and Khmelnytskyi."
"Ukraine
Russian troops launched 191 strikes on 13
settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region.
The attacks included air strikes, the use
of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and
multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).
The Russian army also carried
out artillery attacks.
There were 110 reports of damage to
residential buildings, infrastructure, and
cars but no reports of civilian injuries."
"West Bank
A soldier from the Egoz commando
unit was seriously wounded in a
counter-terrorism operation in the
Jenin area of the northern West Bank.
Two other soldiers were also injured,
one moderately and one lightly."
Political Conflict
"Afghanistan
Taliban authorities in Afghanistan
have agreed to allow female students to
pursue higher education in Pakistan on
the condition that their male guardians
also receive visas to accompany them.
Afghan students took entrance
exams in Pakistan, while those in
Afghanistan will participate online.
Pakistan's Higher Education Commission
is conducting the tests and plans to
select up to 2,000 Afghan students,
with one-third being female.
Pakistan expressed gratitude to the
Kabul government for allowing female
candidates to study in Pakistan.
The Taliban has not commented
on this development."
"Gaza Strip
An official from Hamas confirms that
civilian female hostage Arbel Yehud is
alive and will be released next Saturday.
Israel demands Hamas to arrange the
release before allowing Palestinians
to return to the northern Gaza Strip.
Israel may also demand proof of
life before next week's releases."
"Gaza Strip
Israel will not allow Gazans to cross
into the northern Gaza Strip until hostage
Arbel Yehoud is released from captivity.
Four female soldiers kidnapped
by Hamas have been released in
exchange for security prisoners.
Hamas has failed to meet its
obligations to release Israeli
female civilian hostages first."
"Gaza Strip
Egypt's Qahera TV reports that Israel has
released 70 Palestinian prisoners into
Egypt as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The prisoners arrived at the Egyptian
side of the Rafah border crossing.
Earlier, Hamas released four female
Israeli soldiers who were held
hostage since October 7, 2023.
Israel is expected to release a total
of 200 Palestinian prisoners today,
with 70 of them being sent into exile.
Israel has stated that Palestinians
convicted of killing Israelis should
be permanently deported and not allowed
to return to the West Bank or Gaza."
"Philippines
The Philippines has suspended a scientific
survey in the South China Sea due to
""harassment"" and aggressive behavior
from China's coast guard and navy.
China claims sovereignty over the
Spratly Islands, including Sandy
Cay, where the incident occurred.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported
that Chinese vessels intercepted and
drove away two Philippine vessels
attempting to collect sand samples.
The suspension of survey operations
was a result of continuous
harassment and disregard for
safety by Chinese maritime forces."
"West Bank
Israel's prison service has released
200 Palestinian prisoners as
part of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
The prisoners were released from
the Ofer and Ktziot prisons.
Hamas had earlier freed four
Israeli female hostages.
Some of the freed prisoners will
be deported, as Israel believes
that those convicted of killing
Israelis should not be allowed to
return to the West Bank or Gaza.
Egyptian state TV reported that 70
prisoners were released into Egypt.
Palestinians celebrated the release
of the prisoners in Ramallah."
"Yemen
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio
Guterres called for the immediate
release of aid staff held in Yemen
by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The detentions have negatively
impacted the UN's ability to
assist millions of people in need.
The Houthis have detained dozens
of staff from the UN and other
humanitarian organizations.
The recent detentions come after the
US placed the Houthis back on the list
of foreign terrorist organizations,
triggering a review of UN agencies and
NGOs receiving US funding in Yemen."
Civil Unrest
"Germany
Thousands of Germans protested in
Berlin and other cities against the
rise of the far-right and anti-immigrant
Alternative for Germany (AfD)
party ahead of a general election.
The Union, an opposition bloc of
Germany's center-right parties,
is leading pre-election polls,
with AfD in second place."
"Israel
At Jerusalem's weekly hostage families
rally, speakers expressed cautious
hope after the release of four
female hostages from Hamas captivity.
They urged the government to continue
implementing the ceasefire deal."
"Pakistan
Police arrested over 100 activists
of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
during a rally against Imran
Khan's conviction in Nawabshah.
Around 15 people were injured
in clashes with the police.
The police initially blocked the
rally, but the participants managed
to reach their destination."
"Slovakia
On Friday, tens of thousands
protested in Bratislava, Slovakia,
against Prime Minister Robert
Ficoâs policy shift towards Russia.
The demonstration, which took place
in Freedom Square, saw an estimated
60,000 participants, marking a
significant increase from the
previous protest two weeks earlier."
Weapons
"India
On Saturday, police recovered five hand
grenades (type 36) and three detonators
in the jungle terrain near the village
of Khwbra, Dhekiajuli, Sonitpur district.
The recovery of the grenades
comes on the eve of the 76th
Republic Day celebrations."
Accidents
"India
Two boys, ages 10 and 12, were
seriously injured when they mistook
two hand grenades left behind by
police during a training camp for toys.
They were taken to the
hospital for treatment.
The police conducted an inspection to
ensure no other explosives were present
and started an inquiry into the incident."
"Syria
A young man in Hemar Al-Kasra Village in
western Deir Ezzor countryside, within
SDF-held areas, had his hand amputated
after a grenade he was carrying exploded.
He was taken to a hospital for treatment."
"Syria
A civilian and a child were injured by
shrapnel from a landmine explosion near
their house in Murat Town, Deir Ezzor.
They were taken to a
hospital for treatment."
"Taiwan
An Indonesian seaman died after a
Belize-registered oil tanker ran
aground near the Matsu Islands.
The Coast Guard Administration
confirmed the incident and dispatched
patrol boats and a rescue helicopter.
Seven crew members were rescued, but
one crew member died during the rescue.
The branch will monitor the tanker
for potential oil spills and
collaborate with other agencies."
"United States
A small plane crash has occurred in
Albemarle County, killing one person.
Officials report the crash is just off
East Monacan Drive around 12:30 p.m.
Saturday.
It's in a wooded area on the
floodplain of the Rivanna River."
Other Events
"Iran
The IRGC Navy has launched extensive
exercises, code-named âGreat Prophet
Authority 19â, in the southern Iranian
provinces of Bushehr and Khuzestanâs
littoral waters of the Persian Gulf.
The drills, which began on Friday,
aim to convey a message of peace
and friendship to neighboring
countries while establishing
security in international waterways.
According to Rear Admiral Alireza
Tangsiri, the Navyâs Commander, the
exercises also warn extra-regional
countries that their presence in
the region disrupts security."
"Thanks for joining us for the January
26, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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