Iran hopes for positive outcome in negotiations

Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for April 17, 2025.

Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and

our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.

Wednesday, we collected 53 events,
including Iran's president expressing

hope for a positive outcome in
negotiations with the United

States, so let's get started.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has
expressed hope that a deal can be reached

with the United States during their
upcoming nuclear talks this weekend.

He stated that Iran would
""naturally welcome the conclusion

of an agreement"" with the US."

"Iran

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi
has stated that uranium enrichment

as part of the country's nuclear
program is ""non-negotiable.""

This comes after the US
Special Envoy called for a

halt in enrichment activities."

"France

France has ordered the expulsion of
12 Algerian diplomats and consular

officials and recalled its ambassador
in response to Algeria's similar move.

The escalation comes after Algeria
arrested an Algerian official in France

and accused France's Interior Minister
of wrecking efforts to repair ties.

The dispute is linked to France's
recognition of Moroccan sovereignty

over Western Sahara and the arrest
of a French-Algerian writer, Boualem

Sansal, on national security charges."

"United States

Michael Sang Correa, a former member
of Gambia's military, was convicted

in a US federal court of torturing
five people accused of involvement in

a failed coup against the country's
longtime dictator, Yahya Jammeh.

Correa was found guilty of conspiracy
to commit torture and six counts

of torture, which can carry up
to 20 years in prison per count.

The conviction marks the first
time a non-US citizen has been

convicted of torture charges
in a US federal district court.

The case is seen as a significant step
towards justice for victims of human

rights violations during Jammeh's rule,
but many perpetrators remain at large."

"Philippines

On Monday, Philippine troops recovered
a Communist New People's Army (NPA) arms

cache during an operation in Sitio Pula,
Barangay Dalagsaan, Libacao, Aklan.

The cache included one U.S.

M2 .30

Carbine rifle, two anti-tank mines,
a large volume of ammunition, four

magazines for AK47 rifles, three
magazines for carbine rifles, assorted

assembly parts of an M14 rifle, a
bandolier for an M203 grenade launcher,

and an empty plastic container."

"India

On Wednesday, the Manipur Police
stated it apprehended 14 militants

from various groups and seized arms,
ammunition, cash, and incriminating

documents within the past 24 hours.

A senior police official reported
that the arrests occurred across six

districts: Thoubal, Imphal East, Imphal
West, Tengnoupal, Bishnupur, and Jiribam.

Police recovered pistols and high-power
grenades during the operation.

The militants were associated with
the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP),

United National Liberation Front (UNLF),
PREPAK, and the Socialist Revolutionary

Party of Kangleipak (SOREPA)."

"India

On Tuesday evening, security forces
recovered five “powerful” Naxal/Maoist

Improvised Explosive Devices
(IEDs) in Jharkhand’s Chaibasa.

Security forces destroyed
the IEDs on the spot.

According to police, the explosives
were “deployed to inflict harm” on

security forces in mountainous and
wooded regions within the jurisdiction

of the Jaraikela police station.

During the operation, troops
destroyed Naxal/Maoist bunkers."

"Nigeria

On Tuesday, suspected Boko Haram
terrorists attacked the Banga

and Larh communities of Hong,
Adamawa State, killing seven

people, including a vigilante.

The attack in Banga killed
three people, while the attack

in Larh killed four others.

One young boy was unaccounted
for after the attack."

"Nigeria

In Benue State, three suspected herdsmen
have been arrested in connection with

the attack on Otobi, and the National
Security Advisor has promised to deploy

more security assets to the state to
address the renewed wave of attacks."

"Nigeria

Armed herdsmen attacked the Otobi
community in Benue State, Nigeria,

killing seven people and injuring over 20.

The community, which hosts the
Federal Ministry of Water Resources

Multipurpose Water Dam, has been
attacked three times in April,

highlighting the ongoing crisis between
farmers and herders in the country."

"Nigeria

On Tuesday, April 15, at around 2:20
am, the Mandafuma Bridge in Biu, Borno

State, was destroyed by terrorists
suspected to be members of the Islamic

State's West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The bridge was targeted using an
improvised explosive device (IED),

disrupting transportation along the
Biu-Damboa Road and severing access

between Mandafuma Village and Biu Town."

"Pakistan

There have been several violent incidents
in Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

A police car was targeted by
militants, resulting in injuries to

a police constable and a civilian.

Additionally, a Jirga turned
violent, killing at least four

people and injuring five more.

Prior to these incidents, two
policemen were killed in a terrorist

attack in the same district."

"Pakistan

The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)
Sindh conducted an intelligence-based

operation in Karachi's Sachal area,
arresting a suspected terrorist associated

with the banned separatist group
Sindhudesh Revolutionary Army (SRA).

The suspect, identified as Sajjad
Shar, was apprehended with illegal

firearms and is accused of recruiting
young individuals for SRA activities,

conducting reconnaissance of sensitive
locations, and planning an IED attack."

"Somalia

On Wednesday, an Al Shabab attack
on the village of Adan Yabaal forced

Somalia National Army troops to retreat.

The town is one of the largest
military bases in the region, with

militants claiming to have seized it."

"Somalia

On Wednesday, Al Shabaab
terrorists attacked the town of

Adan Yabaal in central Somalia.

The attack included the use
of explosives and gunfire.

Government forces have been using it
as a staging area for their efforts

to drive back the militants, who have
been gaining ground in recent weeks.

Details of the attack and casualty
figures were not immediately apparent."

"South Sudan

Residents of Pigi County in Jonglei
State have fled their homes due

to escalating violence between the
SPLA-IO and the White Army militia.

The attackers have seized control
of key areas, forcing thousands to

seek refuge in areas near Malakal,
the Upper Nile state capital.

The humanitarian situation is
deteriorating rapidly, with a population

of 14,000 in dire need of assistance."

"Syria

Clashes broke out between security forces
and unidentified gunmen who attempted

to storm a security headquarters in
Sallamiyah city, Hama countryside.

One gunman was killed,
and another was arrested.

Security forces found cameras and
tools used for booby-trapping in the

attackers' possession amid growing
concerns about escalated attacks on

security institutions in the region."

"Syria

A young man has died from wounds sustained
in a shooting incident in Homs city.

He was shot by unidentified gunmen
on a motorcycle while sitting in

front of his shop and later succumbed
to his injuries at the hospital."

"Turkey

On Tuesday, Turkish Interior Minister
Ali Yerlikaya revealed the arrest

of 89 individuals believed to be
connected to the terrorist group ISIS.

These arrests were part of coordinated
operations carried out across 17

provinces, including Antalya, Batman,
Denizli, Elazığ, Eskişehir, Gaziantep,

Hatay, İstanbul, Kahramanmaraş,
Kırıkkale, Kilis, Malatya, Osmaniye,

Sakarya, Şanlıurfa, Van, and Yozgat."

"Ukraine

The Russian Federal Security Service
(FSB) claims to have thwarted a Ukrainian

plot to assassinate a Russian-installed
official in occupied Ukraine.

A resident of eastern Ukraine's
Luhansk region, who holds a Russian

passport, was allegedly recruited
by Ukrainian military intelligence

officials and arrested while attempting
to retrieve an explosive device.

He has been charged with state
treason, planning a terrorist act,

and unlawful storage of explosives."

"Yemen

On Tuesday, pirates shot at a
bulk carrier during a two-hour

chase in the Gulf of Aden.

Maritime security firms Africa Risk
Compliance (ARC) and Diaplous Group

reported that the captain of the
unidentified Palau-flagged vessel

notified them of being pursued by
several armed individuals in small boats.

This episode took place in the
waters between Yemen and Somalia.

The captain changed the ship's
course towards the Yemeni coast,

prompting the small boats to leave.

Fortunately, the crew was unhurt,
and the bulk carrier continued

to its next destination."

"Gaza Strip

Hamas claims it has lost contact
with Edan Alexander's captors after

an Israeli missile strike on the
location where he was being held.

Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old
Israeli-American, was captured

by Hamas during the October
2023 attack on southern Israel.

The US and Israel are working
to secure his release, with the

US prioritizing his return."

"Gaza Strip

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have
killed at least 11 people, including

women and children, according to
the Gaza Civil Defense Agency.

The strikes targeted a home in
Gaza City and the southern city

of Khan Younis, and the toll
cannot be independently verified."

"India

Between Monday and Tuesday, security
forces in the West Singhbhum

district destroyed 11 Maoist bunkers.

They also seized seven improvised
explosive devices (IEDs) in

a joint operation with the
CRPF and Jharkhand Police.

The operation was conducted in a forest
area near the village of Bakrabeda

in the West Singhbhum district, where
security personnel detected IEDs

in a forest area and defused them."

"Lebanon

A member of Hezbollah's elite Radwan
force was killed in an Israeli

drone strike in Qantara, southern
Lebanon, near the Israeli border.

The incident occurred approximately 7
kilometers from the Israeli border."

"Lebanon

A drone strike by Israel in south
Lebanon has killed one person, according

to the Lebanese health ministry.

The Israeli military has stated that the
strike targeted a Hezbollah operative."

"Lebanon

The IDF carried out a drone strike
in southern Lebanon's Hanine,

targeting a Hezbollah operative.

The strike resulted in the
death of one person, according

to Lebanon's health ministry."

"Myanmar

On Tuesday, junta airstrikes hit a
monastery in the village of Kanni,

Kawkareik Township, killing six
civilians and wounding at least

25 others, including ten monks."

"Myanmar

On Monday, junta airstrikes injured
two civilians in Indaw Township, which

was captured earlier by the shadow
National Unity Government’s militia."

"Nigeria

The Islamic State West African Province
(ISWAP) recently launched an attack

on the Forward Operating Base in the
Wajikoro area of Borno, Northeast Nigeria,

using four armed drones outfitted with
locally produced grenades, resulting in

injuries to approximately five soldiers."

"Philippines

On Tuesday, China and the Philippines
exchanged accusations regarding

perilous maneuvers at the disputed
Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea,

highlighting ongoing regional tensions.

The Philippine Coast Guard stated that
on Monday, a Chinese vessel accelerated

and positioned itself to obstruct a
Philippine ship's navigation approximately

36 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal.

In contrast, China's coast guard
claimed the Philippine vessel recklessly

approached and crossed its path.

Furthermore, on Tuesday, the Philippine
Coast Guard deployed a plane to challenge

a Chinese research vessel, which it
said was operating without authority

in its northern waters near Taiwan."

"Russia

On April 16, drones attacked the
112th Guards Missile Brigade in

Russia's Ivanovo region, which was
previously responsible for a missile

strike on Sumy that killed 36 people.

This retaliation comes after
Ukrainian Defense Forces struck

the permanent deployment site
of the 448th Missile Brigade in

Russia's Kursk region on April 15.

The 112th Guards Missile Brigade
is equipped with Iskander-M

operational-tactical missile
systems and was involved in the

missile attack on Sumy on April 13."

"Syria

The US military plans to reduce its
presence in Syria over the coming

weeks and months, potentially
cutting the number of troops in half.

This move could see the number
of US troops in Syria decrease

from 2,000 to around 1,000.

Israeli officials are concerned that
the reduction will increase Turkey's

influence in the region and are working to
convince the US to limit the withdrawal.

The US military presence in Syria
is currently focused on preventing

a resurgence of the Islamic State."

"Taiwan

Taiwan tracked 17 Chinese
military aircraft, eight naval

vessels, and one official ship
around its country between 6 a.m.

on Tuesday and 6 a.m.

on Wednesday.

11 aircraft crossed the Taiwan
Strait median line in the country’s

northern and southwestern Air
Defense Identification Zone."

"Ukraine

Russian drone attacks in the
Poltava region overnight led to

air defense systems engaging and
falling debris damaging a power

line in the Reshetylivka community.

The damage cut off electricity to
two settlements, but repair crews

are already working to restore power.

Fortunately, no injuries or
additional damage have been reported."

"Ukraine

On April 15-16, Ukraine's Defense
Forces countered a Russian drone

attack, destroying 57 Shahed-type
strike UAVs and 34 decoy drones across

various regions, including Sumy, Odesa,
Dnipropetrovsk, Kyiv, and Poltava.

The attack was launched from directions
in Russia and occupied Crimea, but

did not cause significant damage or
negative consequences for Ukraine."

"Ukraine

On the night of April 15-16, a
Russian drone attack in Odesa,

Ukraine, damaged a school building,
a church, and several private homes.

The attack caused damage to windows,
doors, and classrooms at Odesa School No.

19, as well as the Temple of the
Lord's Entrance into Jerusalem

and several private residences."

"Ukraine

Russian forces carried out a significant
number of strikes in the Zaporizhzhia

region over the past day, with a total
of 513 strikes across 13 settlements.

The strikes included 382 UAVs
targeting various locations, 5

MLRS attacks in Mahdalynivka and
Shcherbaky, and 120 artillery

shells hitting multiple locations.

As a result, 19 instances of damage
to residential buildings, apartments,

and infrastructure were reported, and
a Russian FPV drone killed one man."

"Ukraine

The Russian army has carried out an
airstrike on an ice arena in Kherson's

Tsentralnyi district, destroying the
facility with guided aerial bombs.

The attack also caused a fire and damaged
nearby residential buildings, educational

institutions, and civilian vehicles.

Unfortunately, there are civilian
casualties, including one

fatality and several injuries.

Investigative teams are working at
the scene to document the incident and

determine the extent of the damage."

"Ukraine

There have been multiple incidents in the
Kharkiv region, including a guided aerial

bomb strike that damaged an ambulance
and injured a paramedic in Kivsharivka.

Drone strikes and artillery shelling
have caused damage to residential

buildings, homes, and utility
structures in various villages and

towns, resulting in several injuries.

Ukrainian forces have repelled three
Russian attacks on the Kupiansk front,

while Russian forces attempted an
offensive in the Vovchansk area."

"Ukraine

According to a Telegram post by the
Khortytsia Operational and Strategic

Group of Forces, Ukrainian fighters
from the Muramasa unit successfully

struck a North Korean M-1978 Koksan
self-propelled artillery system

using drones in the Pokrovsk sector.

The system, capable of firing
at a range of up to 54-60 km,

was also accompanied by Russian
military vehicles and a motorcycle,

which were damaged or destroyed."

"Ukraine

A Russian drone strike on Odesa has
injured three people and caused fires at

multiple locations, including residential
buildings and warehouse facilities.

The attack damaged civilian
infrastructure, according

to preliminary reports."

"Ukraine

Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,050 Russian

soldiers over the past day.

Over 390 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."

"Ukraine

Five people were wounded in the
Russian shelling of Kherson.

The incident occurred in Kherson's
Tsentralnyi district and damage

assessments were not reported."

"West Bank

Israeli forces have killed a Palestinian
Islamic Jihad terrorist, Muhammad

Zakarna, near Jenin, who was involved
in a deadly shooting attack in the West

Bank village of al-Funduq in January.

Zakarna was hiding in a cave and
exchanged fire with troops, who also

killed another gunman, Marooh Hazima,
who had been released from Israeli

jail in a recent ceasefire deal.

Several other terror
operatives were detained."

"Yemen

The United States has conducted airstrikes
against Houthi targets in Yemen, striking

over 50 sites across multiple provinces.

The Houthis have vowed to retaliate,
promising to continue attacking

vessels linked to the US or Israel."

"Tunisia

Hundreds of Tunisians protested
in the town of Mazouna following

a school wall collapse that
killed three high school students.

The demonstrators demanded
""justice"" and highlighted the town's

underinvestment and marginalization.

The incident has sparked a nationwide call
for schools to strike, with the government

promising to accelerate maintenance
work in educational institutions."

"West Bank

Two American tourists were lightly injured
in a stone-throwing attack on a tourist

bus near the West Bank village of Burqa.

The victims received medical treatment
at the scene, and the IDF and police have

launched a manhunt for the attackers."

"Australia

Tuesday morning, a pilot was
killed when his plane crashed

at the White Cliffs Aerodrome.

An investigation was underway."

"Canada

A possible pipeline explosion
occurred at a gas plant site

approximately 150 km north of Fort St.

John on April 14.

The incident resulted in one
fatality and injured another person.

The site was immediately shut down,
and local authorities were notified.

Investigations are being
conducted by WorkSafeB.C.,

the B.C.

Energy Regulator, and the RCMP,
with no criminality suspected.

The energy regulator has stated
that there is no further risk to

the public or the environment."

"Syria

A young girl was fatally injured when
an unexploded cluster bomb exploded in

Al-Dabshiyah village in eastern Idlib."

"United States

Early Tuesday morning, a Union
Pacific train hit a vehicle that had

crashed through a protective fence
and became stuck on the tracks.

Authorities stated no one was injured
in the crash, and police were searching

for the driver of the vehicle."

"United States

On Tuesday, 12 cars of a Union Pacific
train derailed in Oologah, Oklahoma.

There were no injuries in the incident."

Thanks for joining us for the April
17, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.

As a reminder, complete reports with
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