Iran's VP resigns and Trump continues his criticism of Zelenskyy
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for March 4, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Monday, we collected 39 events,
including Iran's VP resigning and more
updates on the Trump and Zelenskyy
issues, so let's get started.
"United States
President Trump criticized Ukrainian
President Zelenskyy for suggesting
the war with Russia is ""far from
over,"" claiming Zelenskyy doesn't
want peace while receiving U.S.
support.
This follows a tense White House
meeting where Trump and VP Vance berated
Zelenskyy for insufficient gratitude."
"Iran
Iran's former foreign minister
Mohammad Javad Zarif has resigned
as vice president, citing ""horrible
insults, slander and threats""
against himself and his family.
Zarif, who served as Iran's top diplomat
from 2013-2021 and negotiated the 2015
nuclear deal (JCPOA), had been appointed
as President Masoud Pezeshkian's vice
president for strategic affairs in August.
According to Zarif, he resigned
at the recommendation of Iran's
judiciary head ""to avoid further
pressure on the government."""
"Guyana
The US has issued a warning to
Venezuela's Maduro regime after a
Venezuelan patrol boat reportedly
entered Guyanese waters and threatened
ExxonMobil's offshore operations.
The State Department called this
action ""unacceptable"" and a
violation of Guyana's internationally
recognized maritime territory,
promising ""consequences""
for further provocations."
"South Sudan
The South Sudan People's Defence Forces
(SSPDF) issued a ""final warning"" to
the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In
Opposition (SPLA-IO) and the White
Army, demanding they withdraw from their
current positions within one hour or face
military action, including aerial strikes.
SSPDF spokesperson Maj.
Gen.
Lul Ruai stated that intelligence
confirmed SPLA-IO fighters and White
Army forces were positioned with heavy
weaponry near SSPDF defensive positions.
This warning follows a recent attack
on SSPDF riverine barges by combined
SPLA-IO forces and armed youth, which the
SSPDF reportedly repelled successfully."
"Germany
At least one person has been killed
and several others injured after
a car rammed into pedestrians
in Mannheim, Germany, on Monday.
Police have arrested a suspect,
and the federal government issued
an ""extreme danger"" warning as a
large-scale police operation continues.
Witnesses described seeing
a black car speeding through
the area, followed by screams.
This incident occurs amid Germany's ""Rose
Monday"" carnival celebrations and follows
similar deadly car ramming attacks in
the country in recent months, including
incidents in Magdeburg and Munich."
"Israel
A terror stabbing at Haifa's Lev HaMifratz
Mall Monday morning left a 70-year-old
man dead and four others wounded
- three seriously and one moderately.
The attacker, Yitro Shaheen, a
20-year-old Israeli Druze who recently
returned from abroad, arrived by bus
and began stabbing passengers before
continuing at the station until
shot and killed by a security guard.
Police secured the area and temporarily
closed the nearby train station.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, who was
testifying in his corruption trial during
the attack, briefly stepped out to offer
condolences and vow to defeat terrorism."
"Nigeria
Terrorists from the Mallam Sadiku-led
Boko Haram faction killed 11 artisanal
miners in a midnight attack on February
27 at a gold mining site in Niger State.
The attack appears to be revenge for
terrorist losses in an October gunfight."
"Pakistan
A suspected terrorist named Zubair
Ahmed (alias Zabiu), affiliated with
the banned Baloch Republican Army
(BRA), was arrested in Malir during
a joint operation by Sindh Rangers
and the Counter-Terrorism Department.
Ahmed allegedly joined BRA in 2016 under
Commander Zarin and received training
at Camp Ghazni in Makran, Balochistan.
He is accused of participating in
multiple attacks on security installations
in 2016, including assaults on FC
check-posts using heavy weapons."
"Pakistan
A female suicide bomber attacked
Pakistani paramilitary troops
in Balochistan, killing one
soldier and injuring four others.
No group claimed responsibility, but the
Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) frequently
conducts similar attacks, including
previous female suicide bombings."
"Philippines
Armed conflict between rival MILF
factions disrupted Ramadan in
Barangay Macabual, Tugunan, Cotabato.
The violence began Saturday with an attack
on mosque-goers that killed two people and
wounded another, then escalated Sunday.
Hundreds fled for safety
as gunfire continued.
The conflict stems from a power struggle
for control of villages, with tensions
worsening after the groups backed
opposing candidates in recent elections.
MILF Chairman Ahod Ebrahim has sent
representatives to separate the groups
and seek a peaceful resolution."
"South Sudan
SSPDF forces repelled an attack on
their riverine convoy at Nyathor
village along the Sobat River.
SPLA-IO fighters, armed youth
from Cie-Lang, and affiliated
militias used anti-tank weapons but
retreated after facing overwhelming
firepower from SSPDF riverine units.
The convoy continued its troop rotation
mission to Nasir uninterrupted."
"Syria
A shooting attack was reported in
Hayalin Town in Hama countryside,
where gunmen on a motorbike opened
fire on people who were praying.
The death toll has risen to four
civilians, with six others injured.
Security forces have deployed
reinforcements to the area
to pursue the attackers."
"Syria
The explosion at an entrance to Al-Bukamal
city in Syria's eastern Deir Ezzor region
killed three people and wounded 20 others.
According to Syria's state
news agency SANA, the cause of
the explosion remains unknown.
Syrian Civil Defense teams responded
to the incident, recovering
bodies, evacuating the wounded, and
extinguishing the resulting fire."
"Syria
ISIS militants on motorbikes attacked
a Public Prosecution building in the
Al-Basira area using machine guns.
Security forces from the SDF (Syrian
Democratic Forces) responded to the
attack, causing the attackers to flee.
No casualties were
reported in the incident."
"Gaza Strip
The IDF struck a suspicious vessel that
crossed a military-designated maritime
boundary near Khan Younis in southern
Gaza after first firing warning shots.
The vessel was deemed a threat, though
its fate after the strike remains unclear.
The military has prohibited all sea
entry along Gaza during the ceasefire.
In a separate incident, IDF troops shot
two suspects who approached them in
southern Gaza, reportedly killing them.
Palestinian media confirmed two
fatalities in this confrontation."
"Myanmar
Escalating tensions were reported
along the Thai-Myanmar border
in Tak Province as of March 2.
The Karen National Liberation Army
(KNLA) launched drone attacks,
dropping seven bombs on Myanmar's
military base in Pulutu, Karen State.
In response, Myanmar's military deployed
YAK-130 aircraft to bomb KNLA positions.
The conflict is occurring very close
to Thai territory, with military
bases just 800 meters from the border.
Thai military forces have increased
security measures to prevent
any encroachment into Thailand."
"Nigeria
Nigerian Army forces neutralized
top Boko Haram commander Abba Alai
during operations in Borno State.
Troops from the 21 Armoured Brigade,
199 Special Forces Battalion, and
Civilian Joint Task Force conducted
assaults on insurgent hideouts
in Garin Fallujah and Gwoza.
The military recovered weapons,
including AK-47 rifles and ammunition.
In a separate operation, troops
blocked an escape route from Sambisa
Forest and rescued an elderly
woman held hostage for 10 years."
"Russia
Ukrainian UAVs attacked an oil
refinery complex in Ufa, Russia.
According to Andrii Kovalenko, head
of Ukraine's Center for Countering
Disinformation, this is one of Russia's
largest refineries, with a capacity of
about 20 million tons of oil annually.
The facility is described as
strategically important to the Russian
military, producing aviation fuel,
diesel, and lubricants necessary
for military equipment, including
armored vehicles and aircraft."
"Russia
Ukrainian forces from the 47th
Separate Mechanized Brigade Magura,
along with other defense units,
successfully repelled a Russian
assault in Russia's Kursk region.
The Russians attacked in multiple
waves - first with three tanks and
two APCs (only one APC survived), then
with two more tanks in a second wave.
Ukrainian forces destroyed four tanks
and one APC in total, effectively
stopping the Russian offensive."
"Russia
Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB)
reported killing a suspect who allegedly
planned terrorist attacks targeting
the Moscow metro and a Jewish religious
institution in the Moscow region.
According to the FSB, the man was
shot dead after resisting arrest.
The security service claims
the suspect intended to join a
terrorist group in Afghanistan after
carrying out the planned attacks."
"Somalia
The Somali army reported killing over 40
Al-Shabaab militants in an airstrike in
El Baraf town, Middle Shabelle region.
The operation, conducted jointly with the
United States Africa Command (AFRICOM),
also destroyed vehicles and explosives
used by the Al-Qaeda-linked group."
"Syria
The IDF confirmed conducting an airstrike
on a military facility in Qardaha, a town
east of Latakia in northwestern Syria.
The target was identified as a
weapons storage site belonging
to the former Syrian regime.
The military stated the decision to
strike was made due to the ""latest
developments in the area"" and
emphasized that Israel continues to
monitor Syria for potential threats."
"Syria
Recent clashes between SDF
and Turkish-backed forces
occurred across eastern Aleppo.
At Teshreen dam, SDF repelled drone
attacks, shooting down one drone.
Fighting also erupted at Qarrah Quzaq
bridge, while five kamikaze drones
injured SDF fighters near Deir Hafer.
Turkish shelling near Sarin Town
injured a civilian, and over 25 shells
hit Qararishak Village near Kobani.
A Luwaa Al-Shamal Brigade member died
dismantling landmines near Manbij.
SDF responded with artillery fire on
Turkish positions west of the Euphrates.
These incidents highlight ongoing
tensions between Turkish-backed
forces and SDF in northern Syria."
"Syria
In Al-Tha'ala Village (western
Al-Suwaydaa), a fight escalated to
armed clashes, killing a 10-year-old and
injuring four others, including a child.
Nearby, shepherds beat a man, triggering a
confrontation when his family intervened."
"Syria
Internal Security Forces stormed the
headquarters of the National Army
led by Abu Mahmoud in northern Aleppo
following a kidnapping incident.
The group had abducted a civilian
and demanded ransom from his family.
When Internal Security Forces attempted
to ambush the kidnappers during the ransom
exchange, clashes erupted, resulting in
the death of one security force member.
In response, security forces raided the
headquarters, arrested several militiamen,
including leader Abu Mahmoud, and rescued
the kidnapped civilian who identified
where he had been held captive."
"Syria
Turkish forces and SDF exchanged
artillery and drone attacks
across eastern Aleppo frontlines.
Turkish forces shelled areas near
Qarquzaq Bridge and Sarin town, while
SDF fired mortars at a Turkish base.
Clashes erupted at Teshreen Dam
and Qarrah Quzaq bridge, with
SDF downing a Turkish drone.
National Army factions launched
kamikaze drone strikes in Deir
Hafer, injuring SDF fighters.
A civilian was wounded by Turkish
shelling near Sarin Town, and Turkish
forces fired over 25 shells at Qararishak
Village in Ain Al-Arab countryside.
Both sides continue to target each other's
positions with artillery and drones."
"Taiwan
The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense
reported detecting 10 Chinese military
aircraft, six naval vessels, and four
official ships around Taiwan during a
24-hour period ending Monday morning.
Nine of the aircraft crossed the
Taiwan Strait median line into Taiwan's
air defense identification zone.
Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft,
naval ships, and coastal missile systems
to monitor the Chinese military activity."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,350 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Around 250 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Russian drone attacks in Cherkasy
region resulted in 5 drones being shot
down by Ukrainian air defense forces.
One downed UAV caused a fire at
a furniture factory in Cherkasy,
which has since been extinguished.
The incident damaged windows,
roofs, and vehicles at the factory
and neighboring businesses,
but no injuries were reported."
"Ukraine
Russian forces attacked Kryvyi
Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with
drones, injuring a 52-year-old
woman and damaging an industrial
facility, a medical institution,
six high-rise buildings, and a car.
Ukrainian air defense
shot down seven UAVs.
A fire broke out but was extinguished.
Russians also targeted the Nikopol
district (Myrove and Marhanets) with
kamikaze drones on March 2-3, but
no casualties were reported there."
"Ukraine
Russian forces launched a missile
strike on a Ukrainian training
ground during military exercises.
Ukrainian Ground Forces Commander Major
General Drapatyi called it a ""tragedy,""
promised an investigation, and vowed
to hold those responsible accountable.
While Ukraine hasn't confirmed casualty
numbers, Ukrainian media reports suggest
dozens dead and up to 100 injured.
Russia claims their Iskander missile
targeted the 157th Mechanized Brigade
at the Novomoskovsky training ground
near Dnipro, allegedly killing up
to 150 people, including what they
claim were ""foreign instructors."""
"Ukraine
Russian forces bombed a village
in Ukraine's Polohivskyi district,
destroying a private home in Omelnyk and
trapping two people under the rubble.
According to Zaporizhzhia Regional
Military Administration head Ivan
Fedorov, one victim has been rescued
while search operations continue.
The attack is part of ongoing
Russian military activity in the
region, which reportedly included
over 550 attacks in a single day."
"United States
The US Cyber Command has reportedly
suspended offensive cyber operations
against Russia as the Trump administration
seeks improved relations with Moscow.
Former officials warn that extended
pauses risk making cyber capabilities
""stale"" and ""nonviable.""
While US Cyber Command has halted
offensive planning, the Cybersecurity
and Infrastructure Security Agency
confirmed its defensive posture against
Russian threats remains unchanged."
"Armenia
Armenian protesters have demonstrated
in Yerevan since February 28,
demanding action to free Armenian
prisoners held in Azerbaijan, including
former Nagorno-Karabakh officials.
At least 16 Armenians face serious
charges in Azerbaijan, including three
former presidents and businessman Ruben
Vardanyan, who is on hunger strike.
Mane Tandilyan began her own hunger strike
in Yerevan, urging Vardanyan to end his.
Armenian officials recently started
condemning the trials publicly, with PM
Pashinyan claiming they initially stayed
quiet to prevent further mistreatment."
"Syria
Syrian security forces discovered a
weapons and ammunition depot in a house
in Kafr Abd village, northern Homs.
The patrol searched the homes of
individuals previously affiliated with
former regime militias and Hezbollah.
The cache included mortars and
medium/light machine gun ammunition."
"Israel
Members of the October Council,
representing October 7 survivors and
victims' families, clashed with Knesset
guards when they were prevented from
entering the plenum guest gallery.
The confrontation escalated into
physical pushing at the stairwell
leading to the observer's gallery.
The group issued a statement
requesting immediate intervention
from Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid reportedly
asked Ohana to allow the families
entry, to which Ohana responded that
he was ""checking"" the situation."
"Bolivia
A bus crash in southern Bolivia
killed 25 people Monday when it
plunged into a ravine after colliding
with a pickup truck in Potosi.
This follows a weekend accident
that killed 37 people near Uyuni.
Both incidents involved travelers
from the Oruro Carnival festival."
"Syria
A young man was injured by shrapnel near
a military position in Al-Majdal Town, a
man and his son were killed in the Qatqat
area near Al-Sukhna City (eastern Homs),
and a young man died in Deir Ezzor Desert.
All incidents involved landmine
explosions in different regions of Syria."
"Syria
Three civilians were killed and
two others injured when their car
triggered a landmine explosion in the
Kabana area of Latakia countryside.
The incident occurred while they
were cutting trees in the area.
The landmine was described as being
from war remnants, suggesting it was
left over from a previous conflict."
Thanks for joining us for the March
4, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
As a reminder, complete reports with
casualty information, interactive
web maps, and our IntelHub dashboard
are available with a Geopolitical
Report Pro subscription, which you
can try with a seven-day-free-trial
at geopolitical.report.
Thanks again for listening, and don't
forget to tune in again tomorrow.