Israel-Hamas Ceasefire, Protests in Mozambique, and Cuba off the State Sponsors of Terrorism list
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for January 16, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Wednesday we collected and mapped 51
events, including the Israel-Hamas
ceasefire, so let's get started.
Terrorism,
"Afghanistan
On Tuesday, the National Resistance
Front (NRF) reportedly attacked the gate
of the Taliban's military prosecutor's
office in Kabul's 10th district, killing
a Taliban commander and two other Taliban
members and wounding several others."
"Argentina
On Tuesday, Argentine authorities
announced the arrest of an
individual in the city of
General Roca with Islamist ties.
The individual was allegedly planning
an imminent attack within the country.
The plan was very advanced in its
last stage, according to Security
Minister Patricia Bullrich.
She also stated that the suspect posed ""a
concrete threat to national security."""
"Cameroon
On Monday, Cameroonian officials
reported that ongoing conflicts
between host communities and people
displaced by Boko Haram terrorism
have resulted in the deaths of five
people and left several hundred
homeless in Yala Yalta, in the nation's
border area near Chad and Nigeria.
Hundreds of angry host community
members also set fire to at least 60
government-built houses for internally
displaced persons in the town.
Government officials stated
this was the second burning of
homes in the past five days.
Community residents accuse the displaced
people of kidnapping for ransom
and provoking conflicts over scarce
water, farm crops, and fuel wood."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
At least 10 people were killed in eastern
Congo by the Allied Democratic Forces
(ADF), a rebel group linked to the
Islamic State, during an attack on the
village of Makoko in North Kivu province.
Local officials called for expanded
joint military operations between
Congo and Uganda to combat the ADF,
which has been responsible for numerous
civilian attacks and mass killings."
"Israel
A 52-year-old man was stabbed
in Haifa this morning.
He is being taken to Rambam
Hospital in moderate condition.
Police are examining the
circumstances of the incident."
"Nigeria
On Tuesday, the Ondo State Police
Command stated it arrested 32 suspects
in connection with the communal
clash between the Owake and Ebo
communities in Akoko South West Local
Government Area (LGA) of Ondo State.
The clash resulted in the death of two
people and wounding several others."
"Pakistan
According to reports released on
Wednesday, the Punjab Police have
arrested 23 terrorists, including
seven affiliates of the banned
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The Punjab Police's Counter-Terrorism
Department (CTD) announced that these
arrests, made over the past week, have
thwarted a significant terror plot in
the province, particularly in Lahore."
"Somalia
According to Southwest State TV, at least
40 members of the al-Shabab militant group
were killed in an internal clash between
rival factions in the El-Dhun Adegow
area of the Bakol region on Tuesday.
Reliable sources reported that the
fighting erupted over a dispute
related to the extortion of financial
resources from local populations."
"Syria
Members of the General Security of
the Military Operations Administration
conducted arrests in Al-Jafra Village in
Deir Ezzor, targeting Iranian militias.
They arrested several former members
of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards,
including the commander Abo Al-Fadl,
who is accused of committing war crimes.
Abo Al-Fadl is also known as one of
the area's prominent drug dealers."
"Syria
Syrian authorities detained Egyptian
fighter Ahmed al-Mansour after
he called for an uprising against
President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi.
Following his involvement with Syrian
rebels, Mansour began advocating for
Egyptians to unite against Sisi's
12-year rule, using the hashtag
""It's your turn, Dictator."""
"West Bank
A roadside bomb in the West Bank
injured three Israeli soldiers.
The incident occurred during a military
operation near the city of Nablus.
The soldiers were evacuated to a
hospital for treatment, and the
situation is being investigated."
Military Conflict
"Gaza Strip
Over the past day, the Israeli Air
Force conducted airstrikes on more
than 50 targets in the Gaza Strip,
targeting Hamas and Palestinian
Islamic Jihad terror groups.
One strike targeted a prominent terror
operative in a former school in Gaza City.
The school was also serving as
a shelter for displaced Gazans,
resulting in at least five deaths.
Additional strikes hit Hamas operatives
in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, as
well as other targets such as weapon
depots and tunnel infrastructure."
"Iraq
According to security sources, Turkey's
National Intelligence Organization (MIT)
""neutralized"" Islam Dotkanlou, a senior
figure in the terrorist PKK's so-called
Iranian branch, along with his bodyguard,
in an operation conducted in the
Penjwen Region of Sulaymaniyah Province.
Turkish authorities use the
term ""neutralize"" to imply the
terrorists in question surrendered
or were killed or captured."
"Myanmar
On Wednesday, a rebel group reported
that pro-democracy fighters in Myanmar
had launched a barrage of rockets at
junta facilities in the eastern town
of Loikaw while the deputy of the
ruling military council was visiting.
However, the junta did not confirm
the Tuesday night attack, and the
anti-junta Brave Warriors for Myanmar
(BWM) militia force stated that it had
no information about any casualties."
"Myanmar
Junta airstrikes targeted the villages
of Sangkha and Mazutyan in Hpakant
Township on Monday, killing eight
civilians and injuring several others."
"Myanmar
According to residents and sources
close to the military junta, the regime
is deploying large numbers of troops,
including armored vehicles, to beach
resort areas in the Ayeyarwady Region.
This deployment is an attempt by the
junta to establish defensive lines
following the recent move by the Arakan
Army (AA) into the town of Shwe Thaung
Yan on the shore of the Bay of Bengal.
The military is preparing these
defensive positions by deploying
forces from bases in Pathein and
other townships to Shwe Thaung Yan,
Ngwe Saung, and Chaung Tha towns."
"Nigeria
On Tuesday, a Joint Security Team raided
a secessionist group camp in Umuogem
Ufuma in Orumba North Local Government
Area (LGA), killing five militants.
Several other militants
escaped the area with wounds.
Security forces recovered four undetonated
improvised explosive devices (IED), two
AK47 assault rifles, one pump action
gun, and one 75-volt battery with other
incriminating items during the raid."
"Pakistan
Between Tuesday night and
Wednesday morning, security forces
killed four terrorists during an
intelligence base operation in the
Spinwam area of North Waziristan.
Troops also recovered weapons and
ammunition from the dead militants."
"South Korea
On Wednesday, fighter aircraft from Japan
and the Republic of Korea conducted a
trilateral escort flight alongside U.S.
bombers operating near
the Korean Peninsula.
Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2
fighters and two Republic of Korea Air
Force F-15K fighters escorted two U.S.
Air Force B-1B Lancer bombers
during the joint training mission.
The joint exercise took place after North
Korea test-launched short-range ballistics
missiles in the Sea of Japan on Tuesday."
"Sudan
On Tuesday, Sudanese forces and its
allies thwarted an attack on the
town of Al-Malha in North Darfur.
During the operation, Sudanese
forces launched a surprise attack
on the RSF forces in the Darishiqi
area of Darfur's desert region."
"Sudan
On Tuesday, the Central Committee of
the Al-Kanabi Conference stated that
the Sudanese-backed ""Shield of Batanah
militia"" attacked and set ablaze
the Dar es Salaam refugee camp in
al-Hudaybah and Camp 16 in the same area.
The attack resulted in
the death of 18 people."
"Syria
Syrian media reported several
casualties following an Israeli
airstrike in Ghadir al-Bustan,
outside the established buffer zone.
The strike targeted positions associated
with Iranian forces and their allies.
Further details on the casualties
and the specific targets of
the strike remain unclear."
"Syria
An ambulance driver and four civilians
were killed, and many civilians, including
medical staff, were injured in a Turkish
airstrike on a civilian convoy heading
to the Tishreen Dam in eastern Aleppo.
The attack also caused damage to the
ambulance and surrounding vehicles."
"Syria
Members of the Turkish-backed
National Army attacked Telat
Sairtil in eastern Aleppo, resulting
in armed clashes with the SDF.
Seven members of the National Army
were killed, and the SDF responded
by shooting at their positions.
The SDF fired missiles at the factions
in Tel Arish and Al-Sukkariya Villages,
but no casualties were reported.
In a separate incident, a Turkish fighter
jet targeted and killed two SDF members at
a military checkpoint in eastern Aleppo.
Turkish fighter jets also conducted
airstrikes on Sarin Airport, Jabal
Barkil, and Al-Daikan Village, injuring
a person and his daughter in the
southern Ain Al-Arab countryside."
"Syria
A drone from the International Coalition
fired three missiles at a motorcycle
on the road to Al-Qal'ah camp, killing
two people and injuring another.
The attack occurred near the Syria-Turkey
border, in the vicinity of Sarmada city."
"Syria
Turkish fighter jets conducted
airstrikes near the Tishreen dam
in the eastern Manbij countryside.
A civilian convoy from Ain
Al-Arab (Kobane) was moving
toward the dam to support the SDF.
Turkish artillery shells hit Qarh Qouzaq
Bridge and the villages of Al-Jadâah and
Karak, but no casualties were reported.
Clashes intensified after an attack by
National Army factions on Tal Syriatel."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked 24 Chinese military
aircraft and six naval vessels
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Tuesday and 6 a.m.
on Wednesday.
21 aircraft crossed the Taiwan
Strait median line in the nationâs
northern, southwestern, and eastern
Air Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
Russian forces shelled Antonivka, a
village in the Kherson region, resulting
in the death of a medical worker.
The attack occurred while the worker
was on duty, highlighting the ongoing
dangers faced by civilians and
healthcare personnel in conflict zones."
"Ukraine
Russians shelled the village of
Bilozerka in the Kherson region,
resulting in civilian casualties.
Local authorities reported
that several residents were
injured due to the attacks."
"Ukraine
Russian forces launched a significant
missile and drone attack on Ukraine,
targeting gas infrastructure in Kharkiv,
Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk regions.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported tracking
117 Russian targets, including various
types of missiles and 74 Shahed drones.
By mid-morning on January 15, 77 aerial
threats had been confirmed destroyed.
The attack prompted air raid alerts
across the country and led to
emergency power outages in six regions.
Ukrainian defenses successfully
intercepted many incoming threats,
but some infrastructure was
still impacted by the strikes."
"Ukraine
A Russian airstrike targeted a
critical infrastructure facility
in the Prykarpattia region,
resulting in a significant fire.
Emergency services promptly
responded and extinguished the blaze.
Fortunately, there were
no reported casualties."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,580 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Around 400 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
A Russian strike on Kramatorsk
has resulted in six injuries,
including two children.
The attack occurred in a
residential area, causing damage
to nearby buildings and vehicles.
Emergency services are on-site,
providing assistance to the victims."
"Ukraine
Russian shelling in the Kherson
region has resulted in seven
injuries, including a child.
The attacks occurred in various
locations, with significant damage
reported to residential areas.
Emergency services are actively responding
to the situation, and local authorities
are urging residents to remain vigilant."
"Ukraine
Throughout the day, Russian troops
attacked the Nikopol district in
the Dnipropetrovsk region with
artillery and drones, causing
damage and injuring a civilian.
The Synelnykove district was also shelled.
In addition, the Defence Forces shot down
a missile over the Dnipropetrovsk region."
"Ukraine
The Russian army shelled
Lvove in the Kherson region,
injuring a 61-year-old man.
The victim suffered an explosive injury
and a shrapnel wound to his leg."
"West Bank
The IDF conducted an
airstrike in Jenin, West Bank.
Casualty and damage assessments
were not reported in the strikes."
Political Conflict
"Cuba
The United States has removed
Cuba from its list of designated
State Sponsors of Terrorism.
This decision was made by
President Joe Biden just days
before the end of his term.
The Biden administration has also eased
some economic restrictions imposed on Cuba
during Donald Trump's first presidency."
"Gaza Strip
The IDF has issued an evacuation warning
for Palestinian civilians in the Jabalia
area in the northern Gaza Strip due to
rocket launches by terror organizations.
Civilians are advised to seek shelter
in central Gaza City before the
IDF initiates strikes on the area."
"Iran
Iran's navy received its first
signals intelligence ship, the Zagros.
This military vessel is equipped with
electronic sensors and the ability
to intercept cyber operations and
conduct intelligence monitoring.
This procurement comes at a
time of high tensions with
Israel and the United States.
Iran has also recently taken delivery
of 1,000 new drones and plans to
raise its military budget by around
200% to face growing threats."
"Iran
Iranian President Masoud
Pezeshkian has denied claims that
Tehran's regional influence has
diminished over the past year.
He asserted that Iran remains
a significant player in the
region, despite challenges.
The president emphasized
ongoing support for allies and
highlighted Iran's resilience in
the face of external pressures.
This statement comes amid heightened
scrutiny of Iran's geopolitical role and
relationships with neighboring countries."
"Israel
Israel and Hamas have reportedly reached
a multi-phase ceasefire agreement to
end 15 months of conflict in Gaza.
The initial phase, lasting six weeks,
includes Hamas releasing 33 Israeli
hostages in exchange for a larger
number of Palestinian prisoners.
This deal follows intense
negotiations mediated by the U.S.,
Egypt, and Qatar.
While both sides express optimism, the
Israeli PM's office has denied claims that
Hamas has accepted the draft proposal.
The situation remains fluid, with final
confirmations pending from both parties
as they navigate last-minute issues."
"Moldova
Transnistria, a breakaway region in
Moldova, is set to receive Russian
gas, after Gazprom stopped gas
supplies to Moldova on January 1,
alleging unpaid debts by Moldovgaz.
The Transnistrian authorities have
expressed gratitude for the support,
highlighting its importance for
energy security and social stability.
This move reflects Russia's continued
influence in Transnistria and its
commitment to supporting allied regions."
"Myanmar
The Shan State Progress Party/Shan
State Army (SSPP/SSA) has been
detaining parents in Namtu Township
and refusing to release them until
their sons enlist as SSPP/SSA soldiers.
According to a family member, in early
December 2024, SSPP/SSA troops stationed
in the area abducted parents whose
sons live in Mongyin Village Tract.
The SSPP/SSA is compelling the
abducted parents, including the
elderly, to undergo military
training in Mongyin Village Tract."
Civil Unrest
"Israel
Dozens of ultra-Orthodox Jewish men
from the extremist Jerusalem Faction
are protesting outside the IDF's main
induction center in Tel Aviv against
the draft of Haredi community members.
They are trying to block the road
and have clashed with the police.
The protest follows the reissuing of
draft orders to hundreds of ultra-Orthodox
teens who had previously not shown up."
"Mozambique
Fresh protests in Mozambique resulted
in at least seven deaths as President
Daniel Chapo was inaugurated amid ongoing
unrest following disputed elections.
The fatalities occurred in Maputo
and Nampula province, contributing
to a total of 307 deaths linked to
the October 9 elections, according
to the NGO Plataforma Decide.
Chapo, who won 65% of the vote, faces
significant opposition from Venancio
Mondlane, who claims electoral fraud
and has vowed to continue protests.
Security was tight during the
inauguration, with many shops closed
and roads blocked to prevent violence."
Weapons
"India
Security forces in Manipur
recovered a significant cache of
arms and ammunition in Bishnupur.
Among the items found were
several mortar shells discovered
in the Bongyang hill range."
"Syria
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
reported that their operations in
Syria have led to the capture of over
3,300 weapons, including two tanks.
This operation is part of ongoing
efforts to counter threats from Iranian
forces and their proxies in the region.
The captured weapons are seen
as a significant achievement
in disrupting hostile military
capabilities aimed at Israel."
Accidents
"Iran
On Wednesday, an Iranian police
training plane crashed near the
city of Rasht due to a ""technical
malfunction,"" killing three on board."
"Nigeria
On Tuesday, six passengers were killed,
and 60 others were injured in a fatal road
crash that occurred in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The accident happened when the
driver of an articulated vehicle
loaded with cows and passengers
was traveling at a high speed while
negotiating a bend and overturned."
"Syria
Two civilians were killed when a
vehicle passed over a landmine in Bayod
Village in eastern Hama countryside.
The explosion occurred in an
area of Military Operations."
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16, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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