Japan and China protest actions over disputed islands
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for May 5, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
On Sunday, we collected 57 events,
including Japan and China protesting
each other's actions over disputed
islands, so let's get started.
On Saturday, Japan and China accused
each other of violating the airspace
around the disputed East China Sea
islands, also known as the Senkaku
in Japan and Diaoyu in China.
A Chinese helicopter took off from a
coast guard boat and entered Japan's
territorial airspace for about 15 minutes,
prompting Japan to scramble fighter jets.
China also protested a Japanese
civilian aircraft violating its
airspace, with both sides urging the
other to take preventive measures.
This incident was the first airspace
intrusion by China since August
2023, when a Chinese reconnaissance
aircraft violated Japanese airspace."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced
that troops operating in southern
Gaza's Rafah discovered a cache of
weapons near a hospital and a school.
The Iron Fist Reserve Armored Brigade
made the find, which was located
approximately 80 meters from a former
school and 100 meters from a hospital."
"Myanmar
On Sunday, junta forces recovered
and safely destroyed five homemade
insurgent bombs at several locations
in Monywa Township, Sagaing Region."
"Brazil
Brazilian authorities prevented a bombing
at Lady Gaga's concert on Copacabana Beach
in Rio de Janeiro, which drew a record 2.1
million attendees on Saturday.
The police foiled a plot by suspects
who were recruiting minors to carry
out coordinated attacks using homemade
explosives and Molotov cocktails."
"Gaza Strip
Hamas has executed several alleged
looters in Gaza, following incidents
of heavily armed gangs attacking
food stores and community kitchens.
Hamas officials accuse some looters of
collaborating with Israel, which has
sealed off aid to Gaza for two months.
In response, Hamas has vowed to ""strike
with an iron fist"" against those
responsible, with some looters reportedly
receiving direct support from Israel."
"Gaza Strip
Two Israeli soldiers, Captain
Noam Ravid (23) and Staff Sergeant
Yaly Seror (20), were killed in an
explosion at a booby-trapped tunnel
shaft in southern Gaza's Rafah.
They served in the elite Yahalom
combat engineering unit."
"India
On Saturday, Meghalaya Police arrested two
suspected Hynniewtrep National Liberation
Council (HNLC) militants, Pyndapbok
Makri and Lari Pynkmen Nongshli, during
separate operations in the Ri-Bhoi and
East Jaintia Hills districts of Meghalaya
State, for their alleged involvement
in an extortion racket targeting local
businessmen and government officials.
The arrests were made after
credible intelligence."
"Iraq
On Saturday, a Turkish soldier
lost his life in the Kurdistan
Region after stepping on a mine
while conducting a search and sweep
operation in northern Duhok province."
"Israel
Police have arrested two individuals, ages
44 and 66, from Kiryat Ata on suspicion
of firing an anti-tank missile at an
empty apartment in the northern city.
No injuries were reported, and
the investigation is ongoing.
The police are also investigating
a possible motive related to
the apartment owner's alleged
debt to criminal organizations."
"Israel
Six people were hurt in a Houthi
missile attack on Ben Gurion Airport,
including one man in moderate condition
and five others with light injuries.
Two people were also
treated for acute anxiety.
Several airlines have suspended operations
at the airport due to the attack."
"Nigeria
Police in Anambra State have foiled
a kidnap attempt in Neni, rescuing
three victims, including a couple.
The police responded swiftly
to a distress call on Saturday,
thwarting the attempt and recovering
one of the victims' vehicles.
A joint security force is currently
searching for the suspects and
a black Lexus 350 SUV that was
allegedly used in the escape."
"Nigeria
A family of three and four others were
abducted by suspected kidnappers in
Ivbiaro, Owan East Local Government Area.
The victims were traveling to attend
a 40-day fidau prayer when they were
kidnapped a few meters from the community.
The kidnappers allegedly abandoned
a mother and her two children
due to the children's cries, but
took four others, including the
family's son, into captivity.
The kidnappers are demanding
a ransom of N10 million."
"Pakistan
In Lakki Marwat, a police checkpost
was targeted by terrorists, but
the police responded effectively,
resulting in the deaths of two
terrorists in retaliatory fire.
The police recovered modern foreign-made
weapons, including an M4 rifle and
a 9mm pistol, from the militants."
"Pakistan
Between Friday night and Saturday,
terrorists launched an attack in Kalat,
intercepting a convoy transporting
inmates from Gadani Jail to Quetta.
Five police personnel were
abducted along with their weapons,
while 10 prisoners were freed,
including one convict on death row.
A search operation is ongoing
to locate the escaped inmates,
capture the assailants, and rescue
the abducted police officers."
"Philippines
A blast occurred in front of
the residence of Hisham Nando,
a candidate for Vice Governor of
Maguindanao del Sur, on Sunday night.
The explosion targeted the gate of
Nando's property and is believed to be a
grenade or improvised explosive device.
The police are investigating the
incident, which is the second
explosion in Buluan this month.
Local leaders have condemned the attack,
calling it a ""cowardly move"" and urging
law enforcement to take immediate action."
"Philippines
On Saturday, a clash between government
troops and suspected terrorists
from the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute
and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom
Fighters occurred in Salibo,
Maguindanao del Sur, Mindanao region.
The encounter resulted in at least
three suspected terrorists being
wounded and the suspected militants
leaving behind an M14 assault rifle, two
pistols, and a dozen improvised bombs."
"Syria
Gunmen from auxiliary factions
stormed a restaurant in Damascus,
firing bullets in the air and
assaulting civilians, including women.
The incident was captured on
video and shared on social media,
showing terrified civilians.
The security services were criticized
for their inaction during the attack."
"Syria
ISIS militants targeted a
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
checkpoint in Al-Tayyanah town,
using machineguns and RPGs.
However, SDF members successfully
repelled the attack, forcing
the attackers to retreat without
causing any reported casualties."
"Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces, backed
by the International Coalition Forces,
conducted a security operation in the
eastern countryside of Deir Ezzor.
As a result, they arrested an ISIS leader,
known as the ""Emir"" of an economic cell,
who was responsible for forcing civilians
to pay ""zakat"" under false pretenses."
"Syria
A 25-year-old man from Kahil town in
Daraa's eastern countryside was shot and
killed by gunmen on a motorcycle while
returning home from work in Daraa city.
The victim was a civilian who had
joined the general security forces
after the fall of the Al-Assad regime."
"United Kingdom
Between Saturday and Sunday,
counter-terrorism police have
arrested eight men in the UK,
including a 29-year-old man in
Swindon, as part of two separate
investigations into terrorism plots.
Seven of those detained
were Iranian nationals.
The men remain in custody while
searches continue at multiple addresses
in London, Manchester, and Swindon."
"India
On Saturday, the Punjab Police
arrested two individuals, Palak Sher
Masih and Suraj Masih, for allegedly
leaking sensitive information and
photographs of army cantonment
areas and air bases in Amritsar.
A preliminary investigation
revealed their links to Pakistani
intelligence operatives."
"Myanmar
On Thursday, May 1, the Three Brotherhood
Alliance, which includes the Myanmar
National Democratic Alliance Army, the
Ta'ang National Liberation Army, and
the Arakan Army, announced it extended
its unilateral ceasefire until May 31
to aid in earthquake recovery efforts.
This is the second consecutive
extension of the truce."
"Israel
Three men, including two from
Rahat and one from the West
Bank, were sentenced to 3.5
years in prison for plotting
terror attacks in Israel, including
a plan to assassinate National
Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir.
The plot, which also included targeting
IDF bases and sensitive sites, was
foiled by the Shin Bet in April."
"Gaza Strip
Hamas-run authorities in Gaza report that
at least seven Palestinians, including
two parents and their two young children,
were killed in Israeli airstrikes in
the southern and central Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military has not commented
directly on the strikes, and the
accuracy of the toll is unclear due to
a lack of distinction between civilian
and combatant casualties by Hamas."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli military says it struck
over 100 targets in the Gaza Strip
over the weekend, including cells of
operatives, tunnel infrastructure,
and buildings used by terror groups.
The strikes come as ground troops
continue to operate across the
Strip, resulting in reported deaths
of dozens of people, although the
numbers and details are unclear."
"India
Between Saturday night and Sunday
morning, the Pakistan Army has resorted
to unprovoked small arms fire across
the Line of Control (LoC) in various
parts of Jammu and Kashmir, violating
the ceasefire for the 10th time.
The Indian Army responded
promptly and proportionately."
"India
Indian Border Security Forces (BSF)
have apprehended a Pakistani Ranger near
the India-Pakistan border in Rajasthan,
while a BSF constable, Purnam Kumar
Shaw, remains in Pakistani custody
after being taken in on April 23.
Cross-border firing has also intensified
in Jammu and Kashmir, with the Indian Army
responding to Pakistani provocations."
"Iraq
Iraqi forces clashed with ISIS militants
in Al-Tarmiyah, north of Baghdad,
resulting in one militant killed, another
wounded, and a PMF fighter injured.
The area remains a hotspot for
militant activity despite intensified
counterterrorism efforts."
"Morocco
The Sahrawi People's Liberation Army
(SPLA) has targeted Moroccan occupation
forces in the Smara sector, inflicting
heavy human and material losses.
The SPLA carried out intense bombardments
on multiple bases and fortifications,
including those in the Amgala sector.
The operations resulted in significant
losses for the Moroccan forces."
"Nigeria
Troops from the 6 Brigade, Nigerian
Army, conducted a special operation
under Operation Lafiyan Jama'a in Ussa
Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation resulted in the
neutralization of a suspected
bandit and the recovery of an AK-47
rifle and a stolen motorcycle.
The operation was carried out on
Saturday, May 25, around 9:00 p.m.
near Gafar village, following
credible intelligence on
bandit activity in the area."
"Nigeria
The Benue State Police Command has
reported a successful operation
against suspected bandits, resulting
in the death of three individuals
and the recovery of two locally
fabricated guns and live cartridges.
This is part of the Nigeria Police
Force's proactive policing strategies
to tackle criminal activities."
"Philippines
On May 1, a clash occurred between
soldiers and members of the New People's
Army (NPA) in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.
The NPA member, Marlindo
Pandila Maglangit, was
killed in the brief gunfight.
Maglangit was wanted for several
high-profile cases and had been
extorting money from farmers in the area.
The soldiers found an assault
rifle, medical supplies, and
explosives near Maglangit's body."
"Sudan
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched
a drone attack on a military base
inside Port Sudan airport on Sunday,
marking the first attack on the de
facto capital since the Sudanese
civil war began two years ago.
The attack targeted an ammunition
depot, a warehouse, and several
civilian installations, but there
were no reported casualties."
"Sudan
The Sudanese army has shot down drones
targeting the Osman Digna air base and
civilian infrastructure in Port Sudan.
The incident marks the first drone
attack on the city, which serves
as the administrative capital and
seat of the Sudanese government.
The attack follows recent drone strikes
on power stations in northern cities, with
Sudanese authorities blaming the Rapid
Support Forces (RSF) for the assaults."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked eight PLA aircraft,
seven naval vessels, and one official
ship around its country between 6 a.m.
on Saturday and Sunday.
Six of the aircraft crossed the median
line of the Taiwan Strait and entered
the nationâs northern, southwestern, and
eastern Air Defense Identification Zones."
"Ukraine
A 54-year-old man was killed in the
Dnipropetrovsk region on May 4 as a result
of a Russian air-dropped bomb strike.
The strike occurred in the
Novopavlivka community, Synelnykove
district, and caused a fire in a
private home and an outbuilding."
"Ukraine
Two men, aged 60 and 63, were injured
in a Russian drone attack in Kherson.
They suffered concussions and
mine-blast trauma, but are expected
to receive outpatient treatment.
This incident is the latest in a
series of attacks in the region."
"Ukraine
On May 3, Russian troops attacked the
Bashtanka district in the Mykolaiv region
with drones, damaging a power line and
leaving 892 subscribers without power.
The Ukrainian air defense forces
destroyed four Shahed 131/136
UAVs in the region on May 4.
Additionally, the Kutsurubska,
Halytsynivka, and Buzka communities
were also targeted by drones, with a
warehouse damaged in the Buzka community."
"Ukraine
A recent attack by Russian drones
on Cherkasy resulted in damage to
residential infrastructure and warehouses.
According to Ihor Taburets, head of the
regional military administration, 15
drones were destroyed by air defense
forces, but there was significant damage
from downed air targets and debris.
No fatalities were reported, but several
people sought medical assistance."
"Ukraine
On Sunday, May 4, Russian strikes in the
Donetsk region resulted in six injuries.
The head of the Donetsk Regional Military
Administration, Vadym Filashkin, reported
that civilians were wounded in attacks
on Druzhkivka, Pokrovsk, and Zarichne.
The attacks caused damage to industrial
zones, houses, and resulted in
injuries to people of various ages."
"Ukraine
Russian shelling of the Kharkiv
region resulted in significant
damage and casualties.
According to Oleh Syniehubov,
the head of the Kharkiv Regional
Military Administration, a man
was killed and four women were
injured in the city of Kupiansk.
The shelling also caused widespread
damage to buildings, including
administrative offices, private homes,
apartment buildings, a post office, an
educational institution, and a warehouse.
In total, 253 combat engagements
were registered in the last day,
with defense forces repelling
Russian assaults in various areas."
"Ukraine
Russian forces attacked the town of
Orikhiv in the Zaporizhzhia region
with guided aerial bombs, causing
damage to residential buildings
and injuring at least two people.
Over the past 24 hours, Russian forces
carried out 497 strikes across 10
settlements, including airstrikes,
drone attacks, and artillery shellings.
Fortunately, no civilian fatalities
have been reported, but there were
26 reports of damage to apartments,
private homes, and vehicles."
"Ukraine
Russian shelling of Marhanets in the
Dnipro region has caused injuries to
three people, including a 75-year-old
woman and two men aged 39 and 68,
who are receiving medical care.
The attacks also resulted in damage to
several private houses, outbuildings, a
garage, a greenhouse, and cars in Nikopol.
Furthermore, two police officers were
injured in the drone and Grad MLRS attacks
on Nikopol, Synelnyk, and Dniprovsky
districts of the Dnipropetrovsk region."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,340 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 380 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack on Kyiv
has resulted in 11 people being
injured, including two children.
The attack caused multiple fires
and damage to buildings in the
Sviatoshynskyi, Obolonskyi, and
Shevchenkivskyi districts of the capital.
The fires have been extinguished, but
the incident highlights the ongoing
impact of the conflict on civilians."
"Ukraine
Large-scale forest fires have broken
out in the Kharkiv region as a result of
Russian missile strikes on wooded areas.
According to the State Emergency
Service, the fires have affected
over seven hectares of land,
including a natural reserve.
34 rescuers and nine units of equipment
have been deployed to extinguish the
fires, with 11 forest fires currently
being extinguished across the region, five
of which are linked to Russian shelling."
"Ukraine
Ukraine's Main Intelligence
Directorate (HUR) successfully
destroyed two Russian Su-30 Flankers
over the Black Sea on May 2, 2025.
The aircraft were shot down by
Magura-7 drones equipped with AIM-9
Sidewinder infrared-guided missiles,
marking a historic moment as the
world's first case of a fighter
being taken down by a naval drone."
"Ukraine
On Sunday, May 4, Russian forces shelled
the Sumy region, resulting in a civilian
death and injuries to two women.
The shelling damaged residential
buildings, power lines, and a gas
pipeline in the village of Bilopillia.
According to Oleh Klymenko, Head
of the Sumy Regional Military
Administration, Russian forces struck
the area 90 times throughout the day."
"Ukraine
On the night of Sunday, May 4, the Russian
army attacked Sloviansk with six drones,
causing damage to a construction base.
The attack resulted in no casualties, but
the premises and equipment were damaged."
"Yemen
U.S.
forces have conducted airstrikes in
Yemen, targeting Houthi positions
in Saada, Marib, and Hodeidah.
Casualty figures and damage assessments
were not reported in the attacks."
"China
Last week, workers across China protested
and rioted due to unpaid wages and mass
layoffs caused by the country's struggling
export economy, which US President Donald
Trump's tariffs have severely impacted.
The unrest has been reported in
various regions, including Sichuan,
Inner Mongolia, Dao County, Tongliao
City, and Shanghai, with thousands
of workers demanding backpay and
protesting against company managers.
Experts estimate that up to 16
million Chinese jobs could be
lost as a result of the tariffs."
"Canada
A team from Canada's Transportation Safety
Board is investigating a helicopter crash
that occurred on Friday in Whitehorse.
Horizon Helicopters' Airbus AS350B was
on a training flight with two people
onboard when it crashed approximately
10 kilometers east of the Erik Nielsen
Whitehorse International Airport.
The status of the occupants is unknown,
and the investigation is ongoing."
"Syria
In the eastern countryside of Hama, two
civilians have been killed in recent
incidents involving unexploded ordnance.
A young man from Hassiyah village lost
his life after an old landmine exploded,
while a 13-year-old boy from Soha town
was fatally injured by an unexploded
cluster bomb in Rasm Al-Awayid village."
"Syria
A member of an engineering team was
killed in an explosion while dismantling
old landmines around the Al-Taim oil
field in Deir Ezzor countryside."
"United States
A small plane crash occurred in Kentwood
on Saturday, injuring a man and a woman.
The man has moderate to severe injuries,
while the woman has minor injuries.
They are being transported
for medical treatment.
The identities of the two
individuals have not been released."
"United States
On Saturday, May 3, a small plane crashed
into a neighborhood in Simi Valley,
California, killing two people (the pilot
and a passenger) and a dog on board.
The plane, a Vans RV-10, was heading
to Camarillo Airport from William J.
Fox Airfield in Lancaster when
it crashed into two homes in the
200 block of High Meadow Street.
The fire caused by the crash
spread to the homes, but no
other injuries were reported.
The FAA and NTSB are
investigating the incident."
Thanks for joining us for the May
5, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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