JNIM claims attack in Benin and the US imposes more sanctions on Russia
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for January 11, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Friday was very eventful and we covered
73 events, including more US sanctions on
Russia, and a deadly JNIM attack in Benin.
We have a lot to cover,
so let's get started.
Terrorism,
"Afghanistan
Last Saturday, January 4, a magnetic bomb
attached to a Police vehicle exploded
in Pul-e-Khumri, killing three people,
including civilians, and wounding six
others, including a deputy police officer.
No group claimed
responsibility for the attack."
"Benin
On Thursday, terrorists attacked Beninese
military forces in the Point Triple
Zone near the Burkina Faso and Niger
border, killing at least 28 soldiers.
Beninese forces launched an immediate
counter-attack with airstrikes and
ground troops to repel the terrorists.
The zone is notorious for
attacks by armed groups."
"Benin
An Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist
group has claimed responsibility
for an attack in northern Benin
that killed at least 28 troops.
The raid took place in the
border area between Benin and
its insurgency-hit neighbors.
The Group to Support Islam and Muslims
(JNIM), which operates in Mali, Burkina
Faso, and Niger, stated that they
stormed a Beninese army post and seized
weapons, ammunition, and a drone."
"Colombia
A suspected National Liberation
Army (ELN) explosive device killed
two Colombian army soldiers in the
northeastern region of Catatumbo.
The incident occurred during
operations against armed groups
involved in drug trafficking.
The Colombian military condemned the
attack and expressed condolences to
the families of the fallen soldiers."
"Gaza Strip
The IDF has confirmed the death
of hostage Hamza Ziyadneh, which
occurred just a day after his father,
Youssef Ziyadneh, was laid to rest.
Hamza was taken captive during
the conflict, and his death
marks a significant development
in the ongoing situation."
"India
On Friday, Delhi Special Police
arrested a suspected Al-Qaeda terrorist
during an operation in Ranchi."
"India
A villager was killed and three others
injured in two separate incidents
involving Improvised Explosive
Devices (IEDs) planted by Naxalites
in Chhattisgarh's Narayanpur district.
One blast occurred in Kurushnar village,
resulting in one death and two injuries.
The other incident involved a 20-year-old
named Shubham Podiam, who stepped
on an IED on the Aader-Itul road.
Maoists frequently plant IEDs in the
region to target security personnel."
"India
On Thursday, security forces arrested
three Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) militant
associates during an operation in the
Qaimoh area of the Kulgam district.
Security forces also recovered arms
and ammunition, including two AK-series
rifles, eight AK-series magazines, 217
AK rounds, five hand grenades, and two
magazine pouches from the militants.
The militants were planning
to carry out major terrorist
activities in the district."
"Israel
A senior IDF officer overseeing the Haredi
draft was attacked in Bnei Brak, leading
to the arrest of three individuals.
The incident highlights ongoing
tensions surrounding military
service within the Haredi community.
Details about the attack and
the motivations behind it
remain under investigation."
"Nigeria
Farmers and herders clashed in Gidan
Nagari about two kilometers from
Gululu, in the Local Government
Area of Jigwawa State, resulting
in the death of ten people."
"Nigeria
A Federal High Court in Abuja has
granted the Department of State
Service (DSS) permission to detain 10
suspected terrorists for 60 days pending
the conclusion of an investigation.
The suspects were planning to launch a
Boko Haram/ISWAP cell in Osun State."
"Nigeria
On Tuesday, terrorists attacked
the village of Baure in the
Safana Local Government Area
(LGA), killing at least 28 people.
Over 20 other people are still
missing after the attack.
The terrorists also ransacked many
houses and shops in the town."
"Pakistan
On Thursday, Baloch Liberation Army
(BLA) terrorists launched a significant
attack on the city of Khuzdar,
forcing local police to abandon the
city and leaving the BLA in control.
After the attack, the rebels set
up checkpoints on all routes in
and out of the town and seized
police weapons and vehicles."
"Pakistan
On Friday, an IED planted on a motorcycle
exploded near a Frontier Corps truck
carrying troops in the city of Chaman,
injuring three civilians nearby.
A search for those
responsible was underway."
"Pakistan
A suspected mortar shell attack
injured three people in the
Malikdin Khell area of Tirah Valley.
It was unknown who was
responsible for the attack."
"Pakistan
On Thursday, security forces in
Lakki Marwat district rescued
eight of 17 workers who were
abducted at gunpoint by militants.
The incident occurred when the workers,
associated with a mining project,
were traveling in a minibus on Dara
Tang Road in the Qabul Khel area.
Eight of the abducted workers
were recovered, with three
sustaining minor injuries.
The assailants also set the
vehicle on fire during the attack.
An ongoing operation involving police
and security officials continues to
search for the remaining nine workers.
The Tehreek-i-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP) group claimed
responsibility for the abductions."
"Pakistan
On Thursday, terrorists raided
a police checkpost in Mastung.
While there were no casualties, the
militants seized guns, ammunition,
wireless sets, and motorcycles.
After the attack, the same militants
set fire to the machinery and
equipment of a cement factory in the
vicinity before fleeing the area."
"Philippines
A motorcycle-riding mother was
killed in an ambush in Kidapawan
City on January 10, 2025.
The incident occurred while
she was driving with her
child, who survived the attack.
Authorities are investigating the motive
behind the ambush, which has raised
concerns about safety in the area."
"Philippines
Thursday night, unknown gunmen
ambushed and killed a college dean
and his nephew while they rode a
motorbike in Barangay Maregaeg, Lebak."
"Philippines
Thursday afternoon, unknown gunmen
ambushed and killed a married
couple while they were riding
on a motorbike in Santa Clara."
"Somalia
Puntland security forces captured
an Ethiopian national who was
an ISIS operative during a
counterterrorism operation in the
remote mountainous region of Bari.
The man surrendered and
appeared exhausted."
"Syria
Fierce clashes broke out between general
security forces and unidentified gunmen
in the Al-Kiswah area in Rif Dimashq.
The gunmen attempted to infiltrate
military residences, resulting in one
security force member killed, several
injured, and unknown explosions heard."
"Turkey
On Friday, Turkish police in the southern
province of Mersin detained a pro-Kurdish
mayor and five other managers of the
Nuriye Arslan municipality as part
of a terrorism-related investigation.
Police accused the individuals
of âcarrying out propaganda for a
terrorist organization,â âmembership
of an armed terrorist organization,â
and âviolation of the law to
prevent financing of terrorism.â"
"West Bank
Israeli settlers reportedly raided
Khirbet Abu Falah in the West
Bank, setting fire to properties
and causing significant damage.
The incident has heightened tensions
in the region, with local residents
and officials condemning the violence.
This event is part of a broader pattern
of clashes and confrontations between
settlers and Palestinians in the area."
Military Conflict
"Afghanistan
Early Friday morning, Pakistani forces
targeted the Mawa Pass area of the
Sarkano district of Afghanistan.
The shells struck residential homes,
causing significant damage and
forcing resident to flee their homes.
The Taliban took retaliatory strikes
against Pakistani forces, though details
of casualties and damage were unclear."
"Iraq
On Friday, Iraqi security forces initiated
a large-scale military operation aimed
at eradicating ISIS remnants entrenched
in the Zghaitoun Valley, a strategic area
west of Kirkuk, near the Saladin border."
"Iraq
On Friday, Iraq conducted airstrikes
on an ISIS hideout in the Hamrin
Mountains of Kirkuk Province, killing six
terrorists, including a senior leader."
"Lebanon
Lebanon's health ministry reports that
Israel conducted a strike in the south,
resulting in two deaths near Tyre.
The strike occurred just before the
deadline to implement the ceasefire
between Israel and Hezbollah."
"Lebanon
The Lebanese health ministry has increased
the death toll from an Israeli airstrike
in southern Lebanon from two to five.
The Israeli military targeted
vehicles carrying weapons used
by Hezbollah in the area."
"Myanmar
On Tuesday, a junta airstrike on the
village of Kunchaunggyi in Thayetchaung
Township injured two civilians
and damaged several buildings."
"Myanmar
On Thursday, junta artillery strikes
on the village of Aing Sant, Loikaw
Township, killed two children and
injured an infant and an adult.
The attack came after an insurgent
attack on an army base in the
neighboring southern Shan State."
"Pakistan
On Friday, counter-terrorism forces
killed five terrorists, including a
key leader, during an operation in
the Maddi area of Dera Ismail Khan.
Troops recovered weapons and
ammunition from the dead militants."
"Philippines
An alleged New People's Army (NPA) member
was killed in an encounter with government
soldiers in Barangay Camindangan,
Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.
The encounter took place between the
remnants of the NPA Southwest Front
and the 15th Infantry Battalion.
A suspected NPA member was killed, and
a high-powered firearm was recovered.
The army is still pursuing the rebels
and identifying the deceased individual."
"Russia
Ukraine has conducted air raids targeting
Russian defense industry facilities
disguised as civilian factories in
the Rostov and Leningrad regions.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center
for Countering Disinformation,
stated that Russia attempts to
conceal its defense production by
labeling these plants as civilian.
Following the drone attacks,
significant fires erupted at an
acetone plant in Gatchina and at
the PlastFactor plant in Rostov."
"Russia
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU)
and the Ukrainian Navy conducted a
successful operation using drones
and the Neptune missile to strike an
ammunition and drone storage facility
near Chaltyr in Russia's Rostov region.
The target was a warehouse of
reconnaissance drones that were
used to guide Russian strikes on
Ukrainian cities and the front line.
The operation overloaded Russian air
defense systems with drones before
the Neptune missile hit the target."
"Sudan
Over the past three days, Sudanese
forces continued airstrikes on
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) positions
in central and southern Khartoum.
On Wednesday, the airstrikes killed
two children and wounded six others,
primarily children near the Bilal
Mosque in Jabra, western Khartoum.
Also, Wednesday morning, airstrikes
killed six people and injured 30 others,
including children in Zarayeb El Tanuk
in the southern area of Khartoum.
The airstrikes come as Sudanese ground
forces advanced along El Fatih a"
"Sudan
Thursday, the Sudanese Armed Forces
(SAF) gained control of the El Shabarga
area, located 39 kilometers southeast
of Wad Madani, the capital of El Gezira.
This latest advance follows the
SAF's recent captures of El Sherif
Yagoub, El Tanuba, and other nearby
villages in the El Gezira region.
Since Wednesday, the Sudanese
army has launched extensive ground
operations in El Gezira from three
axes: El Managil, Sennar, and El Faw.
Along the El Managil axis, the Sudanese
Armed Forces (SAF) seized El H"
"Syria
Turkish forces and their proxy factions
are intensifying their attacks on
the frontlines in Manbij countryside,
Syria, causing substantial damage to
infrastructure and populated areas.
The attacks, which include airstrikes,
artillery fire, and drone strikes, have
resulted in the deaths of 52 people,
including militiamen, SDF members,
and civilians, and injured 17 others.
Protests are taking place near
Teshreen Dam, demanding a no-fly
zone and international intervention."
"Syria
The International Coalition has conducted
its first drone attack of 2025, targeting
and killing a senior ISIS member, Mohammed
Al-Jadouâa, in Al-Raqqah countryside.
The attack occurred in the
Al-Rasafah desert, where Al-Jadouâa
was traveling in a 4x4 vehicle."
"Syria
Turkish forces conducted airstrikes near
Qarh Qouzaq Bridge in Manbij countryside,
resulting in loud explosions and smoke.
Heavy artillery fire and rocket
attacks also occurred, but
no casualties were reported.
Additionally, the Manbij Military
Council destroyed a military vehicle
belonging to the National Army factions
at the frontline of Teshreen Dam."
"Syria
On Friday, Turkish forces reportedly
conducted airstrikes on grain
silos in the city of Serrin.
Damage from the strikes was unknown."
"Syria
On Friday, the Turkish Ministry of
Defense announced that its forces
neutralized 20 PKK/YPG terrorists
during an operation in the Euphrates
Shield region in northern Syria.
Turkish authorities use the term
""neutralize"" to imply that the person
in interest has been killed or captured."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked six Chinese naval
vessels and four military aircraft
around its country between 6 a.m.
Thursday and 6 a.m.
Friday.
Three aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait
median line in the nationâs southwestern
Air Defense Identification Zone.
One Chinese balloon was also
tracked to the north of Taiwan."
"Ukraine
A Russian air strike on Kherson damaged
39 residential buildings and a university
building and caused significant damage
to private homes and a kindergarten.
The attack resulted in at least 10
wounded, with one 65-year-old woman
sustaining serious injuries, including a
closed head injury and shoulder injury."
"Ukraine
In the Kherson region, Russian strikes
over the past day resulted in one
death and 16 injuries, as reported
by Governor Oleksandr Prokudin.
Multiple towns, including Antonivka
and Beryslav, were targeted,
leading to significant damage.
This included six apartment
buildings, 42 private homes,
and various infrastructure."
"Ukraine
In the Solomianskyi district of
Kyiv, a Russian drone crashed
into a residential building.
There were no casualties, but
windows and six cars were damaged.
Air defense forces were activated in
Kyiv and the surrounding region due
to the threat of Russian drones."
"Ukraine
On January 9, Russian forces
attacked 10 towns and villages in
the Zaporizhzhia region 527 times.
The attacks included air strikes, UAV
attacks, and artillery launches, resulting
in 21 reports of destruction and damage to
residential buildings and infrastructure.
Fortunately, no civilians were injured."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,830 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 230 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces successfully targeted
the command post of Russia's 3rd Army
Corps located in Svitlodarsk, according
to the General Staff of Ukraine.
This strike is part of ongoing military
operations aimed at weakening Russian
command capabilities in the region."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian air defense forces successfully
shot down 33 Russian drones during an
overnight operation on January 10, 2025.
The drones were reportedly
targeting various regions across
Ukraine, but the defense systems
effectively neutralized the threat."
"Ukraine
On January 9, Russian strikes
in the Donetsk region killed two
civilians in Siversk, according to
Vadym Filashkin, head of the Donetsk
Regional Military Administration.
No damage assessments were
reported following the attacks."
"Yemen
Reports from Yemen indicate that
airstrikes have taken place in areas north
of Sanaa, the capital held by the Houthis.
The airstrikes, conducted by
US and British forces, targeted
the Harf Sufyan District, with
a total of 12 strikes reported."
"Yemen
On Friday, Israel conducted six airstrikes
on the Hodeida Port and the Haziz
power station near Sanaa, according to
Houthi-aligned Yemeni media reports."
"Yemen
On Friday, a security source
announced that security forces
killed the SIS leader, Faisal
Al-Khabzi, during an operation in the
Al-Quraishiyah district in Al-Bayda."
Political Conflict
"France
France has summoned the Iranian
ambassador to address the detention
of three French citizens in Iran.
This diplomatic move follows concerns over
the treatment of these individuals, with
France demanding their immediate release.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions
between France and Iran, particularly
regarding human rights issues and
the treatment of foreign nationals."
"Germany
On Thursday, German authorities
indicted three individuals on
charges of spying for China.
The accused allegedly obtained information
about military technology on behalf of
Chinaâs Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Prosecutors stated that Federal
Police arrested the individuals in the
western German cities of Düsseldorf
and Bad Homburg in April last year."
"Lebanon
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister
Najib Mikati announced plans to disarm
southern Lebanon, particularly areas
south of the Litani River, to establish
the state's presence nationwide.
This move follows the election of
Joseph Aoun as president and a ceasefire
agreement between Israel and Hezbollah.
The goal is to have the state hold
a monopoly on arms, addressing
UN demands to disarm Lebanon's
militias, including Hezbollah."
"Philippines
On Friday, 37 New People's Army
(NPA) rebels surrendered to
government forces in Malaybalay City.
The militants turned over 51
firearms during their surrender."
"Russia
The Biden administration has announced
its most extensive sanctions against
Russia's oil and gas sector to date,
aimed at crippling the Kremlin's
funding for the ongoing war in Ukraine.
This package targets major oil companies
Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, along
with 183 vessels linked to a shadow
fleet that bypasses existing sanctions.
The sanctions are designed to
impact every stage of oil production
and distribution, potentially
costing Russia billions monthly.
The move is intended to strengthen
Ukraine's negotiating position as Donald
Trump prepares to take office, with
hopes that the incoming administration
will maintain these measures."
"Taiwan
Taiwan arrested a retired Army Lieutenant
General, Kao An-kuo, on suspicion of
breaking the National Security Act.
Prosecutors allege that Kao has accepted
funding from the Chinese Communist Party
and attempted to establish an organization
intended to advance China's interests.
The general called on Taiwan's
military to surrender to China.
Additionally, authorities have
detained a female acquaintance and
several former military officers
about the general's arrest."
Civil Unrest
"Poland
Thousands of people in Warsaw
protested against plans to close
coal-fired power plants, accusing the
government and state energy firm PGE
of jeopardizing their livelihoods.
The protesters demanded the government
reverse its decision and delivered
a petition for financial and
social support for coal workers."
"Romania
Thousands of Romanians rallied
outside the country's top court
to protest the cancellation of the
presidential election in December.
The election was voided due to allegations
of an unfair social media campaign
possibly orchestrated by Russia.
However, the ruling coalition
has agreed to rerun the
election on May 4 and May 18."
"Slovakia
Thousands of Slovaks protested against
Prime Minister Robert Fico's pro-Russia
policies, sparked by his recent visit
to Moscow to meet President Putin.
Protesters, including organizer Lucia
Štasselová, condemned the trip as
""unacceptable,"" especially amid
ongoing military aggression in Ukraine.
Fico's government claims Slovakia can
manage gas supplies despite Ukraine
halting Russian gas transit, but he
warned of significant financial losses and
threatened to reduce support for Ukraine.
Demonstrations occurred across
Slovakia and in cities like Prague
and Krakow, with participants vowing
to continue their protests against
Fico's foreign policy stance."
"South Korea
South Korea's acting leader, Deputy
Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, accepted
the resignation of the chief of
the presidential security service,
who faced police questioning over
blocking law enforcement efforts
to detain the impeached president.
The acting leader expressed regret
over clashes between law enforcement
officials and the security service and
called for an independent investigation."
"United Kingdom
Hundreds of farmers are protesting
with tractor drives across the UK,
targeting supermarket supply chains.
They are calling for the Government
to scrap its inheritance tax raid,
which they believe will harm farming.
Protests have taken place in various
locations, causing traffic disruptions.
More protests are planned, including at
supermarkets and targeting Labour seats.
The National Farmers Union is
also planning a day of action."
Cyber
"Slovakia
A significant cyberattack on Slovakia's
land registry, described as the
largest in the country's history, has
led to the shutdown of the Geodesy,
Cartography, and Cadastre Office
(UGKK) and its physical offices.
The attack, which was believed to
involve a ransomware demand of millions
of euros, has paralyzed real estate
transactions and essential public
services reliant on land registry data.
Agriculture Minister Richard Takac
indicated that the attack likely
originated from Ukraine amidst rising
tensions following Ukraine's suspension
of Russian gas transit through Slovakia.
The UGKK assured that data backups
are intact and ownership records
remain secure, although full
restoration may take months."
"United States
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
residents cannot pay utility
bills online due to a cyberattack.
City officials are investigating
the source of the attack and
working to restore functionality.
Fire and police services are not affected,
and residents can still pay in person.
The city has provided phone
numbers for direct contact."
Accidents
"Afghanistan
An explosion at the Mawi Gar mine
in the Duab district of Nuristan
province killed one miner and
injured another Thursday afternoon."
"India
The chief minister has ordered a judicial
probe into a stampede at Padmavathi
Park during the distribution of tickets
for the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival.
Six people were killed,
and many were injured.
Deputy SP Ramana Kumar and Reddy
have been held responsible for crowd
control and ticket counter placement."
"Iraq
Three children were injured in
an explosion caused by a grenade
remnant in northern Saladin Province.
The children found a hand grenade while
playing in the Al-Noor neighborhood
in the central Baiji district.
They were taken to Baiji Hospital for
treatment, and the police have opened
an investigation into the incident."
"Kenya
At least three people are feared
dead after a light plane crashed
and caught fire in the Kwachocha
area of Malindi on January 10, 2025.
The aircraft crash-landed near the
Malindi-Mombasa Highway and reportedly
struck some motorcycles and a new hotel.
Eyewitnesses described the plane
as engulfed in flames, with thick
smoke rising from the site."
"Pakistan
On Thursday night, a methane gas explosion
at a coal mine in the town of Singidi,
Balochistan Province trapped 12 miners.
Rescue efforts to free
the miners were underway."
"Syria
A stampede at the Umayyad Mosque
in Syria's capital killed three
people during a civilian event,
according to the Damascus governor."
Thanks for joining us for the January
11, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
As a reminder, complete reports with
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