More hostages released by Hamas
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for February 23, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
We collected and mapped 46 events on
Saturday, including six hostages being
released by Hamas, and a second day
of live-fire drills in the Tasman Sea.
We have a lot to cover,
so let's get started.
Terrorism
"Ethiopia
Armed gunmen in Tigray army uniforms
attacked the Seharti district near
Mekelle, Ethiopia, wounding 20 people
during TPLF's 50th anniversary.
A group of 40 gunmen forcibly seized
an official stamp from the local kebele
administration while harassing residents.
The Tigray Interim Administration
condemned the attack as
politically motivated, linking
it to Tigray forces commanders."
"France
A knife attack in Mulhouse, France,
resulted in one death and two police
officers being seriously injured.
The 37-year-old suspect, who was
on a terror watchlist, fled from
a police station and attacked
people at a canal market.
President Macron has classified this
as an ""Islamist terrorist attack.""
The suspect was arrested, and in
addition to the two officers who received
serious injuries, three other police
officers sustained minor injuries."
"Gaza Strip
Hisham al-Sayed has been released
after being held captive by
Hamas for nearly 3,600 days.
The IDF reports that following his
transfer to the Red Cross, Israeli special
forces escorted him from Gaza into Israel.
He is being taken to a nearby facility
for medical and psychological evaluations
and will be reunited with his family."
"Gaza Strip
Kibbutz Nir Oz has announced that
resident Shiri Bibas was killed in Gaza
after being kidnapped by Hamas during
the October 7, 2023 attack, along
with her young sons Ariel and Kfir.
The announcement follows Hamas's
transfer of what they claim to be Bibas's
body to Israel for identification.
Israeli authorities had previously
indicated that Bibas, her sons, and fellow
Nir Oz resident Oded Lifshitz were all
killed while in captivity, with their
remains scheduled for return on Thursday."
"Gaza Strip
Three Israeli hostages - Omer
Shem Tov, Eliya Cohen, and Omer
Wenkert - have been freed after
spending 505 days in Hamas captivity.
The IDF reports that following
their handover to the Red Cross,
Israeli special forces escorted
them from Gaza into Israel.
They are being taken to a nearby facility
for medical and psychological evaluations
and will be reunited with their families."
"Gaza Strip
Two Israeli hostages, Tal Shoham and
Avera Mengistu, have been released from
Gaza and successfully returned to Israel.
Hamas held Shoham for 505 days, while
Mengistu endured a significantly
longer captivity of 3,821 days.
After being transferred to the Red
Cross, Israeli special forces escorted
them across the border, where they
will undergo medical evaluations
and reunite with their families."
"Germany
A 19-year-old Syrian man was
arrested for stabbing a Spanish
man at Berlin's Holocaust memorial
in what authorities describe as a
premeditated anti-Jewish attack.
The suspect, who arrived in Germany
as an unaccompanied minor in 2023
and received asylum, attacked the
30-year-old victim from behind,
inflicting serious neck injuries.
The victim was placed in an
artificial coma but is now stable.
Police found the attacker with blood
on his hands, carrying a Quran and
prayer rug, and believe the attack was
connected to the Middle East conflict."
"Philippines
A grenade attack occurred in
Kabacan town, Cotabato province, on
Friday night, injuring two people.
The incident happened when motorcycle
riders attempted to evade a police
checkpoint in Barangay Kayaga.
When pursued by police, the backrider
threw a grenade at the patrol
vehicle, wounding a barbecue vendor
(Abdul Sangcupan, 51) and a village
watchman (Ahron Jay Tangonan, 18).
Police identified one suspect as Samrud
Ulimpain Usman, a former detainee
who had been previously released.
The patrol vehicle sustained
minor damage, and both victims
suffered slight injuries."
"Syria
Security forces conducted two
counter-terrorism raids in
Syria's Deir Ezzor region.
In the first operation, Internal
Security Forces and SDF, supported
by Coalition airpower, arrested one
suspected ISIS member in Al-Azbah town.
In the second operation, SDF
forces with Coalition air support
detained two suspected ISIS
members in Al-Kashkiyah town."
"West Bank
Israeli settlers reportedly set fire
to buildings in a Bedouin village
near Jaba in the central West Bank,
following violent confrontations
between settlers and Palestinians
near the Geva Binyamin settlement.
The clashes involved stone-throwing
and axes, resulting in five injuries
- three Palestinians and two Israelis."
Political Conflict
"Cook Islands
The Cook Islands has signed a five-year
deal with China for seabed mineral
exploration and research, including
technology transfer and ecosystem studies.
While not granting mining licenses,
the agreement has strained
relations with New Zealand, which
criticized the lack of transparency.
The Cook Islands, which has already
licensed three companies for seabed
exploration, maintains strict regulatory
oversight and promises no harvesting
until environmental impacts are assessed."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
The UN Security Council unanimously
adopted a resolution demanding M23 rebels
cease hostilities and withdraw from
captured territories in eastern DRC.
The resolution calls for Rwanda to
stop supporting M23 and withdraw
its forces while also condemning
DRC's alleged support of FDLR.
M23 rebels have seized significant
territory, including North Kivu's
capital, Goma, and are reportedly
advancing toward Kinshasa.
The conflict has displaced
hundreds of thousands of civilians.
Both countries are urged to resume
diplomatic talks, with the UN emphasizing
there is no military solution.
The US has imposed sanctions on
individuals fueling the violence."
"Philippines
The Philippines has been removed
from the FATF 'grey list' (countries
under increased monitoring), while
Laos and Nepal have been added to it.
Additionally, Russia's FATF
membership continues to be suspended."
Military Conflict
"Iraq
Turkish military forces conducted
airstrikes in northern Iraqi Kurdistan,
neutralizing 14 PKK militants over two
days - five in the Gara area of Duhok
province on Saturday and nine in the
Operation Claw-Lock region on Friday."
"Somalia
The Somali National Army, backed by U.S.
AFRICOM, conducted airstrikes
against Al-Shabaab near Bulo Burte
district on February 20, 2025.
The operation aimed to prevent an
imminent attack on the district and
weaken the terrorist group's capabilities.
While casualty numbers weren't disclosed,
Somali officials emphasized the
importance of international military
partnerships, particularly with the U.S.,
in their ongoing
counterterrorism efforts."
"Syria
The IDF conducted airstrikes
targeting smuggling routes along
the Syria-Lebanon border used by
Hezbollah to transport weapons.
The Israeli military stated that
these weapons smuggling attempts
violate existing agreements
between Israel and Lebanon."
"Syria
The US military killed Wasim Tahsin
Bayraqdar, a senior member of
Al-Qaeda's Syrian affiliate Hurras
al-Din, in a northwest Syria airstrike.
This follows recent US
strikes that eliminated other
senior members of the group."
"Syria
A suspected International Coalition
drone strike targeted a vehicle
near Taiba Restaurant along the
highway connecting Sarmada and Tel
Al-Karama in Idlib countryside.
The attack resulted in one fatality and
the complete destruction of the vehicle."
"Taiwan
The Taiwanese defense ministry reported
Chinese military activity near Taiwan
during a 24-hour period, including
eight military aircraft, seven naval
vessels, and two official ships.
Three aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's
median line into Taiwan's ADIZ, and
three Chinese balloons were spotted.
Taiwan responded by deploying aircraft,
naval vessels, and coastal missile
systems to monitor the situation."
"Ukraine
Russian forces attacked the
Kherson region, resulting in
one death and four injuries.
The shelling targeted 33 settlements,
including Kherson city, causing
damage to residential buildings (1
multi-story building and 12 private
houses), a gas pipeline, and vehicles.
Ukrainian Air Defense Forces
successfully intercepted a Russian
Shahed drone during a nighttime attack."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack in the Kyiv region
on February 22 resulted in one fatality
and caused significant property damage.
The attack led to a warehouse fire,
which was extinguished by 68 emergency
personnel using 15 pieces of equipment.
The strike also damaged several
civilian structures, including a
private house, kindergarten, educational
institution, shop, and six vehicles."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone was shot down over Kyiv's
Solomiansky district, with debris causing
a fire and damage to a private building.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported
that emergency services and
rescuers responded to the scene.
The incident occurred during an
air defense operation in Kyiv,
where explosions were heard."
"Ukraine
Russian forces attacked the Poltava region
in Ukraine, causing damage to civilian
infrastructure in the Poltava district.
According to the Poltava Regional
Military Administration, no casualties
were reported in the incident."
"Ukraine
Russian forces conducted a
drone strike on February 21 in
Ukraine's Sumy region, specifically
targeting the Shostka community.
Two UAVs damaged infrastructure
facilities in the area.
In a separate incident in Sumy, a
drone attack injured a 23-year-old
woman and damaged a high-rise building.
Emergency services are currently
assessing the extent of the
damage at the affected sites."
"Ukraine
Russian forces launched two attacks
on Kostiantynivka today using
FAB-250 aerial bombs, dropping
a total of seven glide bombs.
The strikes resulted in one
civilian death and three injuries.
The attacks caused extensive
infrastructure damage, affecting
road surfaces, apartment buildings,
a gas pipeline, an electrical
transformer, garage structures, and
the facades of a hospital and store."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,140 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Around 385 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Russian forces conducted airstrikes on
Kostiantynivka on February 22, resulting
in two deaths and four injuries.
The attack caused extensive damage
to residential and industrial
infrastructure, including 31 residential
buildings, three industrial facilities,
multiple utility lines, and vehicles."
"Ukraine
Russian forces launched an airstrike
on Zolochiv in the Kharkiv region on
February 22, injuring a 60-year-old
woman and causing extensive
damage to civilian infrastructure.
The attack, which occurred around 16:05,
damaged 30 residential buildings and
disrupted electricity and gas networks."
"West Bank
Following Thursday's bus bombings in
Bat Yam, the IDF launched extensive
counterterrorism operations in the
West Bank, arresting 90 terrorists
and seizing multiple weapons.
Defense Minister Katz ordered
increased surveillance of recently
released terrorists, while PM
Netanyahu called for a ""powerful
operation"" against terrorist hotspots.
Three additional battalions were
deployed, and entry points to certain
West Bank areas were blocked."
"Yemen
Fighting has intensified in Yemen's
Ma'rib governorate between Iran-backed
Houthi forces and the internationally
recognized government troops.
The Houthis aim to capture this
oil-rich region to strengthen
their control over northern Yemen.
In recent clashes, two government
soldiers were killed and seven wounded
as Houthis used artillery and suicide
drones to attack multiple fronts."
Civil Unrest
"Bulgaria
Thousands of Bulgaria's ultra-nationalist
Revival party supporters clashed with
police while trying to storm an EU
building in Sofia, protesting the
country's planned euro adoption in 2026.
Protesters threw Molotov cocktails
and paint, injuring police officers.
While the government remains
committed to joining the eurozone,
public opinion is divided, with
concerns about price increases
similar to Croatia's experience."
"India
Protests erupted in Manipur after
Assam Rifles detained 26 village
volunteers in Kakching district,
including students taking board exams.
Demonstrators burned tires and
wooden blocks while markets
shut down in several areas.
Night rallies continued as protesters
demanded an end to volunteer arrests.
Security forces remain on high alert."
"Romania
Protesters rallied in Bucharest
supporting CÄlin Georgescu, a far-right
candidate whose presidential election
runoff was canceled by Romania's
Constitutional Court in December.
Georgescu, known for pro-Putin views,
unexpectedly won the first round
but faced allegations of electoral
violations and Russian interference.
The cancellation came just days
before the December 8 runoff, sparking
controversy and criticism from U.S.
VP JD Vance.
A new election is scheduled for
May 2025, though Georgescu's
participation remains uncertain."
"Slovakia
Thousands gathered across Slovakia
to mark the seventh anniversary of
journalist Ján Kuciak and his fiancée's
2018 murders, which originally led to
PM Robert Fico's government collapse.
The commemoration merged with
protests against Fico, who
returned to power in 2023.
Demonstrators opposed his
pro-Russia stance, meeting with
Putin, potential EU/NATO exit
plans, and anti-Ukraine policies.
About 10,000 protesters in Bratislava
joined rallies held in 47 Slovak
locations and 16 international sites."
"United States
President Trump fired Air Force Gen.
CQ Brown Jr.
as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of
Staff and other senior military leaders.
Brown, the second Black general to serve
as chairman, was removed after 16 months.
The dismissals are part of a campaign
by Defense Secretary Hegseth to remove
leaders supporting diversity initiatives.
Brown had previously spoken
out about racial issues
following George Floyd's death.
Trump nominated retired Lt.
Gen.
Dan Caine as a replacement.
The changes coincide with Pentagon
plans to cut civilian workers
and reduce program budgets by $50
billion to fund Trump's priorities."
Active Shooting
"United States
A shooting occurred at UPMC Memorial
Hospital in York County, Pennsylvania.
At least two law enforcement officers
and a nurse were wounded in the incident.
According to UPMC's statement,
while no patients were harmed, there
were confirmed reports of a gunman
who has since been apprehended.
The hospital is now secure, and
law enforcement remains on the
premises managing the situation."
Accidents
"India
A goods train carrying red mud to a cement
plant in Raipur experienced a derailment
of three wagons at the Titilagarh
yard in Odisha on Friday at 8:30 PM.
No casualties were reported.
East Coast Railways officials and the
Sambalpur DRM responded to the scene,
with recovery operations underway."
"India
A tunnel roof collapse at the Srisailam
Left Bank Canal (SLBC) project in
Telangana's Nagarkurnool district has
trapped 6-8 workers about 12-13km inside.
The incident occurred during
routine work on Saturday.
Chief Minister A.
Revanth Reddy has mobilized rescue
operations, with senior officials,
including the Irrigation Minister,
heading to the site via helicopter."
"Peru
A roof collapsed at Real Plaza
shopping mall's food court in
Trujillo, Peru, on Friday evening,
killing three people and injuring
79 others, including nine children.
The incident occurred around 8:45 p.m.
while families were dining.
The collapse affected an area of 700-800
square meters, with rescue operations
hampered by a lack of proper machinery.
Emergency services are searching
for possible trapped victims."
"Syria
A tragic incident occurred in
Al-Fatirah village in the southern
Idlib countryside where a Military
Operations Administration engineer was
killed, and another was wounded while
conducting landmine removal operations."
"Syria
Multiple landmine incidents in Syria
resulted in three deaths and two injuries.
Two men were killed by a landmine in
eastern Hama's Ethraya area, while a
shepherd died in a similar explosion
near Kafr Nubl, southern Idlib.
In northern Hama's Al-Hamamyat town, a
civilian and a child were injured when
their car triggered an old landmine.
These incidents demonstrate the
persistent threat of unexploded
ordnance in the region."
"Syria
A tragic incident occurred in Deir
Ezzor's southern desert, where an
old landmine detonated, resulting
in two fatalities and one injury.
The victims were searching for
truffles at the time of the explosion."
"Syria
Two Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
members were killed when an old landmine
exploded in Al-Jaada Al-Gharby Village.
The incident occurred in an area
where SDF forces faced opposition from
Turkish-backed National Army factions."
"Syria
Two separate landmine explosions from war
remnants in Syria claimed civilian lives:
two people died in the Al-Bushra area of
the Al-Raqqa countryside, while another
explosion in the Daraa countryside killed
a man in his 40s from Janin Village."
"Vietnam
A fatal collision between a sleeper bus
and a tractor-trailer occurred in Son
La Province, northern Vietnam, resulting
in six deaths and multiple injuries.
The crash happened around 11:30 p.m.
on Friday night along National
Highway 6 in Yen Chau District.
Poor weather conditions (light
rain and reduced visibility) were
present at the time of the crash."
Other Events
"New Zealand
Chinese naval vessels conducted live
firing exercises in the Tasman Sea,
observed by New Zealand's HMNZS Te Kaha.
The Chinese task group, comprising a
destroyer/cruiser, frigate, and refueler,
gave minimal advance warning, causing
concern among NZ and Australian officials.
While operating within international
law, the short notice deviated from the
standard 12-24 hour notification practice.
NZ Prime Minister Luxon noted
China hadn't explained the purpose
of their presence or destination.
Australian Foreign Minister
Wong urged China to be more
transparent during a G20 meeting.
Both countries continue to
monitor the Chinese vessels'
movements in coordination."
"Thanks for joining us for the February
23, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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