New president named in Syria, and pro-Palestinian protesters to lose student visas in the US
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for January 30, 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 68 events on
Wednesday, including a new president
being named in Syria, and US plans to
revoke student visas of pro-Palestinian
protesters, so let's get started.
Terrorism
Afghanistan
Tuesday night, two gunmen opened fire
on a house in the Bokhana area of the
Alishir District, killing ten family
members, including women and children.
Authorities later arrested two suspects
in connection with the attack."
"India
Police and central security
forces detected and defused an
IED along Loilamkot to Nalon
road in the Henglep area of the
Churachandpur district on Tuesday.
In a follow-up operation, the authorities
recovered the following items: three
short-range tear gas canisters, four
standard tear gas canisters, two regular
tear gas canisters, a cart containing
38mm rubber-bullet riot control munitions,
three improvised explosive device
(IED) shells, three helmets, and three
bulletproof jackets with fiber plates."
"Indonesia
On Wednesday, two armed individuals
boarded a Greek-flagged tanker
as it transited eastbound
through the Singapore Strait.
The attack occurred approximately 2.7
nautical miles northwest of
Pemping Island, Indonesia."
"Iraq
On Wednesday, Iraq's Directorate of
Military Intelligence (DMI) announced
that its operative arrested four
ISIS terrorists during operations in
Anbar, Nineveh, and Kirkuk provinces."
"Nigeria
On Tuesday, suspected terrorist gunmen
attacked the residence of Maharazu
Dayi, the Chairman of Malumfashi Local
Government Area in Katsina State, Nigeria.
During the assault, a police
officer assigned to the chairman's
security detail was shot and later
pronounced dead at the hospital.
Fortunately, the chairman and
his family, who were inside the
house, safely escaped unharmed."
"Philippines
On Tuesday morning, government
troops killed two New People's
Army (NPA) rebels during a clash in
Barangay Los Angeles, Butuan City.
Troops recovered one AK-47 rifle,
a Bushmaster rifle, ammunition,
medical supplies, and other
items from the dead militants."
"Somalia
On Sunday, January 26, an Ethiopian
national was killed by government security
forces in Somalia's Puntland region.
The following day, two more Ethiopians
were reportedly beaten and killed
by members of the public in Bosaso.
In total, three Ethiopians were killed
in the region amidst accusations
of their ""links to the terrorist
group Islamic State (ISIS),"" while
several others have been detained."
"Syria
Two booby-trapped cars exploded near a
security position in Al-Makhram Al-Foqany
in the Homs countryside, causing damages
to parked cars and injuring a bus driver."
"Syria
A member of the Internal Security
Forces (Asayish) was killed in
an attack by an ISIS member on a
checkpoint in Al-Amran neighborhood
in southwestern Al-Hasakah city."
"Ukraine
The Security Service of Ukraine
has apprehended a Russian FSB
agent in the Kharkiv region who was
spying on Ukraine's Defense Forces.
The suspect, recruited via Telegram,
was tasked with monitoring Ukraine's
artillery positions and gathering
information on tank movements.
The suspect was caught conducting
additional reconnaissance just
outside Kharkiv, and evidence of his
cooperation with the FSB was seized.
The suspect is now facing high
treason charges and could be
sentenced to life in prison."
Military Conflict
"Democratic Republic of Congo
The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda,
have consolidated their control over
Goma after seizing the international
airport and border crossing.
Overnight, fighting between the M23
and the Congolese army reportedly
subsided, with footage showing
Congolese soldiers surrendering as
the M23 celebrated in the streets.
However, the extent of the Congolese
government's remaining control
over the city remains unclear."
"Gaza Strip
The IDF fired warning shots in the
Gaza Strip to disperse suspects
posing a threat to troops.
In central Gaza, a drone strike
was carried out as a warning when
a vehicle attempted to travel
through a prohibited area according
to the ceasefire agreement."
"India
On Tuesday, Indian forces launched
large-scale counter-terrorism
operations across nearly two
dozen locations in Jammu Province.
The Indian security forces have
conducted operations spanning dense
forests along the Line of Control and
high-altitude regions, including the
Chenab Valley region, which covers the
districts of Kishtwar, Doda, and Ramban.
Meanwhile, security personnel have
launched search operations at seven
locations in the border districts of
Rajouri and Poonch in the Pir Panjal reg"
"Iraq
On Wednesday, Iraq counter-terrorism
forces arrested two terrorists
and destroyed three terrorist
hideouts during operations in
several areas of the country.
The troops arrested one
militant in Baghdad and another
in Sulaymaniyah province.
In two other operations, forces
destroyed three hideouts containing
huge containers of explosive materials
and a large amount of mortar bombs
in Nineveh and Diyala provinces."
"Lebanon
The Lebanese health ministry reports that
five people were injured in an Israeli
drone strike in the town of Majdal Selm.
Last night, 24 people were injured
in Israeli airstrikes in Nabatieh.
The IDF targeted Hezbollah
vehicles transporting weapons
on the edge of Nabatieh."
"Myanmar
Sunday evening, junta forces shelled the
town of Seikphyu, killing five members of
a family, including five-year-old twins,
their grandmother, uncle, and aunt."
"Myanmar
On Monday, junta forces kill three
Karenni insurgents during a clash
in Pekhon Township, Shan State."
"Nigeria
On Tuesday evening, the Nigerian Air
Force carried out airstrikes against
Boko Haram terrorist camps located
in the Egbewa and Chikide areas of
Gwoza Local Government, Borno State.
The airstrikes successfully killed and
wounded a significant number of Boko Haram
terrorists and destroyed key terrorist
infrastructure in the targeted areas."
"Russia
Units of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's
Main Intelligence Directorate, in
coordination with other formations of
the Ukrainian Defense Forces, carried
out a strike on the Nizhny Novgorod oil
refinery in Kstovo, Russia, on January 29.
The refinery is known to
supply the Russian military.
The attack resulted in a significant
fire, and the extent of the damage
is currently being assessed."
"Russia
Drones targeted a warehouse in
the village of Oktyabrskoye,
Russia, containing missiles, guided
bombs, and artillery ammunition.
Over 20 drones attacked the ammunition
depot belonging to the 23rd Missile
and Artillery Arsenal of the Russian
Defense Ministry, causing damage to the
warehouse and three military buildings.
In a separate incident, drones attacked
the Andreapol oil pumping station,
damaging the station's infrastructure
and causing an oil spill and fire.
No injuries were reported."
"Somalia
On Monday, an unidentified military
drone carried out an airstrike in the
Sihan area, south of Qandala district
in Puntland's Bari region, resulting in
the deaths of at least four civilians.
The strike occurred near a
known stronghold of ISIS in
the Cal Miskaat mountains.
According to the Qandala district
commissioner, the airstrike
had targeted ISIS positions but
tragically killed the civilians."
"Somalia
On Tuesday, Somali and local forces
killed 16 al-Shabab terrorists
during an operation in the eastern
area of the Hiiraan region.
During the operation, troops effectively
captured several strategic locations,
including Beera Yabaal, Buur Abooto, Eega
Galmaay, Jidcilaan, and Cadow Gureey."
"Sudan
On Tuesday, a senior commander of
Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support
Forces (RSF), General Jalaha Rahma
Mahdi, was killed in Khartoum, along
with his brother, Musa Rahma Mahdi,
during clashes with government forces.
Unconfirmed reports suggest the
killings occurred during intense
fighting in the Shambat area of Bahri,
a northern district of Khartoum.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
have recently been advancing
against RSF positions."
"Syria
Turkish fighter jets conducted
airstrikes on an airport and the
outskirts of Sarin town in eastern
Ain Al-Arab (Kobani) countryside
and the vicinity of Teshreen n dam.
The region experienced loud explosions,
causing panic among civilians.
The casualties are currently unknown.
Earlier, Turkish airstrikes on Sarin
town center resulted in the death of
13 civilians, including four children,
with more expected due to injuries."
"Syria
Rocket launchers of SDF attacked a
security position of Turkish-backed
factions in Immu village, killing four
militiamen and injuring eight others.
SDF also attacked another position
in Al-Hawshariyah village, killing
six Turkish-backed militiamen
and injuring five others."
"Syria
A Turkish drone attack in Kobane
resulted in the death of two
civilians, with another injured.
Additionally, Turkish fighter jets
conducted an airstrike in Jab Mady
Village in Aleppo countryside,
but no casualties were reported."
"Syria
A Turkish drone attacked a building in
Al-Karamah city in eastern Al-Raqqah,
causing an explosion and smoke.
No casualties have been reported.
Another Turkish drone attacked a
vehicle on the road between Al-Tabqah
and Deir Hafir in eastern Aleppo
countryside, with reports of casualties."
"Syria
SDF launched a rocket attack on a
Turkish base in Bab Al-Faraj, resulting
in a Turkish officer's death and
two others being seriously injured.
The injured officers were
taken to Turkey for treatment.
The attack also caused
damage to a radar system.
In retaliation, Turkish forces
targeted civilians' houses in
Abu Rasin, causing destruction."
"Syria
Turkish forces and their proxy factions
in the Peace Spring area fired artillery
shells on Al-Gharbi and Jadidat Mirzu
villages and the road connecting
Tel Tamr city and Abu Rasin town.
The attack caused damage to
the road and civilian houses."
"Syria
Turkish security forces have
neutralized 14 PKK/YPG terrorists
in northern Syria, according to the
country's National Defense Ministry.
The operation took place in the
Operation Peace Spring zone."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked six Chinese military
aircraft and five naval vessels
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Tuesday and 6 a.m.
on Wednesday.
Three aircraft crossed the Taiwan
Strait median line in the nationâs
northern and southwestern Air
Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
In the city of Kupiansk, Russian
forces attacked an ambulance with a
killer drone, injuring three people.
The head of the Kharkiv Regional
Military Administration provided
updates on the incident, stating that
the ambulance driver was hospitalized
with explosive injuries and two
medics suffered acute stress."
"Ukraine
An 82-year-old man in Kherson was
wounded in a shelling incident
in the Dniprovsky district.
Russian troops fired on the
district, hitting the man who
sustained multiple injuries.
The man was taken to the
hospital for treatment.
This incident is part of a series
of attacks by Russian troops in the
region, including a drone attack that
injured a civilian and shelling that
killed a civilian in a nearby village.
Another drone attack in Antonivka resulted
in the death of a 52-year-old man."
"Ukraine
The Russian military launched a drone
attack on a site in the Shostka district
of the Sumy region, damaging a fire truck.
The attack occurred while rescuers
were working to extinguish a
fire caused by a Russian strike.
Fortunately, the rescuers
could move to a safe place,
and no injuries were reported."
"Ukraine
A 45-year-old civilian in Kherson
was wounded in a drone attack.
The attack resulted in mine-blast
trauma and fragmentary wounds.
Another civilian, a 23-year-old
man, was killed in the village of
Blahovishchenske due to shelling.
Additionally, a 52-year-old man
was killed in Antonivka near
Kherson by a drone attack."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian defense forces have shot
down 29 drones launched by Russian
troops, with 14 additional UAVs
failing to reach their targets.
The Ukrainian Air Force deployed
anti-aircraft missile troops,
electronic warfare units, and mobile
fire teams to counter the assault.
The attack caused damage in
several regions of Ukraine."
"Ukraine
On the night of January 29, Kyiv was
attacked by drones filled with shrapnel.
The drone fragments fell on the tracks
and damaged security and safety premises.
Fortunately, all people were in
safe places during the alarm."
"Ukraine
As a result of a Russian missile
strike on an enterprise in
Mykolaiv, two employees were killed.
The victims were women and were confirmed
to be employees of the enterprise."
"Ukraine
Russian troops shelled the Nikopol
district in the Dnipropetrovsk
region more than 30 times, damaging
infrastructure and private houses.
The attacks were carried out using
drones, artillery, and dropped munitions.
The Myrove and Marhanets
communities were affected.
In the Synelnykove district,
four private houses were damaged.
Fortunately, there were
no civilian casualties."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,670 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 220 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Two people were killed, and 14 others were
injured in Russian strikes on Ukraine's
southern Kherson region on January 28.
The attacks targeted multiple
locations and resulted in damage to
buildings, homes, a gas pipeline, a
garage, a warehouse, and vehicles."
"West Bank
The IDF has reported killing 18 gunmen
and detaining over 60 wanted Palestinians
during an ongoing raid in Jenin and
Tulkarem in the northern West Bank.
The offensive, called Operation
Iron Wall, started last week.
Troops have neutralized over
100 explosive devices in Jenin
and seized various weapons.
In Tulkarem, 30 bombs were neutralized,
and other weapons were captured."
"West Bank
The IDF conducted a drone strike
in the town of Tamun in the
northern West Bank, targeting a
cell of armed terror operatives.
Casualty figures were not
reported in the strike."
Political Conflict
"Afghanistan
On Tuesday, Taliban authorities
arrested two religious scholars who had
publicly criticized Taliban leadership.
The clerics, Mahmood Hasan and Abdul
Qadir Qanit, on Monday voiced strong
opposition to the concentration of
power among Taliban leaders from
Kandahar during a gathering in Kabul."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli hostages set to be released
by Hamas tomorrow are Arbel Yehoud, 29,
Agam Berger, 19, and Gadi Moshe Mozes, 80.
The names were given to Israel by
Hamas via mediators Egypt and Qatar.
The families of the three
hostages have been notified.
Additionally, five Thai hostages will
also be freed by Hamas tomorrow."
"Israel
Israel will release 110 Palestinian
security prisoners, including 33
serving life terms, in exchange for
the return of three civilian hostages.
The release of five Thai hostages is
not connected to this arrangement."
"Kenya
Sunday evening, at least 11 Somali
soldiers and some Kenyans surrendered
to Kenyan forces at the Hulugho border.
The Somali soldiers turned over
several rifles and ammunition.
The soldiers stated they defected
due to harassment and discrimination.
Sources noted that Kenyan authorities
would return Somali nationals to
Mogadishu while the Kenyans would
be debriefed for further action."
"Mexico
The U.S.
State Department has issued a âLevel
4: Do Not Travelâ advisory for parts
of Tamaulipas state in Mexico, which
borders Texas, due to concerns over
gun battles, improvised explosive
devices (IEDs), and kidnappings.
The advisory mentions Reynosa,
Rio Bravo, Valle Hermoso, and
San Fernando municipalities.
U.S.
government employees have been ordered to
avoid travel near Rio Bravo and Reynosa
outside of daylight hours and to stay away
from dirt roads throughout Tamaulipas.
The advisory comes after an IED
destroyed a Government of Mexico
(Conagua) official vehicle in Rio Bravo,
injuring its occupant on January 23."
"North Korea
According to state media KCNA, North
Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called
for strengthening the country's
nuclear capabilities during a visit
to a nuclear material production
facility and weapons institute.
The visit underscored North Korea's
expanding nuclear arsenal, which has
been increasingly demonstrating its
military might amid the return of US
President Donald Trump to office."
"Philippines
Seven Dawlah Islamiya/Maute rebels
surrendered to government forces in
Midsayap, North Cotabato, on Tuesday.
The militants turned in two M14
assault rifles, an M1 Garand
rifle, M79 grenade launchers, and
improvised explosive devices."
"Sudan
According to the Displacement Tracking
Matrix (DTM), approximately 3,960 families
were displaced from various villages
across the El Fasher locality in North
Darfur between Saturday and Monday.
The displacement was due to escalating
attacks by the Rapid Support Forces in
the region last Friday and Saturday.
In total, nearly 4,000 families were
forced to flee their villages west and
south of El Fasher as a result of these
attacks by the Rapid Support Forces.
On Saturday, families were forcibly
displaced from the villages of Shagra,
Shagra South, and other nearby villages to
locations within the El Fasher locality.
Credible reports indicate that people were
killed and abducted during the attack."
"Syria
Syria's de facto leader, Ahmed
al-Sharaa, has been named president
for a transitional period.
He is also authorized to form a
temporary legislative council.
This announcement was made during
a meeting attended by commanders of
armed groups that fought alongside
Sharaa's Hayat Tahrir al-Sham to
remove Bashar al-Assad from power."
"United States
US President Donald Trump will sign an
executive order to combat antisemitism
and deport non-citizen college students
involved in pro-Palestinian protests.
The order aims to prosecute threats,
violence, and vandalism against
American Jews and address the
rise of antisemitism on campuses
since the 2023 attack on Israel.
Trump also plans to cancel student
visas for Hamas sympathizers."
Civil Unrest
"Italy
On Tuesday, Italian farmers nationwide
protested government policies with tractor
convoys, expressing dissatisfaction
with agricultural policies and the
financial strain on the farming sector.
Protests took place south of Milan and
Cuneo, Brescia, Pisa, Casertano, and
Foggia, with farmers expected to continue
their demonstrations in the coming days."
"Spain
On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, over 5,000
taxi drivers in Barcelona participated
in a go-slow protest, bringing the
cityâs traffic to a standstill.
This protest was part of a nationwide
strike aimed at addressing the âabusive
pricesâ of taxi insurance and the
presence of what they consider âillegalâ
VTC (Vehicle for Transport with Driver)
vehicles operating through platforms
such as Uber, Cabify, and Bolt."
"West Bank
Israeli security forces arrested
12 people in East Jerusalem
suspected of participating
in a pro-Hamas demonstration.
The arrests were made after a
video circulated on social media
showing a parade celebrating the
release of a Hamas terrorist.
Police found Hamas flags, fireworks,
a pellet gun, and a large sum
of money during the raids."
Weapons
"Australia
Explosives and a note targeting Jewish
sites were discovered in an abandoned
caravan in Sydney's northwest.
The incident is being treated as
a credible terror threat, and the
government has condemned the act.
The Joint Counter Terrorism Team
is leading the investigation,
with over 100 officers involved.
The find marks an escalation
in anti-Semitic attacks, as it
involves the use of explosives."
"Israel
The IDF successfully stopped an
attempt to smuggle weapons into
Israel from Egypt using a drone.
The drone was intercepted and shot
down by troops, who discovered it
was carrying 13 assault rifles.
There have been multiple similar
incidents in recent months."
Accidents
"India
A deadly stampede occurred
at the Maha Kumbh Mela in
Prayagraj, India, on Wednesday.
The incident took place early in the
morning as pilgrims rushed to the
confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers
to take a holy dip during one of the
most significant days of the festival.
According to eyewitnesses and police
sources, at least 30 people were
killed, and 60 others were injured.
The stampede happened when pilgrims
tried to jump barricades erected
for a procession of holy men."
"Nigeria
Tuesday night, a Max Air Boeing 737
aircraft crashed at the Malam Aminu Kano
International Airport after its nose wheel
collapsed and caught fire while landing.
All passengers and crew safely
evacuated the aircraft."
"Russia
A Russian nuclear icebreaker
collided with a multipurpose
vessel in the Northern Sea Route.
The icebreaker sustained significant
hull damage but there were no
injuries and no threat to the reactor.
The incident occurred on January 26
but was only made public on January 28.
The icebreaker continues
its work as planned."
"South Sudan
On Wednesday, a plane carrying
21 people and crew crashed after
departing from an oilfield in
Unity State, killing 18 people.
Details and the cause of
the crash were unknown."
"Syria
A child died, and two others were
severely injured in the explosion of
a landmine in the desert of Al-Ashara
City in eastern Deir Ezzor countryside."
"Syria
A member of the Military Operations
Administration died in the Palmyra
Desert in Homs countryside.
The death was caused by shrapnel from the
explosion of a landmine of war remnants."
"Syria
A series of landmine explosions in
different areas of Syria has resulted
in multiple deaths and injuries.
In Deir Ezzor, a young man died
while herding sheep, and another
man had his leg amputated in Daraa.
Two children were injured in
Hama, and in Al-Raqqa, one man
died and two others were injured.
In Aleppo, one man died
and another was injured."
"United States
A small plane crashed at the Shelter
Cove Airport on Tuesday, resulting in
a fuel leak but no reported injuries.
An investigation was underway."
"United States
On Tuesday, a U.S.
Air Force pilot successfully ejected
from an F-35 fighter jet after it
crashed during a training mission
at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
The incident occurred during the
landing phase of the flight, and
the pilot experienced an ""inflight
malfunction"" before the crash.
An investigation was underway."
"United States
DC Fire and EMS reported a small
aircraft crash into the Potomac
River near Reagan National Airport.
The crash involved a regional
jet with American Airlines
colliding with a helicopter.
The plane had departed from Kansas.
Multiple agencies are coordinating
search and rescue efforts.
Takeoffs and landings at DCA were halted.
The National Transportation Safety
Board will lead the investigation, and
no casualty information is available."
"Thanks for joining us for the January
30, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
As a reminder, complete reports with
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