Protests in Georgia, and Islamic State attack in Niger
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for February 3, 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 65 events on
Sunday, including protests in Tbilisi,
and an Islamic State attack in Niger.
Terrorism
"Afghanistan
A blast occurred near the gate
of the talibans police department
in Takhar province on Saturday
evening, according to local sources.
The explosion caused casualties, though
the exact number remains unclear.
The Taliban have not yet commented on the
incident, and details about the nature
of the blast have not been confirmed."
"Bangladesh
Bangladesh Navy, in joint operations
with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and
police personnel, arrested four terrorists
in the Bhola and Khulna districts.
The arrested individuals are Gias
Uddin, Hasan, Mamun Howlader alias
Pasting Mamun, and Amjad Hossain Akash.
The operations resulted in the seizure
of various weapons and equipment,
including firearms, knives, mobile
phones, a laptop, and CCTV equipment."
"India
Security forces arrest a member
of the Kangleipak Communist Party
(KCP - Taibanganba) on Saturday
during an operation in Langmeidong
Mamang Awang Leikai area under
Waikhong-PS, Kakching district.
The individual was involved in
extortion, recruitment of cadres,
and kidnapping in Kakching,
Thoubal, and Imphal West districts."
"India
On Sunday, police bomb disposal
troops discovered and later destroyed
a 25-kilogram Maoist IED on the
road near Dhan Mandi, approximately
three kilometers from Usur."
"India
On Saturday, security forces arrested
a National Revolutionary Front of
Manipur (NRFM) militant during an
operation in Khumbong Bazar under
Patsoi-PS, Imphal West district.
Security forces recovered one .32
caliber pistol with two rounds of
ammunition from the individual."
"Iraq
The Khor Mor field in Iraqi Kurdistan
was attacked on Sunday, causing
heavy smoke but no casualties.
The incident remains unclear, with
no group claiming responsibility."
"Iraq
Iraqi authorities have arrested five
former officials linked to the 1980
execution of Shia cleric Muhammad
Baqir Al-Sadr and his sister.
The arrests were made under the
Dissolved baath Party Prohibition Law.
Among those arrested is Saadoun
Sabri Jamil Jumaa Al-Qaisi, a
former director of state security
who returned to Iraq in 2023.
Other detainees include individuals
involved in suppressing dissent
and implicated in executions."
"Iraq
On Sunday, iraqs Popular Mobilization
Forces (PMF) stated that its troops
located and neutralized an improvised
explosive device (IED) planted by
ISIS militants in Humairah al-Kubra
village of the Al-Rashad district."
"Niger
On Saturday, Islamic State in the
Greater Sahara (EIGS) militants
targeted a Nigerien forces outpost in
Eknewane located in Tilia Department
near nigers border with Mali, killing
at least 46 Nigerian soldiers.
The heavily armed militants also
destroyed or seized nine of the 16
military vehicles stationed thereâ
and looted weapons and ammunition.
Furthermore, dozens of soldiers
were taken hostage, while several
others remain unaccounted for.
Several soldiers managed to escape
on foot and were later rescued.
Following the attack, the Niger Armed
Forces (FAN), along with units from
the National Guard (GNN), deployed a
convoy of around 20 vehicles from Tahoua
to launch operations in the area."
"Pakistan
Local tribes in Lower Kurram
successfully foiled a major
terrorist attack on Saturday morning.
The terrorists attacked the Toot
Pyala area of Lower Kurram using
heavy and automatic weapons.
However, decisive retaliation
by the local tribes forced the
assailants to flee the scene.
The terrorists left behind rocket
launcher shells, wireless sets,
and petrol that they had intended
to use to set houses on fire.
A search operation was launched in the
area to trace the fleeing terrorists."
"Pakistan
On Saturday, gunmen opened fire and
detonated an improvised explosive
device (IED), killing four paramilitary
soldiers in the Daraban area of northwest
pakistans Dera Ismail Khan district.
No group has claimed responsibility for
the attack, but suspicion is likely to
fall on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan
(TTP) or the Pakistani Taliban."
"South Sudan
On Sunday, Eastern Equatoria State
authorities reported that the death
toll from an attack on Dinka Bor cattle
camps in Nola Boma, Magwi County, last
Friday, had risen to 35 and 43 injured."
"Syria
On Saturday, a car bomb blast near a
military position in the city of Manbij
killed nine people, including five
pro-Turkey fighters and four civilians.
The explosion also wounded
nine other civilians."
"Syria
ISIS members attacked a military
vehicle of the self-defense forces
in Al-Dahlah village in the eastern
Deir Ezzor countryside using an IED.
Fortunately, no casualties were reported."
"Syria
Unknown gunmen attacked the southern
outpost of the general security service
in Jableh city in Latakia countryside.
Clashes erupted between the attackers and
security members stationed at the outpost.
The sound of heavy gunfire was reported,
but no casualties were documented."
"Syria
According to the Syrian Observatory
for Human Rights, 10 members of
pro-Ankara groups were killed during
clashes with the US-backed, Kurdish-led
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The SDF launched attacks south and east
of the city of Manbij, an area that
has seen weeks of violent conflict."
"West Bank
Israeli settlers allegedly set
fire to a mosque in the Bedouin
village northwest of Jericho.
The incident occurred in the
early hours of the morning,
and the building was destroyed.
No casualties were reported."
Military Conflict
"Gaza Strip
Palestinian media reports that
the IDF struck a vehicle on gazas
coastal road, resulting in injuries.
The IDF has not provided any comment.
According to the ceasefire deal,
vehicles are only allowed to travel
to northern Gaza via the Salah
a-Din road, not the coastal road."
"Iran
Iran has test-fired an anti-warship cruise
missile with a range of 1,000 kilometers.
The missile has anti-jamming
capability and can be launched
from an underground facility.
It can be made ready and launched
in less than five minutes.
Iran claims to have missiles
that can travel 2,000 kilometers,
putting much of the Middle East,
including Israel, within range."
"Lebanon
Lebanese media reports the
Israeli Navy detaining a fisherman
off the coast of Naqoura.
Earlier, Israeli forces allegedly fired on
civilians attempting to return to Yaroun.
IDF has warned against returning to south
Lebanon villages during the ceasefire."
"Myanmar
The peoples Defense Forces (PDF)
launched a raid on a military base
in Ta Loke Town, Myingyan Township,
on Sunday, killing nearly 25 junta
soldiers and wounding 15 others.
The assault targeted junta
troops stationed at a gate on
the southern edge of Ta Loke Town
and inside two civilian homes.
During the attack, junta forces
launched airstrikes, killing a
woman and injuring five others.
After the attack, junta troops reportedly
set fire to and destroyed several homes."
"Myanmar
Saturday afternoon, a junta airstrike
hit a public hospital in Kyaukme
town, Northern Shan State, killing
two civilians, including a female
nurse who was actively participating
in the Civil Disobedience Movement
(CDM), and wounded 12 others.
The airstrike also resulted in
the collapse of a hospital ward.
The taang National Liberation Army
(TNLA) controls the township."
"Myanmar
Last Tuesday and Wednesday (January
28-29), junta forces conducted airstrikes
on the taang National Liberation Army
(TNLA) insurgent-controlled town of
Naunhkio, killing nine civilians."
"Pakistan
Pakistani counter-terrorism forces
conducted three coordinated strikes
in Harnai, killing six terrorists."
"Russia
A Russian airstrike on a nursing
facility in Sudzha, Kursk region,
resulted in four deaths and four
others in critical condition.
84 people were rescued
from under the rubble.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces
reported the incident on Facebook.
Rescue operations are ongoing,
and survivors will be evacuated to
healthcare facilities in Ukraine."
"Sudan
Saturday night, Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) shelling on the Al-Bitarol
neighborhood of El Obeid in North Kordofan
State reportedly killed seven people.
The RSF has besieged the town.
However, local sources stated that the
Sundanese forces advancing from Um Rawaba
towards Al-Rahad could break the siege."
"Sudan
On Saturday, the Sudanese army stated
its forces recaptured three key
cities in al Jazirah State, including
Tambool, rufaa and Al-Hasahisa, from
the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)."
"Syria
Turkish forces and their proxies
launched artillery attacks on
the frontline of Al-Lojisty
silos and the old Ain Eissa Camp.
No casualties were reported."
"Syria
An SDF fighter was killed and four
others injured in Turkish drone strikes
on a military post in Deir Hafer.
Six SDF fighters were also killed in
clashes with Turkish-backed factions
in Qarrah Quzaq and Teshreen Dam.
In retaliation, the SDF attacked
factions of the National Army,
killing four militiamen and
destroying military vehicles."
"Syria
Turkish forces launched artillery shells
and airstrikes on Mazri and Khadrawi
villages in Abu Rasin town, resulting
in the death of three SDF fighters.
In retaliation, SDF fired heat-seeking
missiles on a position in Tel Al-Laban
village, killing a Turkish soldier
and destroying a radar system."
"Syria
On Sunday, the Turkish Ministry of
Defense announced that its forces killed
23 PKK/YPG terrorists during operations
in the Operation Euphrates Shield/Peace
Spring Zones of northern Syria."
"Syria
Turkish forces and their proxies
launched artillery attacks on the
western frontline and outskirts of
Hawalk village in Tal Abyad countryside.
No casualties have been reported."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked eight Chinese
military aircraft, five military
vessels, and one official ship
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Saturday and Sunday.
Six aircraft crossed the median
line of the Taiwan Strait and
entered the countrys southwestern
Air Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
An air raid alert has been declared
in the Zaporizhzhia region due to
reports of at least eight strikes.
The Russian forces are launching guided
aerial bombs from temporarily occupied
territories towards Zaporizhzhia district.
In the past day, they launched 326
strikes on 13 settlements in the region."
"Ukraine
The death toll from the Russian
missile strike on a residential
building in Poltava on February 1 has
risen to 14, including two children.
A total of 17 people were
injured, including four children,
while 22 people were rescued."
"Ukraine
In Kharkiv, a Russian drone attack
was reported in the Sloboda district.
The mayor confirmed the attack and said
that relevant services were on the scene.
The head of the Kharkiv Regional
State Administration also confirmed
the attack, but there is no
information on casualties yet.
The extent of the destruction
is currently being assessed."
"Ukraine
A Russian attack drone damaged
a two-story residential building
in a village in the Sumy region.
No casualties have been reported, but the
extent of injuries is being determined."
"Ukraine
In Kherson, Russian troops
attacked an ambulance that was
responding to a call from a drone.
The vehicle sustained minor damage
from explosives dropped by the UAV,
but no medical workers were injured."
"Ukraine
In the Kharkiv region, Russian
drone strikes caused injuries
and damage to buildings.
A Shahed drone set a warehouse fire, while
a household structure was hit, resulting
in injuries to a man and a woman.
Several cars, roofs, and yard
structures were also damaged.
In another incident, a drone
strike caused a fire and damaged
dormitory windows and cars.
In Kupiansk, a minibus and a house
were damaged by drone strikes.
No casualties were reported."
"Ukraine
Between February 1 and 2, the
Russian forces launched 55
drones from various areas.
Ukrainian aviation, air defense missile
units, electronic warfare units, and
mobile fire groups countered the attack.
By February 2, 40 enemy drones
were confirmed shot down in
multiple regions, while 13 decoy
drones were lost from radar.
The drone attacks caused damage in
Kharkiv and Sumy regions, resulting in
injuries in Liubotyn, Kharkiv region."
"Ukraine
Russian troops shelled the Nikopol
and Kryvyi Rih districts of the
Dnipropetrovsk region, causing damages.
The Russians fired twice from heavy
artillery, damaging houses, outbuildings,
a car, a gas pipeline, and a power line.
Fortunately, there were no casualties.
Additionally, the Vostok military group
destroyed a Russian drone over the region.
The Russian military also
attacked Nikopol with drones, but
no one was injured or killed."
"Ukraine
Russian airstrikes and shelling
hit the Dnipropetrovsk region in
Ukraine, causing damage and injury.
A guided aerial bomb hit the Novopavlivka
community, injuring one man, while
the Nikopol district suffered
heavy artillery and drone strikes,
causing significant destruction."
"Ukraine
There have been multiple Russian
drone strikes in Kherson,
resulting in several injuries.
On February 2, a drone strike
on a bus left five people
injured, including two children.
Also, a 59-year-old man was injured
in a drone attack on the Dniprovskyi
district, and a 40-year-old man was
injured in a drone attack on Antonivka."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,320 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 240 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
On Sunday morning, Russian troops
shelled the Dniprovskyi district
of Kherson, killing a woman.
A 50-year-old man in the yard at
the time of the attack sustained an
explosive injury and a concussion."
"Ukraine
Russian troops shelled the village
of Shevchenko, injuring three
people and damaging two houses.
In Pokrovsk, one person was killed, one
wounded, and nine houses were damaged.
In Kramatorsk, three houses, a
gas pipeline, an administrative
building, and a car were damaged.
In Siversk, eight houses were damaged.
Overall, Russians fired 12 times at
localities in the Donetsk region,
leading to the evacuation of 226
people, including four children.
In total, almost 500 people, including
47 children, were evacuated from the
front line in the Donetsk region."
"West Bank
The IDF conducted three separate aerial
strikes in the northern West Bank,
targeting Palestinian terrorists.
One strike killed Salah Zakarneh and
Abd al-Hadi Kamil, who was previously
released as part of a hostage deal.
The other strikes targeted
armed terror cells in Jenin.
The Palestinian Authority health ministry
reported multiple casualties, including
a 16-year-old named Ahmad al-Sadi."
"West Bank
The IDF has expanded its counterterrorism
operation in the northern West
Bank, now operating in Tamun.
Troops have found weapons in the town.
Operation Iron Wall initially
focused on Jenin and Tulkarem
before expanding to Tamun."
"West Bank
The Palestinian Authority health ministry
reports that an elderly man named Walid
Lahlouh was killed by Israeli fire in
the Jenin refugee camp in the West Bank.
The IDF has been conducting a
large-scale operation in the area
for almost two weeks and has not
yet commented on the incident."
Political Conflict
"Philippines
An alleged New peoples Army (NPA) vice
commander surrendered to police in
Lal-Lo, Cagayan province on Sunday.
The rebel led police to the location
of a cache of weapons and explosives,
which included a 95-piece 9mm dynamite,
two improvised explosive devices (IEDs),
an IED hand grenade, a hand grenade
MK2 fragment, 29 bullets of caliber
M-16 rifle, four M-14 rifle magazines,
an ammunition drum, two bandoliers,
a K3 semi-automatic rifle, and other
guns alongside personal belongings."
"Saudi Arabia
syrias transitional President Ahmed
al-Sharaa, who took power after Bashar
al-Assad was ousted in December,
will visit Saudi Arabia today.
He will be accompanied by the
countrys foreign minister,
Asaad Hassan al-Shibani."
"United States
Last Friday, January 31, John Harold
Rogers, a 63-year-old former Senior
Adviser for the Federal Reserve Board
of Governors (FRB), was arrested and
charged with conspiring to steal Federal
Reserve trade secrets for the benefit
of the peoples Republic of China (PRC).
The individual allegedly made false
statements to the Office of Inspector
General for the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and the Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau (FRB-OIG),
and those false statements were material."
"United States
Hours after President Donald Trump signed
executive orders implementing tariffs on
goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, the
three countries expressed their opposition
and promised retaliatory measures.
Canada and Mexico announced their
own tariffs in response, while China
stated it would file a lawsuit with
the World Trade Organization and
enact ""necessary countermeasures.""
The tariffs are in response to trumps
concerns about the flow of fentanyl
and undocumented immigrants to the U.S.
The U.S.
will begin collecting most of the tariffs
on Tuesday, and the tariffs will remain
in place until the crisis is alleviated."
Civil Unrest
"Argentina
Thousands of Argentines protested
in Buenos Aires to defend
diversity and denounce President
Javier mileis statements.
The march, supported by womens and
LGBTQ rights groups, trade unions,
and opposition politicians, criticized
mileis remarks against woke ideology,
radical feminism, and gender inclusivity.
Similar demonstrations took
place in other Argentine cities."
"Georgia
Georgian police arrested two
prominent opposition leaders, Nika
Melia and Gigi Ugulava, during a
mass protest in Tbilisi on Sunday.
Thousands of demonstrators attempted to
block a highway, protesting against the
ruling Georgian Dream partys disputed
October parliamentary election victory.
The arrests are part of ongoing
anti-government protests sparked by
allegations of election fraud and
concerns about georgias democratic
backsliding, with the EU and international
community criticizing the go"
"Germany
Tens of thousands of demonstrators
gathered in Berlin to protest
against germanys conservatives'
alliance with the far right.
The protest was sparked by the
conservative Christian Democratic
Union (CDU) seeking support from the
far-right Alternative for Germany
(AfD) for an anti-immigration bill."
"Greece
Greek farmers in the Evros region are
protesting the expired Greece-Bulgaria
water deal, which expired last July
due to bulgarias political instability.
They demand a long-term agreement to
ensure water supply, as drought and
high costs threaten their livelihoods."
"Serbia
Students in Serbia have announced
that they will end their protest
blockade of a bridge in Novi Sad.
The demonstration began on Saturday
in response to a collapsed roof at
the citys train station that sparked
a nationwide anti-corruption movement.
The student-led movement has
put pressure on the government,
leading to the resignation of
several high-ranking officials."
"Spain
Thousands of people marched in Valencia
to protest the Spanish governments
response to devastating floods that
killed over 200 people in October.
The march drew around 25,000 people,
and protesters chanted ""Resign!""
at regional leader Carlos Mazon.
The anger stems from delayed alerts, lack
of assistance, and slow aid delivery."
Weapons
"Israel
Law enforcement discovered a stash
of firearms smuggled from Jordan.
Border Police found the weapons
in two vehicles in Afula.
The stash included 34 pistols, two
Kalashnikov rifles, and two M16 rifles.
The drivers and passengers, three
residents of Zarzir, were arrested for
suspected involvement in the smuggling."
Accidents
"Libya
Last Thursday, the Bangladesh Embassy
in Libya reported that the bodies of 20
migrants had been recovered from an area
along the Mediterranean coast of Libya.
The local Red Crescent believes
they are all Bangladeshi nationals."
"Nigeria
At least 30 people died in a tragic
road accident on the Benin-Ore-Ijebu
Ode Expressway in Ondo State.
Two buses collided head-on,
catching fire and resulting in the
victims being engulfed in flames.
Initial investigations suggest
that one of the vehicles was
traveling against the traffic flow."
"Philippines
On Saturday night, a helicopter crashed
in a swampy area in Guimba town in
Nueva Ecija province, killing the pilot.
An investigation was underway."
"United States
Last Friday, January 31, a rockslide
caused 18 cars of a Norfolk Southern
train to derail near the town of Crum.
One of the derailed cars carried
a hazardous substance, toluene.
No leaks occurred, and there
was no danger to the public.
No injuries were reported."
"United States
A plane went down at Lake George on
Friday, but all four passengers survived.
They were rescued by the Alaska
Rescue Coordination Center, Alaska
State Troopers, and the Alaska Air
National Guard, and were taken to a
hospital in Anchorage for treatment."
"Thanks for joining us for the February
3, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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