Russia and Iran finalize strategic partnership deal
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for April 22, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Monday, we collected 56 events,
including Russian President Vladimir
Putin ratifying a strategic partnership
deal with Iran, so let's get started.
Russian President Vladimir Putin
has officially ratified a 20-year
strategic partnership treaty with Iran.
The treaty, initially signed in
January with Iranian counterpart Masoud
Pezeshkian, formalizes a long-term
alliance between the two countries."
"Iran
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman
Esmail Baqaei has accused Israel of
attempting to disrupt diplomatic talks
with the US over its nuclear program.
Baqaei claims that a coalition,
led by Israel, is working to
undermine the negotiations."
"China
China has issued a strong warning to
countries considering broader economic
or trade agreements with the United
States that come at China's expense.
The Chinese Commerce Ministry emphasized
that while it respects efforts to
resolve trade differences with the
US through equal-footed consultation,
it will firmly oppose any deals
that undermine China's interests."
"Myanmar
A Chinese delegation reportedly arrived
in Lashio Township in Northern Shan
State to begin monitoring the ceasefire
between junta forces and the Myanmar
National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).
However, neither side has made any
official statements or confirmed
the Chinese delegation's arrival.
Furthermore, staff based in Taunggyi,
who also handle responsibilities
in Lashio, report that they have
not received formal orders yet."
"Nigeria
On Monday, a newly identified terrorist
group calling itself ""Mahmuda""
issued a threat to communities in
Kwara State, warning of an impending
violent attack on residents of Duruma
village and the entire Borgu Kingdom.
In the unsettling recording, the
leader of the group denounced the
creation of local vigilante groups
and charged the Emir of Duruma and his
community with provoking the crisis."
"Philippines
Over 5,000 Filipino and 9,000 US soldiers
kicked off the annual ""Balikatan""
military exercises on Monday for
a ""full battle test"" between the
two defence treaty allies facing
regional security concerns, including
tensions in the South China Sea.
Small troop contingents from Australia,
Japan, Britain, France, and Canada
are also participating, and 16 other
countries have signed up as observers.
The exercise will run for
three weeks, until May 9."
"Syria
The Daraa Security Directorate has
seized a large quantity of weapons
and ammunition, including anti-tank
missiles, heavy machine guns, and
Katyusha rockets, from a vehicle.
The driver of the vehicle was
arrested while attempting to smuggle
the items to Sweida Governorate."
"Chad
Friday evening, a deadly prison
break from a high-security prison
near Mongo saw at least 132
inmates escape from the facility.
The prison break followed a violent
shoot-out between prisoners and
correctional officers, which claimed
three lives and injured three others,
including a visiting state governor.
A manhunt for the escaped
prisoners was underway."
"Haiti
On Sunday, gang members ambushed
and killed three Haitian soldiers as
they were traveling in an unarmored
car in the village of Kenscoff on
the outskirts of Port-au-Prince."
"India
On Monday, a Naxalite/Maoist IED blast
killed a Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF)
soldier between the villages of Toynar
and Farsegarh in the Bijapur district."
"India
In Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri
district, security forces detected
and destroyed a highly explosive
mortar shell on Monday evening.
The shell was recovered at Manyal
village in Thanamandi after villagers
informed the Army and police.
The Bomb Disposal Squad safely
destroyed the shell, preventing
a potential major tragedy."
"Indonesia
Over the weekend, pirates boarded
a container ship and a crude tanker
within 24 hours of each other while
transiting eastbound in the Philip
Channel, approximately six nautical
miles northwest of Palau Terung."
"Nigeria
An explosion and fire broke out
at the Maximum Security Custodial
Centre (MaSCC) in Maiduguri on
April 20, 2025, at around 9 pm.
The incident occurred in the
solitary confinement cell of
Charles Okah, a prominent detainee
who has been held since mid-March.
Okah reportedly shouted that
a bomb had been thrown into
his cell, sparking the fire.
Due to bureaucratic delays in accessing
the cell, rescue efforts have not been
initiated, leaving Okah's fate uncertain.
The incident has raised concerns
about the prison's preparedness
and potential for a larger crisis,
including a possible prison break."
"Nigeria
On Saturday, April 19, eight
gunmen intercepted a bus along the
Obbo-Aiyegunle/Osi Road in the Ekiti Local
Government Area (LGA), abducting all seven
bus passengers, including the driver.
During a coordinated search in the
area, police found and rescued three
children who had been kidnapped.
A search for the other
hostages was underway."
"Nigeria
Militants from the Islamic State-backed
ISWAP faction attacked Buni Yadi in
Yobe State, killing three soldiers
and stealing foodstuffs and livestock.
The attack, which occurred from Sunday
night to Monday morning, also saw the army
recover three cars from the terrorists.
This incident is part of the
ongoing insurgency in Nigeria's
North-East region, which has claimed
thousands of lives and displaced
millions over nearly two decades."
"Pakistan
On Monday, Pakistani counterterrorism
forces arrested a Baloch Liberation
Front (BLF) terrorist during an
operation in the Liyari area.
Troops recovered a large quantity of
arms and ammunition from the individual."
"Pakistan
On Monday, counter-terrorism forces
and police killed at least ten
foreign terrorists during a clash
in the Makarwal area of Mianwali.
During the encounter, one civilian
was also injured in the leg.
The operation was still underway
with police engaging the
remaining militants in the area."
"Pakistan
On Saturday, Punjab police rescued
two hostages and injured two
kidnappers in the Katcha Machka area.
The two injured kidnappers
escaped during the encounter,
leaving the hostages behind."
"Pakistan
A police constable was killed in
a gun battle with militants in
South Waziristan while deployed
for a polio vaccination campaign.
The militants were also neutralized,
and authorities recovered various arms
and identification documents from them."
"Philippines
Last Thursday, April 17, government forces
engaged in a ten-minute gun battle with
ten NPA rebels in Barangay Del Pilar.
After the encounter, troops recovered
one M16 rifle, three serviceable 40mm
M203 grenade launcher ammunition rounds,
and assorted personal belongings."
"Syria
Two civilians from the Alawite sect
were killed in a shooting incident
while transporting dairy products on a
motorcycle in western Hama countryside."
"Syria
A 75-year-old civilian, Abdurrahman
Tayeh Davud, was tragically shot
and killed by PKK/YPG terrorists
in Syria's al-Hasakah province.
The incident occurred while Davud
was searching for his son, who had
escaped from the terror group."
"Thailand
Sunday night, gunmen opened fire and
threw a grenade at Thai Buddhists
having dinner in front of a house in the
village of Ban Khor Ler Thu Wor, in the
Waeng district, wounding seven people."
"Thailand
Sunday night, a bomb planted on a
parked motorcycle and sidecar exploded
outside the officers' accommodation
block at Khok Khian police station in
tambon Khok Khian, wounding nine people.
The blast also damaged the building,
fence, and parked vehicles.
An investigation of the
explosion was underway."
"Ukraine
The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU)
has detained a 29-year-old Russian
agent in the Chernihiv region who
was working for Russia's military
intelligence service, the GRU.
The agent, who was recruited through
a Telegram channel, was tasked
with guiding Russian airstrikes on
Ukrainian Railways infrastructure
by installing a hidden camera and
live-streaming footage to the GRU.
She has been charged with
high treason under martial law
and faces life imprisonment."
"West Bank
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
conducted a series of counterterrorism
operations overnight, resulting in
the arrest of 20 wanted suspects.
In the northern West Bank, the
IDF discovered and destroyed
a cache of explosive devices
in the Nur Shams refugee camp.
Additionally, six suspects were
arrested in the Al-Arroub refugee
camp for allegedly throwing stones.
The suspects have been transferred
for further questioning."
"West Bank
Around 15 settlers torched
property belonging to a Bedouin
family in the Palestinian
village of Sinjil, near Ramallah.
Several family members were assaulted,
including one who was hospitalized.
The IDF detained a Palestinian
who tried to intervene for
allegedly throwing stones.
The incident occurred after
Israeli authorities evacuated an
illegal outpost erected by settlers
in Area B of the West Bank."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
have eliminated a terrorist, Ahmad
Mansour, who took part in the
October 7, 2023, invasion of Israel.
Mansour was a member of the Palestinian
Islamic Jihad's rocket unit and was killed
as part of a series of airstrikes in Gaza.
The IDF has struck over 200 targets in the
Strip over the past 72 hours, including
terrorist cells and weapon depots."
"Iraq
Iraq has launched a large-scale security
operation in Diyala province to target
terrorist cells and restore stability.
The operation involves Iraqi Army
and Police forces clearing key
areas known for insurgent activity,
particularly in the Hamrin Mountains."
"Iraq
Turkish forces have continued to carry
out strikes in the Al-Amadiya district
of northern Duhok province, despite
a unilateral ceasefire declared by
the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)
and a call for peaceful resolution
from PKK leader Abdullah Ãcalan.
Since the ceasefire announcement, Turkish
forces have launched 118 air and artillery
attacks, including 85 airstrikes and 21
artillery bombardments, posing a threat
to local residents and agricultural land."
"Myanmar
On Monday, junta forces conducted
airstrikes on a Karen National
Liberation Army (KNLA) base in the
village of Tiki, in the Taninthary
region near the Thai border.
Three junta MI17 helicopters
were also reported to have
landed 60 soldiers in the area.
There were no reports of
casualties in the strikes."
"Philippines
Tensions have escalated in the South China
Sea following a recent incident where a
Philippine naval vessel, the Apolinario
Mabini corvette, was accused by China's
military of ""illegally entering""
Scarborough Shoal, a disputed atoll.
The Chinese military has warned
the Philippine side to cease its
""provocative actions"" or face
consequences, while the Philippines has
rejected China's claims as ""part of
shaping or malign info operations.""
The incident highlights the ongoing
tensions in the region, where multiple
countries, including China, Vietnam,
Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the
Philippines, have overlapping claims
to the South China Sea, a strategic
waterway through which trillions of
dollars in trade flow every year."
"Russia
Ukrainian paratroopers, in
cooperation with other units, have
captured nine Russian servicemen
in the Kursk region of Russia.
The captured soldiers had initially
agreed to fight for the Russian
regime but chose to surrender instead.
They have received medical and
psychological assistance and
are now being held prisoner."
"Russia
The Ukrainian Air Forces successfully
struck a Russian military facility
in the Kursk region, eliminating
up to 20 Russian UAV operators.
The facility was used to train,
equip, and launch reconnaissance and
attack drones, including FPV drones.
This strike is seen as a response
to the Russian military's actions
against the Ukrainian army."
"Sudan
On Sunday, Sudanese government forces
retook the town of Nasir in the
northeastern Upper Nile State from the
White Army, a loose band of armed youth."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked seven Chinese
military aircraft, six naval
vessels, and two official ships
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Sunday and 6 a.m.
on Monday.
One aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait
median line in the countryâs southwestern
Air Defense Identification Zone."
"Thailand
Overnight, Friday into Saturday
morning, intense fighting erupted
between the Karen National Liberation
Army (KNLA) and Myanmarâs military
just 2 kilometers from Thailandâs
border near Huai Plakong village,
in Mae Ramad district, Tak province.
The sounds of the battle were heard in
Thailand, with smoke from explosions
visible from across the border.
Many Myanmar civilians fled to Thailand,
crossing the Moei River to seek refuge.
Thai forces reinforced security
measures along the border area
to ensure regional safety."
"Ukraine
Russian troops launched a missile attack
on Mykolaiv at 04:57 am, but it did
not cause any damage or casualties.
The type of missiles used
is still being investigated.
This attack occurred during an air
raid alert, which also triggered
explosions in Cherkasy and Kherson."
"Ukraine
A 31-year-old man was injured
after running over a mine with his
motorcycle in the Kherson region,
resulting in a broken collarbone.
He was transported to a
hospital for medical treatment."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces successfully shot
down 42 Russian combat drones and 47
decoy drones over Ukrainian territory.
The Russian attack, which began at 2:00
AM, involved airstrikes across Ukraine,
including the use of anti-ship cruise
missiles and anti-radar missiles.
Ukrainian aviation, anti-aircraft
units, electronic warfare systems,
and mobile fire teams repelled the
attack, causing damage to Kharkiv,
Dnipropetrovsk, and Cherkasy regions."
"Ukraine
On April 21, Russian forces launched a
drone attack at a logging enterprise in
Semenivka, Chernihiv region, Ukraine.
The attack caused damage to the
building and the surrounding area,
but no casualties were reported."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 670 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 80 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Russian forces used a drone to
attack residents of Bilozerka
in the Kherson region.
The attack resulted in the death
of an elderly woman and injuries
to a 47-year-old man, who sustained
blast and shrapnel wounds."
"Ukraine
Russian troops attacked a
private household in the Esman
community of the Sumy region on
Monday morning, killing a man.
The attack is part of a larger series
of 52 Russian strikes on border areas
and settlements in the Sumy region
overnight, resulting in 106 explosions."
"Ukraine
Russian troops have launched attacks on
multiple districts in the Dnipro region,
causing significant damage and disruption.
The attacks, which took place in
the Dnipro, Synelnyk, and Nikopol
districts, resulted in fires at a
food processing plant and a country
house, as well as damage to local
infrastructure and buildings.
Guided bombs and heavy artillery
were used in the attacks, but
fortunately, there were no reported
casualties among the population."
"Ukraine
The Ukrainian Defense Forces have
successfully thwarted a Russian attempt
to break through the front lines in
the Toretsk sector using motorcycles.
The Russian paratroopers were engaged
by Ukrainian forces using gunfire,
FPV drones, and aerial munitions,
resulting in the destruction of
the motorcycles and the subsequent
elimination of the Russian troops."
"Ukraine
On Easter, Russian occupiers
launched 133 strikes on seven
settlements in the Zaporizhzhia
region, including 25 air strikes.
The attacks targeted areas such
as Kamianske, Huliaypole, and
Novodanylivka, but there were no reports
of destruction or civilian injuries."
"Ukraine
Russian forces shelled a kindergarten in
Kherson's Dniprovskyi district, causing
significant damage to the building.
The attack resulted in over
30 shattered windows, damaged
doors, and a destroyed pavilion.
This incident is part of ongoing violence
in the region, with earlier reports
indicating a man was injured in a separate
artillery attack in the same district."
"Yemen
US airstrikes in Yemenâs capital,
Sanaa, killed 12 people and wounded
30, according to Houthi rebels.
The strike reportedly hit a market
in the Farwa neighborhood, causing
significant damage and civilian
casualties, including children.
The US military declined to comment."
"United States
The City of Abilene experienced
a weekend cyber attack that took
some online services offline.
The city has disconnected affected assets
and launched an investigation to determine
the nature and scope of the attack.
Fortunately, emergency services
are operational, and no financial
issues have been reported."
"India
A tense situation erupted in the Athokpam
area of Thoubal District, Manipur,
when security forces fired tear gas and
smoke bombs to disperse an angry mob.
The conflict stemmed from a
land dispute involving a house
construction that allegedly extended
beyond its allotted land boundary
between Athokpam and Khangabok.
Officials had previously visited
the site on April 20 and instructed
the homeowner to remove the
excess construction within a week.
Despite local requests, the owner refused
to comply, leading to locals dismantling
the encroaching portion themselves.
The situation escalated,
prompting police intervention
with tear gas to restore order."
"Iran
On Sunday, protests and unrest have
spread across Iran, with labor rallies,
strikes, and violent crackdowns
reported in various cities, including
Isfahan, Rasht, Ahvaz, and Tehran.
The regime has responded with force,
using drones and heavy equipment to raid
homes and detain residents, including
teenagers and a 19-year-old autistic man,
resulting in at least one reported death."
"Afghanistan
A landmine explosion in Badakhshan
province, Afghanistan, has resulted
in the deaths of at least three
children and injuries to three others.
The children were collecting vegetables
in the Tizab village when the landmine,
left over from wartime, detonated.
The injured children have been
transferred to the hospital with
critical health conditions."
"Syria
An explosion of an old landmine
occurred in the southwestern Deir
Ezzor countryside, an area controlled
by the Damascus government.
Unfortunately, the incident resulted
in the death of one civilian and
injuries to another, who was taken
to the hospital for treatment.
Notably, the two victims
are from the same family."
"Syria
A civilian died in Ma'arat Masrin
City (Idlib) due to the explosion
of war remnants at a scrap centre.
Additionally, in Al-Raqqah, two
children were killed and three siblings
were injured when a hand grenade
exploded inside a house, highlighting
the ongoing risks associated with
unexploded ordnance in the region."
"United States
A pipeline explosion occurred just
northeast of Mutual on Sunday, with
initial reports coming in at 10:50 a.m.
The explosion is believed to be
related to a Kinder Morgan pipeline.
Emergency crews, including the
Woodward Fire Department, responded
to the scene and set up a perimeter
to prevent the fire from spreading.
Fortunately, no injuries
have been reported."
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22, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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