SDF pledges to join Syrian transitional government forces
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for March 11, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Monday, we collected 71 events, including
SDF pledging to join Syrian transitional
government forces, so let's get started.
"Syria
The Syrian transitional government
has signed an agreement with the
Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic
Forces (SDF) to integrate them into
the country's new armed forces.
The deal aims to unify Syria's territory
and reject division and may help to
placate Turkey, which has threatened
military action against the SDF.
The SDF, which was formed in
2015 and is backed by the United
States, had been resistant to
integration, but the agreement could
bring stability to the region."
"Syria
Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa,
has vowed to punish those responsible
for the recent violence in the country,
which resulted in the deaths of
about 1,000 people, mostly civilians
from the minority Alawite community.
The violence escalated into clashes
between Sharaa's forces and gunmen
loyal to ousted leader Bashar al-Assad.
In a televised speech, Sharaa accused
Assad's loyalists and foreign powers
of trying to spark unrest in Syria."
"Afghanistan
On Monday, a temporary ceasefire
between the Taliban and Pakistani
border guards took effect at the Torkham
crossing, allowing for negotiations
to continue between the two sides.
The agreement, which expires on
March 11, aims to resolve a dispute
over Taliban-constructed outposts
near the border, with a potential
reopening of the crossing if the
issue is resolved by Tuesday."
"China
On Monday, China's foreign ministry
stated that the country will exert
its utmost efforts to achieve
""peaceful reunification"" with Taiwan.
However, it also warned that China
will take all necessary steps to
safeguard its territorial integrity.
China claims Taiwan, a democratically
governed island, as its territory, despite
objections from the Taiwanese government.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te
has asserted that only the people
of Taiwan can decide their future."
"Colombia
In a rare interview conducted at a secret
mountain location near the Venezuelan
border, two senior commanders from the
National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla
group in Colombia vowed to repel a
looming government counteroffensive
in the country's northeast.
The guerrilla leaders warned that the
prospect of ""total peace"" risked
devolving into ""total war"" and
affirmed they would not hesitate to
engage the 10,000 government troops
reportedly amassed in the region."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo
(DRC) has announced a $5 million
reward for the capture of three
M23 rebel leaders, including former
electoral chief Corneille Nangaa,
military commander Sultani Makenga,
and political leader Bertrand Bisimwa.
The trio was sentenced to death in
absentia last year for charges of treason.
However, arresting them remains
unlikely, as the Rwandan-backed
M23 forces continue to dominate
the eastern DRC, seizing control of
major cities like Goma and Bukavu.
Thousands have been killed and
hundreds of thousands displaced
in the ongoing conflict."
"Ethiopia
Lieutenant General Thok Chuol
Luak, a senior commander of the
Sudan People's Liberation Army in
Opposition (SPLA-IO), was arrested in
Ethiopia's Gambella region on Saturday.
The arrest was reportedly made
at the request of South Sudan's
military attaché in Gambella, linked
to alleged involvement in recent
clashes in Nasir, Upper Nile State.
This detention comes amid growing
tensions between the SPLA-IO and the
government, with multiple opposition
officers detained in recent weeks."
"Gaza Strip
Hamas claims it is showing
""flexibility"" in hostage-ceasefire
deal talks with mediators, awaiting
the outcome of negotiations with
Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
The talks aim to end the war,
withdraw Israeli troops from
Gaza, and reconstruct the area.
A delegation from Israel is
set to meet in Doha to discuss
extending the fragile ceasefire.
The current phase of the deal ended on
March 1 with no agreement on subsequent
stages, but both sides have refrained
from resuming full-scale fighting."
"Iraq
Iran's foreign ministry has called
the US decision to end a sanctions
waiver allowing Iraq to buy
electricity from Iran ""illegal.""
The waiver's expiration will likely
impact Iraq, which relies on Iran for
a third of its gas and electricity."
"Russia
Russia's domestic security service,
the FSB, has expelled two British
diplomats, accusing them of
""intelligence and subversive work.""
This move is seen as a tit-for-tat
escalation following the UK's expulsion
of a Russian diplomat last month.
The UK Foreign Office has denied the
allegations, stating that the expulsions
are ""malicious and baseless."""
"Nigeria
Operatives from the Delta State
Police Command's Dragon Team 14 have
arrested a 55-year-old suspect, Peter
James, for allegedly running guns.
The arrest occurred on the Warri/Benin
road, where police found three
AK-47 rifles, 2,080 rounds of 7.62
mm AK-47 ammunition, and 1,040
rounds of 51 mm ammunition."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
On Saturday, Allied Democratic Forces
(ADF) terrorists attacked the village of
Ngohi Vuyinga in North Kivu province's
Lubero, killing at least nine villagers.
Several other villagers were
reported missing after the attack."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
On Sunday, M23 rebels seized the
city of Nyabiondo, about 100 km
north of Goma in eastern Congo.
During fighting for control of
the town, the rebels clashed with
Congolese militias, resulting
in heavy civilian deaths.
The rebels stated they intended to seize
power in Congo's capital, Kinshasa.
Furthermore, a spokesperson for
the rebel alliance, including M23,
announced that one of the pro-government
militias operating in eastern Congo
had defected and joined the coalition."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
At least 11 people were killed in
vigilante violence last Thursday,
March 6, in Bukavu, with residents
taking justice into their own hands
due to a lack of police intervention.
The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, is
attempting to establish order in the city.
The rebel group seized the city
after Congolese forces withdrew.
Still, human rights activists are
calling for the return of the DRC
police force to maintain public order."
"India
Last Thursday, March 6, police arrested 13
Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) militants
during an operation in the Moirang Kiyam
Leikai area of the Bishnupur district.
Police seized 27 cartridges, three
walkie-talkie sets, camouflage
uniforms, and other tactical
accessories during the arrests."
"India
On Saturday, security forces arrested
three United People's Party of Kangleipak
(UPPK) militants during an operation in
the Langol Type-II area of Imphal West.
Furthermore, a Kanglei Yaol Kanna
Lup (KYKL) militant was arrested
in the Tengnoupal district."
"India
On Sunday, security forces
arrested a member of the National
Revolutionary Front of Manipur (NRF-M)
in Imphal in the East district.
Five People's Revolutionary Party
of Kangleipak PREPAK (Pro) militants
were also apprehended in two separate
operations at Khongman Nandeibam
Leikai in Imphal East district and
Heinoupok in Imphal West district.
Additionally, security forces arrested
two Kangleipak Communist Party (PWG)
members in the Imphal West district."
"Iraq
On Sunday, Iraqi security forces
arrested nine Syrians, including
two believed to have links to the
Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist group,
during extensive operations in Najaf.
Troops also arrested several others
in Karbala in connection with the
promotion of terrorism via social media,
particularly related to events in Syria."
"Nigeria
Security forces in Katsina State
successfully repelled an armed bandit
attack in Bakori Local Government
Area, rescuing three kidnapped victims,
including a woman and her two children.
The attack occurred at 4:30 a.m.
on Sunday, but the swift intervention
of Operation FANSAN YANMA troops
forced the attackers to retreat
after a fierce gunfight."
"Nigeria
On Sunday, ISWAP terrorists claimed
responsibility for an attack on a Nigerian
Army outpost in Sabon Gari, Borno State.
According to the terrorist group,
its fighters used machine guns to
assault the military post, resulting
in the death of one soldier and
prompting others to flee the position.
ISWAP also reported that its forces set
parts of the military facility on fire
and seized heavy and medium machine
guns before withdrawing from the area."
"Nigeria
On Sunday, the Islamic State West
Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group
claimed responsibility for an attack
targeting a member of the Civilian
Joint Task Force (CJTF) near Gujba,
Yobe State, killing one soldier.
According to the group's statement,
the assault, which involved the
use of automatic firearms, resulted
in the death of the CJTF member.
Furthermore, ISWAP fighters were reported
to have set fire to the homes of three
other CJTF members in the same town."
"Nigeria
Suspected Lakurawa terrorists launched
a retaliatory assault on villages
in Kebbi State, resulting in the
deaths of 13 individuals and the
destruction of seven villages by fire.
The attack was allegedly in response
to the recent killing of their
leader, Maigemu, by a coalition
of security forces in the region."
"Pakistan
The Punjab Police successfully thwarted
an attack by 20-25 heavily armed
Khawarji terrorists at the Lakhani
border post in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The police used thermal imaging
cameras to identify the terrorists
and executed a swift counteraction,
forcing them into retreat.
The operation was led by Regional
Police Officer (RPO) Captain
Sajjad Hassan Khan (retd.)
and District Police
Officer (DPO) Syed Ali.
A search operation is currently
ongoing in the border areas."
"Pakistan
Two Counter Terrorism Department
(CTD) officers, Mustafa and
Zahid, were killed in a firing
incident on Tanda Dam Road, Kohat.
The officers, who were riding a
motorcycle, were targeted by armed
terrorists and died on the spot.
A police search operation has been
launched in the area, which has
been cordoned off, and the bodies
of the martyred officers have been
shifted to the DHQ Hospital, Kohat."
"Pakistan
Three migrant barbers from Sindh
were shot dead by gunmen in
Balochistan's Panjgur district.
No group claimed responsibility,
but the separatist Balochistan
Liberation Army (BLA) is suspected."
"South Sudan
On Saturday, a grenade attack occurred at
Bahrabik Market in Western Bahr el Ghazal
State, wounding four people, including
a 15-year-old boy and three women.
The incident was allegedly carried
out by a Sudan People's Liberation
Movement-in-Opposition (SPLA-IO) soldier
who detonated a hand grenade upon
seeing Military Intelligence personnel.
The assailant fled the
area after the attack."
"Syria
Unidentified gunmen in a car attacked the
headquarters of general security forces
in Damascus city's Al-Mazzah neighborhood,
throwing grenades and firing machine guns.
The attackers escaped after
clashes with security forces."
"Syria
Gunmen from the former regime attacked
a vehicle belonging to the Internal
Security Service in Jablah and also
committed assaults on residents of
the Al-Ramlah neighborhood, resulting
in burned homes, displacement, and
reports of civilian executions."
"Syria
An ISIS cell opened fire on a Syrian
Democratic Forces checkpoint in
Al-Karamah town, Al-Raqqah countryside.
The attackers managed to escape without
causing any reported casualties."
"Syria
The Syrian coastline and Latakia mountains
have experienced a significant escalation
of violence, resulting in the deaths
of 973 civilians in 39 massacres and
individual executions since March 6.
The civilian fatalities are distributed
across four provinces: Latakia (545),
Tartus (262), Hama (156), and Homs (10).
This violence, which includes forced
displacements and house fires, has
occurred in the context of retaliatory
actions and genocide, with no
international intervention so far.
The total number of fatalities,
including security services and
Alawite gunmen, has reached 1,454."
"West Bank
A Palestinian threw a stone at an Israeli
vehicle on Route 60 highway near Udala,
lightly wounding a 2-month-old baby.
The baby was treated at the nearby
IDF Samaria Regional Brigade base
and did not require hospitalization.
The IDF has launched a manhunt to
search for the terrorist responsible."
"West Bank
Police have arrested two Palestinians
from Nablus on suspicion of receiving
funds from Hamas to finance terror
activities in the West Bank.
Authorities seized a total of
approximately $44,200 via bank transfers."
"South Korea
On Monday, South Korea and the United
States commenced their annual 11-day
joint military exercise, dubbed
Freedom Shield (FS), to bolster the
defense of the Korean Peninsula.
The FS exercise, held under
the supervision of a neutral
country, aims to enhance the
interoperability and coordination
between the South Korean and U.S.
forces.
According to military authorities, the
South Korean and US forces will conduct
a comprehensive joint field training
exercise (FTX) encompassing land,
sea, air, cyber, and space domains.
This scenario-based FTX is
designed to simulate a full-scale
war on the Korean Peninsula."
"United Kingdom
On Friday, a London court found
three Bulgarians guilty of being
part of a Russian spy unit run by
Wirecard fugitive Jan Marsalek.
The unit was tasked with conducting
surveillance for the Kremlin on a U.S.
military base and other
individuals targeted by Moscow.
According to British prosecutors, Marsalek
assigned the sophisticated British-based
Bulgarian team to spy on Ukrainian
soldiers being trained at the U.S.
base in Germany to track their
movements on the battlefield
after Russia's 2022 invasion."
"Gaza Strip
The IDF has reported two separate
incidents of terror operatives
attempting to plant bombs
near Israeli troops in Gaza.
In the first incident, troops in the
Shejaiya neighborhood opened fire on
several operatives, hitting some of them.
In the second incident, an Israeli Air
Force drone targeted three operatives
trying to plant a bomb near Nuseirat.
Israeli forces continue to be deployed
in a buffer zone along the Gaza border,
and the IDF has warned Palestinians
against approaching the area."
"Myanmar
Last Tuesday, March 4, a clash
between junta and resistance forces
in Chaung-U Township, Sagaing Region,
Myanmar, resulted in the deaths of two
travelers and a small child, as well
as injuries to two other civilians.
The exchange of fire began after
resistance fighters intercepted
junta armored vehicles, prompting a
response from nearby junta troops.
Stray shots also killed a woman
in her 50s during the shootout.
This incident highlights the
ongoing conflict in the region."
"Myanmar
Myanmar junta troops killed 11
civilians, mostly elderly, in the
central village of Myay Sun Taw.
The violence occurred during a sweep
through the town, which is known for
its support of anti-junta forces.
Residents reported that soldiers burned
down nearby villages, destroying hundreds
of homes and forcing thousands to flee."
"Nigeria
The police command in Akwa Ibom State,
Nigeria, has successfully neutralized
a notorious kidnap gang responsible
for terrorizing parts of the state.
A joint tactical team conducted an
operation in Essien Udim Local Government
Area, engaging the suspects in a gun duel.
As a result, five suspects were injured
and taken to the hospital, with one
later dying from their injuries.
The police recovered various weapons,
cash, and other items, warning
criminals to stay away from the state."
"North Korea
According to South Korea's military, North
Korea conducted a series of ballistic
missile tests into the sea on Monday.
The missile launches were
detected from North Korea's
southwestern Hwanghae province.
This occurred just hours
after South Korean and U.S.
forces commenced their annual joint
military exercise, Freedom Shield
command post exercise, which North Korea
views as a rehearsal for invasion."
"Russia
On the night of March 9-10, Ukrainian
drones targeted the Novokuybyshevsk oil
refinery in the Samara region of Russia.
The refinery, which produces fuel for
supersonic aircraft, was struck at around
02:00 local time, causing explosions
in several districts of the city."
"Russia
The Novokuibyshevsk Oil Refinery
in Russia's Rostov region was
attacked early on March 10,
according to Andriy Kovalenko.
The refinery, with an
annual capacity of 8.8
million tonnes, produces
critical petroleum products for
transport and military equipment.
This attack is seen as a strategic blow
to Russia's war effort in Ukraine."
"Russia
Russian forces have recaptured three
settlements in the Kursk region as part
of an operation to evict Ukrainian troops.
This comes after reports of Russian
special forces using a gas pipeline to
surprise Ukrainian forces from the rear.
The Ukrainian military has
reported repelling 15 Russian
attacks in the region, with six
armed clashes still ongoing."
"Somalia
Somali security forces and their
international partners have destroyed
a makeshift bridge in the village of
Aw-baalle, used by Al-Shabab militants
in the Middle Shabelle region as a
transit point for fighters and weapons.
The strike also destroyed an
Al-Shabab vehicle and killed several
terrorists, including commanders."
"Sudan
On Sunday, paramilitary Rapid Support
Forces (RSF) shelling in El-Obeid,
Sudan, resulted in the deaths of nine
civilians and injured 23 others."
"Sudan
According to statements from
military-aligned groups and local
committees, the Sudanese military
has regained complete control of the
East Nile locality, including the Al
Baraka and Hai Al Wada neighborhoods
in Haj Yousif in the capital region of
Khartoum from Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
This development marks a significant
shift in the war's focus to Khartoum,
where the paramilitary remains entrenched.
The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
have secured the area after
breaking an RSF siege of its general
commander and have now completed
operations to liberate East Nile.
The RSF still controls significant
areas within the capital,
including key government buildings
and military installations."
"Syria
There have been reports of violent
airstrikes by Turkish fighter jets
in the early hours of Monday morning,
targeting areas around Teshreen
dam and Melha village in Kobani.
Additionally, clashes have broken out
between the Syrian Democratic Forces
and Turkish-backed factions in the
eastern countryside of Aleppo, resulting
in the deaths of four militiamen."
"Syria
The Syrian army has reportedly
repelled an attack by the US-backed
Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
on Aleppo city in northern Syria.
This incident comes amid a backdrop of
ongoing violence in Syria, including
recent coordinated attacks by remnants
of the Bashar al-Assad regime in
Latakia and Tartus provinces."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked 11 Chinese military
aircraft and nine naval vessels
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Sunday and 6 a.m.
on Monday.
Nine aircraft crossed the Taiwan
Strait and entered the countryâs
northern and southwestern Air
Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
A drone strike in Ivashky village killed
three people and wounded one more.
Attacks were also reported on
agricultural businesses in the Kharkiv
and Izium districts, causing damage."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone has struck near a
hotel-restaurant complex in Sumy, Ukraine,
according to Sumy Mayor Oleksandr Lysenko.
He advised residents to take air raid
alerts seriously and seek shelter."
"Ukraine
Russian forces launched an attack on
Ukraine using 176 Shahed strike drones
and decoy UAVs from multiple locations.
As of Monday, March 10, Ukrainian
forces have downed 130 Russian drones,
with an additional 42 Russian decoy
drones failing to reach their targets.
The attack caused damage in the
Kharkiv, Poltava, and Kyiv regions."
"Ukraine
Ukraine's Air Command East has
successfully shot down two Russian
drones over the Dnipropetrovsk region.
The incident was confirmed
by Serhii Lysak, head of the
Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military
Administration, in a Telegram post."
"Ukraine
On the night of March 9-10,
Russian troops attacked the town of
Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine.
The attack resulted in the
death of a 67-year-old resident
and injured a 37-year-old man.
The Russians launched a second
attack on the settlement at 11:00,
targeting a residential area."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,190 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 490 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
A gas station in Hlukhiv, Sumy
region, was damaged after a Russian
FPV (First-Person View) drone
strike on March 10, around 11:00.
The attack was confirmed by Nadiia
Vailo, head of the Hlukhiv community."
"Ukraine
On the night of March 10, Russian forces
launched an airstrike on the Zaporizhzhia
region, damaging civilian infrastructure
in a village east of Zaporizhzhia.
Two people were injured, including
a 65-year-old and a 67-year-old
man, in the village of Blakytnye.
The regional military administration
reported that the blast wave and
debris partially destroyed two houses."
"Western Sahara
On Sunday, Sahrawi People's Liberation
Army (SPLA) units conducted a concentrated
bombardment targeting a Moroccan army
supply headquarters in the Mahbes sector.
This attack resulted in ""significant
losses in lives and equipment,"" as
confirmed by the military statement
issued by the Central Directorate of
Political Commissariat of the Army."
"Yemen
Last Wednesday, March 5, a US
drone strike on a vehicle south of
Sanaa, Yemen, killed an al-Qaeda
leader and four other terrorists."
"United States
The city of Mission, Texas, has
been affected by a cyberattack
that exposed all of its data.
The attack, which began on February 28th,
has caused the city to shut down much of
its IT system, leaving emergency services
operational and other services disrupted.
The city has filed a state of
emergency declaration and is urging
the state governor to do the same,
citing the need for emergency
funds to deal with the incident."
"United States
The Sausalito City Council
postponed its latest meeting after
a ""blunt force"" hacking attempt
on the city's computer system.
Hackers made over 190,000 attempts
in under 24 hours to compromise staff
password access, but the city's security
measures were able to halt the attack.
The city is further assessing the scope of
the attack and adding additional security
measures to deal with cybercrime."
"United States
X, formerly known as Twitter,
has experienced three outages
on Monday, with the latest one
approaching peak levels at 2 pm.
Elon Musk attributed the
issue to a massive cyberattack
with significant resources.
The outages have lasted over
eight hours, with users unable
to access the app or website."
"Kenya
Protesters in Nairobi's Roysambu
suburb clashed with police outside
the Jesus Winner Ministry Church,
recently receiving a 20 million shilling
donation from President William Ruto.
The protesters, angered by the high cost
of living, targeted the church, leading
to arrests and the use of tear gas.
President Ruto defended the donation,
stating it was part of an effort to
combat moral decay, while critics argue
that he should prioritize cutting public
spending and tackling corruption instead."
"Romania
A controversy has erupted in Romania after
the Central Election Bureau (BEC) rejected
the candidacy of far-right populist Calin
Georgescu in a presidential election redo.
The decision was made due to a
Constitutional Court ruling that
canceled the original election due
to alleged electoral irregularities
and Russian interference.
Georgescu's supporters protested
outside the BEC headquarters,
clashing with riot police.
The decision can be
appealed within 24 hours."
"Kenya
On Saturday, one person was killed
when a gold mine collapsed in the
village of Matindi, Kakamega County.
Two others were rescued
after the collapse."
"Syria
An old landmine exploded in Deir
Ezzor, injuring two children.
Both were taken to a
hospital for treatment."
"Syria
Four deaths and nine injuries
were reported in three separate
incidents involving landmines
and war remnants in Syria.
Incidents occurred in Al-Raghl
(Hama), Al-Ankawy (Hama),
and Busra Al-Sham (Daraa)."
"United Kingdom
A US-flagged oil tanker, MV Stena
Immaculate, and a cargo ship, Solong,
collided off the coast of eastern
England in the North Sea on Monday.
The incident triggered a major rescue
operation, with at least 32 people brought
ashore and a massive fireball reported.
The crew of the oil tanker, which
was sailing from Greece to the UK, is
safe and accounted for, but the cause
of the collision is still unknown."
"United States
A helicopter crashed during takeoff at the
North Las Vegas Airport on Sunday evening.
Police reported no serious
injuries as of Sunday night."
"United States
A plane crashed into a parking lot
at Brethren Village in Lancaster
County, injuring multiple people
on board but miraculously leaving
no one on the ground hurt.
The incident occurred near the Lancaster
Airport, and all five people on
board were taken to area hospitals.
The NTSB and FAA are investigating
the scene, and Route 501 has been
shut down due to the incident."
"United States
A small plane crashed in Olmsted County
on Sunday night, March 9, resulting
in minor injuries to the pilot.
The incident occurred near the Rochester
International Airport, with the pilot
being the plane's only occupant.
The plane crashed into the woods,
but there was no fire and minimal
damage to the surrounding area.
The pilot was able to walk
around and received treatment for
non-life-threatening injuries."
"United States
A train derailed in a Worcester rail
yard on Sunday, sending six rail
cars off the tracks and striking
a nearby industrial building.
There were no injuries in the derailment."
Thanks for joining us for the March
11, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
As a reminder, complete reports with
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