Trump pauses tariffs
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for April 10, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Wednesday, we collected 64 events,
including US President Donald Trump
pausing tariffs, so let's get started.
The United States has imposed steep
tariffs on imports from 86 countries,
with rates ranging from 11% to 84%.
China will face a net total tariff of
104% on its exported goods, while other
countries such as Lesotho, Cambodia,
Laos, and Vietnam will face tariffs of
50%, 49%, 48%, and 46%, respectively.
This move, part of a reciprocal
tariff strategy, has caused
market uncertainty, with U.S.
stock market benchmarks experiencing
four straight days of losses and Asian
markets trading lower, including South
Korea's benchmark entering a bear market."
Later, US President Donald Trump
suspended tariffs on most nations
for 90 days but raised the tax
rate on Chinese imports to 125%.
This move aims to narrow the US-China
trade war, and global markets have
responded positively to the news.
However, the specific details of the
plan to ease tariffs on non-China
trade partners remain unclear."
"Algeria
Algeria has denied accusations that
it shot down a Malian reconnaissance
drone within Malian territory.
The Algerian defense ministry stated
that radar data proves the drone
had violated Algerian airspace.
This accusation has exacerbated
the already strained diplomatic
relations between the two nations.
In response, Algeria announced the
closure of its airspace to flights
""to and from Mali"" and recalled its
ambassadors to both Mali and Niger.
This action appears to be in retaliation
for a similar measure taken by the
military-led juntas in Mali, Burkina
Faso and Niger on April 7th, when
all three Sahel states recalled
their ambassadors from Algeria
over the drone downing incident."
"Algeria
Algeria has expressed regret
over the US support for Morocco's
proposal on ""autonomy"" for the
disputed Western Sahara region.
The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio,
reaffirmed Washington's recognition
of Moroccan sovereignty over Western
Sahara, which Algeria considers
an ""incomplete decolonization
process"" and an ""unfulfilled
right to self-determination.""The
Western Sahara issue has been a
long-standing source of tension
between Algeria and Morocco,
with the UN not recognizing the
sovereignty claims of either side."
"Indonesia
The Indonesian Military has confirmed
that no additional troops will be
deployed to Papua to confront the
National Liberation Army of West
Papua-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM).
Brigadier General Kristomei
Sianturi, Head of the Information
Center of the Indonesian Military
Forces (TNI), made this decision.
The TNI will continue to prioritize
a humanistic, dialogic, and
territorial approach to securing
the Papua region despite TPNPB-OPM's
declaration of readiness to fight
against the Indonesian Military."
"Iran
The US Treasury Department has issued
fresh sanctions on Iran, targeting
five entities and one person for their
support of Iran's nuclear program.
The move comes two days after
President Trump announced direct
talks with Iran, which Iran's foreign
minister said would be indirect.
The sanctions aim to deny Iran a
nuclear weapon and warn of severe
consequences if the talks fail."
"Morocco
On Tuesday, the US reiterated its
support for Morocco's sovereignty
over the disputed Western Sahara.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed
the country's commitment to Morocco's
autonomy proposal as the basis for
a lasting solution to the dispute.
French President Emmanuel Macron
has also endorsed the autonomy plan.
Morocco has been in control of the
territory since Spanish colonization,
but the Algeria-backed Polisario
Front has challenged its claim
to sovereignty for decades."
"Somalia
Al-Shabaab, a Somali terrorist
group, is consolidating its power and
building ties with Houthi militants in
Yemen, posing a significant threat to
regional stability and Red Sea trade.
The group's expansion and growing links
with Houthi militants involve training and
weapons smuggling and have resulted in the
seizure of key military bases and roads.
This development marks a resurgence
of the insurgency that the US has
spent billions of dollars fighting."
"South Sudan
Brigadier General James Gatjiath Chuong,
a senior South Sudan People's Defense
Forces (SSPDF) commander, has defected
to the Sudan People's Liberation
Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) in the
border town of Renk Upper Nile region.
The commander cited the targeting of his
ethnic Nuer community as the reason for
his defection amid rising tensions and
clashes between the SSPDF and the White
Army, a predominantly Nuer youth militia.
The defection has intensified the
political crisis in South Sudan,
with the government accusing the
White Army of ties to the SPLM-IO."
"India
Overnight, an IED blast along the
India-Pakistan border near the
village of Dorangla, Gurdaspur
district, seriously injured a
Border Security Force (BSF) soldier.
BSF troops discovered and defused
several other IEDs after the blast."
"India
On Tuesday, a young villager was
injured in a Maoist-planted IED
blast after he stopped and stepped
out of his vehicle between Kutul
and Bedmakoie police camps in the
Narayanpur district of Chhattisgarh.
The explosion occurred two days after
an IED blast in the same district killed
one civilian and injured another after
triggering a landmine planted by Maoists."
"India
A CRPF jawan was injured in an IED
blast triggered by Naxals in the Bijapur
district of Chhattisgarh on Wednesday.
The incident occurred during an
operation when a member of the
Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad
stepped on a pressure-activated IED.
The jawan suffered severe leg
injuries and has been admitted to
the district hospital for treatment."
"India
The National Investigation Agency
(NIA), in a joint operation with the
Bihar police and the Central Reserve
Police Force (CRPF), recovered two
improvised explosive devices (IEDs)
in a forest area in Gaya district.
The IEDs, weighing approximately 3 kg
each, were hidden by CPI (Maoist) cadres
and were successfully blasted by the
Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS)
team of the CRPF at the same location."
"India
The National Investigation Agency
(NIA) has made a significant
breakthrough in the Chandigarh
grenade attack case with the arrest
of Abhijot Singh, a Punjab resident.
Abhijot was found to be in direct
contact with Harpreet Singh alias
Happy Passia, a US-based individual,
and was involved in the conspiracy to
target a retired Punjab Police officer.
According to the NIA's investigation,
Abhijot conducted reconnaissance
of the target location, arranged
a stolen motorcycle, and
received pistols from Happy.
The attack was intended to take place
in August 2024, but Abhijot and another
suspect failed to execute the crime."
"India
On Wednesday, security forces clashed
with terrorists in the Marta area
of Ramnagar, Udhampur district.
Additional forces deployed to the
area after the encounter broke out.
Troops believe at least three
rebels are trapped there."
"India
On Wednesday, security forces
discovered and defused a suspected
Improvised Explosive Device (IED)
in the Astanwali Hafrada area of
Vilgam in North Kashmirâs Handwara."
"Indonesia
The West Papua National Liberation
Army (TPNPB) claimed responsibility
for the execution of 11 miners
in the Yahukimo area, Papua.
The insurgents alleged the victims
were Indonesian soldiers disguised
as illegal gold miners to infiltrate
the group's operational areas.
The TPNPB spokesperson stated that
the executions occurred over three
days, from Sunday to Tuesday.
Additionally, three members of
the Indonesian Military (TNI) were
reportedly injured during the incident."
"Iraq
Iraqi security forces have arrested
a senior-first-tier ISIS figure
linked to the group's former leader,
Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, and al-Qaeda
figure Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
The arrest took place in a residential
district of southern Kirkuk."
"Mozambique
A terrorist attack in northern
Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province
has resulted in the deaths of
at least five people and left
several others seriously injured.
The attack, blamed on the armed
paramilitary group Naprama,
occurred in the village of Ntotue
in Mocimboa da Prala district."
"Mozambique
Unidentified assailants ambushed and
set fire to two trucks, including
one carrying five vehicles, in the
Nhamapadza area of the Maringue district,
Sofala province, on Tuesday morning.
The attackers, consisting of eight
people with one armed with an AK-47
rifle, ordered the drivers out of
the trucks without harming them.
The five vehicles on the transport
truck were also destroyed in the attack.
The incident occurred on the
main north-south highway (EN1).
The motive behind the attack is
unclear, but it is not linked to Renamo
rebels or Islamist terrorists, who are
active in other parts of the country."
"Nigeria
A violent clash between suspected members
of the Eiye and Aye confraternities
occurred outside the gate of Osun
State Polytechnic in Iree on Tuesday.
The confrontation left one person dead
and four others injured, with the victim,
a former student, allegedly struck on
the head with a hammer and dying en
route to a medical facility in Osogbo.
The incident caused panic among
students and residents, who fled
the area as gunshots were fired, and
there have been no confirmed arrests
or identities of those involved."
"Nigeria
On Tuesday morning, unidentified gunmen
riding a motorcycle ambushed and killed
three farmers as they were traveling to
their farm in the Ajagbusi community,
Akure North Local Government Area (LGA).
A search for the assailants was underway."
"Nigeria
On Tuesday morning, unidentified gunmen
riding a motorcycle ambushed and killed
three farmers as they were traveling to
their farm in the Ajagbusi community,
Akure North Local Government Area (LGA).
A search for the assailants was underway."
"Pakistan
On Tuesday, a hand grenade attack near
the Commissioner House in the Kharan
district seriously injured a man.
Security forces cordoned off the
area and launched a search operation
to capture the assailants."
"Pakistan
The Counter Terrorism Department
(CTD) Sindh arrested a terrorist
linked to the TTP, Jameel Ahmed
alias Qari Sahab, near Super Highway.
He was in possession of sensitive
videos of key installations in Karachi
and was tasked by another accused,
Hammad Ansari, to record these videos.
A case has been registered against
the arrested individual, and further
investigations are underway."
"Philippines
On Wednesday, gunmen ambushed a
vehicle in Barangay Upper Panikian,
Pitogo, injuring a municipal council
candidate and two of his supporters.
Two other supporters were unharmed.
A search for the assailants was underway."
"Philippines
Wednesday morning, five unidentified
gunmen ambushed and killed a village
chairperson and wounded his companion
as they were driving in Barangay
Montay, Malabang, Lanao del Sur."
"Philippines
On Monday, police arrested six individuals
for allegedly attacking a Bureau of
Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)
vehicle carrying Hu Yang, a Chinese man
suspected of heading a crime syndicate.
The attack occurred along the
Manila-Cavite Expressway, and a
jail officer was shot in the right
shoulder during the incident.
Hu was being transported back to jail
after a hearing at the Makati Regional
Trial Court when the attack took place.
The BJMP and Philippine National Police
are conducting a thorough investigation
to determine whether the attack
was an ambush or a rescue attempt."
"Saudi Arabia
A ballistic missile launched by the
Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, intended for
Israel, landed in Saudi Arabia instead.
The Israeli military identified
the launch, but no sirens were
triggered in Israel as the
missile did not pose a threat.
This is the 19th ballistic missile
launched by the Houthis at Israel
since March 18, with 10 of them
setting off sirens in Israel
and the rest falling short."
"South Sudan
On Tuesday, a clash at Paloich Airport
in Upper Nile State, South Sudan,
broke out between two National Security
Service (NSS) operations unit factions.
The incident occurred after a group of
soldiers defied orders and attempted to
return to Juba, leading to an exchange
of gunfire and four injured personnel.
Authorities have confirmed that
the situation has stabilized, with
normal flight operations resuming
and the rogue unit in custody."
"Syria
There has been a surge in security tension
in the Barzeh neighborhood of Damascus
city after a surprise attack by gunmen
on the Teshreen hospital checkpoint.
As a result, two members of
the general security forces
were injured in the incident."
"Gaza Strip
At least 23 people, including eight
women and eight children, have been
killed in an Israeli airstrike on
a residential building in northern
Gaza, according to the Hamas-run
health ministry and Al-Ahli hospital.
The IDF claims to have struck
several terror operatives in the
area, while Israel accuses Hamas
of fighting from civilian areas.
The exact number of casualties
and damage is unclear due to the
lack of independent verification."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have
carried out airstrikes on over 45 targets
in the Gaza Strip over the past day.
The targets included weapons
manufacturing sites, rocket launchers,
buildings used by terror groups,
and cells of terror operatives.
Ground forces are also operating across
the Strip, with troops locating and
destroying infrastructure used by Hamas,
as well as killing several operatives."
"Iraq
On Tuesday, Iraqi security forces
launched a military operation to
dismantle ISIS sleeper cells in the
Valley of Death, a region along the
border of Saladin and Diyala provinces.
The operation aims to eliminate
ISIS remnants, seal security
gaps, and destroy hideouts.
Wadi Hawi al-Azim has been a
stronghold for insurgents, including
al-Qaeda and ISIS, due to its
rough terrain and isolation.
The goal is to sever infiltration
routes and prevent extremist activity."
"Myanmar
Last Saturday, junta airstrikes
targeted a village in Madaya Township.
There were no reports of casualties."
"Myanmar
Last Friday, April 4, junta
airstrikes targeted a village
near Thabeikkyin Township.
Another airstrike hit the village
of Thila in Singu on the same day.
There were no reported
casualties in the attacks."
"Myanmar
Last Saturday, junta forces
conducted airstrikes on a gem
mine west of Mogok Township.
There were no reported casualties."
"Russia
On April 9, drones attacked several
military airfields and locations
in Russia, including Mozdok,
Orenburg, and Penza regions.
According to reports, a total of 158
drones were allegedly shot down over 10
regions and the annexed Crimean peninsula.
The attacks resulted in no
reported casualties, but damage
was sustained in some areas."
"Somalia
On Tuesday, Somali army forces,
in coordination with local militia
members, killed at least 30 Al-Shabaab
militants during operations across
the Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle,
and Lower Shabelle regions.
The targets included Al-Shabaab
strongholds in various areas, including
Aboorey, Masjid Ali Gaduud, Ruunirgood,
Guulane, and Afgooye district.
The Somali government has been ramping up
counterterrorism operations in central and
southern Somalia to dismantle Al-Shabaab's
presence in rural strongholds."
"Sudan
On Tuesday, Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
attacks killed over 100 people, including
women and children, in Omdurman.
The Sudanese army has reportedly
regained control of some areas in western
Omdurman, including the residential
Al-Safwah Complex and a marketplace
in Ombadda, after expelling the RSF.
The gains come as the army gains
ground across Sudan's states,
with the RSF's control shrinking
rapidly since late March."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked 25 Chinese
military aircraft, six naval
vessels, and one official ship
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Tuesday and 6 a.m.
on Wednesday.
18 aircraft crossed the Taiwan
Strait median line in the countryâs
northern, southwestern, and eastern
Air Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
Over the past day, April 8,
Russian strikes injured four
civilians in the Kherson region.
The attacks targeted multiple
locations, causing significant damage
to buildings, houses, and vehicles."
"Ukraine
Russian troops launched drones
targeting a village in Chernihiv
region's Novgorod-Siverskyi district,
causing damage to an agricultural
enterprise building and a playground.
Fortunately, no one was injured
in the attack, according to the
head of the regional military
administration, Viacheslav Chaus.
This incident follows a previous drone
strike in the same area targeting a
truck of a farming company employee."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attacked
Malokaterynivka in the Zaporizhzhia
region, causing destruction to cars,
private houses, and outbuildings.
Fortunately, there were
no reported casualties.
Residents in the area had
been warned about increased
drone activity beforehand."
"Ukraine
A large-scale Russian strike on Kharkiv
has caused significant damage to
multiple districts, with the Osnovianskyi
district being the hardest-hit area.
The attack, which involved
approximately 20 strikes, resulted
in two deaths and 14 injuries.
The Russian army used a Geran-2 UAV in the
attack, with the majority of the strikes
concentrated in the Osnovianskyi district.
Other affected areas include the
Industrialnyi, Shevchenkivskyi, and
Kyivskyi districts, with around 10 houses
damaged in the Kyivskyi district alone."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian Defense Forces successfully
repelled a Russian drone attack,
shooting down 32 Shahed-type UAVs and
other drones overnight from April 8-9.
The attack, launched from various
locations, also resulted in 15
injuries in the Dnipro region,
with eight people hospitalized."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian soldiers from the Group 10
unit have reportedly killed 12 Russian
soldiers and captured two more in the
Zaporizhzhia direction of the front.
The Ukrainian forces also seized
tactical paperwork and captured a
Russian serviceman in a settlement."
"Ukraine
A fire and rescue unit of the State
Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) in the
Sumy region was damaged during a Russian
airstrike in the Krasnopillia community.
Fortunately, the rescuers were in a
shelter at the time of the attack,
and no casualties were reported."
"Ukraine
Russian forces carried out nighttime
drone strikes in Kramatorsk, injuring
three people, including an 11-year-old
girl, her mother, and her grandmother.
The attack occurred overnight,
and authorities are currently
assessing the damage."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,270 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 240 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"West Bank
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have
expanded their ongoing counter-terrorism
operation, Operation Iron Wall, to the
Nablus area in the northern West Bank.
The military has been carrying out
a major offensive since January 21,
focusing on the Jenin and Tulkarem areas.
In recent operations, officers from
the Gideonim unit and the IDF detained
two wanted Palestinians, including
Mohammed al-Bana, a senior member of
the former Lion's Den terror group,
who was involved in shooting and
explosive attacks against troops."
"Yemen
Suspected US airstrikes have hit
areas around Hodeida, Yemen, killing
at least two people and wounding 13
others, according to the Houthi rebels.
The strikes also targeted
telecommunication equipment in the
Amran governorate, north of Sanaa."
"Taiwan
Western intelligence agencies in the
US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia,
and Germany have issued an advisory
warning of a Chinese contractor using
malicious mobile phone applications
to monitor Taiwanese independence
activists and other minority groups.
Sichuan Dianke Network
Security Technology Co.,
Ltd.
contractor has been linked to malware
packages that can access devices'
cameras, microphones, and location data."
"Greece
A 24-hour nationwide general strike in
Greece has disrupted public services,
including flights, ferries, and public
transportation, as labor unions demand
an end to austerity measures imposed by
international creditors a decade ago.
The unions are seeking salary
increases and a return of collective
bargaining rights, citing a hike
in the cost of living and concerns
about global financial turmoil."
"Hungary
Thousands of protesters gathered in
Budapest for the fourth consecutive
week to voice opposition to a new
law banning LGBTQ+ Pride events.
The law, enacted by Prime Minister Viktor
Orbán's government, prohibits events
depicting homosexuality for individuals
under 18 and may use facial recognition
technology to identify attendees.
Demonstrators demand the law's
repeal, citing it as an attack on
Hungary's LGBTQ+ community and a
restriction on the right to assemble."
"India
On Wednesday, protesters attempting
to block the road to Calicut
International Airport in Kerala, India,
were dispersed by police using baton
charges, tear gas, and water cannons.
The protest, organized by the Solidarity
Youth Movement and Students Islamic
Organisation, opposed the Waqf
Amendment Act, which protesters called
a ""genocidal project"" orchestrated
by the Hindu nationalist government.
At least a dozen individuals were injured
in the clash, and six protest leaders,
including state presidents of the
Solidarity Youth Movement and Students
Islamic Organisation, were arrested."
"Nepal
Thousands of teachers from across
the country have been protesting
in Kathmandu for the eighth day,
demanding the immediate enactment
of the School Education Act.
The protest, organized by the Nepal
Teachers' Federation, has resulted
in an educational strike, with
teachers shutting down schools
and suspending duties nationwide.
The government's call for talks has
been rejected by the striking teachers."
"Tunisia
Hundreds of Tunisians staged protests
against President Kais Saied's
authoritarian rule, demanding the
release of political prisoners
and opposing what they see as his
efforts to establish one-man rule.
The protests come as six detained
opposition figures begin a hunger strike
in prison, refusing to participate in
what they call an ""unfair trial.""
The opposition accuses Saied of
muzzling dissent and targeting
opposition leaders, including
those from the Free Constitutional
Party and the Salvation Front."
"China
A fire broke out at a nursing
home in Hebei province, China,
resulting in the deaths of 20 people.
The fire occurred on Tuesday
night, and by Wednesday morning,
20 fatalities were confirmed.
The cause of the blaze
is under investigation."
"Lebanon
An Israeli military drone crashed
in Lebanon due to a technical fault.
The IDF has stated that there is
""no fear of information leaking,""
and an investigation is underway."
"Pakistan
Two colliers lost their lives in a
coal mine accident in the Chamalang
coal field of Duki district.
They inhaled poisonous gas and
fell into a water pit while digging
coal at a depth of over 1,000 feet.
The rescue operation was hindered
by the presence of methane gas,
making it difficult for the rescue
workers to reach the trapped miners."
"Syria
In Syria, two separate incidents of
landmine explosions have occurred,
resulting in injuries to individuals.
In Idlib countryside, two people were
hurt in Ma'art Al-No'uman town and
taken to the hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, in the eastern Deir
Ezzor countryside, a young man
was injured while shepherding
cattle in the Al Qouryah desert."
"United States
A single-engine airplane crashed at
the Platteville Municipal Airport on
Tuesday afternoon, but fortunately,
the pilot, who was the only person
on board, sustained minor injuries.
Emergency response teams were
swiftly deployed to the scene, and
an investigation into the cause of
the crash is currently underway.
The airport will work closely with
local authorities and the FAA to ensure
a thorough investigation and address
any necessary clean-up efforts before
resuming air traffic operations."
"United States
The National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB) is investigating a deadly
plane crash near Haskell, Oklahoma,
which occurred in a field around 3 p.m.
on Tuesday.
One person has been confirmed
killed, and the cause of the crash
remains under investigation."
Thanks for joining us for the April
10, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
As a reminder, complete reports with
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