Trump says US holding direct talks with Iran
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for April 8, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
On Monday, we collected 72 events,
including US President Donald
Trump stating that the US is
holding direct talks with Iran,
so let's go ahead and get started.
"United States
US President Donald Trump revealed
that the US is holding direct talks
with Iran on its nuclear program.
The talks have started and will continue
on Saturday, with a large meeting planned.
Trump expressed hope for reaching a
deal, stating that the alternative
is not something he wants to be
involved in and that everyone
agrees a deal would be preferable."
"Iraq
Several powerful Iranian-backed
militia groups in Iraq are prepared to
disarm to avoid a potential conflict
with the US Trump administration.
The move follows private warnings from
US officials to the Iraqi government,
warning that failure to disband the
militias could result in airstrikes.
The militias, including Kataib Hezbollah
and others, have received blessing
from Iran's Revolutionary Guards
to take necessary steps to avoid a
conflict with the US and Israel."
"Philippines
Last Thursday, April 3, a New
People's Army (NPA) member, alias
Dexter, surrendered to the 29th
Infantry Battalion in Purok 4,
Barangay Del Pilar, Cabadbaran City.
Dexter was part of the security
detail for slain top leader Myrna
Sularte and surrendered along
with two high-powered firearms."
"Somalia
On Sunday, according to Puntland
authorities, three Ethiopian
nationals from the Oromo ethnic
group who were members of the ISIS
militant group surrendered to the
Puntland regional state security
forces in the Al-Miskaat Mountains.
The men had approached villagers
in the Al-Khalifa Mountains,
stating they had escaped from
ISIS and wanted to surrender."
"Philippines
The Philippines and the United States
have launched joint air force military
drills, Cope Thunder, to enhance combat
readiness and strategic deterrence
in the face of growing tensions
with China in the South China Sea.
The exercise conducted on Luzon
Island will continue through
April 18, focusing on asymmetric
warfare capabilities, operational
coordination, and strategic deterrence.
The drills follow months of
confrontations between Beijing and
Manila over disputed areas, and come
as the US has approved a sale of F-16
fighter jets to the Philippines."
"Philippines
On Sunday, an alleged member of the New
People's Army (NPA), who was captured by
government forces in Lucena City on March
27, led government forces to a cache of
firearms hidden in Lopez, Quezon province.
The recovered items include an M16
rifle, two anti-personnel mines,
ammunition, and tools used in the
production of improvised bombs."
"Afghanistan
In northern Balkh and southern Helmand
provinces, security forces have arrested
seven individuals suspected of involvement
in bomb-making and possession of weapons.
In Balkh, three suspects were arrested,
and 13 kilograms of explosives, one
rifle, and 28 shells were seized.
In Helmand, four individuals were
arrested, and several firearms,
military equipment, and communication
devices were confiscated.
The detainees are currently under
investigation and will be handed over to
judicial authorities for further action."
"France
On Sunday, the French National
Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's
Office announced the arrest of
two men in Paris for their alleged
involvement in a terrorist plot.
Authorities charged a third individual
for failing to report a terrorist crime
and placed him under judicial supervision.
The main suspect, a 19-year-old,
is believed to have ties to the
Islamic State group and was allegedly
planning to attack a public place.
Investigators found a homemade explosive
vest during a search of his home."
"India
Assam Rifles troops and police arrested
a Kanglei Yawol Kanna Lup (KYKL) militant
in Wabagai Lamkhai, Kakching District.
The rebel was involved
in extortion activities."
"India
Last Friday, April 4, in Chhattisgarh's
Narayanpur district, a villager was
killed and another seriously injured
after stepping on an improvised
explosive device (IED) planted
by Naxalite (Maoist) insurgents.
The incident occurred between the
villages of Jadda and Markud."
"India
The Indian Ministry of Defense
announced the arrest of a People's
Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak
(PREPAK) militant during an operation
in Yaripok, Thoubal district.
The militant was reportedly involved
in extortion and intimidation
activities in Thoubal town."
"India
Troops from the Assam Rifles and
Manipur police arrested a Kangleipak
Communist Party (Military Council)
militant during an operation in the
Singjamei area of Imphal East district."
"India
Troops from the Assam Rifles and
Manipur police arrested five Kangleipak
Communist Party (City Meitei)
militants during an operation in
the Sangakpham area of Imphal East.
The militants were involved in
extortion and intimidation in the area.
Troops recovered a 9mm pistol,
hand grenades, and ammunition
during their arrests."
"Iraq
On Monday, the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism
Service (CTS) stated they arrested an
ISIS operative in Nineveh Province.
The individual reportedly held a military
position and took part in numerous
attacks against security forces."
"Iraq
On Sunday night, a tribal conflict in
the Girdasen subdistrict of Akre, sparked
by a ""social dispute,"" escalated into
heavy gun fighting between two families.
The clashes resulted in at least
two casualties, including a
police officer who was injured.
Following the altercation, security
forces arrested five individuals
in connection with the incident.
Additionally, a judge has issued arrest
warrants for 25 other individuals."
"Israel
A grenade was thrown at the home
of former Israeli soccer player
Yossi Benayoun in Ramat Hasharon,
causing minor damage but no injuries.
The police have opened an
investigation into the incident."
"Israel
Israeli police arrested a 19-year-old
suspect armed with an assault
rifle who was allegedly on his
way to carry out a terror attack.
The suspect was pursued by police after
receiving intelligence from the Shin
Bet and was stopped on Route 1, driving
from the West Bank to central Israel.
The suspect was detained for questioning
after police blocked his car."
"Israel
The Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have
taken responsibility for launching a
drone at Israel, claiming to target a
""military target"" in the Tel Aviv area.
However, the Israeli Air Force intercepted
the drone before it crossed the border."
"Kenya
Last Saturday night, April 5, Security
forces reportedly repelled an attempted
ambush by dozens of suspected Al Shabaab
militants on a General Service Unit (GSU)
camp at Basuba in Lamu's Boni Forest.
The militants reportedly detonated
two rocket-propelled grenades at
the camp, prompting a heavy gunfight
between the security agencies
in the area and the militants.
A search was undertaken for the
assailants who fled into the
Kiangwe Forest during the fighting."
"Niger
Inkinane Ag Attaher, a commander
of the Azawad Liberation Front
(FLA), was arrested between the
Dosso Region and the town of Birnin
Konni in southern Niger on Monday.
The FLA is a separatist rebel
coalition operating in Mali's
volatile north, and Attaher is
accused of being a ""terrorist""
by Nigerien security services."
"Nigeria
A bandit attack occurred in the Augie
Local Government Area in Kebbi State,
resulting in the deaths of 16 villagers.
The assailants, suspected to be
members of the Lakurawa group, rustled
cattle and engaged in a violent
confrontation with community members.
The state Commissioner of Police has
condemned the killings and vowed to
bring the perpetrators to justice,
with additional security units
deployed to the affected areas."
"Nigeria
A joint team from Operation Fansar
Yamma and the Civilian Joint Task
Force was ambushed by armed bandits
in Tsafe Local Government Area.
The attack resulted in two
assailants being killed and four team
members sustaining gunshot wounds.
All four were evacuated to the
General Hospital in Tsafe for medical
attention, highlighting ongoing
security threats in the region."
"Nigeria
Armed bandits attacked Unguwar
Doruwar village near Kunduru
in Katsina State, killing three
people and injuring two others.
The assailants, who were heavily
armed and on motorcycles, rustled
cattle and escaped before security
forces could apprehend them.
The victims were taken to
the Federal Teaching Hospital
in Katsina for treatment."
"Nigeria
At least 52 people have been killed
and 2,000 displaced in a series of
attacks in Nigeria's Plateau state.
The attacks, which occurred in six
villages, are the worst outbreak
of violence since December 2023."
"Nigeria
In Dandume Local Government Area,
Katsina State, at least six people
have been killed and 56 abducted by
suspected bandits on Monday morning.
The attackers stormed the village on
motorcycles, shooting indiscriminately,
and the situation is currently being
reinforced by security personnel."
"Nigeria
Nigerian forces killed three
terrorists during a gun battle in
Chibi, Karim Lamido Local Government
Area (LGA) of Taraba State.
During the operation, troops also
destroyed several makeshift terrorist
camps in the area and recovered
an AK-47 magazine and ammunition."
"Nigeria
On Friday, local vigilantes ambushed
and killed at least 30 suspected armed
bandits loyal to the notorious kingpin,
Dan Rani, near the town of Dansadua,
Maru Local Government Area (LGA).
During the ambush, the bandits
were allegedly en route to launch
an attack on a nearby village
at the time of the ambush."
"Nigeria
On Sunday, April 6, the Secretary to
the Plateau State Government (SSG),
Samuel Jatau, narrowly escaped an
ambush by suspected terrorists in the
Hurti community of Monguna district,
Bokkos local government area.
The attackers were reportedly overwhelmed
by superior firepower from Jatau's
security detail, and they retreated into
the nearby bush and surrounding mountains.
The SSG has condemned the attack,
describing it as an act of impunity,
and has called on the federal
government for urgent intervention."
"Nigeria
Suspected Lakurawa terrorists launched
a surprise attack on the Morai community
in Kebbi State, killing at least 13
members of a local vigilante group.
The vigilantes were ambushed while
attempting to recapture rustled cattle,
and locals later recovered their bodies."
"Pakistan
Last Saturday, April 6, Pakistan
forces killed eight Tehrik-i-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP) militants near
the Afghanistan border during
a failed infiltration attempt.
The incident occurred in the Hassan
Khel area of North Waziristan."
"Pakistan
Three terrorists belonging to the
proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan
(TTP) group were arrested in Karachi by
Sindh Rangers and the Counter Terrorism
Department (CTD) during a joint operation.
The arrested individuals, Inamullah,
Naeemullah, and Muhammad Taib, were
involved in several attacks and acts
of terrorism on security forces.
They were planning to carry out
terrorism in Karachi when they were
arrested and have been handed over to
CTD police for further legal action."
"Somalia
Five chiefs from Elwak, Kenya, who
were abducted by al-Shabab gunmen on
February 3, have been released from
captivity in Jilib, Somalia, on April 6.
The chiefs, including Mohammed
Adawa, Mohammed Hassan, and Senior
Chief Abdi Suraw, were handed over
to local elders, and plans are
underway to bring them back to Elwak.
The government had relied on local
leaders for negotiations and had vowed to
pursue and eliminate the perpetrators."
"South Sudan
On Friday, April 4, and Sunday, April
6, a group of armed youth from Twic
County in Warrap, supported by Nuer
spiritual leader Gai Mchiek, attacked
Abyei, resulting in the deaths of
nine people and injuring four others.
The motive behind the attack remains
unclear, but some believe it may be
revenge due to hatred between the
communities of Twic, Unity, and Abyei."
"Syria
A civilian from the Alawite community
was killed in an armed attack on
his farm in Al-Hamairi village,
near Masyaf in the Hama countryside.
The gunmen stormed the farm, injured
the victim, and prevented others from
saving him, resulting in his death."
"Syria
An oil contractor was attacked
by ISIS gunmen in Al-Jerthi town,
Deir Ezzor, and was taken to the
hospital with various injuries."
"Syria
Masked gunmen killed a senior ISIS
commander in Ras Al-Ain city, Al-Hasakah.
The attackers threw a grenade
into the commander's house,
allowing them to escape.
The victim had recently joined the Ahrar
Al-Sharqiyah faction and was involved in a
major attack on Ghuwayran prison in 2022."
"Syria
The SDF Military Operations
Teams have arrested a mercenary
known as Zaher Al-Kidi Al-Fayyan
(also known as ""Abu Ghazi"") in
the countryside of Hasaka city.
During the arrest, the individual
was found to be in possession
of two Kalashnikov rifles, ten
magazines, and a military scope."
"West Bank
Settlers attacked Palestinians in
the village of Umm al-Khair in the
southern West Bank, injuring five
people, including a 14-year-old boy.
The incident occurred after settlers
attempted to breach a fence attached
to the village, leading to a
confrontation with Palestinians.
The police and military were present
at the scene, but it is unclear if they
were there during or after the attack."
"West Bank
The IDF reports that troops killed a
Palestinian who was hurling stones at
Israeli motorists in the West Bank.
The incident occurred near the town of
Turmus Ayya, where soldiers ambushed
and opened fire on three Palestinians,
killing one and wounding the other two."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli military conducted
overnight strikes in the Gaza Strip,
killing at least 17 people, including
a local reporter, and wounding 13
others, including six reporters.
The strikes targeted tents outside
two major hospitals, Nasser
Hospital in Khan Younis and Al-Aqsa
Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah.
The Israeli military claims it was
targeting Hamas terrorists but blames the
deaths of civilians on Hamas for being
deeply embedded in residential areas."
"India
The Pakistani Army has violated the
ceasefire on the Line of Control
(LoC) in Poonch district, prompting
the Indian Army to retaliate.
A search operation has been
launched to ensure no infiltration
took place in the area under the
cover of Pakistani Army firing."
"Iraq
On Monday, Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service
(CTS) forces executed an airborne raid
in the Al-Anbar desert north of Rutba.
During the operation, troops
uncovered two ISIS hideouts stocked
with explosives and a suicide belt.
The troops demolished
the structures on-site.
During another operation in the area,
forces razed abandoned buildings
used as shelters by ISIS remnants."
"Iraq
On Sunday, an army spokesperson
announced that Iraq is strengthening
security along its border with Turkey
through increased cooperation with the
Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG)
Peshmerga forces and deploying advanced
technology and logistical support.
The spokesperson also highlighted
efforts to fortify the Turkish border,
including the establishment of new
outposts equipped with cutting-edge
technology and logistical systems
and additional border stations
tailored to the region's strategic
importance and challenging terrain."
"Lebanon
According to Lebanese state media,
an Israeli strike in Lebanon's south
has killed two people, including two
Syrians who were killed on a motorcycle.
The incident occurred on the
Dardara road in the Marjayoun
district, also injuring one citizen.
This comes hours after the Israeli
military announced that it had killed a
Hezbollah leader in an earlier strike."
"Lebanon
An Israeli drone strike in the
southern town of Taybeh, near the
border with Lebanon, has resulted
in the death of one person.
The Lebanese health ministry
confirmed the fatality in a
statement, but the Israeli military
has yet to comment on the incident."
"Myanmar
The Zomi Revolutionary Army (ZRA),
aligned with the junta military,
clashed with Chin National Army (CNA)
anti-junta forces and Chinland Defence
Force-Tonzang (CDF-Tonzang) rebels in
Tonzang Township, resulting in at least
five deaths, including four CDF-Tonzan
insurgents and one CNA fighter,
and the destruction of a village.
The fighting began on Thursday, April
3, and continued the next day, with the
ZRA launching attacks on positions held
by the Chin National Army and its ally,
the Chinland Defence Force-Tonzang.
The clashes took place in the
villages of Mualkawi and Nazan."
"Nigeria
Over the past few weeks, Nigerian forces
conducted operations in the Dutsen Zaki
and Achalle axis areas of the Karim
Lamido Local Government area of Taraba
State, destroying over 70 bandit camps."
"Pakistan
On Sunday, Pakistani security forces
conducted a raid on a Tehrik-e-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP) hideout in the city
of Dera Ismail Khan near the Afghan
border, killing nine militants, including
a high-value target named Shireen."
"Philippines
Government troops clashed with New
People's Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay
Maragat, Apayao province, on Monday.
This encounter follows a similar incident
on April 5, where troops recovered
high-powered firearms and war materials.
The public has been urged to remain
vigilant due to the ongoing operations."
"Sudan
Civilians in Sudan's El-Fasher city
are facing catastrophic conditions
due to a months-long paramilitary
siege by the Rapid Support Forces.
The situation is rapidly deteriorating,
with residents experiencing artillery
shelling, hunger, disease, and drought.
On Saturday, April 5, the Sudan Liberation
Army - an armed group aligned with the
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) - called
for civilians in El-Fasher and the
nearby displacement camps of Abu Shouk
and Zamzan to evacuate, warning of an
""escalation of military operations.""
Another RSF ally, the Gathering of
Sudan Liberation Forces, also stated
it was prepared to ""provide safe
corridors"" for residents to leave
the area and travel to ""liberated
areas"" under paramilitary control."
"Syria
A Syrian Democratic Forces patrol
stormed a house in Hemar village,
Deir Ezzor countryside, resulting in
the injury of two women, including
an elderly woman, when residents
resisted the search operation.
The women were taken to the hospital."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked four Chinese military
aircraft and eight naval vessels
around its country between 6 a.m.
Sunday and 6 a.m.
Monday.
Two aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait
median line and entered Taiwanâs
northern Air Defense Identification Zone.
The aircraft included
fighter jets and drones."
"Ukraine
In the Kharkiv region, a series of
Russian strikes and attacks over the
past 24 hours have resulted in three
injuries and significant damage to
residential buildings and infrastructure.
The incidents include fires and damage
to a 9-story building in Kupiansk,
as well as five private homes, and
airstrikes in Berezivka and Ivashky
using guided aerial bombs and drones.
Shelling also occurred in
Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi and Zolochiv,
causing additional damage and injuries.
Ukrainian forces were able to repel
eight Russian assaults in the Kupiansk
sector, countering the Russian advances."
"Ukraine
Russian forces launched drone
attacks on the Nikopol district
in Ukraine, injuring three people.
The attacks targeted several communities,
including Nikopol and Pokrovsk, with
a 57-year-old man in Pokrovsk being
injured by a kamikaze drone and
receiving outpatient treatment and two
women, aged 49 and 56, in Nikopol being
hospitalized in moderate condition."
"Ukraine
The morning shelling of Kherson
has resulted in an increase
in wounded individuals.
According to the Kherson Regional
Military Administration, two 49-year-old
men were hospitalized with explosive
injuries and contusions after being
injured in the shelling around 09:00.
Additionally, a 47-year-old man
was attacked by a Russian drone in
the Dniprovsky district, sustaining
explosive trauma and contusion.
This incident follows a previous shelling
that injured a pregnant woman and a
small child in the same district."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,350 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 180 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Yemen
According to diplomatic sources,
the opponents of the Houthi rebel
group are reportedly preparing to
launch a ground operation in Yemen.
The operation, which may receive
naval support from the United States
and Saudi Arabia, is expected to
commence from the southern and eastern
regions of the country, potentially
including efforts to establish
control over the port of Hodeidah."
"Yemen
Recent US airstrikes in Yemen have
resulted in the deaths of at least
six people and injuries to over 29
others, including women and children.
The strikes, which are part of an
ongoing campaign against the Houthi
group, have also targeted military
sites and destroyed buildings."
"Yemen
US warplanes have launched six air
strikes in Yemen, targeting areas
controlled by the Houthi group.
The strikes, which have intensified
in recent days, have resulted in
casualties and property damage."
"Bangladesh
On Monday, former Bangladesh Rifles (BDR)
members clashed with police in Dhaka as
they marched towards the Secretariat to
demand job restoration and compensation.
Police used tear gas, water cannons,
and sound grenades to disperse the
protesters, resulting in several injuries.
The incident occurred after the protesters
attempted to breach barriers set up by the
police in front of the Shikhha Bhaban."
"France
Thousands of supporters gathered in Paris
for a rally led by Marine Le Pen's party,
the National Rally, in response to her
conviction for embezzling public funds.
The rally, which had all the markings of
a campaign rally, was a show of populist
defiance aimed at France's institutions,
with chants of ""Marine Présidente!""
and ""They wonât steal 2027 from us.""
The reaction to Le Pen's conviction
has been sharply divided, with
many outside the party seeing it
as legitimate accountability, while
National Rally supporters denounce the
ruling as politically motivated and
attempt to convince voters that the
legal system itself can't be trusted."
"Israel
Thousands of people are protesting
in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square,
calling on the Israeli government
to negotiate a deal to bring home
all hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
Protesters, including a former hostage,
are demanding that the government
take immediate action to secure the
release of all hostages, criticizing
the current handling of the situation."
"Morocco
Tens of thousands of people demonstrated
in Morocco's capital, Rabat, against
the conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The protest, called by the Justice
and Development party, marked the
largest pro-Palestinian demonstration
in the city in several months.
The protesters demanded an end to
the siege of Gaza, aid to be allowed
in, and the liberation of Palestine.
They also called for an end to
Morocco's relations with Israel,
which were re-established in 2020."
"Nigeria
On April 7, 2025, protesters from the
'Take It Back Movement' gathered in
Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to express
their grievances to the government.
The protesters, who had informed the
police command of their intention to
stage the demonstration, were met with
heavy police presence and teargas.
They are demanding the repeal of the
Cybercrime Act, the suspension of Governor
Siminalayi Fubara, and an end to what they
consider an unconstitutional government."
"Nigeria
The Nigeria Police Force dispersed a
peaceful protest by the Take-It-Back
Movement in Abuja using tear gas.
The protesters were marching against the
authoritarianism of the President Bola
Tinubu-led administration and calling for
measures against inflation and insecurity.
However, the police claimed the protest
was ill-timed, as it coincided with
National Police Day, a celebration
of the Nigeria Police Force's
contributions to national security.
The police urged the organizers
to shelve the protest and engage
in dialogue with the government
to press home their demands."
"West Bank
Palestinians in the West Bank
and East Jerusalem have held a
general strike to demand an end
to the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.
Shops, schools, and public offices are
closed, and the strike is a show of
solidarity with Gaza and a call for peace.
The strike is a joint effort by
Palestinian political movements, including
Fatah and Hamas, who are protesting
what they describe as ""genocide and
the ongoing massacre of our people."""
"Bangladesh
A truck collision with two buses
carrying Jamaat-e-Islami members
in Rajshahi city resulted in three
deaths and around 50 injuries.
The deceased were identified as Jewel
Ahmed, Nasim Uddin, and Mizanur Rahman.
The passengers were on their
way to visit the grave of Delwar
Hossain Sayeedi in Pirojpur."
"Kenya
On Saturday, a tragic road accident
occurred at Cheptangulgei on the
Kaplong-Kericho highway in Bomet County,
Kenya, resulting in the deaths of 15
people and injuring another 14 others.
The crash involved three
vehicles: a private car, a
14-seater matatu, and a lorry.
Preliminary investigations suggest
that loud music and reckless driving
contributed to the crash, which
occurred on Saturday afternoon."
"Syria
A child in Idlib city was severely injured
after an unexploded cluster bomb exploded
while they were playing with it at home.
The incident also caused a fire in
the house, and the child was taken
to the hospital for treatment."
"Syria
An explosion of an old landmine in the
Al-Qouryah desert, Deir Ezzor countryside,
has left two civilians injured.
The area is under the control
of the Damascus government.
The injured individuals were
subsequently taken to the
hospital for medical treatment."
"United States
A small plane overshot the runway at
Southwest Oregon Regional Airport and
crashed into Coos Bay early this morning.
Fortunately, all five people on
board were rescued and are receiving
treatment for their injuries.
Emergency responders have
secured the aircraft and are
investigating the incident.
Commercial air traffic on the main
runway has been shut down, and the
public is advised to avoid the area."
"United States
A train derailed on Sunday evening,
April 6, 2025, near Southeastern Avenue
and Earhart Street in Indianapolis.
The incident occurred around 6:35 p.m.
and involved six cars, with four
empty and two containing cornstarch.
No injuries were reported,
but the area has been closed
for cleanup and investigation.
The cause of the derailment
is still under investigation."
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8, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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