US-Iran talks postponed
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for May 2, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
On Thursday, we collected 57 events,
including the US-Iran talks on Saturday
being postponed, so let's get started.
A fourth round of talks between the
United States and Iran, scheduled
for Saturday in Rome, has been
rescheduled due to logistical reasons.
The new dates will be announced when
mutually agreed upon by both parties.
This postponement may also impact a
meeting planned for Friday with the
E3 (Britain, France, and Germany).
The talks aim to negotiate a deal to
curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange
for the lifting of financial sanctions."
"India
On Wednesday evening, Border Security
Forces (BSF), in coordination with
the Punjab police, recovered two
hand grenades, three pistols, six
magazines, and 55 live cartridges in
the Bharopal border village of Amritsar.
BSF authorities claim the seizure
of the weapons foiled a major
suspected terrorist attack."
"Israel
The Israeli Defense Forces
(IDF) have foiled an attempt to
smuggle 10 assault rifles into
Israel from Egypt using a drone.
The drone was identified crossing
the border and was downed by troops.
The drone and the contraband were handed
over to police for further investigation.
This incident is part of a recent trend
of attempts to smuggle weapons and drugs
into Israel and Gaza using drones."
"Bangladesh
On Thursday morning, Arakan Army
(AA) insurgents reportedly abducted
four fishermen from the Naf River
near Lal Dwip in the Damdamia
area of Teknaf, Coxâs Bazar.
Several other fishermen
managed to escape."
"Colombia
The Colombian government reported 27
deaths among its security forces in
targeted attacks over the past two weeks.
President Gustavo Petro blames the Gulf
Clan and other armed groups for the
violence, which he says is in revenge
for the recent killing of their leaders.
The government has offered a reward for
information leading to the arrest of
those behind the attacks, which have
included ambushes and killings of police
officers and soldiers on and off duty."
"India
On Thursday, the Jharkhand Police's
Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested
a suspected terrorist, Amaar Yasar,
during an operation in the Bhuli
area of the Dhanbad district.
Police linked the individual to the
banned outfit Indian Mujahideen and the
proscribed organisation Hizb ut Tahrir.
The arrest occurred days after the
Jharkhand ATS detained four people
connected to Hizb ut Tahrir during
coordinated raids in Wasseypur
and other areas of Dhanbad.
During the operations, ATS recovered
two pistols, 12 rounds of ammunition,
extremist literature, and documents
associated with the terrorist outfits."
"India
Security forces in Manipur
have apprehended six militants
in a series of operations.
The militants belonged to various
outfits, including the People's
Liberation Army (PLA) and the
Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP).
In Imphal West district, four militants
from the People's Liberation Army (PLA)
were captured, alongside one member
each from the United People's Party of
Kangleipak (UPPK) and the Kangleipak
Communist Party (KCP) arrested in Imphal
East and Kakching districts, respectively.
The security forces also recovered a
large cache of arms and explosives."
"Israel
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
has announced that 18 people have been
arrested on suspicion of helping to
ignite wildfires outside Jerusalem.
One of the suspects was caught in
the act of arson, but the cause of
the massive fires remains unclear.
The prime minister is confident that the
challenge will be dealt with and that
efforts are being made to thwart the
fire and rehabilitate the damaged areas."
"Kenya
Charles Ong'ondo Were, a Kenyan opposition
MP, was shot dead in Nairobi on Wednesday
evening in what police described as a
""targeted and premeditated"" attack.
Were, a member of the Orange Democratic
Movement, had recently expressed
concerns about his safety and had warned
of rising unrest in his constituency.
The killing is likely to reignite
tensions between rival political factions
in a country with a long history of
political violence and assassinations."
"Nigeria
On Wednesday, an Amotekun
Corps operative, Mr.
Lamidi Abiodun, was killed in an
ambush by suspected hoodlums at the
Papa boundary area in Iwo, Osun State.
The incident occurred during a
confrontation with a group of
armed men allegedly led by a
notorious criminal, Akeem Olofa.
One member of the Vigilante Group of
Nigeria remains unaccounted for, and
another operative was shot in the leg.
The Amotekun Corps has reported
the incident to the Nigerian
Police and is investigating."
"Nigeria
On Wednesday, the
Nigerian Army confirmed a
Boko Haram Improvised Explosive
Device (IED) blast occurred along the
Maiduguri-Damboa Road in Borno State.
The Army stated that only two
soldiers died, while one soldier
sustained injuries in the attack.
Earlier reports indicated that
the blast killed 26 soldiers."
"Nigeria
Wednesday, suspected Boko Haram
terrorists attacked fishermen in the
Fadana-Garuwa River, in the Duji Ward
of the Mobbar Local Government Area
(LGA), Borno State, killing 17 people.
The militants, reportedly from
a rival faction of Boko Haram,
targeted the fishermen for allegedly
siding with the Islamic State
West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The incident is part of a renewed
escalation in attacks by both
ISWAP and Boko Haram factions on
civilians and military targets."
"Pakistan
On Thursday, three personnel from the
Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) lost
their lives and two others were injured
in a fierce gunfight with terrorists in
the Chashmai area of Spin Tangi, Bannu.
District Police Officer (DPO) Saleem
Abbas Kalachi reported that CTD
teams mounted an effective response,
resulting in the deaths of two
attackers and injuries to several more.
Other militants succeeded in
retrieving the bodies and wounded
associates as they escaped the area.
After the encounter, CTD troops recovered
a cache of weapons, hand grenades, IEDs,
and other materials from the terrorists."
"Pakistan
On Tuesday, a landmine blast near
an abandoned security post in the
Sandapal area of Tirah Valley killed
one person and injured another after
they accidentally stepped on it.
Security forces placed landmines near
their posts to deter terrorist attacks.
Although the personnel recently
abandoned the Sandapal post,
the landmines remain there."
"Pakistan
On Tuesday, a mortar shell fired
from an undisclosed location hit a
house in the Bara Laghari area of
Lowi Mamund tehsil in Bajaur tribal
district, injuring four children."
"Philippines
On Thursday, the Philippine Army's
62nd Infantry Battalion clashed with
nine suspected New People's Army (NPA)
rebels in three separate incidents
in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental.
The initial encounter resulted in
a brief firefight, with soldiers
recovering a high-powered firearm,
ammunition, and personal items left
behind by the fleeing insurgents."
"South Sudan
Armed local youth clashed in Tonj
South County, South Sudan, on Thursday,
resulting in at least 13 confirmed deaths.
The fighting began at 4:00 AM between
four communities: Apuk Juwiir, Yar
Ayiei, Muok, and Thony, over cattle raids
that occurred in December and January.
The situation remains tense, with
ongoing fighting and deployed forces
attempting to separate the civilians."
"Syria
In Syria, two separate
incidents have been reported.
A sports coach was killed instantly by
unidentified gunmen in Rif Homs, who
opened fire on him outside his home.
In a separate incident, a civilian from
Rif Dimashq was shot dead by General
Security personnel after he failed
to comply with an order to stop."
"West Bank
Two Israeli IDF reservists were injured,
one seriously, in a roadside bomb attack
near Beita in the northern West Bank.
The military has launched an
operation to locate the perpetrators."
"India
The Attari-Wagah border crossing point
between India and Pakistan was closed
on May 1, 2025, after a week-long
rush of people leaving the country.
The closure comes after the Indian
government ordered Pakistani nationals
with short-term visas to leave India
following the Pahalgam terror attack.
As of May 1, 2025, a total of
911 Pakistani nationals have left
India, while 1,617 Indian nationals
and 224 Pakistani nationals with
long-term visas have entered India
through the border crossing point."
"Israel
President Isaac Herzog addressed
the ongoing fires outside Jerusalem
during an Independence Day ceremony,
emphasizing that they are part of a larger
climate crisis that must be addressed.
He urged Israel to prepare for
significant challenges and make necessary
decisions, including legislation, to
mitigate the effects of climate change.
Herzog also stressed the importance
of national unity, noting that even
in times of deep disagreements,
courage and unity are intertwined.
He expressed his hope that the IDF,
which belongs to all Israelis, can
remain above political disputes."
"Myanmar
The ceasefire declared by Myanmar's
military junta after last month's 7.7
magnitude earthquake has expired.
The junta declared a ceasefire on April
2, but monitors reported 65 air attacks
during the period, violating the truce.
The earthquake, which occurred
on March 28, killed nearly 3,800
people and left tens of thousands
homeless, with aid groups warning
of a long road to recovery."
"Pakistan
Pakistan has announced the partial
closure of its airspace in Karachi
and Lahore due to security concerns.
The closure, effective until May 31,
2025, will impact selective corridors
within the Karachi and Lahore Flight
Information Regions (FIRs), but
is not expected to significantly
disrupt commercial flight operations.
The measure is a precautionary security
response to the recent diplomatic
fallout between India and Pakistan
following the Pahalgam attack."
"South Korea
Acting President Han Duck-soo has
resigned, paving the way for his expected
presidential bid in the June 3 election.
His resignation comes after weeks of
speculation, following the impeachment
of former President Yoon Suk Yeol.
Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok will
take over as the acting president."
"Ukraine
The US and Ukraine have signed a
minerals deal after a two-month delay,
marking a new commitment to Kyiv's
sovereignty and economic development.
The agreement grants Ukraine full control
over its rare earth minerals and allows
for long-term investment from the US.
The deal also establishes a Reconstruction
Investment Fund, with equal voting
rights for both countries, to reinvest
profits in Ukraine's development.
The US has also committed not to
ask Ukraine to repay the billions of
dollars in US aid and weapons provided
since Russia's invasion in 2022."
"United States
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has
issued a warning to Iran, stating that
it will face consequences for providing
lethal support to the Houthis, a group
that controls northern Yemen and has
attacked shipping in the Red Sea.
Hegseth emphasized that the
US military is aware of Iran's
actions and will take action at a
time and place of its choosing."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
On Wednesday, the International Committee
of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced the
start of an evacuation operation to
transport hundreds of Democratic Republic
of Congo (DRC) troops and police from UN
bases in Goma to the capital Kinshasa.
The evacuation comes after lengthy
negotiations between the DRC
government, UN representatives,
and the M23 rebel group, which
seized control of Goma in January.
The ICRC will accompany convoys
carrying disarmed personnel and
their families through M23-controlle"
"Gaza Strip
At least 35 Palestinians were
killed and over 100 were injured
in ongoing airstrikes by Israel.
The attacks targeted residential
areas, including the Nuseirat refugee
camp, resulting in the deaths of
12 people, including children."
"Iraq
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK)
claimed responsibility for drone
attacks on Peshmerga positions in the
Al-Amadiya district of Duhok province,
which killed five Peshmerga fighters.
The PKK cited a ""military
siege"" by the Turkish army
as the reason for the attacks.
The PKK stated that the strikes were
carried out to prevent the closure
of a strategic route linking the
Zab area and Mount Gara, where PKK
militants have operational bases."
"Lebanon
At least three people have been
killed in an Israeli drone strike
on a vehicle in the southern
town of Mais al-Jabal, Lebanon.
The victims include one Lebanese
citizen and two Syrians, according
to the Lebanese health ministry.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
have not commented on the incident."
"Myanmar
Fighting between the Arakan Army
(AA) and junta forces has intensified
in Ayeyarwady's Lemyethna, Yegyi,
and Ngathaingchaung townships.
The clashes have broken out along
the GwaâNgathaingchaung Road, with
junta troops reportedly retreating.
The AA and its allies have
launched coordinated attacks on
villages in Lemyethna Township,
prompting the junta to respond
with daily airstrikes in the area."
"Sudan
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized
control of Al-Nahud, a strategically
significant city in Sudan's West Kordofan
state, following a well-coordinated
attack on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
The RSF's advance has led to the collapse
of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF)
defenses, and the city's capture is
seen as a significant loss for the SAF.
The RSF now controls nearly all
of West Kordofan, including the
capital Al-Fula, and is advancing
towards the city of Al-Obeid, the
capital of North Kordofan State."
"Sudan
The Sudanese army announced that Rapid
Support Forces (RSF) shelling killed four
more civilians and injured nine others
in the city of El-Fasher in North Darfur.
The Sudanese army repelled an RSF
assault, killing 10 militants,
seizing three military vehicles,
and destroying five others."
"Syria
A convoy of Druze people was ambushed
by government-affiliated forces,
resulting in the deaths of 6 Druze
individuals and several injuries.
The incident occurred on the
Damascus-Al-Suwaidaa highway, where
clashes also took place between
security forces and local gunmen,
resulting in a total of 47 deaths."
"Syria
Security forces carried out house
raids in Sahnaya, resulting in the
arrest of nearly 40 wanted individuals.
The operation was marked by heavy
gunfire, causing panic among civilians."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked 34 Chinese
military aircraft, eight naval
vessels, and one official ship
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Wednesday and 6 a.m.
on Thursday.
27 aircraft crossed the Taiwan
Strait median line in the countryâs
northern, southwestern, and eastern
Air Defense Identification Zones."
"Ukraine
A nighttime drone attack on Kyiv
resulted in an elderly woman being
hospitalized after an explosive part
of a drone detonated with a delay.
Bomb squads are working to defuse
explosives in the Darnytskyi district,
and residents are advised to stay
in safe places and report any
suspicious objects to the police.
Fires broke out in the Kyiv region,
damaging homes, a store, and vehicles."
"Ukraine
A woman in Antonivka, Kherson
suburbs, was injured by a drone
attack from Russian forces.
She sustained explosive injuries,
shrapnel wounds to her legs and
chest, and was hospitalized.
The incident occurred around
11:00, and police officers took
her to a medical facility."
"Ukraine
In Kherson, Ukraine, multiple
civilians have been injured in
drone attacks by Russian forces.
According to reports, a 45-year-old
man suffered an explosive injury
in the Dniprovsky district,
while a woman born in 1956 was
injured in the suburbs of Kherson.
Additionally, a civilian born in 1970
was wounded in the center of Kherson.
The incidents highlight the
ongoing violence and civilian
casualties in the region."
"Ukraine
On April 30, a Russian attack on Pivdenne,
Kharkiv region, resulted in 15 civilians
injured, with 10 of them being children.
Two children were hospitalized due to
bodily injuries, while eight others
suffered from acute stress reactions
that may worsen in the future.
The attack, which was carried out
by six Geranium-2 drones, also
damaged buildings and vehicles."
"Ukraine
On the night of May 1, 2025,
Russia launched an attack on
Ukraine with 5 Iskander-M ballistic
missiles and 170 attack drones.
Ukraine's Defense Forces intercepted 74
drones, while 68 decoy drones disappeared
from radar without causing damage.
The attack affected regions in Odesa,
Kharkiv, Sumy, Donetsk, and Kyiv."
"Ukraine
On the night of May 1, a drone
attack in Odesa injured 15 people,
with 6 requiring hospitalization.
A couple and their dog were
tragically killed in the attack.
The incident caused significant
damage to civilian infrastructure
and sparked fires."
"Ukraine
On the night of May 1, Ukraine's railway
infrastructure in the Odesa region
was targeted by a Russian attack,
resulting in damage to rail tracks,
power lines, and three freight cars.
A railway worker died in his home,
and two people were killed and 15
injured in a separate attack on Odesa.
Passenger trains are running on
schedule, but freight routes are being
diverted for urgent restoration works."
"Ukraine
Russian forces attacked the Mykolaivka
community in the Sumy district,
injuring two men, aged 38 and 62.
The attack occurred on Wednesday
at approximately 16:40, with
preliminary investigations
indicating the use of artillery."
"Ukraine
Russian forces launched an airstrike
on a critical infrastructure
facility in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk
region, causing significant damage.
Fortunately, there were no civilian
casualties, but the infrastructure
sustained serious damage.
The blast partially destroyed a municipal
enterprise's administrative building
and damaged several other structures."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,230 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 300 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"United Kingdom
Harrods, a London department store,
has reported attempts to breach its
systems, but has restricted internet
access and remains open to customers.
The National Cyber Security Centre
(NCSC) and law enforcement agencies
are investigating the incident."
"Burkina Faso
Thousands of people rallied
in Ouagadougou, the capital
of Burkina Faso, in support of
the military junta led by Capt.
Ibrahim Traore, after an alleged coup
attempt and criticism from a US official.
The junta has struggled to address
the country's security challenges,
with over 60% of the country outside
of government control and 6.5
million people in need
of humanitarian aid.
The military leadership has been accused
of human rights abuses, including
unlawful killings of civilians, and
has installed a system of de facto
censorship, making it difficult to get
an accurate picture of the situation."
"Spain
On May 1, International Workers' Day,
labor unions and workers in Catalonia
took to the streets to demand better
working conditions, including a 37.5-hour
workweek and improved social rights.
The protests, organized by major
unions CCOO and UGT, also called for
a reduction in working hours without
any cost to the employer, and an
end to far-right policies and US
President Donald Trump's influence."
"Tunisia
Hundreds of Tunisians protested in the
capital on Labour Day, May 1st, 2025,
against President Kais Saied's regime
and the detention of opposition figures.
The protesters, backed by the UGTT
trade union confederation, criticized
Saied's power grab in 2021 and the
recent mass trial that sentenced 40
public figures to hefty jail terms.
The demonstration was met with a
counter-protest by Saied supporters,
who defended the president's actions
and rejected foreign interference
in Tunisia's internal affairs."
"Turkey
People across the globe have marked
International Workers' Day with
protests and marches demanding workers'
rights and better working conditions.
In Turkey, over 200 protesters were
arrested in Istanbul as they tried
to defy a ban on May Day gatherings.
In Asia, protests were held in Manila,
Tokyo, and Jakarta, with demands for
higher wages, stronger protections
for local jobs and businesses,
and an end to outsourcing rules."
"United States
A shooting occurred at a Walmart
in Gainesville on Wednesday night.
A verbal altercation between two men
and a woman escalated into a shooting,
where the suspect shot a victim.
The suspect fled the scene but later
turned himself in to the police.
The victim is in stable condition with
life-threatening injuries and is being
treated at UF Health Shands Hospital."
"China
A residential complex explosion
in Taiyuan, Shanxi province,
killed one person and injured
21, with six seriously hurt.
This incident comes a day after a
restaurant fire in Liaoning province
killed 22 people and injured three."
"Syria
A civilian from Al-Karamah town in eastern
Al-Raqqah was killed when he was struck
by shrapnel from an old landmine explosion
while traveling on the M4 highway in
the northern countryside of Al-Raqqah."
"United States
A helicopter flown by the News9 crew
has reportedly flipped at the Wiley Post
Airport, resulting in two individuals
with minor injuries and no fatalities.
The FAA and NTSB are
investigating the incident."
"United States
A small plane, a Cessna 177,
crashed in the Grass Valley area on
Thursday morning around 8:15 a.m.
The pilot was the only person on
board and has been confirmed deceased.
The National Transportation Safety
Board will investigate the cause
of the crash, which occurred
near the Nevada County Airport."
"United States
A small plane, a four-seat
Cirrus aircraft, veered off the
runway at Bay Bridge Airport in
Stevensville, Maryland, while landing.
The sole occupant was not injured,
but the airport will remain closed
until the investigation is completed.
Federal and state authorities
are conducting an investigation
into the incident."
Thanks for joining us for the May
2, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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