US may be giving up hope for a deal in Ukraine
Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for April 19, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Friday, we collected 61 events, including
United States Secretary of State Rubio
stating time is running out for a
deal in Ukraine, so let's get started.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned
that the US could end its efforts to end
the Ukrainian conflict within ""days""
if no signs of progress are made.
Rubio expressed frustration with the
lack of progress in negotiations with
Russia, which has stalled on negotiations
and rejected a ceasefire proposal."
"Colombia
The Colombian government announced
on Thursday that it would suspend
a ceasefire with a faction of the
former Revolutionary Armed Forces
of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group.
However, this decision does not
signal the end of ongoing peace
negotiations with the faction.
Earlier this week, the ceasefire
with the FARC-EP group expired.
An agreement for an extension had been
anticipated but was not finalized in time.
The truce had been in place
since December 2023 and had
undergone several extensions."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
Rwanda has agreed to allow troops from
the Southern African Development Community
(SADC) to pass through its territory to
evacuate from the rebel-held city of Goma
in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This decision comes after SADC announced
a phased withdrawal of its force,
SAMIDRC, from DRC in mid-March."
"Iran
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas
Araghchi and Russian Foreign
Minister Sergey Lavrov have met
to discuss Iran's nuclear program.
Araghchi stated that Iran believes
reaching an agreement is possible and
hopes Russia will play a role in the deal.
Lavrov confirmed that Russia is
ready to participate in the talks,
and Araghchi noted the United
States' seriousness in the first
round of talks in Oman last week."
"Myanmar
On Friday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim announced that Myanmarâs military
junta and a significant opposition
faction have agreed to prolong a fragile
ceasefire to enable humanitarian aid in
the wake of a catastrophic earthquake.
Anwar, currently the chair of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN), disclosed the results of
his rare direct discussions with
Myanmarâs junta leader and the prime
minister of its shadow government,
the National Unity Government (NUG)."
"Somalia
Somalia's government accused Sivuyile
Thandikhaya Bam, the Acting Head
of the African Union Support and
Stabilization Mission in Somalia
(AUSSOM), of hindering the country's
progress and showing favoritism
towards the militant group Al-Shabaab.
In a Thursday interview with Somali
National Television, Foreign Minister
Ahmed Moallim Fiqi stated that the
government is contemplating ""strong
measures"" against Bam, referencing
ongoing and intolerable actions
that oppose Somalia's national
priorities and security needs.
He criticized Bam for his remarks at
the United Nations Security Council,
implying that Al-Shabaab is pursuing
political legitimacy and has ceased
targeting civiliansâcomments that Fiqi
denounced as misleading and perilous."
"Yemen
A member of Yemen's Ansar Allah, commonly
referred to as the Houthi movement,
informed Newsweek that the group is ready
to resist any enemy actions in light of
reports indicating that government forces
are preparing for a major offensive.
This includes the potential for
renewed involvement from Saudi Arabia
and the United Arab Emirates (UAE),
which initiated a joint operation to
back the globally recognized Yemeni
government after Ansar Allah took
control of the capital a decade ago.
However, this campaign led to a stalemate,
and the conflicting parties have mostly
ceased fighting since the United Nations
brokered a ceasefire in April 2022."
"Gaza Strip
The IDF has reported recent
operations in Gaza City's Shejaiya
neighborhood, where reservists from
the Jerusalem Brigade have located
several tunnels and a weapons depot.
The military aims to expand a buffer
zone along the Gaza border, and
the area is strategically located,
overlooking Israeli border communities.
The reserve brigade has also eliminated
a cell of operatives planning
a sniper attack on IDF forces."
"Belize
On Thursday, a small passenger
plane was hijacked by a 33-year-old
American military veteran, Akinyela
Taylor, who was armed with a knife.
Taylor demanded to be flown out
of the country, and at one point,
wanted the plane to land to add fuel.
After circling for hours, the plane
landed safely in Ladyville, and
Taylor was fatally shot by a licensed
passenger who was among those stabbed."
"Italy
On Friday, anti-terrorism police in
Calabria apprehended a Tunisian national
suspected of being associated with ISIS
and planning a terrorist act in Italy.
According to reports, this
individual, who lives in Cosenza,
is also wanted in Tunisia.
He is accused of holding an
organizational position within ISIS
and was detained under a warrant
issued by Catanzaro prosecutors for
involvement in a transnational criminal
organization related to terrorism."
"Nigeria
Suspected Boko Haram insurgents
launched a night attack on Yamtake,
a recently resettled community in
Borno State, killing two soldiers and
an undisclosed number of civilians.
The attack occurred on Thursday
night, with the terrorists
targeting a military formation and
then moving into the community."
"Nigeria
An officer from the Nigeria Security and
Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) was killed and
several others were wounded after being
ambushed by suspected militants in the
Igbomotoru community of Bayelsa State's
Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA).
Local sources indicate that the NSCDC
team was returning from an operation
against illegal bunkering activities
when they came under fire on Friday.
The assailants, thought to be armed
militants, allegedly opened fire
on the operatives, resulting in
a violent exchange of gunfire."
"Nigeria
Police in Imo state, in collaboration
with local vigilantes, raided a suspected
IPOB/ESN hideout on Cameron Street,
Ubahu, and arrested three individuals.
The suspects, aged 21, 31, and 37,
were arrested after a gun battle,
during which two others escaped.
The police recovered a significant amount
of items, including one AK-47 rifle, two
pump-action guns, 18 live cartridges,
mobile devices, laptops, and N10.3
million in cash."
"Nigeria
The convoy of the council boss, Mr.
Chijioke Ezugwu, thwarted an attack
by gunmen who have been kidnapping
and terrorizing the Uzo-Uwani
Local Government Area of Enugu
State and the surrounding area..
The gunmen, who laid an ambush on the
road for motorists traveling to the area
that leads to Umulokpa, the headquarters
of agriculture, had attacked Ezugwuâs
convoy as it was leaving the headquarters
after a security meeting where measures
to eliminate the criminals were discussed.
The gunmen fled the
area during the clash."
"Nigeria
On Wednesday, suspected terrorists
ambushed and killed a mobile
police officer in Safana Local
Government (LGA), Katsina State.
According to a security source, the
deceased was part of the security
team sent to the Zakka community,
which was under attack from bandits.
The police successfully repelled the
assault, killing eight of the attackers."
"Pakistan
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)
of Sindh has arrested a significant
terrorist linked to the outlawed
Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA)
during an intelligence-led operation
in the Saeedabad area of Karachi.
This arrest followed confidential
intelligence, and the CTD seized illicit
weapons from him during the raid.
It is reported that he was running
a sleeper cell for the banned group
operating from a neighboring country."
"Pakistan
A mob of 100-200 people attacked an
Ahmadi place of worship in Karachi,
Pakistan, killing at least one person.
The victim, a 47-year-old man, was
beaten to death with bricks and sticks.
The incident highlights the ongoing
violence and discrimination faced
by the Ahmadi minority community
in Pakistan, who are considered
heretical by some orthodox Muslims."
"Pakistan
On Friday, terrorists attacked a
police van in Pakistan's troubled
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province,
resulting in the deaths of a police
constable and an under-trial prisoner.
This incident took place within the area
served by the Chaudwan Police Station
in Dera Ismail Khan district, where the
Station House Officer (SHO) narrowly
avoided being killed in the assault."
"South Sudan
Youths from the Noi section of Warrap
Payam attacked and killed three
herders from the Leer section of
Rualbet Payam in Tonj North County.
The attackers then stole
over 200 head of cattle.
In response, the cattle owners pursued
and clashed with the assailants in
Warrap Town, resulting in the deaths
of two civilians and a police officer.
The authorities have launched an
investigation and are working to recover
the stolen cattle, with the governor of
Warrap State ordering security forces
to apprehend the culprits and return
the cattle to their rightful owners."
"South Sudan
Comrade Daniel Abocha Ali, Chairperson
of the Sudan Peopleâs Liberation Movement
(SPLM) National Youth League, narrowly
escaped an assassination attempt in Juba.
Two armed assailants ambushed
his vehicle at approximately 8:30
PM, but Abocha emerged unharmed.
The SPLM National Youth League
condemned the attack and called
for an urgent investigation to
bring the perpetrators to justice."
"Syria
A young woman was kidnapped in Tartus
city while on her way to take an exam.
Communication with her was lost
shortly after she left her house,
and her mobile phone was out of
service until her relatives received
a call from an unknown number.
During the call, the girl could be
heard crying in pain, but her kidnappers
did not make any demands or threats."
"Syria
A man was shot and killed by ISIS
members in the Al-Marawaniyah
area of Deir Ezzor, eastern Syria.
The victim was accused of practicing
""witchcraft"" and committing
""heresy"" by the extremist
group, which controls the area."
"Syria
ISIS gunmen fired an RPG at a
military post in Al-Tyyanah, Deir
Ezzor, causing material damage.
A second RPG was fired at an SDF military
vehicle responding to the first attack,
but no casualties have been reported."
"Syria
A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces
was killed by an ISIS cell in the Al-Herri
area of Tel Hamis, Al-Hasakah countryside.
No injuries were reported in the attack."
"Syria
Two members of the general security forces
were killed in a shooting incident in
Akwam village, Al-Qusayr countryside,
Homs, near the Syria-Lebanon border.
They were attempting to cross into Lebanon
with smugglers when they were shot dead."
"Gaza Strip
An overnight Israeli strike near
Khan Younis in Gaza has killed
10 people, according to the
Hamas-controlled civil defense agency.
The victims were reportedly from
the Baraka family and neighboring
houses in the Bani Suhaila area."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli Air Force struck 40 targets
in the Gaza Strip, including terror
operatives, buildings, and weapons depots,
as part of ongoing ground operations.
The military reports that troops have
destroyed Hamas infrastructure and
killed several operatives in southern
Gaza, and have also targeted a weapons
depot and operatives in northern Gaza."
"Iran
Iranian security forces launched a
pre-dawn operation in the Zahedan
region of Sistan and Baluchestan
province, killing a senior commander
of the Jaish al-Adl (Army of
Justice) terrorist organization.
The raid, part of the ""Martyrs of
Security"" campaign, resulted in several
arrests and the seizure of weapons.
The targeted commander, Vali
Mohammad Shahbakhsh, was linked
to deadly attacks in 2023."
"Israel
A fire that broke out in the Jerusalem
hills was caused by shrapnel from
an interceptor missile that downed
a ballistic missile from Yemen.
The fire was extinguished, and the
Stalactite Cave Nature Reserve has
since reopened to visitors after
being evacuated as a precaution."
"Lebanon
An Israeli drone strike in Sidon,
Lebanon, has killed a Hezbollah
operative, Muhammad Abdullah.
Abdullah was responsible for deploying
Hezbollah's communication systems across
Lebanon, posing a threat to Israel.
The strike was carried out by
the Israeli military, which
views Hezbollah's activities as
a violation of understandings
between Israel and Lebanon."
"Lebanon
The Israeli military, IDF, has
confirmed that a Hezbollah operative
was killed in a drone strike in
southern Lebanon's Ayta ash-Shab.
The operative was involved in
terror-related activities."
"Nigeria
Security forces have eliminated
a wanted bandit kingpin, Ibrahim
Kaboni, and eight of his fighters in a
well-coordinated ambush in Zamfara State.
The operation, carried out by troops of
Operation Fansan Yamma, was a result of
intelligence and surveillance efforts.
The encounter triggered a fierce gun
battle, resulting in the neutralization
of Kaboni and his men, while
others fled with gunshot injuries."
"Nigeria
On Tuesday, April 15, Nigerian airstrikes
killed several insurgents, including
high-value terrorist commanders,
during an operation in the Kolloram
and Arra area of the Sambisa Forest.
The strikes also destroyed
several structures and equipment."
"Pakistan
Security Forces in Dera Ismail Khan
District conducted a successful
intelligence-based operation against
militants linked to terrorist activities.
The operation resulted in the elimination
of four terrorists and the recovery
of a cache of weapons and ammunition.
Unfortunately, Sepoy Basit
Siddique, a 23-year-old soldier,
was martyred during the operation."
"Pakistan
Security forces and law enforcement
agencies conducted a joint operation
in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) Swat
district on April 18, 2025, resulting
in the killing of four terrorists.
The operation aimed to eliminate
the remaining terrorists in the
area and combat the growing menace
of terrorism in the country."
"South Sudan
The South Sudanese army, with the
assistance of local armed civilians,
has regained control of Ulang town
in Upper Nile state after the White
Army, an ethnic Nuer armed youth
group, withdrew from the area.
According to Major General Michael Majok,
the army's commander, the successful
advance was due to cooperation from
local groups and the central government.
However, accounts from civilians suggest
that the takeover occurred without
significant clashes, and the White Army
withdrew voluntarily for tactical reasons.
The situation remains uncertain, with
the White Army indicating plans to
regroup and reassess their next steps."
"Syria
The US plans to withdraw approximately
600 troops from Syria, leaving fewer
than 1,000 to work with Kurdish
allies against the ISIS group.
This move returns US force levels
to pre-2023 levels, after a
multi-year campaign to defeat ISIS.
The withdrawal is seen as a buffer against
Turkish forces, which consider Kurdish
forces to be aligned with terror groups."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked 11 Chinese military
aircraft, six naval vessels,
and three official ships around
its country between 6 a.m.
on Thursday and 6 a.m.
on Friday.
Seven aircraft crossed the Taiwan
Strait median line in the countryâs
northern and southwestern Air
Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
Russian forces launched a strike on a
bakery in Sumy using three Geran-2 drones.
The attack resulted in
one death and one injury.
Rescuers from the State Emergency
Service (SES) responded promptly,
recovering the body and providing
assistance to the injured person."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack in Kherson
caused a fire on a multi-story
residential building's balcony.
Fortunately, firefighters from the
State Emergency Service were able
to quickly extinguish the blaze,
preventing it from spreading and
resulting in no casualties or injuries."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian defense forces shot down 26
aerial targets, including 3 Iskander-K
cruise missiles and 23 Shahed attack
drones, launched by Russian troops.
The attack affected multiple regions
in Ukraine, including Sumy, Kharkiv,
Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv.
Ukrainian forces used aviation,
anti-aircraft missile units,
electronic warfare systems, and mobile
fire groups to repel the attack."
"Ukraine
Russian drones attacked the Dniprovsky
district in Kherson, injuring three
people, including a 72-year-old nurse
who sustained a mine-blast injury
and a shrapnel wound to her arm.
Two men, aged 51 and 64, were
also injured with mine-blast
trauma and shrapnel wounds."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack near the village
of Stiyke in the Kherson region killed
two men conducting road repairs.
The victims, aged 36 and 44, were
fatally wounded when the drone
struck specialized equipment."
"Ukraine
A Russian missile attack on Dnipro has
caused damage to various buildings and
infrastructure, including a fitness
center, a hotel, and an office building.
In addition, private homes,
greenhouses, and an outbuilding were
damaged in other communities, such
as Pidhorodne and Novooleksandrivka.
The Nikopol district was also hit,
resulting in damage to an apartment
block, a private house, and a vehicle.
Fortunately, no casualties
have been reported."
"Ukraine
A missile strike occurred in
Kharkiv, resulting in a fire
at a civilian enterprise and
damage to a residential area.
According to reports, 87 people were
injured and one person was killed.
Emergency rescue operations are
underway, with 57 rescuers and 12 pieces
of equipment deployed to the scene."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,530 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 600 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Russian forces killed three civilians and
injured six others in the Donetsk region.
The casualties include two
residents killed in Kostiantynivka
and one in Rusyn Yar."
"Ukraine
Russia has launched a drone attack on
Sumy, resulting in the death of one person
and damage to an industrial facility.
Three Shahed-type drones hit the same
building, causing significant damage
and a preliminary reported fatality.
Emergency services are currently working
at the scene to respond to the incident."
"Ukraine
An elderly man, 70 years old,
was killed in Beryslav, Kherson
region, due to artillery shelling
by Russian forces on April 18, 2025.
Damage assessments were not
reported in the attack."
"Ukraine
Russian forces have carried out strikes
on 44 settlements in the Kherson region
over the past 24 hours, resulting in 4
deaths and 25 injuries, including a child.
The attacks targeted residential areas,
critical infrastructure, and social
infrastructure, causing damage to 9
apartment buildings, 10 private homes, an
ambulance, and several civilian vehicles."
"Western Sahara
The Sahrawi People's Liberation
Army (SPLA) has launched attacks
on Moroccan forces in the Hawza
sector, targeting bases and trenches.
The attacks, which continue, have
reportedly inflicted significant losses."
"Yemen
The Houthi rebels report that the death
toll from US strikes on a fuel port in
Yemen has risen to 58 people killed and
126 wounded, making it the deadliest
attack in Washington's month-long air
campaign against the Iran-backed group."
"Zamfara
Security forces have eliminated
a wanted bandit kingpin, Ibrahim
Kaboni, and eight of his fighters in a
well-coordinated ambush in Zamfara State.
The operation, carried out by troops of
Operation Fansan Yamma, was a result of
intelligence and surveillance efforts.
The encounter triggered a fierce gun
battle, resulting in the neutralization
of Kaboni and his men, while
others fled with gunshot injuries."
"Pakistan
Recent anti-US sentiment and opposition
to Israel's war in Gaza have led to over
10 mob attacks on KFC outlets in Pakistan,
resulting in the arrest of 178 people.
The attacks, which have occurred in
several major cities, have prompted
increased security measures at
KFC outlets in Lahore, with police
investigating the role of various
individuals and groups in the incidents."
"United States
An active shooter incident
occurred at Florida State
University in Tallahassee, Florida.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old
Phoenix Ikner, a Florida State student,
opened fire with his mother's former
service handgun, killing two men
and wounding at least six others.
The victims were not students, and the
motive for the shooting is still unknown.
Ikner was shot and wounded by police
after refusing to comply with commands.
He is currently in the hospital
with non-life-threatening injuries.
The university has canceled classes
and athletic events through the
weekend as a result of the incident."
"Italy
A cable car carrying tourists in Italy
crashed to the ground after a cable
snapped, killing at least four people
and critically injuring another.
The incident occurred near
Naples, and rescue teams
responded quickly to the scene."
"Syria
A landmine explosion in Al-Wafideen
camp, Duma area, Rif Dimashq,
resulted in the death of a young
man and the injury of his brother."
"Syria
Two young men were injured in an explosion
that occurred when an old landmine
detonated in a car in Al-Kabinah,
the eastern countryside of Latakia.
The victims were transported to the
hospital for medical treatment."
"United Kingdom
A migrant has died while attempting
to cross the English Channel.
According to RNLI, a lifeboat was
launched in response to an incident,
and a group of people were brought
to Dover in a Border Force boat.
This incident occurred on a day when
211 people crossed the Channel on three
small boats, with over 9,000 migrants
having crossed so far this year, a 42%
increase from the same period last year."
"United States
A single-engine plane crashed
shortly after takeoff on Thursday
at the Greenville Municipal
Airport, injuring one person.
The pilot was conscious when taken
to the hospital for treatment.
The FAA is investigating the
incident, and Woods Lake Road is
currently closed between Burdland
Way and Lowndes Hill Road."
"United States
A small plane crashed at Lehigh Valley
International Airport in Hanover Township
after an incident just before 10:40 a.m.
The pilot was evaluated by EMS
and is reportedly uninjured.
The FAA is investigating the cause
of the crash, and airport officials
confirm that there are no delays to
flights as a result of the incident."
"Zimbabwe
A luxury Rovos Rail train carrying 47
international tourists collided with
a goods train near Gwanda, Zimbabwe.
The incident occurred earlier
today and is under investigation.
Several injured passengers have been
transported to nearby hospitals,
but the extent of their injuries and
potential fatalities are unknown.
Rescue operations and
investigations are ongoing."
Thanks for joining us for the April
19, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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