Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for March 17, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Sunday, we collected 50 events, including
the president of Serbia responding to
growing protests, so let's get started.
"Serbia
On March 15, tens of thousands of
people gathered in Belgrade, Serbia,
to protest against the government's
handling of a deadly cement canopy
collapse at a railway station in November.
The protest, led by students, was
one of the largest in the country's
history, with estimates ranging
from 88,000 to 325,000 participants.
President Aleksandar Vucic acknowledged
the protesters' ""enormous negative energy
and anger"" and vowed to make changes.
The protest was peaceful, but minor
incidents were reported, and 22 people
were arrested for crimes against
property and assaulting police officers.
The demonstrations have been ongoing
for over three months, with students
demanding accountability and an end to
systemic corruption under Vucic's rule."
"West Bank
During an anti-terrorism operation,
the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
discovered a weapons cache in the
Nur Shams refugee camp outside of
Tulkarem in the northern West Bank.
The cache included several bags of
weapons, one of which had a vest
labeled ""UNRWA,"" which Israel has
long accused terrorists of using
as cover for their activities.
The confiscated weapons have been
transferred for further investigation,
and the IDF has stated that it
will continue its operations to
prevent terrorism in the region."
"Egypt
A Houthi missile launched from Yemen
landed in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula
overnight, prompting the IDF to
investigate whether the missile
was intended to target Israel.
This incident comes amid a large
US bombing campaign against the
Houthis, following threats by the
Iran-backed terror group to resume
missile and drone fire on Israel."
"India
Security forces in Kupwara safely
recovered and destroyed an improvised
explosive device (IED) in the
Narikut forest area, averting
a potential terror incident.
The Indian Army, along with the BSF,
conducted the operation and intensified
search operations to ensure no further
threats persisted in the area."
"India
Security forces in Jharkhand's West
Singhbhum district have recovered and
neutralized a 10-kilogram Naxal/Maoist
Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in
a dense forest areas of Ghatkuri and
Laiselbig under Tonto police station
area in West Singhbhum district."
"Israel
A parked car in the northern Israeli
community of Avivim was hit by gunfire
from Lebanon, causing no injuries.
The Israeli military is investigating the
incident, with troops searching the area.
The IDF considers the shooting a violation
of agreements between Israel and Lebanon."
"Nigeria
On Friday, Nigerian police raided a
kidnappers' hideout in Osokwa, Osisioma
Local Government Area (LGA), killing seven
kidnappers and rescuing four hostages.
Police also recovered two
AK-47 rifles, six magazines,
and 34 rounds of ammunition."
"Pakistan
A shooting attack occurred in Ghotki,
targeting the convoy of Pakistan
Peoples Party (PPP) Member of Provincial
Assembly (MPA) Jam Mahtab Hussain Dahar.
The incident resulted in the death
of one security guard, Zafar Dahar,
and injuries to three others.
The MPA remained unharmed."
"Pakistan
On Saturday, Mufti Munir Shakir,
a religious scholar and founder of
the banned group Lashkar-i-Islam,
was killed in a bomb blast on the
outskirts of Peshawar, Pakistan.
The explosion also wounded four others.
A search for the assailants was underway."
"Pakistan
A roadside bomb targeting a bus carrying
security forces exploded near the
N-40 highway in the Nushki district
in southwestern Pakistan on Sunday.
The attack killed at least five
soldiers and wounded 10 others.
The blast also severely
damaged another nearby bus.
While no group claimed responsibility for
the attack, suspicions are likely to fall
on the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army."
"Pakistan
On Saturday, Pakistani forces killed seven
terrorists during a clash in the Mohmand
district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
Two soldiers were also
killed in the fighting.
Troops recovered weapons and
ammunition from the dead militants."
"Pakistan
A senior commander of the Lashkar-e-Taiba
(LeT) terror outfit, Abu Qatal
Sindhi, was shot and killed in
a targeted ambush in Dina City.
The attack occurred on Saturday
night when unidentified gunmen
ambushed Sindhi's vehicle, killing
him and his security guard, while
the driver survived with injuries.
Sindhi was a high-value target due to
his role in managing LeT's training and
launch facility in Kotli, and his death
is seen as a significant setback for
the group's operations in the region."
"Pakistan
On Saturday evening, a key terrorist
commander was killed along with his
armed guard when an assailant on
a motorcycle opened fire on their
vehicle on the Mangla-Jhelum Road.
The deceased was identified as Abu Qatal,
a former close associate who, according
to an allegation, was the latest victim
of an ongoing targeted killing campaign
by India's intelligence agency, RAW."
"Philippines
Saturday evening, an unidentified
individual threw a grenade
at soldiers in Datu Saudi
Ampatuan, wounding four of them.
Authorities believe the
assailant was believed to be a
member of a local armed group."
"Philippines
Gunmen attacked a vehicle on a busy
highway in Barangay Lanao, Kidapawan
City, Cotabato, on Friday, March 15,
killing two engineers from the Department
of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)."
"Somalia
Saturday morning, Al-Shabab
terrorists briefly seized the
Lafoole neighborhood near Afgo Town.
During the attack, the militants
ambushed government forces passing by.
During an ensuing clash, three
civilians lost their lives."
"Thailand
On Saturday, a remotely controlled
IED blast on the approach to a bridge
in the Maung district of Pattani hit
a para-military vehicle, injuring
eight soldiers and one civilian."
"Iran
Hossein Salami, head of Iran's
Revolutionary Guards, has vowed to
take ""decisive"" action against
any attacks, following US President
Donald Trump's warning to stop
supporting Yemen's Houthi rebels."
"Yemen
US strikes in Yemen's capital, Sanaa,
and the northern province of Saada
have killed at least 24 civilians were
killed, and 23 others were injured.
The Houthi-run health authorities
and the Houthi political bureau have
condemned the attacks as a ""war crime""
and vowed to respond with escalation."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
carried out a drone strike against
a Hamas operative in the Netzarim
Corridor area of central Gaza.
The target was identified as trying
to plant bombs in the ground, a
recent tactic used by Hamas operatives
despite the ongoing ceasefire.
This is the latest in a series of
strikes against Hamas operatives
attempting to plant explosives."
"Kenya
A clash occurred between Kenyan
police officers and Somalia's
National Intelligence and Security
Agency (NISA) at the Kenyan border.
As a result, one police officer was
fatally shot, and another was injured.
The attackers also allegedly took some
firearms from the Kenyan officers."
"Lebanon
Two Hezbollah operatives were killed in
an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon
as they were conducting surveillance
and planning attacks on Israel.
The IDF considers their actions
a violation of the agreement
between Israel and Lebanon."
"Somalia
The Somali National Army, in coordination
with AFRICOM, conducted an airstrike
in the Middle Shabelle region of
Hirshabelle State, targeting an
Al-Shabab operative attempting to regroup
following recent battlefield losses."
"Sudan
The Sudanese army claims to have
gained control of key locations in
central Khartoum, including the Nile
Towers and the Al Mansheiya Bridge.
This development positions the
army closer to the Army Command
Center and the Presidential Palace.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have
seen their territorial control shrink
in recent weeks, with the army now
controlling 75% of central Khartoum
City and parts of other cities."
"Syria
A civilian has died in Manbij,
eastern Aleppo, after being injured
in violent clashes between a General
Security patrol and an armed group.
The victim was reportedly near the
clashes and sustained fatal wounds."
"Syria
An explosion occurred in Tartus
after a Russian warship intercepted
an unidentified drone flying
over the new officers' club.
The incident triggered panic among
residents, particularly in schools."
"Syria
Turkish fighter jets conducted
airstrikes in the Aleppo countryside,
targeting strategic positions.
The airstrikes hit areas near Sarin
town, the M4 highway, and Teshreen Dam.
This comes after a kamikaze drone
attack by the SDF on National Army
factions near Teshreen dam, resulting
in two deaths and three injuries."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked one Chinese
military aircraft, eight naval
vessels, and one official ship
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Saturday and Sunday.
The aircraft crossed the median line
of the Taiwan Strait and entered the
southeastern section of the countryâs
Air Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
A Russian attack drone hit a residential
area in Chernihiv, causing a fire
at a five-story apartment block.
A second drone reportedly damaged
several private households in the area.
Rescue services responded to the scene to
tackle the consequences of the attack."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack occurred in the
Fastiv district, Kyiv region, on Sunday.
The attack resulted in a fire at
an industrial enterprise, but it
has been extinguished and there are
no reported civilian casualties.
Ukrainian air defense forces intercepted
the Russian targets, and no critical or
residential infrastructure was damaged."
"Ukraine
Ukraine's Defense Forces shot down
47 Russian drones, including 47
Shahed one-way attack UAVs, and
lost 33 Russian UAVs from radar.
The drones were launched from various
locations in Russia and temporarily
occupied Crimea, targeting regions
such as Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Odesa.
Air defense forces, electronic
warfare units, and mobile fire
groups repelled the air raid."
"Ukraine
A Russian UAV attack on the town of
Izium in the Kharkiv region caused
significant damage and casualties.
One person was killed, and three
others, including two teenagers, were
injured as a result of the attack.
The State Emergency Service reported that
the Russians launched multiple attacks on
the private residential sector, resulting
in fires in two buildings and dry grass."
"Ukraine
The Ukrainian military has successfully
destroyed three Russian drones in
the sky over the Dnipro region.
This was reported by Serhiy
Lysak, head of the Dnipropetrovsk
Regional Military Administration."
"Ukraine
Russian troops attacked two vehicles
in the Sumy region using drones.
A 48-year-old passenger and a 31-year-old
driver were injured in the attacks."
"Ukraine
On March 16, 2025, Russian forces
struck the village of Zolota Balka
in the Kherson region, resulting
in the death of a 40-year-old woman
and injury of a 70-year-old man."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian troops have destroyed
a crucial bridge over the Konka
River, used by Russia to supply
its troops in occupied Kherson.
The strike, which hit close to
the occupied town of Oleshky, has
reportedly shocked Russian troops.
Meanwhile, Russian drone strikes have
targeted a residential building in
Chernihiv, leaving it engulfed in fire."
"Western Sahara
The Sahrawi People's Liberation Army
(SPLA) carried out targeted strikes
against Moroccan forces in the Guelta
sector, resulting in heavy losses
in terms of lives and equipment.
The attacks, which took place
on Saturday afternoon, targeted
support and supply points in the
Lathrathyat and Ashrak Laghrab areas."
"Yemen
According to Al Jazeera, the death
toll from Saturday evening airstrikes
targeting Houthi sites across
northern Yemen has risen to 31,
with at least 101 others wounded.
The casualties were reported across
multiple locations, including the capital,
Sanaa, the northern province of Saada - a
Houthi stronghold - as well as other
Houthi-controlled Yemeni provinces.
The death toll is expected
to rise further as the US
airstrikes continue across Yemen."
"Albania
Albania's center-right opposition party,
the Democratic Party, held a protest
against the left-wing government's
decision to shut down TikTok for 12
months, calling it censorship ahead
of the May 11 parliamentary elections.
The protest, led by young supporters,
was a response to the government's
claim that TikTok incites violence and
bullying, especially among children.
The opposition party's leader, Sali
Berisha, accused the Socialist Party
Prime Minister Edi Rama and his
Cabinet of corruption, manipulating
elections, and usurping the powers
of the judiciary and vowed that
""TikTok will be back May 12."""
"Brazil
Brazil's former president, Jair Bolsonaro,
held a rally in Rio de Janeiro on March
16, 2025, where he accused the government
of denying democracy by banning him
from seeking re-election in 2026.
Bolsonaro is facing multiple legal
charges, including attempting to
overthrow his successor, Luiz Inacio
Lula da Silva, and is barred from
holding elected office until 2030."
"Canada
Montreal police used tear gas and
arrested six individuals during an
annual anti-police brutality protest.
The demonstration began near
Lionel-Groulx metro station, with
protesters throwing fireworks and
projectiles at police officers.
Police responded by arresting
several individuals for assaulting
officers, obstructing police work,
and using irritant gas on the crowd."
"Hungary
Around 50,000 protesters gathered in
Budapest to call for an end to Prime
Minister Viktor Orbán's 15-year rule.
The rally was led by Peter Magyar, a
former government insider turned leader of
the anti-Orbán camp, and his party Tisza.
Magyar and his deputy chair, Zoltán
Tarr, accused Orbán's government of
undermining press freedom, curbing
democracy, and spreading propaganda."
"Mexico
Protesters gathered across Mexico to
demand justice after the discovery of
a suspected drug cartel training ground
with charred remains, shoes, and clothing.
The site, located in Jalisco, is believed
to be an ""extermination center""
with ""clandestine crematoriums.""
Demonstrators, including families
searching for missing loved ones, are
calling for authorities to take action
against the rampant criminal violence that
has plagued the country for two decades."
"Serbia
A large-scale protest in Belgrade
on Sunday night turned into riots,
resulting in one person being seriously
injured and material damage reported.
The protest, which was attended by
up to 31,000 people, was initially
organized by students to express
dissatisfaction with the authorities
and draw attention to corruption.
The incident is linked to a
previous tragedy at a railway
station in Novi Sad, where 15
people died in November last year."
"South Korea
Large crowds gathered in Seoul on
March 15, 2025, to support or oppose
impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.
The Constitutional Court is expected
to decide whether Yoon's declaration
of martial law disqualifies him from
office, a decision that has sparked South
Korea's worst political crisis in decades.
Protests have been ongoing for
weeks, with hundreds of thousands
of people taking to the streets in
support of or opposition to Yoon."
"North Macedonia
A devastating fire broke out at
the Pulse nightclub in Kocani in
North Macedonia, killing at least 51
people and injuring around 100 more.
The incident occurred during a
concert by a popular hip-hop duo, with
officials attributing the cause to
pyrotechnics used by young club-goers.
The interior minister has arrested one
person in connection with the incident."
"Syria
The death toll from an ordnance explosion
in Lattakia has increased to 11 after
rescue teams recovered a civilian's body.
Additionally, 14 people were injured
in the incident, with concerns about
others still trapped under the rubble."
"United States
On Saturday morning, a helicopter crashed
at the Modesto Reservoir, Modesto,
California, injuring two people on board.
One of the individuals
sustained major injuries."
"United States
Thursday morning, a small plane
crashed in a wooded area a few seconds
after taking off from the Mesquite
Metro Airport, killing the pilot.
An investigation of the
crash was underway."
"United States
Saturday morning, a small plane
crashed in a vineyard in Byron
after taking off from the airport.
Authorities stated the two
people on board were uninjured."
Thanks for joining us for the March
17, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
As a reminder, complete reports with
casualty information, interactive
web maps, and our IntelHub dashboard
are available with a Geopolitical
Report Pro subscription, which you
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Thanks again for listening, and don't
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