Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for March 19, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Tuesday, we collected 90 events,
including Trump and Putin agreeing to a
ceasefire for energy and infrastructure
targets, so let's get started.
"United States
Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin
have agreed to a 30-day energy and
infrastructure ceasefire in Ukraine.
The partial ceasefire is a step
towards a permanent peace deal to
be negotiated in the Middle East.
The two leaders also discussed a closer
relationship between the US and Russia
and economic benefits for both countries."
"Afghanistan
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to
reopen the Torkham border crossing after
a dispute over a check post construction.
A meeting between Afghan and Pakistani
traders and tribal elders resulted
in a positive outcome, with both
sides agreeing to cease hostilities
and resume trade and travel.
The development comes after a two-day
ceasefire was agreed upon by border
forces, following weeks of hostilities
that led to the closure of the
border crossing on February 21."
"China
China continues its sweeping military
purge, with the confirmed arrest
of He Weidong, Vice Chairman of
the Central Military Commission.
His arrest follows a wave of leadership
changes in the country and signals
growing instability at the highest levels
of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
Other reports indicate that former PLA
General Logistics Department Minister
Zhao Keshi has also been taken into
custody, and several senior generals
from the Fujian faction have been
removed, intensifying the ongoing
shake-up within the Chinese military."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda,
has withdrawn from peace talks with the
Congolese government in Luanda, Angola.
The group's spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka,
cited international sanctions on its
members and alleged offensives by Congo's
military as reasons for the withdrawal.
The talks were scheduled to start on
Tuesday, but Kanyuka stated that ""our
organization can no longer continue
to participate in the discussions.""
The conflict in eastern Congo has resulted
in significant humanitarian crises,
with over 7 million people displaced."
"Israel
Israel has the plan to continue its
military campaign in Gaza until Hamas
agrees to negotiate a hostage release
deal based on the ""Witkoff proposal.""
The proposal involves releasing half
of the hostages in exchange for an
extended ceasefire until mid-April,
with the remaining hostages released
if a peace agreement is reached."
"Lebanon
Late Monday, a ceasefire was
reached between Lebanese and Syrian
defense officials to halt two
days of clashes along the border.
The agreement aims to enhance
coordination and cooperation between
the two sides following deadly
fighting that killed seven Lebanese
citizens and injured 52 others.
The clashes were sparked by Syria's
accusation of militants from Lebanon's
Hezbollah group crossing into
Syria, which Hezbollah has denied."
"Myanmar
In Myanmar, authorities have forcibly
recruited over 70 young men from a
single town in the Ayeyarwady region.
The men, some as young as 17, were
arrested and sent for military training
under the country's military service law.
The law requires men aged 18-35
and women aged 18-27 to serve a
minimum of two years in the military.
This move comes amid reports
of anti-junta forces killing
administrators involved in recruiting
civilians for military service."
"Nigeria
Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists have
given a one-week notice to residents
of some communities in Gujba Local
Government Area (LGA) of Yobe
State, Nigeria, to leave the area.
The terrorists allegedly invaded the
communities last weekend, shooting
sporadically and warning residents
to vacate the area or face death
for allegedly revealing their
movement to security agencies."
"Pakistan
The Baloch Liberation Army's (BLA) recent
attacks on Pakistani troops and Chinese
interests in Balochistan have raised
concerns for Pakistan's security forces
and China's investments in the region.
China has signed a private security
contract to protect its engineers
and workers in the China-Pakistan
Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.
Intelligence reports suggest that
China may deploy its own troops in
Pakistan, a move that would mark
a significant shift in Beijing's
security presence in the region."
"Poland
Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and
Estonia, NATO member countries, have
announced their intention to withdraw
from the Ottawa Convention, the
international treaty that prohibits
the use of anti-personnel mines.
These members justified their decision
by citing the growing threat posed
by Russia, one of the countries
that never ratified the convention."
"South Sudan
South Sudan's government has defended
Ugandan forces' military presence in
Juba, stating that the deployment of the
Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF)
aligns with a long-standing bilateral
military agreement signed years ago.
The pact was established to jointly
combat hostile forces, including
the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).
The South Sudan government had earlier
denied UPDF's presence in the country."
"South Sudan
On Monday, South Sudan's government
ordered civilians to vacate a
northern area in Nasir County as it
battles the White Army militant group
accused of overrunning a military
base and attacking a UN helicopter.
The government issued the order on Monday,
March 17, 2025, a day after the army
conducted an airstrike in Nasir County.
South Sudan's Information Officer told
journalists that any civilians who
refused to leave the military zone of
the area would be 'treated accordingly.'"
"South Sudan
The Sudan People's Liberation Movement
in Opposition (SPLM-IO) has suspended its
participation in key security mechanisms
in South Sudan, citing the detention
of its officials, escalating violence,
and the presence of Ugandan troops.
The move follows weeks of rising tensions,
including fighting in Nasir County and
the arrest of senior SPLM-IO figures.
The SPLM-IO demands the release
of detained officials and condemns
the arrest and detention of peace
mediators and humanitarian workers.
This decision threatens the ceasefire
and security arrangements in the country,
potentially leading to renewed clashes."
"Syria
The Syrian foreign ministry has condemned
a series of Israeli airstrikes in Daraa,
southern Syria, calling them an ""Israeli
campaign against the Syrian people
and the stability of the country."""
"Ukraine
Eight European countries, including
Ukraine, have filed a complaint with
the International Telecommunication
Union (ITU) against Russia,
alleging prolonged interference with
European satellite communications.
The countries demand that Russia
immediately stop these acts
of sabotage, which have caused
disruptions to satellites used for
radio and TV communications, as
well as navigation in aviation.
The disruptions were investigated by
satellite providers Eutelsat and SES,
who concluded that they originated from
the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula
and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad."
"Yemen
Yemen's Houthi rebels have condemned
Israel's strikes on Gaza and vowed to
escalate their own operations in support
of Hamas, threatening to renew attacks
on Israeli shipping in the Red Sea."
"Bangladesh
On Tuesday, Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi,
leader of Myanmar's Arakan Rohingya
Salvation Army (ARSA), was arrested in
the Siddhirganj area of the Narayanganj
district along with five associates."
"India
On Tuesday, a Central Reserve Police
Force (CRPF) sub-inspector was
injured in an IED explosion during
an anti-Naxal/Maoist operation in a
forest near the village of Radha Poda
in Jaraikela, West Singhbhum district.
Earlier, Naxal/Maoist militants had
initiated indiscriminate firing at a
joint team of security forces, prompting
retaliatory action by the personnel.
The operation was still underway."
"India
On Tuesday, security forces recovered
and defused an IED in the Habdi
Pora area of the Shopian district."
"Israel
Air defenses successfully intercepted
a ballistic missile launched by the
Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen at Israel.
The missile was shot down before
crossing the country's borders, with
no reports of injuries or damage.
This marks the first Houthi attack on
Israel since January 18 and follows a
threat to resume attacks last week."
"Mexico
A series of attacks by armed civilians
along the Jalisco-Michoacan border in
western Mexico resulted in the deaths
of 5 soldiers and injuries to 2 others.
The violence, attributed to the
Jalisco New Generation Cartel
(CJNG), involved hijacking vehicles,
setting them on fire, and gunfire
exchanges with Mexican Army vehicles.
Local authorities are working to
maintain order and urge residents
to take precautions in the area."
"Nigeria
On Sunday, bandits reportedly attacked the
Kontagora town in Niger State, abducting
seven people, including a housewife.
The incident occurred in the
outskirts of the town, affecting
areas such as Kontagora Bypass,
Talba Estate, and nearby villages.
One of the victims'
husbands managed to escape."
"Nigeria
Sunday night, troops from Operation
Hadin Kai's North East Sector 2 engaged
and neutralized seven Islamic State West
African Province (ISWAP) fighters in
Buni Gari, Gujba Local Government Area.
The confrontation occurred as the
terrorists launched an attack on
the town, firing sporadically.
However, the troops, supported by Yobe
State hunters, quickly responded with
fierce resistance, resulting in the
elimination of the terrorist insurgents.
A vigilante member was also
killed in the fighting."
"Nigeria
The Rivers State Police Command
has confirmed the arrest of two
individuals in connection with an
explosion on the Shell Petroleum
Development Company (SPDC)-operated
Trans Niger Delta Pipeline Monday night.
The blast caused a fierce fire but
was quickly extinguished, preventing
further environmental harm.
Police are investigating the cause of the
explosion, including possible sabotage."
"Pakistan
The Islamic State has claimed
responsibility for the killing of
Mufti Abdul Baqi Noorzai, a senior
functionary of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam
(JUI), in Quetta, Pakistan.
This marks the first major IS
strike in Pakistan in 2025.
The attack follows a series of
assassinations of senior Deobandi figures
and raises concerns about the increasing
activities of the Islamic State in
Khorasan Province (ISKP) in the region."
"Philippines
A female lawyer, Junisa Kimamao, was
killed, and her fiancé, Ibrahim Pendatu,
was injured in an ambush by two gunmen
on a motorbike in Datu Odin Sinsuat.
Maguindanao del Norte on Monday afternoon.
An investigation of the attack and
search for the assailants was underway."
"Sao Tome and Principe
Three armed pirates boarded the
Panama-flagged asphalt/bitumen tanker
Bitu River in the Gulf of Guinea off
the coast of São Tomé and PrÃncipe.
Shots were reportedly fired, and the
crew's status is currently unknown."
"Somalia
On Tuesday, an Al Shabaab terrorist
bomb attack struck Somalia's President
Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's motorcade as it
traveled through the capital, Mogadishu.
Two senior government and military
officials told Reuters that
Mohamud was unharmed in the attack.
A Reuters journalist at the scene reported
seeing the bodies of four people killed in
the assault near the presidential palace."
"Somalia
Suspected Somali pirates have hijacked
a Yemeni fishing boat carrying a crew
of eight off the Horn of Africa, marking
the third such attack in recent weeks.
The incident occurred on Sunday near
the town of Eyl in Somalia, with seven
hijackers remaining on board the ship.
This attack comes after a
resurgence of piracy in the region."
"Syria
A civilian was killed by suspected
former regime supporters in Tel Kalakh,
Homs, while he was working on a truck."
"Syria
Three young men were killed in an
armed attack by unidentified gunmen in
Al-Aziziya Village, Sahl Al-Ghab, Hama.
The gunmen stormed the village, opened
fire randomly, stole solar panels and
batteries, and assaulted civilians."
"Ukraine
A resident of Zaporizhzhia, motivated
by a promise of easy money, was
arrested for working with Russia's GRU
to manufacture improvised explosive
devices for terrorist attacks.
The individual, who is also a drug addict,
had previously posted anti-Ukrainian
leaflets and recruited acquaintances
for potential recruitment by the GRU.
The Security Service of Ukraine
and the National Police seized
phones and IED components during
searches, and the suspect is
currently in custody without bail."
"Belarus
A court in Belarus has convicted
Nakanishi Masatoshi, a Japanese
citizen, of espionage and
sentenced him to 7 years in prison.
Masatoshi, who taught Japanese at a local
university, was accused of collecting
military information and taking photos
of military facilities and railway
infrastructure between 2018 and 2024."
"Thailand
The Republic of Singapore Air Force
(RSAF), the Royal Thai Air Force
(RTAF), and the United States Air
Force (USAF) have begun the 31st
iteration of Exercise Cope Tiger.
The trilateral exercise is structured in
two phases: a Command Post Exercise held
in December 2024 at the Multinational
Operations and Exercise Centre in Changi
Naval Base, Singapore, followed by the
ongoing Flying Training Exercise conducted
from March 17-28, 2025, at Korat Air
Base and Chandy Range in Thailand."
"Afghanistan
Armed clashes broke out between
Taliban forces and Pakistani border
guards in Khost province, near
the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.
The incident occurred amid
rising tensions and disputes over
security and territorial control."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
are carrying out strikes against
Hamas and Palestinian Islamic
Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip.
The targets include cells of
terror operatives, rocket-launching
positions, weapons, and other
military infrastructure.
These strikes aim to prevent terror
groups from using these assets
in planned attacks on Israel."
"Gaza Strip
Israel has launched its most intense
strikes on Gaza since a January
ceasefire, vowing to continue fighting
until all hostages are returned.
The health ministry in Gaza
reports over 413 people were
killed and 660 people wounded.
Hamas has accused Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu of deciding to ""resume
war"" and warned that the return to
fighting could be a ""death sentence""
for hostages still alive in Gaza."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
have eliminated the de-facto prime
minister of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip,
Issam Da'alis, and three other top
officials: Ahmad al-Khatta, Mahmoud
Abu Watfa, and Bahjat Abu Sultan.
The IDF targeted these officials
as part of a wide-scale bombing
campaign against Hamas and Islamic
Jihad targets in the Gaza Strip,
aiming to disrupt their military and
governmental capabilities and remove
the threat to Israel and its citizens."
"India
On Monday, security forces killed a
Pakistani terrorist, identified as
Saifullah, in a gunfight in Handwara,
north Kashmir's Kupwara district.
Security forces recovered an AK-47 assault
rifle and other equipment from the site."
"Iraq
On the night of March 16-17, PKK
militants used an unspecified
anti-aircraft system to shoot down
a Turkish Akinci reconnaissance and
strike drone near the Iran-Iraq border.
The wreckage of the downed drone was
found near the village of Sofia in
Sulaymaniyah province, less than 20
kilometers from the Iranian border."
"Mali
On Sunday, Malian forces conducted
airstrikes on Tuareg separatist
targets at a market 30 miles north
of Lerneb in the Timbuktu region.
In a statement released on Monday, the
Malian army reported conducting air
strikes on a ""refuge"" in the same area
cited by the separatist group, resulting
in the deaths of 11 ""terrorists.""
According to the Collective for
the Defence of the Rights of the
Azawad People, which is part of a
Tuareg separatist coalition, the
airstrikes reportedly killed 18
people and injured seven others."
"Myanmar
The Myanmar military regime
continues to use heavy artillery
attacks in Rakhine State's Sittwe
and Kyaukphyu townships, causing
civilian casualties and displacement.
Local sources report that the
military shelled areas near the state
capital of Sittwe, trapping residents
and exacerbating food shortages.
The anti-junta armed group Arakan
Army has effectively surrounded Sittwe
Township, which has led to increased
fighting and artillery attacks."
"Myanmar
According to sources from the Chin
National Defence Force (CNDF), the
military regime's air force has conducted
over 400 airstrikes in Chin State's
Falam region within the past week, as
fighting has intensified in the area.
Battles for control of Falam first
broke out in November of last year,
with anti-junta forces capturing the
district- and township-level police
stations, general administration office,
and a hospital by the end of December."
"Myanmar
On Sunday, Myanmar troops set fire to
the Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Bhamo,
Kachin State, leaving it in total ruin."
"Myanmar
On Saturday, March 15, Kachin Independence
Army (KIA) resistance forces attacked
junta forces near the village of
Pinmalut, about five miles west of Katha
Township, Sagaing Region, killing multiple
soldiers and capturing around 30 troops."
"Myanmar
On Sunday, the Chin National Defense
Force (CNDF) reported that two Chin
resistance fighters, including a
battalion commander, died after being
injured during a clash with regime
forces in Falam, northern Chinland State.
Junta forces carried out airstrikes
on Chin insurgents at seized
junta outposts in the town."
"Myanmar
On Monday, over 1,000 villagers from
three delta villages in Ayeyarwadyâs
Township were forced to flee their
homes in the Ayeyarwady River delta
as fighting erupted between the
Arakan Army (AA) and junta forces.
The junta hopes to retake lost territory
during the current dry season and expand
its area of control in the run-up to
an election due by January, which it
hopes will re-assert its authority
and legitimacy at home and abroad."
"Nigeria
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has
carried out a precision airstrike
against Boko Haram hideouts in Chikide
and Degbewa, Borno State, resulting in
heavy losses for the terrorist group.
The airstrike, which took place on
Sunday, March 16, 2025, targeted insurgent
enclaves deep within the Mandara Mountains
and disrupted the group's activities."
"Pakistan
The Pakistan Army announced on
Monday that it had killed three
members of the Tehreek-e-Taliban
Pakistan (TTP) during an operation
in the Tur Dara area of the Khyber
region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The TTP militants were involved in several
âterroristâ activities in the region.
The army also seized weapons
and ammunition from the
militants during the operation."
"Somalia
In recent airstrikes, the Somali Army,
with support from ""friendly forces,""
targeted Al-Shabaab positions in Jilib,
Middle Juba region, killing 120 militants.
This is the latest in a series of
military operations against the
group, which has carried out bombings
and armed attacks across Somalia in
its bid to overthrow the government
and establish strict Islamic rule."
"South Sudan
Airstrikes hit the outskirts of
Akobo, a border town in Jonglei State,
South Sudan, on Tuesday afternoon.
The incident has sparked panic among
residents and concerns from civil society
groups and the international community.
According to local authorities, the
airstrikes targeted two vehicles
transporting goods and passengers,
but no casualties were reported."
"South Sudan
On Saturday, fighting broke out
between the Sudan People's Liberation
Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and
the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on
a border near the village of Dukduk
in Upper Nile state's Renk County.
Three high-ranking SPLA-IO officers,
including Major General Biel
Goanar and Major General Gatwech
Gai, were killed in the clashes.
At the same time, Brigadier General Peter
Parjiek Toang was captured and executed.
The fighting continued into
Sunday before subsiding.
The exact number of other
casualties was unknown."
"Sudan
The Sudanese Health Ministry reported
that Rapid Support Forces (RSF) shelling
in Omdurman Monday night killed eight
civilians and wounded four others.
The RSF shelling targeted two areas in
the Al-Thawra neighborhood of Omdurman.
Furthermore, during the day on
Monday, RSF shelling killed four other
civilians and wounded 30 others."
"Sudan
On Monday, Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) shelling on residential
neighborhoods in El-Obeid killed two
civilians and wounded 15 others."
"Sudan
The Sudanese army has successfully lifted
a 21-month siege on its armored forces,
breaking a prolonged blockade imposed
by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The breakthrough was made possible
after a meeting between the armored
forces and the General Command
forces, allowing for the resupply of
necessities and clearing the Al-Shaab
Teaching Hospital of militia forces.
The army's control of strategic sites
in central Khartoum has tightened
the siege on the RSF, pushing their
forces further into a corner."
"Sudan
On Sunday, Sudanese forces clashed
with Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in
Blue Nile State near the borders
with South Sudan and Ethiopia.
The RSF reportedly destroyed
Sudanese military vehicles and
captured Sudanese soldiers."
"Sudan
The Sudanese army has tightened its
grip on the Rapid Support Forces
(RSF) at the presidential palace in
Khartoum, with armored units joining
forces to blockade the RSF stronghold.
The RSF still controls parts of the
city, but the army's advances have
encircled it from all directions.
Due to humanitarian concerns,
international calls for an end
to the war are growing louder.
This development marks a
significant shift in the war."
"Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fired
a heat-seeking missile at a Turkish base,
causing substantial material damage to
the radar system in the Kobane area.
SDF drones also attacked
Turkish-backed faction positions,
but no casualties were reported.
In a separate incident, a Turkish
airstrike on a house allegedly
resulted in the deaths of 10
civilians and two injuries."
"Syria
Members of the National Army
attacked a livestock facility
and a power conversion station in
Tal Tamr town using machine guns.
Turkish forces have also fired heavy
artillery shells on multiple villages,
causing panic among civilians, although
no casualties have been reported."
"Syria
Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the
deaths of at least four people, including
three civilians and a military member.
The attacks targeted the 132nd
Brigade in Daraa City and the 175th
Regiment in Ezrae', causing violent
explosions and injuring others."
"Syria
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried
out drone strikes against artillery
systems near the Syrian town of Khan
Arnabeh, close to the Israeli border.
The IDF claims the artillery
posed a threat to Israel and took
action to neutralize the threat."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked 59 Chinese military
aircraft and nine naval vessels
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Monday and 6 a.m.
on Tuesday.
43 aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait
median line in the country's northern,
central, southwestern, and eastern
Air Defense Identification Zone.
Furthermore, China carried out
""joint combat readiness patrols""
in two waves on Monday, one in the
morning and one in the afternoon.
China stated the patrols were punishment
for Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te's
continued promotion of ""separatism."""
"Taiwan
On Monday, Taiwan began a five-day
combat-readiness drills in response
to the People's Liberation Army
(PLA) sending over 60 warplanes and
nine naval vessels near the island.
The PLA has warned that it is ""ready
to fight"" for Taiwan, with the
Eastern Theatre Command chief stating
that the Chinese military will take
necessary measures to deter and punish
""Taiwan independence"" secessionists."
"Ukraine
On March 17, Russian aggression in the
Kherson region resulted in the deaths of
two people and seven others being wounded.
The attacks targeted multiple settlements,
causing damage to 12 private houses,
a shelter, and a civilian vehicle.
Ukrainian air defense forces also shot
down a Russian Shahed-131/136 drone
over the region during the night."
"Ukraine
Russian forces launched a massive
attack using 137 strike drones,
including Shahed UAVs and decoy drones.
Ukrainian air defense forces
successfully shot down 63 drones
across multiple regions, while 64
decoy drones disappeared from radar.
The Russian attack caused damage
in several Ukrainian regions,
but Ukraine's air defense forces
effectively repelled the assault."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack occurred in the
Dnipropetrovsk region, resulting in fires
at two enterprises in the Dnipro district.
Fortunately, firefighters were
able to extinguish the fires
without any reported casualties."
"Ukraine
Drone debris has fallen on the grounds of
a school in Kyiv's Desnianskyi district.
Emergency services are en route to
the scene, following an air raid
alert issued earlier in the day
due to a threat of strike drones."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack has struck
an infrastructure facility in the
Dnipro district of the Dnipropetrovsk
region, causing a large fire.
Fortunately, no casualties
have been reported so far.
This incident occurred after the
Ukrainian Air Force warned of
multiple Russian attack drones
launched towards various regions,
including the Dnipropetrovsk region."
"Ukraine
On Monday, March 17, Russian forces
launched 442 strikes at eight
settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region.
The attacks included 275 UAV strikes,
4 MLRS strikes, and 163 artillery
attacks targeting various locations.
While there were no reported civilian
casualties, damage was sustained to
cars, apartments, and buildings."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,560 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 320 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"West Bank
Israeli soldiers are conducting
an operation in Nablus, the
northern West Bank city, as part
of counterterrorism efforts.
The operation resulted in the
arrest of three wanted individuals,
interrogation of dozens of suspects,
and confiscation of weapons."
"West Bank
A Palestinian gunman was killed, and
four others were injured during an
arrest operation in Qalqilya, West Bank.
Two wanted men were also detained for
questioning after police returned fire."
"Yemen
The Pentagon confirmed that the
US military forces carried out
airstrikes on Monday in Yemen's
Hodeidah province, targeting the
Iranian-backed Ansar Allah movement.
The strikes mark a strategic shift from
the previous US administration's approach.
The Pentagon emphasized that the
operation covered a broader range
of targets than prior actions.
Among those killed in the strikes
were military advisers from
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard
Corps (IRGC), including members
of the Al-Quds special forces.
In total, the strikes hit over 30 targets,
including Houthi training grounds."
"Switzerland
On March 16, 2025, Ascom's
technical ticketing system was
compromised in a cyber-attack.
The incident has been reported to the
relevant authorities, and Ascom's IT
Cybersecurity Team is investigating.
The attack is believed to
have been carried out by the
""Hellcat ransomware gang.""
Fortunately, other IT systems and
customer systems remain unaffected, and
Ascom's business is operating as usual."
"United States
Atchison County offices were closed on
Monday, March 17, and Tuesday, March
18, due to a cybersecurity attack.
Emergency services, such
as 911, are unaffected.
The County is working to secure
and restore services safely, with
assistance from nationally recognized
cybersecurity consultants."
"India
Clashes broke out in the Chitnis Park
and Mahal areas of Nagpur on Monday after
rumors spread that the Quran was burnt
during a right-wing group's protest.
The violence, which injured at least four
people, was sparked by a demonstration
by Bajrang Dal members near the
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue.
Police fired tear gas shells to
disperse the mob, and security
was heightened in sensitive areas.
The clashes also spread to Kotwali
and Ganeshpeth in the late afternoon."
"Israel
Several dozen protesters are marching
towards the Knesset in Jerusalem to
demonstrate against the planned cabinet
vote to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar.
The protests are part of a larger
movement, with activists like Shikma
Bressler calling for Israelis to take
to the streets to protect the country's
security and the lives of hostages."
"Nigeria
Thousands of women protested against
herdsmen killings in their area, which
have resulted in the deaths of hundreds
of people over the past five years.
Security forces confronted the protesters
and allegedly tried to suppress the
reports of the attacks and accused
the protesters of being sponsored.
The confrontation resulted
in several injuries.
The protesters accused the government
and security agencies of aiding the
herdsmen and failing to protect them."
"North Macedonia
Authorities in North Macedonia are
urging calm as student groups plan fresh
protests on Tuesday following the deadly
nightclub fire that killed 59 people
and injured over 150 over the weekend."
"Ecuador
Ecuador has declared an environmental
emergency after an oil spill
occurred near the Esmeraldas
River due to an explosion in the
Trans-Ecuadorian Pipeline System (SOTE).
The explosion, caused by landslides
triggered by heavy rains, is
being contained and recovered
by Petroecuador, but the exact
amount of spilled oil is unknown.
The 497.7-kilometer
SOTE pipeline, which spans the Amazon,
Sierra, and Costa regions, is a critical
component of Ecuador's economy, with a
capacity of 360,000 barrels per day."
"Honduras
A plane operated by Lanhsa crashed into
the sea off Roatan Island in Honduras,
killing at least 12 people, including
popular musician Aurelio Martinez Suazo.
The Jetstream 41 aircraft, carrying
15 passengers and three crew members,
experienced an ""apparent mechanical
failure"" before crashing into the
sea just minutes after takeoff.
Adverse conditions complicated
rescue efforts, and the cause of the
crash is still under investigation."
"South Korea
On Monday, a South Korean Army
helicopter valued at $14 million was
destroyed in a fire after being struck
by a military drone at a military
airfield in Yangju, Gyeonggi Province.
There were no injuries in the crash."
"Switzerland
A small plane, an Extra EA-400, crashed
in the Alps near the village of La Punt
Chamues-ch in southeastern Switzerland,
killing all three people on board.
The plane took off from
Samedan Airfield at 5:20 p.m.
on Monday and was headed back to Denmark,
where it had arrived on March 13.
The cause of the crash
is currently unknown."
"Syria
An oil truck exploded near Masraba bridge
in Douma city, Rif Dimashq, injuring
two civilians with various burns.
The incident caused damage to civilian
properties and triggered panic among
residents, with firefighters attempting
to extinguish the resulting fire."
"Syria
A child was killed and another injured by
shrapnel from a 23-caliber artillery shell
that exploded while they were playing
with it in Al-Sha'afa Town, eastern Deir
Ezzor countryside, an area controlled
by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)."
"Syria
A civilian has been fatally injured
due to the explosion of an old
landmine in Kafr Nubl town, located
in the southern Idlib countryside."
"Syria
A civilian was killed, and his brother
was seriously injured after a tank
shell exploded while they were handling
it in Al-Naâima Town, eastern Daraa."
"Syria
Three siblings were injured when
unexploded projectiles exploded
in their home in Khan Shaykhun,
Idlib's southern countryside.
They were taken to the
hospital for treatment."
"Tunisia
Tunisia's national guard rescued
612 migrants and recovered
18 bodies after multiple boat
capsizings in the Sfax region.
The rescued individuals, including
women and children, were from
sub-Saharan African countries
attempting to reach Europe.
The survivors were rescued in several
operations after their boats broke down or
capsized, with some people found clinging
to buoys or struggling to stay afloat."
"United States
A small Aeronca Champion plane
crashed into a parked pickup truck
at Airport Manatee on Tuesday.
The incident occurred after the
plane, a two-seater, experienced
difficulties taking off and veered off
course, clipping a power line before
crashing into the unoccupied truck.
The pilot and passenger were injured
in the crash, but their injuries are
reported to be non-life-threatening.
Fortunately, no one on
the ground was injured.
The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) will be leading the investigation
into the cause of the crash."
Thanks for joining us for the March
19, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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