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Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for March 20, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Wednesday, we collected 62 events,
including new ground operations
in Gaza, and continuing airstrikes
on Yemen, so let's get started.
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
has launched ""pinpoint"" ground
operations in the central and southern
Gaza Strip to expand its buffer zone.
Troops from the 252nd Division have
entered the Netzarim Corridor area,
capturing around half of it, and the
Golani Brigade has been deployed to
the southern part of the Gaza border
in preparation for future actions."
"Gaza Strip
A foreigner was killed, and four
others were wounded in an explosion
at a UN facility in central Gaza,
which the Hamas-run health ministry
attributes to an Israeli airstrike.
However, photos suggest the victims
are from the UN Mine Action Service,
and the IDF denies carrying out
an airstrike on the facility."
"Gaza Strip
The Israeli military carried out a wave
of strikes on Hamas and Palestinian
Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza,
hitting over 20 targets and killing at
least 13 people, according to Hamas.
The strikes targeted a Hamas military site
and vessels used for terror activities."
"Yemen
The US has launched a wave of
strikes hitting a Houthi stronghold
in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.
According to residents, the strikes
targeted a neighborhood near the
capital's airport, coming after
the Houthis announced they would
resume attacks on Red Sea shipping
to support Palestinians in Gaza."
"Yemen
The US launched airstrikes on
multiple targets in Yemen overnight,
including the Saada province and
the Red Sea port city of Hodeida.
The US Central Command confirmed
the operations, targeting
Iran-backed Houthi terrorists."
"United States
U.S.
Customs and Border (CBP) officers at the
Del Rio Port of Entry seized a significant
cache of 16 weapons, 26 magazines, and 182
rounds of ammunition on Monday, March 17.
The contraband was discovered during
an outbound examination of a southbound
van, which was turned over to the
Texas Department of Public Safety."
"Bangladesh
On Tuesday, police arrested Ata Ullah,
the leader of the Arakan Rohingya
Salvation Army (ARSA), and four
associates in the Mymensingh district.
Ullah is accused of directing attacks
against Myanmar security forces that
led to a humanitarian catastrophe,
resulting in the displacement of
over 750,000 Rohingya people."
"India
On Wednesday, police detected and
defused a pressure cooker Improvised
Explosive Device (IED) near Sunset
Point on the Bandipora-Srinagar
road in Jammu and Kashmir."
"India
On Tuesday, Manipur police arrested
Ningthoukhongjam Sushil Meitei,
an active member of the proscribed
Kangleipak Communist Party - Peopleâs
War Group (KCP-PWG) in the
Langthabal Dunja area of Imphal West.
Police also seized a significant cache
of arms and ammunition, including
rifles, hand grenades, and riot
control equipment, during a search
operation in Thoubal District."
"India
On Wednesday, security forces detected
and dismantled a pressure cooker
IED on a roadside in the village
of Chat Tokuna in the Awantipora
area of the Pulwama district."
"Iraq
A firefight broke out between Iraqi
security forces and militants from
the Sinjar Protection Units (YBS),
affiliated with the Kurdistan
Workers' Party (PKK), in the Sinjar
district of Nineveh province.
Three Iraqi personnel,
including a battalion commander,
were injured in the clash.
The incident occurred when a
vehicle carrying the militants
failed to comply with security
orders at a checkpoint, leading to
a chase and exchange of gunfire.
The security forces captured
the two armed militants, and
an investigation is underway."
"Nigeria
Armed herders have killed five
farmers in Aba Oyinbo, Akure North
Local Council Area of Ondo State,
in the early hours of Wednesday."
"Nigeria
In Edo, operatives of the Edo State Police
Command arrested six suspected kidnappers,
recovering cash, arms, and ammunition.
The suspects are believed to be part of
a syndicate responsible for kidnapping,
armed robbery, and motorcycle snatching.
In Ondo, the police arrested
two motorcyclists for allegedly
supplying food to kidnappers, as
well as several other suspects."
"Philippines
On Monday, government troops and
policemen together seized powerful
improvised explosive devices and
six assault rifles and detained 17
local terrorists in an anti-terror
operation in Barangay Kapinpilan,
Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur."
"Philippines
On Tuesday, government forces clashed
with New Peopleâs Army (NPA) rebels in
Sitio Bairan, General Luna, resulting
in the wounding of three soldiers.
Rebel casualties are unknown."
"Philippines
The Philippine Army's 79th Infantry
Battalion has successfully prevented
the New People's Army (NPA) from
regrouping in Barangay General Luna in
northern Negros by seizing weapons and
engaging remnants of the Northern Negros
Front in a clash on Tuesday, March 18.
The operation followed a clash
in the area and resulted in the
recovery of various weapons, food
items, and subversive documents.
The local government has suspended classes
in two affected villages and is aiding
412 residents evacuated to two centers."
"Somalia
On Tuesday, an Al-Shabab IED blast
killed a journalist, Mohamed Abukar
Dabaashe, at his residence in the
Ceel Gaabta area of Mogadishu.
The IED attack targeted Somali President
Hassan Sheikh Mohamudâs convoy and
resulted in the deaths of several other
people and the wounding of others."
"Syria
In the SDF-controlled town of Marrat, a
civilian was kidnapped while heading to
buy a car, beaten in front of his son,
and taken along with a sum of money (80
million Syrian pounds and 2,000 USD).
Separately, in the Damascus
government-controlled area of
Al-Mujawadah, a young man was kidnapped
by unknown gunmen in a Jeep, with the
kidnappers demanding a ransom for his
release and threatening to kill him if
the family informed security forces."
"Syria
The president of Al-Ittihad club fans
association, Ahmed Al-Na'sani, was
assassinated by gunmen near his office
in Aleppo, allegedly due to his accused
cooperation with the former regime.
Additionally, a young man accused
of similar cooperation and
assaulting protestors was shot dead
by gunmen while returning home."
"Syria
An improvised explosive device
(IED) exploded in a military
vehicle of the Syrian Democratic
Forces (SDF) in Al-Jarthei town,
eastern Deir Ezzor countryside.
The explosion left two
SDF members injured."
"Syria
A civilian from Theban town
in Deir Ezzor was injured in
gunfire by the SDF military.
In response, locals from the town
attacked SDF military posts, leading
to considerable tension in the area."
"Yemen
Yemen's Houthi rebels claim to have
launched an attack on the American
aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman in the
Red Sea, using cruise missiles and drones.
This is the fourth time in 72 hours that
the Houthis have fired on US warships,
but there is no immediate confirmation
from American military officials."
"Afghanistan
The Torkham border crossing between
Afghanistan and Pakistan will
partially reopen Wednesday afternoon
for freight trucks, commercial
goods, and medical patients.
A full reopening is scheduled
for Friday, March 21, pending the
repair of Pakistan's immigration
office damaged in recent clashes.
The 27-day closure has caused significant
losses, estimated at $3 million per day,
affecting trade between the two countries.
The border crossing is a
critical trade and transit route
between the two countries."
"Gaza Strip
Hamas has not ruled out negotiations
but insists that Israel must implement
the existing ceasefire agreement
before any new talks can begin.
The group made this statement after
Israel launched its most intense
strikes on Gaza since January 19."
"India
On Wednesday, eight members of
the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VP)
and Bajrang Dal surrendered to
police in Kotwali in connection
with the recent violence in Nagpur.
Their surrender occurred as Maharashtra
police increased its crackdown
on those involved in the unrest.
Police arrested them
after they surrendered.
The Judicial Magistrate First
Class court in Nagpur granted
them bail for a cash deposit."
"Iraq
Iraqi naval forces have intercepted
and seized an unidentified ship in
the Gulf, suspected of smuggling fuel.
The ship, carrying an Iranian captain,
8 Indian nationals, and 2 Iraqi crew
members, was towed to the Umm Qasr
naval base for further investigation.
The crew has been handed over to
local police for questioning."
"Iraq
On Wednesday, the Sinjar Protection
Units (YBS), a faction loyal to
the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK),
issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the
Iraqi security forces demanding the
release of five detained members.
The YBS has threatened further
escalation, including attacking
the Iraqi federal police and army,
if their demands are not met.
The conflict has resulted in
injuries on both sides and has
raised concerns about potential
renewed instability in the town."
"South Korea
The US Energy Department has placed
South Korea on a watchlist due to the
mishandling of sensitive information
by visitors to its laboratories.
The designation, which was made in
January, does not have wider implications
for cooperation between the two allies.
The US ambassador to South Korea, Joseph
Yun, stated that the issue was minor
and resulted from the large number
of South Korean visitors to US labs.
However, the South Korean government
has expressed concern and plans
to request removal from the list."
"Iraq
Iraqi security forces have
destroyed a key ISIS hideout in
Al-Anbar, a base used for launching
terrorist operations in the region.
The hideout, located in the Rawah
plains area, was seized by a
joint force of the army, Al-Anbar
Popular Mobilization Forces, and
Al-Anbar Intelligence operatives."
"Lebanon
A UN peacekeeper was wounded when a
mine exploded in southern Lebanon,
near the border with Israel.
The peacekeeper was taken to a Beirut
hospital for surgery after being
injured during an operational activity."
"Myanmar
On Sunday, March 16, a junta airstrike
on Singaing village in Sagaing
Township killed four civilians,
including an 85-year-old woman,
an 82-year-old man, a 30-year-old
woman, and a six-month-old baby.
The attack occurred despite the absence
of any active clashes in the area."
"Myanmar
On Monday, the military regime's air
force launched airstrikes on two villages
held by the Kachin Independence Army
(KIA) in Bhamo Township, Kachin State.
The bombings killed five displaced
civilians and two KIA fighters.
Around 5 PM, the junta targeted Hku
Li village, located approximately
11 miles northeast of Bhamo.
The airstrike killed a local
man and injured others.
Two hours later, airstrikes targeted
the town of Hsin Hkan, approximately
17 miles southwest of Bhamo on the
south bank of the Ayeyarwady River.
The strikes hit the police
station in Hsin Hkan, killing two
displaced women, two men, and two
KIA members on security duty."
"Myanmar
Earlier this month, junta forces
intercepted over 300 Thai cargo
trucks in Hpa-an Township in Karen
State, causing a sharp decline in
trade between the two countries.
The Myanmar military seized the trucks and
inspected their cargo for tax compliance.
Those lacking proper
documentation were seized.
Local business people are hesitant
to import goods due to uncertainty
about the policy and potential
actions against the confiscated goods.
Such actions have resulted
in a slowdown of trade."
"Myanmar
Last Saturday, March 15, a landmine
blast in the village of Sin Htoe
Gyi in the Myeik District of Palaw
Township wounded a man while he
was picking durians in his yard.
It is unknown who planted the mine."
"Pakistan
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD)
successfully neutralized a wanted
terrorist, Javed Khan, involved in
police van attacks and target killings.
During an operation in Shabqadar, Khan was
killed in an exchange of fire with police,
while another terrorist managed to escape.
Police recovered a pistol, hand grenades,
and explosive materials from the
scene, with ongoing search operations
to track down the fleeing suspect."
"South Sudan
The town of Nasir in Upper Nile State
has been hit by airstrikes for the
second time in recent weeks amid rising
tensions between President Salva Kiir
and First Vice President Riek Machar.
The attacks, which also involved the
Ugandan military, have resulted in
injuries to two civilians, including
a mother and her two-year-old
child, and the destruction of
several shops in the market.
The situation has led to calls for the
country's leadership to immediately
halt the violence, with concerns that"
"Syria
A Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter
was killed in artillery fire by Turkish
forces and their proxy factions in
the Ain Issa countryside of Al-Raqqah.
Additionally, the SDF fired a
heat-seeking missile at a Turkish
base in the Kobane area, causing
material damage to the radar system."
"Syria
A clash occurred between Turkish-backed
militiamen and the Syrian Democratic
Forces (SDF) near the Teshreen Dam
in eastern Aleppo, resulting in
the deaths of three militiamen."
"Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
launched a large-scale attack on
three frontlines near the Teshreen
Dam in the Aleppo countryside.
The attack resulted in the deaths of four
members of the pro-Turkey National Army
factions and injuries to others, who were
taken to the hospital for treatment."
"Syria
International Coalition Forces and
Syrian Democratic Forces have launched a
joint security campaign in Al-Salhabiyah
town, arresting several suspects
believed to be affiliated with ISIS.
The joint forces stormed multiple sites
in the town, taking the suspects to
security centers for investigation.
This operation is part of the
escalating security efforts in
SDF-controlled areas against ISIS cells."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked 13 Chinese military
aircraft and 10 naval vessels
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Tuesday and 6 a.m.
on Wednesday.
Six aircraft crossed the Taiwan
Strait median line in the nationâs
northern and southwestern Air
Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
Russian forces have targeted
civilian facilities in the Chernihiv
region using one-way attack drones.
The attack, which occurred overnight,
damaged several buildings and
agricultural equipment at an
enterprise in the Koriukivka district.
Fortunately, no casualties
have been reported."
"Ukraine
A drone attack in the Kharkiv region
resulted in the death of a 45-year-old
woman and injuries to four others,
including three men and one woman.
All victims were employees of
a civilian utility company in
the Kupiansk city community.
The incident occurred on the
Kupiansk-Kindrashivka highway."
"Ukraine
A fire broke out at the regional hospital
in Sumy, Ukraine, after a Russian
drone crashed on its roof on March 18.
Fortunately, no one was injured in
the incident, and emergency services
are working to evacuate the area.
The consequences of the attack
are still being clarified."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone strike on a
civilian vehicle in the Kharkiv
region has injured four people,
including two women and two men.
The incident occurred between the
settlements of Kupiansk and Kindrashivka."
"Ukraine
Russian drones attacked the Poltava
region in Ukraine despite air
defense systems being activated.
As a result, UAV fragments damaged a
warehouse in the Myrhorod district,
and a straw fire also occurred.
Fortunately, no casualties were
reported, and the fire was extinguished."
"Ukraine
Russian drones attacked the railway
power system in the Dnipro region.
Although areas are without power,
train traffic remains on schedule.
A fire train has been
dispatched to extinguish the
fire and restore the facility.
Fortunately, there were
no reported casualties."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,060 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 300 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack on the Kyiv region
resulted in injuries to two people,
a 43-year-old woman and a 54-year-old
man, who were taken to hospital.
The attack caused fires in several
areas, including Obukhiv, Boryspil,
Fastiv, and Bucha districts, with
damage to 20 apartment blocks,
15 private houses, and 19 cars."
"Ukraine
A 37-year-old civilian was injured in a
Russian artillery attack on the village
of Darivka in the Kherson region.
The victim suffered moderate
injuries, including blast and
head injuries, a concussion, and
thermal burns to his back and face.
He was taken to the
hospital for treatment."
"Ukraine
Russian forces targeted two hospitals
in the Sumy region, Ukraine.
The First Deputy Minister of Health,
Serhii Dubrov, reported that the
regional hospital in Sumy and the
district hospital in Krasnopillia were
damaged, with the latter catching fire.
Fortunately, all patients and staff
were evacuated without casualties."
"Ukraine
Russian artillery attacked the city
of Kherson, causing one fatality
and injuring a 19-year-old man.
The attack occurred at around
11:00, with the victim suffering
explosive trauma and concussion.
Emergency repair work is also
underway after overnight shelling
damaged a critical infrastructure
facility, potentially affecting
the city's water supply."
"Israel
Thousands of people are protesting
in Jerusalem against the government's
plans to fire Shin Bet chief Ronen
Bar and calling for a hostage deal
despite a return to fighting in Gaza.
Demonstrators are clashing with police
as they try to break through barricades
and reach the private residence of
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Others are sitting on the sidewalk,
chanting for a deal to free the
remaining hostages in Gaza, while
a group of silent protesters are
blocking Paris Square to traffic."
"Israel
Several thousand people are participating
in an anti-government protest in
Jerusalem, blocking the main entrance
to the city and marching towards Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence.
The protesters are objecting to
the government's efforts to fire
Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and the
resumption of fighting in Gaza."
"Turkey
Turkish police have arrested Istanbul's
mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, on allegations
of corruption and terror links.
The arrest comes after a search of
his home, and prosecutors have issued
warrants for over 100 other people.
Authorities have restricted access
to social media platforms and banned
demonstrations in Istanbul for four days.
Imamoglu's party, the Republican
People's Party, is holding a primary
on Sunday, and his disqualification
from running in the next presidential
race has sparked widespread criticism."
"Turkey
Protesters gathered near Istanbul's police
headquarters in response to the detention
of Ekrem Imamoglu, the city's mayor and
main opposition leader, on charges of
corruption and aiding a terrorist group.
The move has been met with widespread
criticism and outrage, with many viewing
it as a blow to Turkish democracy.
Imamoglu has been a vocal critic
of President Tayyip Erdogan and his
government, and his detention is
seen as an attempt to silence him."
"Bangladesh
A freight train derailed at
Kamalapur Railway Station in Dhaka on
Wednesday, disrupting rail service.
The two rear carriages of the No.
605 Container Train from
Chattogram derailed at 11:30 a.m.,
blocking routes in and out of Dhaka.
The upline route was cleared by 1:10 p.m.,
and the downline route
was cleared by 2 p.m.,
allowing train service to
return to normal shortly after."
"France
A migrant has lost their life
while attempting to cross the
English Channel into Britain.
The incident occurred off the
coast of Hardelot, near Calais,
after French authorities launched
a rescue operation in response to
reports of people in the water.
No British ships were reportedly
sent to the area, and UK officials
are monitoring the situation."
"Iraq
A young man died in an explosion of an
old landmine in the Al-Bukamal desert,
located in the Deir Ezzor countryside."
"Italy
On Wednesday, a migrant dinghy
deflated near the Italian Island
of Lampedusa, resulting in the
deaths of at least six people.
Forty others onboard the boat are missing.
Survivors claim that some of the missing
people fell overboard in rough seas."
"Russia
A Russian military helicopter, identified
as a Mi-28, crashed during a routine
training flight in the Leningrad region.
The incident occurred in a field
in the Volosovo district, and
the two crew members were killed.
Emergency services are working
at the scene to clarify details
about the crash and casualties."
"Syria
Two landmine explosions have occurred
in Syria, resulting in the deaths of
five people and one serious injury.
In the first incident, two civilians
were killed and one seriously injured
in Joub Al-Khafei village in western
Manbij countryside, an area controlled
by the National Army factions.
In the second incident, three children
were killed due to the explosion
of an old landmine in agricultural
land near Khirbet Ghazalah in
eastern Daraa countryside, an area
controlled by the Damascus government."
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20, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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