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Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for March 7, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Thursday, we collected 46 events,
including France exploring
nuclear deterrence with European
countries, with some welcoming
the offer, so let's get started.
"Belgium
French President Emmanuel Macron's
proposal to use France's nuclear deterrent
to protect European allies from Russian
threats has been welcomed by Poland
and Baltic nations but dismissed by
Moscow as ""extremely confrontational.""
Macron's comments came during an emergency
EU summit on defense and security,
where Ukrainian President Volodymyr
Zelenskyy was also in attendance.
The proposal has sparked interest
in eastern European nations, with
some leaders expressing support for
further discussion and consideration."
"France
France's defense minister,
Sebastien Lecornu, has announced
that Paris will continue to share
military intelligence with Ukraine.
This decision comes after the US suspended
its intelligence sharing with Kyiv."
"France
France has welcomed an Arab plan
to rebuild the Gaza Strip under
the Palestinian Authority's
administration, with a key condition
that Hamas be entirely excluded
from governing the territory.
The plan, endorsed by Arab leaders,
aims to finance reconstruction through
a trust fund and sees the return of
the Palestinian Authority to Gaza."
"Gaza Strip
Hamas has expressed concerns that
US President Donald Trump's threats
against the group are encouraging
Israel to avoid negotiating a second
phase of a ceasefire agreement.
Hamas spokespersons claim that Trump's
comments are supporting Israeli Prime
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's efforts
to evade another ceasefire agreement,
which they believe is necessary to
release remaining Israeli prisoners."
"Kenya
Yassir Arman, the Secretary General
of the Sudan Peopleâs Liberation
Movement-North (SPLM-N), was
detained by Kenyan authorities
on arrival in Kenya on March 5.
Arman was arrested based on an
Interpol Red Notice issued by the
Sudanese government, which accuses him
of terrorism, sedition, incitement,
and crimes against the state.
The SPLM-N claims the charges are
fabricated, and a political issue and
Arman was eventually allowed to spend
the night at a hotel in Nairobi after
contacting Interpol representatives."
"Mali
Mali's transitional government has
suspended licenses for foreign artisanal
gold mining companies in response
to fatal accidents at mining sites.
The move aims to strengthen state
authorities and protect citizens,
confiscate mining equipment, and
add it to the national patrimony.
This decision follows concerns that
unregulated mining in northern Mali
could benefit extremists and comes
as the country's gold industry faces
tensions between mining companies
and the military authorities."
"Philippines
The Philippines, along with its security
allies, will take measures to counter
any attempt by China to impose an
air defense zone or restrict freedom
of flights over the South China Sea.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro stated
that China's increasing aggression in
the disputed waters poses the greatest
threat to the country's national
security and is a global threat.
The Philippines has contingency measures
in place to respond to any such actions
by China and may band together with
like-minded nations, including the
US, Japan, and Australia, in a broader
coalition against China's aggression."
"Russia
French President Emmanuel Macron's
speech on Wednesday was described
as ""extremely confrontational"" by
the Kremlin, with Russia's Foreign
Minister Sergei Lavrov calling his
comments about nuclear weapons a threat.
Macron proposed extending France's
nuclear umbrella to shield
European allies and warned Europe
must rearm if the US pulls back.
This comes as European leaders meet to
discuss Ukraine, Russia, and defense, with
more resources for Ukraine anticipated
and a peace plan for Ukraine set to
be discussed next week in Paris."
"Somalia
The US embassy warned of potential
imminent terror attacks in
Somalia, including Mogadishu's
Aden Adde International Airport.
A Level 4 travel advisory (""do not
travel"") is in effect due to crime,
terrorism, civil unrest, health
issues, kidnapping, and piracy."
"Syria
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani
announced that Syria is committed to
cooperating with the Organization for
the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
(OPCW) to eliminate the remnants
of the chemical weapons program
established by the Assad regime.
Al-Shibani stated that Syria needs the
support of the international community
and the OPCW to achieve this mission."
"United States
The US and China are engaged in a
heated exchange, with US Defense
Secretary Pete Hegseth stating that
Washington is prepared for war with
China in response to Beijing's threats.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman,
Lin Jian, has responded by calling
Hegseth's remarks an ""ideological
confrontation"" and criticizing the US
for viewing bilateral relations with
an ""outdated Cold War mentality.""
Lin emphasized that China does not
seek war and believes that any kind
of conflict would be unwinnable."
"Gaza Strip
There has been an Israeli drone
strike in Gaza City's Shejaiya
neighborhood, resulting in at least
one fatality and several injuries.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has
not commented on the incident yet."
"Iraq
The Turkish defense ministry
announced that 26 Kurdish militants
were killed in military operations
in northern Iraq and Syria.
This comes as the Kurdistan Workers' Party
(PKK) declared a ceasefire in response
to a call from its imprisoned leader,
Abdullah Ocalan, to disarm and disband.
However, the Turkish government
insists that all Kurdish groups tied
to the PKK must disband, and President
Erdogan has warned of continued
military operations if necessary."
"Myanmar
On Wednesday, the Arakan Army,
a Myanmar-based armed group,
apprehended 56 Bangladeshi fishermen
and seized six fishing boats while
they were fishing in the Bay of
Bengal off Saint Martin's Island.
The Bangladesh Coast Guard and
Border Guard officials are working
to ensure their safe return.
This incident is part of a larger
issue, with regular reports of
fishermen being kidnapped and
detained amid escalating conflicts
between Myanmar's junta and rebels."
"Myanmar
The military junta carried out
an airstrike in Demoso Township,
injuring a woman and destroying homes.
The junta also fired artillery shells,
causing a fire in a water-scarce area.
Over 300,000 IDPs reside in Karenni
State, with 65,000 in Demoso Township."
"Nigeria
Nigerian troops conducted a clearance
operation in Sambisa Forest, Borno State,
as part of Operation Desert Sanity 4,
resulting in the deaths of at least
nine Boko Haram fighters, including the
group's chief bomb maker, Amirul Bumma.
The operation was successful, with the
troops recovering a significant cache of
high-caliber ammunition and neutralizing
multiple improvised explosive devices
(IEDs) planted by the insurgents."
"Sudan
The Sudanese Ministry of Health
reported that a child was killed and
five others, including a doctor, were
injured in artillery shelling by the
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Omdurman.
The RSF has been targeting
residential neighborhoods and
schools, causing civilian casualties.
Additionally, there were reports
of shelling in Al-Fasher city,
resulting in six deaths and injuries."
"Syria
Clashes between a group led by Mohsen
Al-Haymad and the Internal Security Forces
in Al-Sanamyan have resulted in the deaths
of 15 people, including two local gunmen.
The violence resumed after
negotiations failed, with the
group refusing to surrender."
"Syria
There has been an escalation of military
operations in Jabblah countryside,
Latakia province, with helicopter
attacks and artillery fire on villages.
Clashes have broken out between
security forces and local armed groups,
resulting in explosions and a disruption
of the telecommunications network.
The situation remains tense, with
growing concerns about the possible
expansion of military operations."
"Syria
A Turkish soldier was killed near the
Qarah Qouzaq bridge in the Kobane area.
This incident comes after a drone attack
by the SDF on a Turkish military vehicle."
"Syria
Two members of the SDF were killed in
clashes and shelling by Turkish forces
and their factions on the frontlines
of Teshrin Dam and Qarqozak Bridge in
Manbij, eastern Aleppo countryside."
"Taiwan
The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense
(MND) tracked six Chinese naval vessels
and two official ships around Taiwan from
Wednesday morning to Thursday morning.
In response, Taiwan deployed aircraft,
naval ships, and coastal-based missile
systems to monitor the activity."
"Ukraine
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, Russian
forces dropped explosives on the town
of Beryslav in Kherson Oblast, resulting
in the deaths of a man and a woman.
In the past 24 hours, Kherson and
26 settlements in the Kherson region
have come under Russian fire and
airstrikes, damaging residential
areas and social infrastructure and
causing one death and four injuries."
"Ukraine
A Russian attack drone hit an
apartment block in Kharkiv overnight,
causing damage to the roof, technical
floor, and facade of the building.
At least two civilians were affected,
suffering from acute stress reactions.
The fire was put out, and
emergency services evacuated
residents from the affected area."
"Ukraine
Russia has launched the fifth attack on
the Odesa region's power infrastructure
in two weeks, causing significant
damage to a critical energy facility.
The DTEK Group reports that the attack
has further crippled the region's energy
system, with energy workers working to
restore electricity, prioritizing critical
infrastructure and residential areas."
"Ukraine
Russian forces have launched attacks
on several Ukrainian cities, including
Sumy, Khotin, Yunakivka, Myropillia,
Krasnopillia, and Velyka Pysarivka.
The attacks resulted in one person
killed in Sumy, fire damage to a
civilian infrastructure facility,
and damage to non-residential
buildings and vehicles in Sumy.
Additionally, guided aerial bombs,
MLRS, glide bombs, drone-dropped
munitions, and mortar shells were used
in the attacks on various communities."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to
have killed or wounded 1,140
Russian soldiers in the past day.
Over 200 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Ukraine's air defense forces shot
down 68 Russian attack drones and
destroyed 68 Shahed drones and
other UAVs across multiple regions.
The drones were launched from various
locations in Russia and occupied Crimea
and were repelled by Ukrainian forces
in coordination with anti-aircraft
missile units, electronic warfare
teams, and mobile fire groups.
The attack caused damage in several
regions, but no negative consequences
were reported from 43 Russian decoy
drones that disappeared from radar."
"Ukraine
Ukraine's Air Force conducted
precision strikes on two Russian
army command posts: Oleshky (Kherson
region) and Plekhovo (Kursk region).
The strikes aim to reduce Russian
forces' combat potential in
Ukraine's occupied territories."
"Ukraine
A Russian missile strike in Kryvyi Rih
on March 5 resulted in three deaths
and 31 injuries, including a child,
with 14 people in critical condition.
The attack affected a hotel, apartment
buildings, and several vehicles.
Ukrainian air defense forces shot
down 6 Russian drones over the
Dnipropetrovsk region in response.
Additionally, Russian forces shelled
the Marhanets community with artillery
and kamikaze drones on March 6, but
fortunately, there were no casualties."
"Israel
Israel's Bikur Rofeh emergency
medical service has been
targeted in a cyberattack.
The impact of the attack is still being
investigated, but cybersecurity teams
are looking into the possibility of
sensitive information being leaked."
"Argentina
In Buenos Aires, Argentina,
a group of retirees gathered
outside the Congress building for
their regular Wednesday protest.
The protesters oppose President
Javier Milei's government measures,
specifically his veto of pension
reform and medication cuts.
The situation turned violent when
police used batons and pepper spray to
disperse the crowd, with officers on
motorcycles also using pepper spray."
"Mozambique
Mozambican police fired on supporters
of opposition leader Venancio Mondlane
in Maputo, injuring at least 10 people.
The incident occurred hours after
President Daniel Chapo signed an
agreement with some political parties
aimed at ending months of protests
over his disputed election victory.
Mondlane's exclusion from the talks
has raised concerns that the agreement
will not stabilize the country.
The opposition leader has vowed to
continue anti-government protests,
which have resulted in over
350 deaths since late October."
"Nigeria
On Thursday, personnel from the
Nigerian Air Force (NAF) attacked
and vandalized the Ikeja Electric
(IE) headquarters in Lagos due to a
dispute over unpaid electricity bills.
The NAF had been disconnected from
the power grid due to a substantial
outstanding debt, which they claimed
was not solely due to non-payment
but also due to safety concerns
and hostility towards IE staff.
The incident resulted in the
physical assault of IE's CEO, Mrs.
Folake Soetan, who was later
released after interventions
from security operatives."
"Nigeria
More than 1,000 women in Enugu State,
Nigeria, blocked a major highway
on Thursday to protest against
incessant attacks by armed herdsmen
on farmers and their communities.
The women are demanding the
government's attention to the crisis."
"South Sudan
South Sudan's National Security
Service (NSS) has arrested Minister of
Peacebuilding Stephen Par Kuol, along
with his executive secretary, bodyguard,
and driver, from his office in Juba.
This arrest comes amid growing
tensions in the country following
the detention of several
high-ranking officials, including Lt.
Gen.
Gabriel Duop Lam and Petroleum
Minister Puot Kang Chuol.
The reason for the arrests is unclear,
but tensions have escalated in Nasir
County, Upper Nile State, where armed
youth briefly seized control of the town."
"West Bank
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) troops have
discovered and destroyed a bomb-making
lab and a drone-building facility
in the West Bank city of Tulkarem.
The lab contained over 100 pipe bombs,
makeshift mines, and detonator systems."
"Pakistan
Four terrorists were arrested
near the Pakistan-Afghanistan
border in Balochistan.
They planned a large-scale attack
and were caught with weapons."
"Philippines
A member of the New People's Army
(NPA), alias Renz, surrendered
to the Philippine Army's 12th
Infantry Battalion on March 4, 2025.
He turned over an M14 rifle with
a defaced serial number, which
previously belonged to another former
NPA fighter, alias Todyo or Benjie."
"Romania
Romania's DIICOT has detained
six individuals, including a
101-year-old retired general,
Radu Theodoru, on treason charges.
They allegedly formed a crime group
to undermine Romania's sovereignty,
negotiating with Russian agents
and seeking NATO withdrawal."
"Turkey
Turkish authorities have arrested
14 individuals in Istanbul
suspected of links to ISIS.
The operation was carried out as part
of an ongoing investigation led by the
Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutorâs Office.
The suspects were identified as
potential threats to Türkiye and
were taken into custody during
simultaneous raids across nine
districts and 18 locations in Istanbul."
"West Bank
Ten Indian foreign workers who were held
captive in a West Bank village for over
a month have been rescued in an overnight
operation led by the Israeli authorities.
The workers, who were lured to the
village with promises of work, had
their passports taken and were being
used to try to cross into Israel.
They have been transferred to a
safe location and their employment
status is being determined."
"Japan
An explosion occurred at an
auto parts plant in Japan,
operated by Chuo Spring Co.,
resulting in the death of one
employee and injuries to two others.
The incident involved a dust
collector explosion that partially
destroyed the building, but
the fire has been extinguished.
The cause of the accident is under
investigation, and the plant will
resume operations once safety
and investigation are complete."
"South Korea
On Thursday, March 6, 2025, eight
people were injured when eight MK-82
bombs were accidentally dropped on
a civilian area in Pocheon, South
Korea, by two South Korean KF-16
fighter jets participating in a joint
live-fire exercise with the US military.
The Air Force has apologized and promised
to investigate the cause of the accident
and provide compensation to the injured.
The military has also suspended
all live-fire drills across South
Korea until further notice."
"Syria
A remnant landmine exploded in the Manbij
countryside, killing one civilian."
"Honduras
On Wednesday morning, a US UH-60
Black Hawk helicopter crashed during a
routine training mission in Honduras,
but all five crew members were safe.
The incident was described as
a ""precautionary emergency
landing,"" and an investigation is
underway to determine the cause."
Thanks for joining us for the March
7, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
As a reminder, complete reports with
casualty information, interactive
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