Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for March 12, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
Tuesday, we collected 57 events,
including the US and Ukraine
meeting in Jeddah and the proposed
ceasefire, so let's get started.
"Saudi Arabia
Ukrainian and US officials have begun
talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to find a
path toward ending the war with Russia.
The talks come after Ukraine launched its
largest drone attack on Moscow, aiming
to show its capability for major attacks.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hopes
to revive ""pragmatic"" US ties
and has suggested an initial truce
with Russia aimed at demonstrating
a commitment to ending the war.
US officials, including Secretary
of State Marco Rubio and National
Security Adviser Mike Waltz, will
gauge Ukraine's willingness to
make concessions to reach peace."
"Saudi Arabia
The Trump administration has
agreed to lift its suspension of
military aid to Ukraine and resume
intelligence sharing with Kyiv.
Ukraine is open to a 30-day cease-fire,
subject to the Kremlin's agreement.
The announcements came as senior
officials from Ukraine and the US held
talks in Saudi Arabia, focused on ending
Russia's three-year war against Ukraine."
"India
On Monday, police rescued two minor
girls, allegedly recruited by the
People's Liberation Army (PLA) militant
outfit, in the Kakching bazar area under
the Kakching district and the Wangbal
Laikon area under the Thoubal district.
Police also arrested two active
cadres from the Kakching Bazar area.
The official said that the PLA
militants were involved in recruiting
these girls in their outfit."
"Indonesia
Seven members of an armed gang
boarded a Panama-flagged tanker in
the Phillip Channel about 11 nautical
miles east of Kasu Monday evening.
The tanker continued its
journey on Monday night."
"Iraq
Iraqi security forces have taken action
against ISIS and crime, making several key
arrests and raids in different provinces.
They captured an alleged ISIS member
in Al-Sulaymaniyah and detained
a drug trafficker in Dhi Qar.
Additionally, they destroyed four ISIS
hideouts and three caves in Salah al-Din
province, and demolished an ISIS site in
Kirkuk's Wadi al-Shay area with support
from the National Security Service."
"Iraq
Iraqi authorities have arrested
4 Syrian nationals for promoting
extremist organizations on social media.
The individuals were detained in various
areas of Baghdad for sharing content
that glorifies terrorist groups."
"Maldives
Late Monday night, Counter-terrorism
forces arrested three suspected
terrorists during operations in the
Greater Malé Region of Maldives.
One of the men was accused
of plotting terrorist attacks
in Malé and nearby islands.
It was the first major counter-terrorism
operation since President Dr.
Mohamed Muizzu assumed
office in November 2023."
"Nigeria
On Saturday, Boko Haram terrorists
attacked a Nigerian military base
in the village of Hembla, Madagali
Local Government Area of Adamawa.
The attack resulted in the death of one
vigilante and the wounding of two others.
Troops successfully repelled the attack."
"Nigeria
Herdsmen killed at least 20 farmers in a
night attack on four farmsteads in Akure
North Local Government Area on Saturday.
Police are investigating and
searching for the perpetrators."
"Nigeria
Suspected herdsmen attacked a community
in Nasarawa Local Government Area of
Nasarawa State on Monday, March 10.
The violence is believed to
have originated from a dispute
over a mango tree, which
escalated into a deadly attack.
Several residents were killed, houses
were burned, and many were displaced.
The situation is tense, and residents
are calling for urgent government
intervention to prevent further violence."
"Nigeria
The Nigerian military rescued 75
people, primarily women and children,
during operations against Boko Haram
enclaves in Sambisa, Ukuba, Njimia,
Sabil Huda, Garin, Garin Falluja,
and Gobara in the North East Region.
The military operations effectively
diminished the enemy's capacity
by neutralizing insurgents and
demolishing their command and
logistics infrastructure, including
makeshift shelters, weapon stockpiles,
and IED-manufacturing materials."
"Nigeria
On Monday, a terrorist planted landmine
explosion in Shiroro, the Shiroro Local
Government Area (LGA), Niger State,
resulted in the death of Basiru Hassan,
a resident who accidentally triggered
the device while collecting honey."
"Pakistan
On Tuesday, the Baloch Liberation Army
(BLA) claimed responsibility for hijacking
the Jaffar Express in Bolan, Pakistan.
The group took 120 passengers hostage
and killed six military personnel.
The BLA has warned that any military
operation against them will result
in the execution of all hostages."
"Pakistan
The number of passengers taken hostage
during an attack by the Baloch Liberation
Army (BLA) on the Jaffar Express train
in the Bolan area now stands at 450.
The train driver was reportedly
injured in the attack.
The hijacked train remains stuck just
before a tunnel surrounded by mountains,
placing it in a precarious location
that offers ample cover for militants.
A senior police official, speaking
anonymously, confirmed that the
area's rugged, mountainous terrain
has enabled militants to carry out
such attacks with relative ease."
"Philippines
On Monday, unidentified gunmen
set fire to a health center and
seven houses in Barangay Malingao,
Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur.
Two days before the incident, at
least 200 villagers had already fled
the area due to the presence of the
same gunmen who fired on their homes.
Authorities suspect the arson attack
was intended to discredit the recently
re-elected Mayor Akmad Ampatuan Sr.,
who also chairs the Shariff Aguak
Municipal Peace and Order Council,
a multi-sector advisory body."
"Somalia
On Tuesday, a car bomb exploded
at the Cairo Hotel in Beledweyne,
Somalia, killing at least six people,
including two prominent traditional
elders, and injuring several others.
The blast triggered intense
gunfire as attackers stormed the
hotel, engaging security forces.
The attack targeted the hotel,
which houses traditional elders
and military officers coordinating
the government's offensive against
the militant group al-Shabab.
No group has claimed
responsibility for the attack."
"South Sudan
Monday morning, an armed youth gang
attacked the Joint Forces under the South
Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) in
Mayom County's Wangkey area, Unity State,
injuring an army officer and a civilian.
The assailants also stole two
guns: a PKM general-purpose machine
gun and an AK-47 assault rifle.
SSPDF troops repelled the attack."
"Syria
ISIS terrorists shot and killed
a member of the Syrian Democratic
Forces (SDF) in Deir Ezzor.
No other details of the attack
are known at this time."
"Thailand
A military officer, Lt.
Phuwiwat Khamsong, was seriously
wounded in an ambush by unknown
assailants in Yala, Thailand.
The incident occurred on Tuesday
morning in front of a military outpost,
with the officer being shot in the
chest and rushed to the hospital.
The attack follows a violent weekend in
which three people were killed and at
least a dozen injured in separate attacks
in Narathiwat and Pattani provinces."
"West Bank
Israeli settler extremists attacked
Palestinian residents and Israeli
activists in the village of Hraibat
a-Nabi in the southern West Bank,
beating and pepper-spraying them.
The settlers, reportedly from a
nearby outpost, also vandalized
a car and stole a camera.
Despite being called to the
scene, police and IDF officers
allegedly refused to intervene
and instead arrested a Palestinian
resident for a separate incident."
"Iran
Iran is reportedly threatening to withdraw
from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
Treaty (NPT) if sanctions are reinstated.
It has significantly increased its
stockpile of uranium enriched to
near weapons-grade levels, raising
concerns over its nuclear program."
"South Sudan
South Sudan President Salva Kiir
has dismissed three ministers
in the latest cabinet reshuffle
amid an ongoing political crisis.
The dismissed ministers include
Ruben Madol Arol, Awut Deng
Acuil, and Joseph Mum Majak.
The move comes after armed confrontations
in Nasir, which resulted in the deaths
of UN personnel and dozens of soldiers."
"Iran
The Security Belt-2025 joint naval
exercise, led by Iran, Russia, and
China, has completed day and night
shooting operations against aerial
targets in the northern Indian Ocean.
The exercise aims to enhance
maritime security and increase
tripartite interactions among
the participating countries.
The drills feature various scenarios,
including mock rescue operations, VBSS,
fire drills, and heliborne operations,
with a naval parade and debriefing
session planned at the conclusion.
This is the fifth joint
naval exercise between China,
Iran, and Russia since 2019."
"Gaza Strip
An Israeli air strike in Gaza has
reportedly killed four Palestinians,
according to the Hamas-affiliated
civil emergency service.
The Israeli military is investigating
the incident, which comes amid
a ceasefire in the region.
Israeli forces remain deployed
in a buffer zone along the Gaza
border and have warned Palestinians
against approaching the area."
"India
In a joint operation, the Army and the
Assam Rifles dismantled a makeshift camp
of the banned militant outfit United Kuki
National Army (UKNA) in a forest near
Songphu village in Churachandpur district.
The camp consisted of four
temporary bamboo huts."
"Lebanon
An Israeli drone strike in southern
Lebanon has resulted in the
death of a Hezbollah operative,
according to a military source.
Another strike targeted Hezbollah
operatives handling weapons."
"Myanmar
On Sunday morning in Natogyi
Township, Mandalay Region, the
Natogyi People's Defense Force (PDF)
claimed it killed nearly 50 regime
troops and detained 14 others.
According to the PDF, on Tuesday,
they and their allies attacked
around 200 regime troops commanded
by military strategist Zeyar Aung.
The regime forces had been advancing
on villages but retreated to the Wetlu
village police station in the north of
the township after a junta airstrike.
Twenty other junta soldiers died
at the Wetlu police station, and
15 others were injured during
fighting with PDF insurgents."
"Myanmar
Between February 6 and March 7, military
junta airstrikes, artillery, and drone
attacks in areas controlled by the
Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA)
resulted in the deaths of 17 civilians,
injuries to 41 individuals, and damage to
85 buildings - including two temples, a
hospital, and a school - in the townships
of Nawngkhio, Mong Mit, and Mogok.
The most intense junta airstrikes occurred
in mid-February near Taungkham in southern
Nawngkhio township, where SAC troops were
fighting to regain control of their bases,
even as Chinese-brokered talks were being
held between the TNLA and SAC in Kunming."
"Myanmar
Between last Tuesday, March 4, and
Wednesday, March 5, junta forces conducted
airstrikes on several villages in the
southern area of Kawkareik Township,
including Asorn and Dout Blann.
In Asorn, the attacks
damaged several homes.
The airstrikes in Dout Blan destroyed
a school and resulted in casualties.
Heavy fighting continues in the
villages of Kan Nwe and Ywar Thit Kone."
"Myanmar
The Myanmar military and Arakan
Army (AA) have engaged in clashes
near a junta naval base in Kyaukpyu
Township, Rakhine State, for days.
On Monday, residents reported drone
strikes and aerial assaults, with at
least six villages in the township
engulfed by the spreading clashes."
"Russia
Russia's Defense Ministry reports
337 Ukrainian drones were shot
down overnight, damaging Moscow
buildings and killing two people.
US and Ukrainian negotiators
are opening ceasefire talks in
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Ukraine
proposing a partial ceasefire."
"South Sudan
Uganda's military chief, Muhoozi
Kainerugaba, has deployed special forces
to Juba, the capital city of South
Sudan, to ""secure"" President Salva
Kiir Mayardit amid growing tensions.
The move comes after clashes between
the South Sudan People's Defense
Forces and armed civilian groups in
Nasir County, resulting in the deaths
of several military officials."
"Syria
Turkish forces have fired heavy artillery
shells at the Tishreen dam, causing
explosions and smoke in the area.
Fortunately, no casualties
have been reported.
This incident occurred simultaneously
with a civilian convoy launching from
Al-Raqqah, Al-Tabqah, and Deir Ezzor
to protest the Turkish attacks."
"Syria
There was a series of attacks by
Turkish forces in the Kobane region.
A child was killed, and two others were
injured in an attack on Jarraf Village.
Turkish forces also fired artillery
shells and rockets on various villages,
including Beir Hasso, Qarfal, Lafarge
Company, and Khirbat Kawer, as well
as positions of the SDF in Ain Eissa.
No casualties were reported
in the latter incidents."
"Syria
The Israeli Air Force conducted
airstrikes in southern Syria, targeting
radar systems, detection equipment, and
military sites containing weapons and
equipment belonging to the Syrian regime.
The military claims that these assets
posed a threat to Israel and IDF
operations, and the airstrikes were
aimed at eliminating future threats."
"Syria
Turkish fighter jets have conducted
airstrikes in the vicinity of Qarrah
Quzaq bridge and Teshreen dam, as well
as near Sarin town in the Kobane area.
Although no casualties have been
reported, the extent of material
damage is currently unknown."
"Taiwan
Taiwan tracked 13 Chinese military
aircraft and seven naval vessels
around its country between 6 a.m.
on Monday and 6 a.m.
on Tuesday.
Eight aircraft crossed the Taiwan
Strait median line in the countryâs
northern, southwestern, and eastern
Air Defense Identification Zone."
"Ukraine
On March 10, two civilians were
killed in the Kherson region
due to Russian drone strikes.
The victims were a 59-year-old
resident of Zolota Balka and a
75-year-old resident of Zmiivka.
Additionally, 11 people were
injured in the region as a
result of Russian strikes."
"Ukraine
Recent Russian air raids in the
Kyiv region have caused damage to
seven households and two vehicles
near Boryspil due to drone debris.
The air defense forces were active
overnight, downing multiple targets.
Fortunately, no civilian casualties
have been confirmed, and no critical
infrastructure has been affected.
Emergency services are working to
eliminate the consequences of the attack."
"Ukraine
As of March 11, Ukraine's Defense Forces
have intercepted one Iskander-M ballistic
missile and 79 attack drones, and 35
drones vanished without causing damage.
The raid affected Donetsk, Odesa,
Kharkiv, Sumy, and Kyiv regions."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,300 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Over 440 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
On the evening of March 10, Russian
troops attacked a company in Balakliia,
Kharkiv region, with a drone.
Preliminary data suggests that no
one was injured in the attack."
"Ukraine
A Russian drone attack on Odesa
overnight caused a private residential
building, a children's toy warehouse,
and a fuel tank to catch fire.
The attack occurred on Tuesday,
with emergency services responding
to eliminate the consequences.
Casualty reports are being verified."
"Ukraine
Russian troops attacked residential
areas in Zelenivka, a village near
Kherson, damaging civilian homes.
Fortunately, no one was
injured in the shelling.
However, a 44-year-old resident was
injured by a mine blast elsewhere in
Kherson and was taken to a hospital.
Additionally, two teenagers
were injured in a Russian drone
attack in the Dniprovsky district
of Kherson earlier that day."
"Ukraine
On March 10, a 31-year-old woman
was injured in the village of
Tyshchenkivka, Kharkiv region,
as a result of Russian shelling.
Additionally, a 61-year-old man was
injured, and property was damaged
in Balakliia, Kharkiv region,
due to a Russian drone attack."
"West Bank
The Israel Defense Forces conducted
a raid in the northern West Bank,
resulting in the death of three
gunmen and the wounding of another.
The operation also led to the arrest
of 10 other gunmen, including a
senior leader in the Jenin area,
and the destruction of two vehicles
containing weapons intended for attacks.
No Israeli forces were injured during
the operation, which is part of a
weekslong Israeli operation in the
West Bank known as the ""Iron Wall."""
"Nigeria
A protest has broken out in Naka,
the headquarters of Gwer-West Local
Government Area in Benue State, after
three members of the State Civil
Protection Guards were killed by
armed men suspected to be herdsmen.
The protest, which turned violent,
resulted in the burning of the
palace of the Ter Nagi and the
local government secretariat.
The police have deployed tactical teams
to restore law and order in the area."
"Nigeria
In Ondo State, protesters are
taking to the streets of Akure
after the reported abduction of
nine surveyors, with the kidnappers
demanding a ransom of â¦100 million.
Separately, in Benue State, tensions
escalated in Naka following the killing
of three individuals, leading to
protests and the burning of the palace
and local government secretariat."
"Serbia
Student protesters in Serbia have
blocked the public television
station building in Belgrade, citing
biased reporting by the station.
The blockade, which began on Monday and
will last for at least 22 hours, is part
of ongoing anti-government demonstrations
that have been taking place for months.
The protests, which have drawn tens
of thousands of people, are calling
for accountability and an end to
corruption following a tragedy in
November that killed 15 people."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
On Monday, a boat capsized on the
Kwa River in the Mushie Territory
of DR Congo, killing 25 people.
At least 30 others survived the accident."
"South Africa
A bus overturned on a highway near
Johannesburg, resulting in the deaths
of at least 12 people and injuring 45.
The crash occurred early in the morning,
and emergency crews were working to lift
the bus to check for any trapped victims.
The bus was transporting people from
the township of Katlehong, and the cause
of the crash is currently unknown."
"Syria
A 10-year-old boy was seriously
injured in Al-Ramliyah village, south
Hama countryside, after being hit by
shrapnel from an exploded landmine.
He was taken to the
hospital for treatment."
"United States
A medical helicopter crashed near
the Natchez Trace in Madison County,
resulting in the deaths of three people.
The victims were two University of
Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) employee
crew members and a Med-Trans pilot.
The helicopter was returning to
its base after delivering a patient
when it crashed in a wooded area.
The FAA and NTSB will
investigate the incident."
"United States
A truck collided with a train in
Somerset Township on Monday afternoon,
causing the train to partially derail
and a coal truck to catch fire.
Two people were injured
and taken to a hospital.
The road remains closed at the site,
with detours established by PennDOT.
The investigation is ongoing,
and the reopening of the road
has not been determined yet."
"Yemen
On Monday, a Yemeni government official
reported the discovery of 70 migrant
bodies along the coast near Yakhtul,
following a report from the International
Organization for Migration (IOM)
that 186 people were missing after
four migrant boats sank off the coast
of Yemen and Djibouti last Friday.
Authorities stated the death toll
could rise as search operations
continue along the shoreline,
with local fishermen assisting
authorities in recovering bodies."
"Ukraine
Russian kamikaze drones attacked the
Nikopol district in the Dnipropetrovsk
region, damaging infrastructure.
The district center and the
Marhanets community were
hit, but no one was injured.
A 22-year-old man was treated after
being wounded in the morning attack."
"Ukraine
Russian artillery shelling and
drone attacks in the Donetsk region
resulted in significant casualties.
In the village of Rivne, two brothers
(11 and 13 years old) were killed,
and a 14-year-old boy was wounded.
Additionally, Russian drones
attacked civilian cars between
Pokrovsk and Rodynske, killing
one person and wounding two.
In Siversk, three people were killed
and three wounded, including a
high-rise building hit by a bomb, and in
Kostyantynivka, one person was wounded."
Thanks for joining us for the March
12, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
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