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Cedric: Welcome to the Geopolitical
Report Daily for February 21, 2025.
Complete reports with casualty
information, interactive web maps, and
our IntelHub dashboard are available with
a Geopolitical Report Pro subscription.
We collected and mapped 54 events
on Thursday, including Australia and
Taiwan tracking Chinese ships off
their coasts and Israel receiving
the bodies of four people from Hamas.
We have a lot to cover,
so let's get started.
Political Conflict
"Gaza Strip
The UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights, Volker Turk, condemned the
public display of deceased bodies in
Gaza as a violation of international law.
This statement came after Hamas
returned the remains of four Israeli
civiliansâa mother, her two young
children, and an elderly manâwho were
taken during the October 7, 2023 attack.
The bodies were returned as part of an
ongoing hostage-ceasefire agreement,
with Turk emphasizing that such
transfers must respect human dignity
and avoid cruel or degrading treatment."
"Israel
Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed
Israel after Hamas returned four
deceased hostages, expressing
national unity in grief and anger.
He vowed vengeance against Hamas,
quoting Psalm 94, and reiterated
Israel's war objectives: recovering
all hostages, destroying Hamas,
and ensuring Israel's security."
"Mexico
Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum
confirmed that US surveillance drone
flights over Mexico are conducted with
Mexico's cooperation and at their request.
This comes amid increased pressure
from the Trump administration
to combat fentanyl trafficking."
"Niger
Niger's military government received
a proposal for a 5-year transition to
civilian rule, allowing current junta
leader Tchiani to remain in power and
potentially run in future elections.
The plan would limit
political parties to five.
This follows a pattern in the Sahel
region, where Niger, Mali, and
Burkina Faso have all experienced
military coups, expelled French
forces, and turned to Russian support.
The three nations left ECOWAS to form
their own alliance amid worsening security
conditions, with jihadi violence causing
over 3,470 deaths and displacing 2.6
million people in six months."
"North Korea
North Korea has expressed strong
opposition to the AUKUS security
partnership, specifically criticizing
Australia's recent $500 million payment
to the US for nuclear-powered submarines.
Through its state media KCNA, North
Korea condemned the deal as a dangerous
development that threatens regional peace.
They argue that this alliance, combined
with the US-South Korea-Japan partnership,
creates a ""multilayered nuclear
siege"" in the Asia-Pacific region.
North Korea warned the US about the
potential consequences of what it calls
""military adventurism"" in the region."
"Russia
Russia announced it is resuming
full dialogue with the US on Ukraine
following talks in Saudi Arabia that
excluded Ukraine and European allies.
The Kremlin welcomed President
Trump's stance, urging a
quick end to the conflict.
Since taking office in January
2025, Trump has shifted US policy by
reaching out to Putin while criticizing
Zelensky, whom he called a ""dictator.""
Trump's administration is linking
Ukraine's support to access to
rare minerals and has abandoned
Biden's policy of isolating Russia.
Kremlin spokesman Peskov confirmed
both nations will discuss various
issues, including prisoner
exchanges, noting Trump's position
is ""more favorable"" to Russia.
"
"South Korea
Former South Korean President
Yoon Suk Yeol faces criminal and
impeachment trials after declaring
martial law in December 2024.
His lawyers claim the decree was meant
to prevent a ""legislative dictatorship""
by the opposition Democratic Party.
The martial law lasted only six hours
before parliament voted it down but
led to Yoon's arrest and impeachment.
He is the first South Korean president
to face criminal charges, specifically
for ""fomenting insurrection.""
If the constitutional court upholds
the impeachment, Yoon will be
permanently removed from office,
triggering new elections within 60 days.
The situation has sparked protests
and political turmoil in South Korea."
"United States
The U.S.
State Department has designated
Mexican drug cartels, MS-13, and
Venezuela's Tren de Aragua as
foreign terrorist organizations.
The designation, signed by Secretary of
State Rubio, follows Trump's executive
order and could lead to financial
sanctions against these groups.
While some Americans support stronger
action against these organizations,
particularly due to the fentanyl crisis,
Mexican President Sheinbaum warned
against violations of Mexican sovereignty.
She did note potential benefits for
joint money laundering investigations.
Rubio expressed a preference
for cooperation with Mexico
while keeping all options open."
"United States
The US is refusing to co-sponsor a
UN resolution marking three years
since Russia's invasion of Ukraine
and objects to using ""Russian
aggression"" in an upcoming G7 statement.
This marks a significant shift in
US policy, coinciding with President
Trump's efforts to quickly end the
war, including holding talks with
Russia without Ukraine's involvement.
The UN resolution, backed by over
50 countries and scheduled for a
vote on Monday, calls for Russia's
complete withdrawal from Ukraine.
This diplomatic change represents a crisis
for Ukraine, which has heavily depended
on US military and diplomatic support."
Military Conflict
"Australia
Australian and New Zealand officials
are monitoring three Chinese naval
vessels (frigate, cruiser, supply
tanker) traveling in international
waters along Australia's eastern coast,
currently 150 nautical miles from Sydney.
While Australian Defense Minister Marles
calls this presence ""unusual"" but
legal, New Zealand notes China hasn't
explained the deployment's purpose.
This occurs amid recent tensions,
including a Chinese jet dropping
flares near an Australian military
plane in the South China Sea, a 2024
helicopter interception incident,
and a 2023 case where a Chinese
destroyer allegedly used sonar
against Australian divers near Japan."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
Violent clashes erupted in
Uvira, eastern DRC, as government
forces and allied militia fought
amid the advance of M23 rebels.
Following M23's capture of Bukavu,
chaos ensued with reports of gunfire,
looting, and casualties in Uvira.
Over 500 police officers fled to
Burundi while soldiers attempted to
escape by boat across Lake Tanganyika.
The local prison was emptied,
including detained army deserters.
The situation highlights DRC's weakening
control in the east, where M23's gains
have raised fears of wider conflict.
Rwanda denies accusations of
supporting M23, while DRC has
requested military support from Chad.
The instability has sparked
concerns in the capital, Kinshasa."
"Democratic Republic of Congo
A Doctors Without Borders (MSF) staff
member was critically wounded when gunfire
struck their base in Masisi, North Kivu
province, DRC, on February 20, 2025.
A child who had taken refuge at the
compound was also injured in the incident.
MSF has condemned these attacks,
emphasizing that humanitarian
facilities and workers should
be protected during conflicts."
"Gaza Strip
The IDF conducted an airstrike in
southern Gaza, targeting individuals
who retrieved a smuggling drone that
had crossed from Israel into Gaza.
The strike resulted in
multiple casualties, according
to Palestinian media.
The incident is part of a broader
pattern of recent smuggling attempts
where drones are being used to
transport prohibited items, including
weapons and drugs, across the border."
"Gaza Strip
The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) fired
warning shots at Palestinian suspects
who allegedly approached troops and were
deemed threatening in northern Gaza.
In one specific incident in northern
Gaza's Shejaiya neighborhood, IDF
troops directly shot at a suspect
who reportedly did not retreat
after warning shots were fired.
According to Palestinian media, this
individual was killed in the encounter."
"Iraq
Turkish warplanes conducted airstrikes
against PKK positions on Korsar peak in
Duhok province, Kurdistan Region, causing
two major explosions near Shiladze.
The strikes are part of Operation
Claw-Lock, an ongoing military
campaign launched in 2022."
"Myanmar
The Ta'ang National Liberation Army
(TNLA) reported that Myanmar military
airstrikes hit a public hospital and
residential areas in Nawnghkio, a town
under TNLA control in northern Shan State.
According to the TNLA, the Wednesday
night attack resulted in three
civilian deaths and four injuries."
"Myanmar
The Kachin Independence Army (KIA)
and allied forces captured Infantry
Battalion 236 and Artillery Battalion
366 in Bhamo Township, Kachin State.
They now control nearly two-thirds
of these positions and are attacking
Military Operations Command 21."
"Somalia
Puntland forces seized Dhaqas, Qurac,
and Damdamle in the Cal-Miskaad
mountains from ISIS in a major offensive.
The US and UAE provided air
support, which helped combat troops.
ISIS militants are relocating after
suffering losses, with over 100 militants
killed in airstrikes in the last month.
The Somali National Army also
killed over 130 Al-Shabaab
militants in Middle Shabelle."
"Syria
The Turkish military conducted
multiple airstrikes near Ain
Al-Arab (Kobane) in Syria's Aleppo
region, specifically targeting areas
around Sarin and Qasaq village.
The continued presence of Turkish jets
in the area has caused fear and unrest
among the local civilian population."
"Syria
Military clashes occurred near the
Teshreen dam and Qarquzaq bridge between
the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and
Turkish forces with their allied factions.
The conflict involved artillery
exchanges and missile strikes,
with the SDF targeting a Turkish
base in Al-Hushariya near Jarablus.
Turkish air forces responded
with strikes on Sarin Airport
and areas around Qarqozak Bridge.
No casualties were reported
in any of these incidents."
"Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
launched a missile attack on Turkish
forces at Al-Hushariya base near
Jarablus in Aleppo's countryside.
No casualties were
reported from this attack.
In response, Turkish air forces
conducted retaliatory airstrikes,
targeting Sarin Airport and the
area around Qarqozak Bridge."
"Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
conducted a successful security
operation in Raqqa, resulting in the
arrest of three ISIS cell members.
The ISIS cell had been responsible for
attacks against SDF forces, security
personnel, and civilians, as well as
acts of sabotage against facilities."
"Syria
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF)
successfully intercepted and shot
down two Turkish drones in Syria's
Aleppo region - one near Teshreen
dam and another near Deir Hafer.
This incident occurred amid ongoing
military tensions and escalating
confrontations between Turkish
forces and the SDF in the Aleppo
countryside, which have included both
drone operations and airstrikes."
"Taiwan
The Taiwanese Ministry of National
Defense reported significant Chinese
military activity near Taiwan over a
24-hour period, including 36 aircraft,
eight naval vessels, and a balloon.
Of these, 29 PLA aircraft breached
the Taiwan Strait median line and
entered various sectors of Taiwan's
air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Taiwan responded by deploying combat
patrols, naval vessels, and missile
defense systems to monitor the situation.
A Chinese balloon was also observed
crossing the contiguous zone
boundary before disappearing."
"Ukraine
A Russian aerial bombing in Kherson,
Ukraine, on February 20 resulted in
the death of a 37-year-old man whose
body was recovered from a destroyed
section of a high-rise building.
The Russian military conducted
air strikes using ten guided bombs
on the right-bank Kherson region,
with three bombs specifically
hitting residential buildings.
The attack damaged a nine-story
building in the Tsentralnyi district."
"Ukraine
Russian forces attacked Bilozerka
in the Kherson region over two days.
This morning, they shelled residential
buildings, causing damage to houses,
including broken windows, walls, fences,
and roofs, with no reported casualties.
Yesterday (February 19), they struck
an outpatient clinic with an FPV
drone, injuring eight medical workers.
One 73-year-old pediatrician was
hospitalized with explosive injuries
and concussion, while seven others
received outpatient treatment.
The clinic suffered damage to
its windows, walls, and roof."
"Ukraine
A Russian-appointed official, Yevgeny
Bogdanov, was killed in a car bombing
in Berdiansk on February 20, 2025.
As deputy head of the local occupation
administration, Bogdanov managed
finances and fortification construction
in occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
Ukraine's military intelligence
agency (HUR) claimed responsibility,
accusing him of war crimes."
"Ukraine
On February 20, Ukraine's air defenses
intercepted a major Russian attack,
shooting down 80 drones while 78
others disappeared from radar.
The assault combined 14 cruise and
ballistic missiles with 161 attack
drones, including Shahed UAVs, launched
from multiple Russian locations.
The attack targeted critical
infrastructure, particularly
in the Kharkiv region.
Ukrainian forces employed various
defense systems across multiple regions.
Damage was reported in Kharkiv, Sumy,
Odesa, and Kyiv regions, with a Russian
guided bomb striking a residential
building in Kherson, causing casualties."
"Ukraine
Russian attack drones were intercepted
over the Kyiv region, but falling
debris caused damage in the Bila
Tserkva and Vyshhorod districts.
In Bila Tserkva, eight private homes
and four cars were damaged, with broken
windows, doors, roofs, and facades.
In Vyshhorod, four homes, one vehicle,
and several outbuildings were affected.
While no critical infrastructure was
hit and no civilian casualties were
reported, local authorities have promised
assistance to affected residents."
"Ukraine
Russian forces conducted consecutive
night attacks on energy infrastructure
in Ukraine's Odesa region.
A DTEK energy facility was struck
following a previous attack that
left 160,000 Odesa residents without
heat and electricity on February 19.
Power engineers are awaiting
military clearance to begin emergency
repairs on the damaged equipment."
"Ukraine
A Russian guided aerial bomb struck
a residential high-rise building
in Kherson's Dniprovskyi district.
The attack injured 13-year-old twins
(a boy and a girl) who suffered
blast injuries and acute stress
reaction and were taken to hospital.
Emergency services rescued a man from
the eighth floor, while the twins' mother
is believed to be trapped under the
rubble, with rescue operations ongoing.
Local authorities, led by Regional
Military Administration head Oleksandr
Prokudin, have established an
operational headquarters at the scene."
"Ukraine
Russian forces conducted a missile
and drone attack on Ukraine's gas
infrastructure on February 20,
damaging production facilities.
According to Ukrainian Energy Minister
German Galushchenko, Russia specifically
targeted gas extraction sites that
are crucial for civilian heating
and domestic needs during winter."
"Ukraine
Russian forces conducted attacks on
multiple communities in Ukraine's
Dnipropetrovsk region, specifically
targeting Marhanets, Myrove, and
Pokrovsk in the Nikopol district.
The attacks, which occurred Wednesday
evening and overnight, involved
artillery shelling and kamikaze drones.
While no casualties were reported
from these specific attacks,
Ukrainian forces successfully
shot down three Russian drones."
"Ukraine
Russian forces conducted multiple attacks
on Kostiantynivka in Ukraine's Donetsk
region, resulting in 4 civilian deaths.
The assault included four air strikes
and artillery attacks, causing extensive
damage to residential buildings,
infrastructure, and utilities."
"Ukraine
Ukrainian forces claimed to have
killed or wounded 1,190 Russian
soldiers over the past day.
Nearly 400 pieces of military equipment
were destroyed in the fighting."
"Ukraine
Russian forces launched a heavy artillery
attack on Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk
region, killing two men and wounding
a 39-year-old woman with shrapnel.
The attack damaged multiple civilian
targets, including businesses,
cafes, shops, garages, and vehicles.
A private house was also hit,
causing a fire that emergency
services quickly extinguished."
"Ukraine
Russian forces carried out an airstrike
using guided bombs on Slatyne village in
Ukraine's Kharkiv region around 10:40.
The attack damaged approximately 12
private homes and energy infrastructure,
leaving half the village without power.
Local official Vyacheslav Zadorenko
reported no casualties in the incident."
Terrorism
"Bangladesh
The Arakan Army (AA), a Myanmar
rebel group, abducted 19 fishermen
and seized four fishing boats
from the Naf River in Bangladesh's
Cox's Bazar region on Thursday.
The incidents occurred near Shah Porir
Dwip's Gholarchar and Naikkhongdia areas.
This follows a previous incident on
February 10, where the AA abducted six
other fishermen who remain in captivity.
Local authorities, including the
Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB),
are working to secure the release
of the captured fishermen."
"Colombia
Four bomb attacks in northeast
Colombia injured six people
overnight, with authorities
blaming the ELN guerrilla group.
The attacks targeted a toll
booth and police stations
near the Venezuelan border.
These incidents occurred after the
government suspended peace talks with ELN
last month following an offensive that
killed 50 people and displaced 50,000."
"Gaza Strip
Four black coffins believed to contain the
remains of four Israeli hostages from Gaza
entered Israel after Hamas released them.
The deceased include Shiri Bibas,
her sons Ariel and Kfir, and Oded
Lifshitz, who were initially kidnapped
by Hamas terrorists 503 days ago.
The bodies were transferred from
Gaza to Israel and were transported
by IDF vehicles, with a police
escort, to the Abu Kabir Forensic
Institute for formal identification."
"Israel
At least three unoccupied buses exploded
in separate parking lots in Bat Yam, a
Tel Aviv suburb, in what police suspect
was a coordinated terror attack attempt.
Five total bus bombs either
exploded or were defused.
No injuries were reported, with the buses
arriving moments before the explosions.
Security services are investigating, and
trains and buses in the Tel Aviv area
have been stopped for security searches."
"Netherlands
A 20-year-old man was arrested in
Rotterdam for allegedly sharing jihadist
propaganda on social media platforms.
During the arrest at his residence,
police discovered and seized photos
showing him with a machete while wearing
a balaclava, along with multiple devices.
While he faces charges related to
terrorist organization membership
and distribution of jihadist content,
authorities found no specific evidence
suggesting he was preparing an attack."
"Somalia
Somali National Army (SNA) and local
forces successfully repelled a major
Al Shabab attack in the Middle Shabelle
region, killing over 130 terrorists.
The dawn assault targeted
multiple military positions
across several villages.
The army seized weapons from
fleeing terrorists and has been
conducting operations to liberate
areas from Al Shabab control."
"Syria
The Internal Security Forces successfully
rescued a kidnapped civilian in the
Al-Jebayliyah area of Deir Ezzor.
The kidnappers had tortured the
victim and demanded a $35,000 ransom
from his family, sending them photos
of the torture before the rescue
operation took place on Monday."
"Syria
An unidentified hospital guard
from Al-Hafa Hospital was fatally
shot while on his land near Salma
Road in the Latakia countryside.
It is not clear who
was behind the attack."
"Syria
In Baniyas, armed men in a vehicle
conducted a drive-by shooting at
two civilians near Harison Bridge.
One person was killed and another wounded.
The deceased was allegedly accused
of participating in massacres against
residents of Al-Baida in Tartous."
"Turkey
Turkish police arrested an Uzbek
national named Abdulmalik A.,
an ISIS terrorist who was
planning attacks on synagogues
and Jewish schools in Istanbul.
The suspect, who entered Turkey
legally from Europe, was caught
after authorities received a tip
and monitored coded communications
between him and other Daesh members.
He was reportedly acting under orders
from a high-ranking Daesh member
to carry out large-scale attacks in
both Turkey and European countries.
The suspect was arrested in
Istanbul's Fatih district, and
authorities are now investigating
his associates and handlers."
Cyber
"United States
A brief cyberattack targeted Cayuga
Health on Tuesday, but the healthcare
system successfully thwarted the
attempt by isolating affected systems
and implementing downtime procedures.
All systems were restored
by Wednesday morning."
Accidents
"India
Three 19-year-old students from Scott
Christian College (Tamil Nadu) died
when their college bus overturned
near Echo Point in Munnar, Kerala.
The accident occurred on Wednesday
afternoon while a group of
37 students and four teachers
were traveling to Kundala Dam.
The bus lost control at a curve
and flipped onto its side.
Of the other passengers, 19 were
admitted to Tata General Hospital
in Munnar, and four critically
injured were transferred to medical
colleges in different locations.
While speeding is suspected,
the exact cause of the accident
remains under investigation.
"
"Russia
A Panamanian-flagged cargo ship, the
Pavel Grabovsky, carrying 3,000 tons
of corn, is sinking in the Sea of Azov.
The vessel sustained damage near
the port of Azov on February 16
while traveling from Rostov-on-Don,
Russia, to Samsun, Turkiye.
Though the crew didn't issue a
distress signal, they requested
harbor entry for repairs.
Two icebreakers have been dispatched
to assist the 44-year-old vessel,
which is currently anchored with
water entering its ballast tank.
The ship is owned by VI-ZA SUN LTD and
registered in Saint Kitts and Nevis."
"Sri Lanka
A train derailment in Sri Lanka
resulted in the deaths of six
elephants after colliding with a
herd near Habarana Wildlife Reserve.
While no passengers were
injured, two elephants survived
and received treatment."
"Syria
A tragic explosion occurred in
Al-Nayrab town, eastern Idlib, when war
remnants stored in a residential house
detonated, killing seven civilians,
including a child and a woman.
The incident happened at the home
of someone who collected explosive
war remnants to sell as scrap.
Additional casualties are expected as
several other civilians were injured,
with some in serious condition."
"Syria
Two separate landmine explosions in Syria
resulted in injuries: one incident in
Al-Masrab desert, Deir Ezzor, where two
civilians were hurt when their car hit
a landmine, and another in Kafr Halab
town, western Aleppo, where a civilian
suffered light injuries when their
tractor triggered a landmine on farmland."
"Syria
Two young men were injured in
separate landmine incidents in Syria.
The first occurred in Haimar Jais
Village in eastern Aleppo countryside
within National Army areas, while the
second took place in Buqros Desert in
eastern Deir Ezzor countryside, where
the victim was collecting truffles.
Both incidents involved
unexploded war remnants."
"Thanks for joining us for the February
21, 2025 Geopolitical Report Daily.
As a reminder, complete reports with
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