Hanwei International Security Weekly Report May 2025 (May 19- May 20)

Issue 21 of 2025, Total Issue 496   2025/05/26

Hanwei Global Security Information


This issue summarizes the global security intelligence2025519to25from various regions worldwideupdates.According tosecurity riskassessments, the security levels of each regionare as shown on the global risk map. Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and other regions are classified as extremely high-risk zones. During this period, these areas experienced frequent security incidents such as armed conflicts and terrorist attacks.Chinese enterprises operating abroad must enhance their security precautions. (This information is solely for internal risk assessment purposes.)

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Middle East Region

(1) Syria

Car bomb attack in the east kills 3 and injures many.On May 19, media reported that a car bomb attack occurred near a police station in Mayadin City, Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria, on the 18th, resulting in 3 deaths and multiple injuries. Police stated that the explosives-laden vehicle was remotely detonated while security personnel were conducting an illegal weapons confiscation operation. No group or individual has claimed responsibility so far.

Russian military base in Syria attacked.On May 20, the Russian Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia Governorate, western Syria, was attacked by unidentified armed drones and artillery. No casualties or property damage have been reported. The base currently serves as a shelter for the Alawite community, with 2,500 people taking refuge there. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack.

(2) Iraq

2 ISIS militants killed in Salahuddin Province.On May 20, the Iraqi military launched airstrikes and ground searches against hideouts of ISIS militants in the mountainous areas of Salahuddin Province, northern Iraq, killing 2 militants and seizing a large quantity of weapons, communication tools, and logistical supplies.

(3) Palestine and Israel

Palestinian-Israeli conflict has resulted in 53,900 Palestinian deaths.From May 19 to 25, the Israeli military continued its attacks on the Gaza Strip, causing heavy casualties. Among the incidents, a school sheltering displaced persons in Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip, multiple residential buildings in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, and the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip were bombed by Israeli forces on the 20th, resulting in at least 64 deaths and hundreds of injuries. As of May 25, since the outbreak of the latest round of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Israeli military operations in Gaza have caused 53,901 Palestinian deaths and 122,593 injuries.Among the deceased, over 28,000 were women and children. In response, the United Nations and the international community have strongly demanded that Israel cease its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

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Scene of the attack in central Gaza

Israel attacked by Houthi forces, leaving 1 injured.On May 22, Ben Gurion Airport in Israel, the city of Tel Aviv, and the port of Haifa were targeted by missile attacks from Yemen's Houthi forces, resulting in 1 injury. Israel claimed that all missiles launched by the Houthis were intercepted, and 1 man was injured while taking emergency shelter.

(4) Lebanon

Southern Lebanon attacked by Israeli forces, resulting in the death of 1 Hezbollah commander.On May 21, a car carrying a Hezbollah commander from the Mansouri base was struck by an Israeli drone in southern Lebanon, killing the commander.

 

Asia-Pacific Region

(1) Pakistan

Two explosive attacks in Balochistan leave 12 dead and 55 injured.On May 19, a car bomb attack near a market in Killa Abdullah city, Balochistan, southwestern Pakistan, killed 4 people and injured 20, damaging multiple buildings. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. On May 21, a school bus in the Khuzdar district of Balochistan was targeted by a suicide attack, killing at least 8 people, including 3 children, and injuring 35. The attack occurred when a suicide bomber detonated explosives as the bus, full of students, passed by, causing heavy casualties. Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations later stated that the attack was carried out under Indian direction, a claim denied by India.

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Scene of the school bus attack on the 21st

Attack on convoy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leaves 4 dead.On May 19, a security forces convoy in the Mir Ali area of North Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was ambushed by armed militants, resulting in the deaths of 2 security personnel and 2 militants. 

(2) Myanmar

Helicopter attack in Kachin State leaves 7 dead.On May 20, a Myanmar military Mi-17 helicopter was attacked and crashed by the anti-government Kachin Independence Army in Bhamo, Kachin State, killing all 7 on board.

Rocket attack in Lashio, Shan State injures 1. On May 22, an unidentified armed group launched a rocket attack on 'Shan Gong' in Lashio, northern Shan State, injuring 1 civilian and damaging multiple buildings. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

(3) Philippines

Three shooting incidents in South Maguindanao province resulted in 3 deaths and 3 injuries.On May 19, three separate shooting incidents occurred in South Maguindanao province, Philippines, resulting in a total of 3 deaths and 3 injuries. Among them, a rescue vehicle carrying three community members was shot at while en route to a flood-stricken area, leaving 1 dead and 2 injured. Subsequently, shootings occurred in the towns of Pandag and Buluan, causing 2 deaths and 1 injury. Preliminary police investigations indicate that the three incidents shared similar modus operandi, with victims all attacked by unidentified gunmen on motorcycles. The perpetrators remain at large.

(4) New Zealand    

   Shooting incident in Wellington City.On May 18, media reported that a shooting occurred in Featherston Town, Wellington City, the capital of New Zealand, with no casualties. The suspect has been arrested.

(5) Australia

Chinese Consulate General in Sydney issues safety reminder.On May 23, the Chinese Consulate General in Sydney, Australia, released a statement noting recent street attacks targeting ethnic Chinese and Chinese students in New South Wales and the Eastgardens area of Sydney, posing threats to local Chinese residents' personal safety. The Consulate General urged Chinese citizens and students in its jurisdiction to closely monitor local news and current affairs, stay alert to security conditions in their areas, enhance personal safety awareness, strengthen self-protection capabilities, and minimize nighttime outings. In case of emergencies, dial Australia's emergency police number "000" or contact the Consulate General for consular protection and assistance.

 

Africa Region

(1) Nigeria

Armed attack in Plateau State leaves 2 dead. According to a monitoring report by Hanwei International's West Africa security officer, on May 19,the Taho community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau Statewas attacked, resulting in 2 deaths. That day,two herdsmen were ambushed and killed while returning home on motorcycles from Maikatako Market.

(2) South Africa

Safety accident at Kloof Gold Mine in Gauteng ProvinceOn May 22, an accident occurred at the No. 7 shaft of Kloof Gold Mine, located about 60 km west of Johannesburg in Gauteng Province, South Africa, trapping over 200 workers underground. During operation, a device used to transport ore to the surface unexpectedly opened its door, causing a large amount of debris to collapse and damage the shaft structure. After emergency repairs by multiple departments, all 260 trapped miners were successfully rescued by the evening of May 23 with no casualties.

(3) Angola

Chinese enterprise camp robbed in break-in.On May 19, media reported that a Chinese-owned camp located along the road from Luanda, the capital of Angola, to Kassenda was burglarized on the 16th, with a large amount of property stolen. On that day, a group of uniformed 'police officers' arrived at the camp under the pretext of a security check. Three stood 'guard' outside the camp, while another ten forcibly entered the premises, disconnected surveillance equipment, restrained two Chinese employees, five local employees, and one security guard by tying their hands and locking them in a room before carrying out the robbery. Approximately 4 million kwanzas in cash (equivalent to about 310,000 RMB), seven mobile phones, six cases of red wine, three gas cylinders, and a large quantity of clothing, cigarettes, and other items were stolen.

(4) Somalia

U.S. launches large-scale airstrikes.On May 19, the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman and its battle group launched large-scale airstrikes against Islamic State militants in central and northern Somalia. This marked the 25th strike by U.S. forces against Islamic State militants since January of this year.

(5) Sudan

Armed conflict continues.From May 19 to 25, clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces persisted in the capital Khartoum, as well as in northern, central, and western regions. After a week of fighting, the Sudanese Armed Forces have fully taken control of Khartoum State, where the capital is located. The ongoing armed conflict, which has lasted over two years, has resulted in approximately 30,000 deaths and displaced more than 13 million people in Sudan.

 

Europe and the Americas

(1) United States 

Shooting in Washington leaves 2 dead.On May 21, two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in the U.S. were shot and killed outside the Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C. That evening, as the two were leaving an event, they were repeatedly shot by a lone gunman. The shooter has since been arrested, and the motive for the attack remains unclear.

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Scene of the shooting

(2) Ukraine 

Russia-Ukraine armed conflict continues. From May 19 to 25, Russia's special military operation in Ukraine persisted. The Russian Ministry of Defense recently released a combat report stating that over the past week, Russian forces used Iskander missiles to destroy two Ukrainian Patriot air defense missile launchers, one command module, and one radar station. They also gained control of the town of Novopoltavka in the Donetsk region, intercepting and shooting down hundreds of drones and dozens of rockets. On the Ukrainian side, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that hundreds of battles occurred along the frontlines during the week. Ukrainian forces repelled Russian offensives on multiple fronts and launched several counterattacks. Ukrainian military strikes targeted industrial facilities in Moscow and Tula regions, as well as the 'Energy' factory. Additionally, on May 23 and 24, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 577 prisoners of war and 120 civilians.

(3) Mexico

Shooting in Mexico City leaves 2 dead.On May 20, Mexico City Mayor Brígida and her administrative team were attacked by unidentified gunmen on Tlalpan Avenue in Mexico City, the capital, resulting in the deaths of the mayor's secretary and one advisor. The investigation is ongoing.

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Scene of the attack

(4) Ecuador

Two attacks leave 2 dead.On May 19, a house in Ciudadela El Paraíso, Arenillas, El Oro Province, Ecuador, was bombed by the criminal group 'Los Lobos,' causing casualties with the exact number unknown. On the same day, a shooting in southern Guayas Province, Ecuador, left 2 dead.

(5) Spain

Madrid shooting leaves 1 dead.On May 21, Andriy Portnov, a former aide to Ukrainian ex-President Yanukovych, was killed in an attack in Madrid, Spain. Multiple gunmen fired repeatedly at Portnov outside an international school in Pozuelo de Alarcón, a western suburb of Madrid, resulting in his death. The suspects' identities and motives remain unclear.

(6) Russia

Ukrainian drone attacks injure 8. From May 20 to 22, large-scale Ukrainian drone attacks targeted Moscow, Tula, Ryazan, Belgorod, and Lipetsk regions in Russia, injuring 8 people. Russia's Defense Ministry stated that between 20:00 on May 20 and 08:00 on May 22, Russian air defenses destroyed or intercepted 485 Ukrainian drones over multiple regions. Debris from a downed drone in Yelets, Lipetsk Region, fell into an industrial area, injuring 8 and causing a fire.

(7) Germany

Knife attack in Hamburg injures 18.On May 23, a knife attack at Hamburg Central Station in northern Germany left at least 18 injured, 4 seriously. A lone assailant randomly stabbed passengers on the platform. The attacker has been arrested, and investigations continue. The Chinese Consulate General in Hamburg advised Chinese citizens in the area to stay vigilant, monitor local security updates, avoid crowded places like stations and protests, and take personal precautions. In emergencies, contact German police or the consulate.

(8) Finland

Knife attack in Pirkkala injures 3.On May 20, a stabbing incident occurred at a school in Pirkkala, southern Finland, injuring three students. The suspect, a student at the school, has been arrested by the police. Prior to the attack, the assailant had declared on social media their intention to carry out an attack using a knife.

 

Maritime Safety

(1) United States

Boat capsizes north of Seattle, leaving three missing.On May 21, a boat sank in the waters north of Seattle, Washington, USA, resulting in three people missing and one rescued. Currently, the Coast Guard and other agencies are conducting a joint search and rescue operation for the missing individuals.