Hanwei Global Security Information
This issue summarizes the security intelligence and dynamics across various global regions from December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Based on security risk assessments, the security levels of these regions are as indicated on the global risk map, with Afghanistan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Pakistan, Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel being 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 in these regions are advised to enhance their security precautions.
Middle East Region
(1) Syria
Explosion at Adra City Armory Kills 11.On December 30, an explosion occurred at a weapons depot in the industrial zone of Adra City, northeast of Damascus, the capital of Syria, resulting in 11 deaths. The cause of the explosion remains unknown.
Armed Conflict in Aleppo Province Claims 101 Lives. On January 5, the 'Syrian Observatory for Human Rights' reported that armed clashes between pro-Turkish forces and Kurdish forces in several villages around Manbij City, Aleppo Province, since the evening of January 3, had resulted in 101 deaths, including 85 members of pro-Turkish forces and 16 members of the Kurdish-led 'Syrian Democratic Forces'.
(2) Iraq
Turkey Kills 1 PKK Member.On December 31, Turkey killed a high-ranking member of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) during a military operation in northern Iraq. The individual, named Nusreddin Demir, had been responsible for the organization's operations in the Gara region of Iraq since 2023.
(3) Palestine and Israel
Palestinian Death Toll in Israel-Palestine Conflict Exceeds 46,000.From December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the Israeli Defense Forces continued airstrikes on central and southern Gaza, causing significant Palestinian casualties. As of January 3, the latest round of the Israel-Palestine conflict had resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, nearly 109,000 injuries, 11,000 missing persons, and 2.07 million displaced and homeless individuals.
Scene of Israeli Airstrike on Al-Maghazi Refugee Camp in Central Gaza
Missile Attack Hits Central Israel.On December 31, central Israel was struck by ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthi forces, causing damage to some buildings but no casualties.
(4) Yemen
Multiple Sites in Capital Sana'a Targeted by U.S. Airstrikes.On January 1, multiple targets controlled by the Houthi rebels in Yemen's capital Sanaa were struck by U.S. airstrikes, with casualties and property damage unknown. The U.S. stated that naval aircraft conducted precision strikes on military targets in Houthi-controlled areas, destroying command posts, missile and drone production workshops, and coastal radar stations.
A U.S. drone was shot down in Marib Governorate.On January 1, a U.S. MQ-9 "Reaper" drone was shot down by Houthi rebels in Marib Governorate, northeastern Yemen. A Houthi spokesperson claimed it was the 14th U.S. drone downed by the group since October 2023. The U.S. has yet to comment.
(5) Lebanon
Hezbollah targets in the south were attacked by Israeli forces.On January 1, a building and a vehicle belonging to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon were struck by Israeli Defense Forces missiles, with no immediate reports of casualties. Hezbollah leader Qassem stated that Israel repeatedly violated the ceasefire agreement, calling the attack an assault on Lebanon and the international community. The IDF claimed the building was a Hezbollah weapons storage facility and denied violating the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon.
Scene of IDF operations in southern Lebanon
Asia-Pacific Region
(1) Pakistan
Multiple attacks resulted in 7 deaths and numerous injuries.On December 30, media reported that a Pakistan Coast Guard patrol was hit by a bomb near Gwadar Jiwani Town's Ganz fishing area in Balochistan on the 29th, injuring 3 security personnel. The same day, a Coast Guard vehicle was bombed in Gwadar's Pishukan area, injuring 1 officer. On December 30, a shooting in Quetta's Sanjavi tehsil, Balochistan, killed 2. On December 31, a Frontier Corps truck was bombed in Wana's Daza Ghundai area, injuring 3 soldiers. On January 4, an explosion in Turbat, Balochistan, killed at least 5 and injured dozens. Preliminary investigations suggest it was a suicide attack. The extremist group "Balochistan Liberation Army" later claimed responsibility.
Scene of the Frontier Corps vehicle attack in Wana's Daza Ghundai area
(2) Myanmar
Bomb explosions in Yangon's Sanchaung Township injured 3.On December 30, two bomb explosions occurred in Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar, injuring three people and damaging multiple vehicles. One bomb exploded in front of a clinic on Pyapon Road in Kyundaw Ward, Sanchaung Township, damaging several nearby cars but causing no casualties. The other bomb exploded near the Kyundaw Ward Pyapon Road administrative office, injuring three people.
Scene of the explosion in front of the clinic on Pyapon Road, Kyundaw Ward, Sanchaung Township
(3) Australia
Shooting incident in New South Wales leaves one dead.On January 2, a shooting occurred in a hospital parking lot in New South Wales, Australia, resulting in one death. Police responded to the scene and found an armed man in the parking lot. During negotiations, the man attempted to shoot at the officers and was subsequently shot dead by police. The man's identity and related investigations are currently underway.
(4) South Korea
Vehicle collision in Seoul injures 13.On December 31, a vehicle collision occurred at the Mokdong Traditional Market in Seoul, South Korea, injuring 13 people, four of whom were seriously injured. The perpetrator was a 74-year-old man who tested negative for alcohol and drugs. Police have launched an investigation.
Africa Region
(1) Nigeria
Two incidents leave 14 dead.On December 30, armed militants attacked the Ihiala area of Anambra, Nigeria, killing seven people, including two security personnel. On the same day, seven terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were killed while making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in a remote area of the Lake Chad Basin in Borno State.
Nigerian military kills over 10,000 terrorists in 2024.On January 3, 2025, the Nigerian military reported that it had killed 10,937 terrorists, arrested 12,538, and rescued 7,063 hostages in 2024. Additionally, 16,171 terrorists and their family members surrendered to the military. The military also seized 8,815 weapons, 228,004 rounds of ammunition, destroyed multiple illegal oil refineries, and prevented large-scale oil theft operations.
(2) South Africa
Chinese businessman kidnapped in Free State Province.On December 30, a Chinese businessman was kidnapped by four armed robbers in Bloemfontein, Free State Province, South Africa. After the incident, the victim's family urgently sought help from local Chinese communities, and police launched a pursuit and interception operation. The robbers, driving two unlicensed cars, took the victim to a remote area in the northwest to demand ransom. With police assistance, the victim was eventually rescued.
(3) Somalia
Attack on military base in Bari, Puntland, leaves 18 dead and 30 injured.On December 31, a military base in Dharjaale town, Bari region of Puntland, Somalia, was attacked by a suicide bombing carried out by the Islamic State's Somali branch, resulting in the deaths of 18 soldiers and 30 injuries, with 9 Islamic State militants killed. According to a United Nations report, the Islamic State's Somali branch has established strongholds in multiple areas of Bari region, including Balidhidin, Hunbays, Iskushuban, and Qandala, with the port of Bosaso city becoming a channel for the influx of weapons and equipment.
(IV) Democratic Republic of the Congo
Armed conflict in Haut-Katanga province leaves 1 dead and 3 injured.On December 30, media reported that four soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo clashed with a faction of the Mai-Mai militia, known as 'Maï Maï Bakata Katang,' in the Mitwaba area of Haut-Katanga province on the 29th, resulting in the death of one soldier and injuries to three others.
(V) Sudan
Ongoing armed conflict.From December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continued intense exchanges of fire in the outskirts of the capital Khartoum, the western city of Omdurman, and central regions. The year-long armed conflict has claimed approximately 30,000 lives in Sudan and displaced over 12.25 million people. Among the casualties, Khartoum State and North Darfur State were shelled by the Rapid Support Forces on the 3rd and 4th, respectively, resulting in the deaths of 16 civilians and injuries to 106 others.
Europe and America
(I) United States
Shooting in New York City leaves 10 injured.On January 2, a shooting occurred outside a nightclub in Queens, New York City, injuring at least 10 people. The shooter remains at large.
Truck deliberately plows into crowd in New Orleans, killing 15 and injuring 30.On January 1, a truck intentionally rammed into a crowd in New Orleans, Louisiana, killing 15 people and injuring 30. The truck drove recklessly into pedestrians on Bourbon Street. The driver then exited the vehicle, fired shots into the crowd, and engaged in a shootout with police before being fatally shot. The perpetrator, Shamsud Din Jabbar, was a retired Army soldier from Texas. Multiple homemade improvised explosive devices and an Islamic State flag were found in his vehicle. The FBI has classified the incident as a 'terrorist attack.'
Scene of the vehicle ramming into the crowd
Car explosion in Las Vegas kills 1 and injures 7.On January 1, an electric vehicle explosion occurred in front of the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, resulting in 1 death and 7 injuries. Police stated that the suspect, 37-year-old active-duty Army soldier Matthew Livelsberger, had shot himself before the explosion. Multiple firearms and suspicious explosive devices were found in the vehicle. The motive for the explosion remains unclear, and related investigations are ongoing.
(II) Ukraine
The armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues.From December 30, 2024, to January 5, 2025, 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 launched large-scale cluster strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities, energy infrastructure, military airfield installations, and other targets, destroying multiple Ukrainian command posts, ammunition depots, foreign mercenary gathering sites, and over a dozen Ukrainian naval unmanned boats. Hundreds of Ukrainian drones, 10 HIMARS rockets, and several Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jets were intercepted and shot down. Russian forces gained control of the Novoaolevka settlement in the Donetsk region. On the Kursk front, Russian troops repelled several Ukrainian offensives, destroying multiple tanks and armored transport vehicles, with Ukrainian casualties exceeding 1,000. On the Ukrainian side, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported this week that Ukrainian air force, missile, and artillery units struck concentrations of Russian personnel, weapons, and military equipment. Ukrainian forces repelled Russian attacks on multiple fronts, including Kharkiv, Lyman, and Pokrovsk, and regained control of two positions. Additionally, this week, Russia and Ukraine each exchanged 150 prisoners of war. Since February 2022, the two sides have conducted 60 prisoner exchanges, totaling 2,484 individuals.
(III) Montenegro
Cetinje shooting incident leaves 10 dead and 4 injured.On January 1, a shooting incident in Cetinje, southwestern Montenegro, resulted in 11 deaths, including 2 minors, and 4 serious injuries. Police reported that the suspect had a conflict with others in a restaurant, went home to retrieve a weapon, and returned to shoot 4 people. After leaving the restaurant, he shot multiple people at three other locations before being surrounded by police and committing suicide. The Montenegrin government declared January 2 to 4 as national days of mourning to honor the victims of the shooting.
(IV) Germany
Berlin knife attack leaves 2 injured.On December 31, a knife attack occurred in Berlin, the capital of Germany, injuring two people. On the same day, the suspect stole a sharp knife from a supermarket in Berlin's Charlottenburg district and stabbed two men. Several passersby subdued the suspect together and handed them over to the police. The police stated that there is currently no evidence indicating this was a terrorist attack.
Berlin explosion injures two police officers.On January 2, an explosion occurred outside a police station building in Berlin, the capital of Germany, injuring two police officers. On the same day, an unidentified object exploded outside the police station during routine security patrols.
(5) Ecuador
Multiple attacks leave 7 dead and 2 injured.On December 30, a police attack occurred in the Divino Niño area of Durán, Guayas Province, Ecuador, leaving one police officer injured and one criminal shot dead. On the same day, a second sergeant of the Ecuadorian Armed Forces was shot and killed on Balcázar Street in Huaquillas, El Oro Province. On December 31, a shooting occurred in the La Pradera community of Manta, Ecuador, resulting in three deaths and one injury. On January 1, another shooting occurred in the ciudadela Primero de Noviembre of Pasaje, El Oro Province, leaving two dead.
Seven provinces and three cities declare a state of emergency.On January 3, Ecuadorian President Noboa issued a decree declaring a 60-day state of emergency in Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Santa Elena, El Oro, Orellana, and Sucumbíos provinces, as well as in the cities of Quito in Pichincha Province, La Troncal in Cañar Province, and Ponce Enríquez in Azuay Province, due to unrest caused by armed conflicts.
(6) Russia
Smolensk Oblast targeted by drone attacks.On December 31, multiple areas in Russia's western Smolensk Oblast were attacked by Ukrainian drones. Russian air defense systems intercepted and shot down most of the drones, with one hitting an oil depot in the Yartsevo area, causing fuel leakage and a fire. On January 1, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that over the past night, Russian air defense systems had shot down 68 Ukrainian drones, including 10 destroyed over Smolensk.
Village in Kursk Oblast attacked.On January 2, a village in Russia's Kursk Oblast was struck by Ukrainian missile fire, causing significant damage to civilian facilities, with no reports of casualties so far.
Scene of the attack on residential homes in the village
(7) Republic of Trinidad and Tobago
Nation declares a state of emergency.On December 30, the government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency in the country. The reason was the rampant criminal activities in recent days, with multiple gang conflicts leading to a deterioration of public security.
(8) Netherlands
Rotterdam shootout leaves 1 dead and 3 injured.On January 4, during a search of a house in Rotterdam, Dutch police engaged in a shootout with suspects, resulting in 2 police officers injured, 1 suspect killed, and 1 wounded.
New Year's Eve riots leave 1 dead and multiple injured.On December 31, riots broke out during New Year's Eve celebrations in multiple locations across the Netherlands, resulting in 1 death, dozens injured (including several police officers), and at least 200 arrests. In Rotterdam, over 100 vehicles were set on fire; Amsterdam, The Hague, and other cities witnessed multiple arson attacks, vandalism, and violent assaults. In Haarlem, a 19-year-old man died from a firework attack. In The Hague and Heerlen, several police vehicles were burned, and firefighters were injured by stones and fireworks while extinguishing fires.
Multiple vehicles set on fire in Rotterdam
Maritime Safety
(1) South Korea
Ferry capsizes in western waters, leaving 5 missing.On December 30, a ferry used for transporting vehicles and cargo capsized near Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea. Two people were rescued, while five remain missing. The cause of the capsizing is currently unknown, and fire departments and coast guards are conducting search and rescue operations in the area.
Boat capsizes near South Jeolla Province, leaving 3 dead.On January 4, a 9.7-ton fishing boat ran aground and capsized near South Jeolla Province, South Korea, resulting in 3 deaths. The boat carried 22 people in total. Apart from the fatalities, the remaining 19 jumped into the sea when signs of capsizing appeared and were later rescued by coast guards and nearby vessels. The Chinese Consulate General in Gwangju confirmed that no Chinese citizens were among the victims.
(2) Italy
Migrant boat capsizes near Lampedusa, leaving 20 missing.On January 2, an illegal migrant boat capsized near the coast of Lampedusa, Italy, due to extreme weather conditions. Seven people were rescued, while at least 20 remain missing.
(3) Tunisia
Migrant boat capsizes near Sfax, leaving 27 dead.On January 2, two illegal migrant boats sank near Sfax Governorate in southeastern Tunisia. The Tunisian Coast Guard has recovered 27 bodies and rescued 83 others.
