Hanwei Global Security Information
This issue summarizesfrom December 23 to December 29, 2024security intelligence information from various regions worldwideupdates.According tosecurity riskassessments, the security levels of various regionsas 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 overseas need to enhance their security precautions. (This information is solely for internal risk assessment purposes.)
Middle East Region
(1) Syria
Protests erupted in multiple locations.On December 25, demonstrations broke out in the capital Damascus and several cities in central and western Syria, protesting an attack on an Alawite shrine in Aleppo Governorate. The protests led to riots, resulting in casualties, though the exact numbers remain unclear. Prior to this, a video of the attack on the Alawite shrine in Aleppo Governorate had been widely circulated on social media. Currently, curfews have been imposed in Homs City, Aleppo Governorate, and Jableh City, Latakia Governorate.
Armed attack in Tartus Governorate leaves 14 dead.On December 25, personnel from the Ministry of Interior in rural areas of Tartus Governorate, western Syria, were ambushed while attempting to arrest a senior officer of the Assad regime, resulting in 14 deaths, 10 injuries, and 3 armed assailants killed.
Palestinian death toll in the Israel-Palestine conflict exceeds 45,000.From December 23 to 29, the Israeli Defense Forces continued airstrikes on central and southern Gaza Strip, causing significant Palestinian casualties. As of December 27, the latest round of the Israel-Palestine conflict has resulted in over 45,436 Palestinian deaths and 108,038 injuries. Notably, on December 26, Israeli forces bombed the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, killing 5 Palestinian journalists and injuring 20 civilians.
Scene of the attack on Nuseirat refugee campIsrael comes under attack.On December 25, central Israel was hit by a missile attack from Yemen's Houthi rebels, with no casualties or property damage reported. On December 27, Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, was again targeted by a Houthi missile attack. In response, the Israeli Defense Forces stated that the missile was intercepted by air defense units, and airport operations remained unaffected.
The Chinese Embassy in Israel issued a security alert.On December 24, the Chinese Embassy in Israel issued a security alert, stating that parts of Caesarea and areas north of it, south of Ashkelon, and west of Beersheba in Israel are currently at a red security risk level (extremely high risk). It advised Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to these areas recently and urged those already there to evacuate or relocate to safer zones as soon as possible.
(III) Yemen
Multiple areas hit by Israeli and U.S.-U.K. airstrikes, leaving 6 dead and 19 injured.On December 26, Sana'a International Airport, controlled by Yemen's Houthi rebels, and areas in the Red Sea coastal province of Hodeidah were struck by Israeli airstrikes, killing at least 6 people and injuring 19. The airport's control tower, waiting hall, and runway were severely damaged. During the attack, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was preparing to board a flight at the airport. One crew member was injured, while Tedros and UN personnel remained unharmed. On December 27, the U.S.-U.K. coalition launched airstrikes on the Houthi "First Armored Division" camp in Sana'a, Yemen's capital, with no reported casualties yet.
(IV) Lebanon
Southern Lebanon attacked by Israel.On December 26, Wadi Hujayr village in southern Lebanon was attacked by Israel, with casualties unknown. The strike occurred 8 km north of the UN-drawn "Blue Line" border between Lebanon and Israel, marking the deepest ground attack since the conflict began. Additionally, the Lebanese government stated that Israel had violated the ceasefire agreement 816 times since its signing, resulting in at least 28 Lebanese deaths.
Asia-Pacific Region
(I) Afghanistan
Airstrike in Paktika Province kills 51.On December 24, Pakistani airstrikes hit four locations in Barmal district of eastern Afghanistan's Paktika Province, killing 51 people, including women and children. The Afghan interim government expressed shock and strong condemnation. A Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that the strikes were counterterrorism operations by Pakistani security and law enforcement forces against terrorist groups, including the "Pakistani Taliban," in border areas.
Afghan-Pakistani border clash leaves 22 dead.On December 28, clashes erupted between Afghan and Pakistani border forces at crossing points in Afghanistan's Khost and Paktika provinces, killing 3 Afghan civilians and 19 Pakistani soldiers. Afghanistan claimed its security forces had targeted "several militant hideouts in areas under Pakistani control." Pakistan did not respond to the claim.
Explosion in Kabul capital injures 4.On December 28, an explosion occurred near Kabul Airport in the Afghan capital, injuring at least four people. No specific details have been reported yet.
(II) Pakistan
Two attacks in Balochistan result in 11 deaths and multiple injuries.On December 23, media reported that a Pakistani military convoy was attacked by armed militants from the 'Baloch Liberation Front' (BLF) in the Sar Kharan area of Kulan County, Balochistan, on December 22, killing nine soldiers and injuring several others. On December 24, a Pakistani military patrol was hit by a bomb attack in the Zamuran area of Kech County, Balochistan, resulting in the deaths of two soldiers.
Scene of the attack in Zamuran area, Kech County925 terrorists killed in 2024.On December 27, the Pakistani military stated that 925 terrorists were killed in counter-terrorism operations in 2024. The operations also resulted in the deaths of 383 security personnel.
(III) Myanmar
Southern Military Command Headquarters attacked by rockets.On December 24, the Southern Military Command Headquarters in Taungoo, Myanmar, was attacked by rockets. No casualties have been reported yet. Following the incident, groups such as BraveWarriorsforMyanmar (BWM) claimed responsibility for the attack.
(IV) South Korea
Explosion in Gimhae injures three.On December 23, an unexplained explosion occurred during the final inspection of a hazardous materials storage facility by the South Korean Army Logistics Command in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, injuring three civilians.
Plane crash claims 179 lives.On December 29, a passenger plane veered off the runway and crashed into the airport wall, exploding and catching fire while landing at Muan Airport in Jeollanam-do, South Korea. Among the 175 passengers and six crew members, only two flight attendants were rescued, while the remaining 179 perished. The flight, Jeju Air 7C2216, originated from Bangkok, Thailand. Preliminary investigations suggest the crash may have been caused by a collision with a flock of birds during landing, preventing the landing gear from deploying properly. The Chinese Consulate General in Gwangju, South Korea, confirmed no Chinese casualties in the incident.
Scene of the accident
(V) Kazakhstan
Plane crash kills 38.On December 25, an Azerbaijani airline passenger plane crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing 38 people. Preliminary investigations indicate the crash was caused by 'external physical and technical interference.' Russian, Azerbaijani, and Kazakh authorities are jointly conducting further investigations into the incident.
Africa Region
Multiple attacks leave 30 dead and 13 kidnapped.According to the monitoring report by Hanwei International's security officer in West Africa, on December 21, unidentified gunmen ambushed a vehicle along the road in the Obbo Aiyegunle community of Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, kidnapping at least 5 passengers. On the same day, unidentified gunmen attacked the police station at the headquarters of Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State, killing at least 2 police officers and injuring several others. Late on December 22, unidentified gunmen ambushed a commercial bus along the road in the Emure-Owo community of Emure Local Government Area, Ondo State, kidnapping several passengers. Also on the same day, suspected Fulani armed herdsmen attacked Gidan Ado village in the Ganawuri community of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, killing 15 local villagers. In the early hours of December 24, armed kidnappers ambushed a commercial bus near Chin Golf village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State, kidnapping 6 passengers and 1 driver. In the afternoon of December 24, the suspected terrorist group Boko Haram used a drone to attack the forward operating base in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State, injuring at least 6 soldiers. Later that evening, unidentified gunmen attacked Inland town in Onitsha Local Government Area, Anambra State, kidnapping 1 state government employee. On December 25, a conflict erupted between some farmers and herdsmen in the Poushi and Kalindi communities of Billiri Local Government Area, Gombe State, resulting in 2 deaths and several injuries. That same afternoon, suspected Fulani armed herdsmen attacked the Ityuluv, Tse Azege, and Innyiev ya communities in Kwande Local Government Area, Benue State, killing at least 11 people.
Military airstrike mistakenly kills 10.On December 25, two communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Nigeria, were mistakenly bombed by a military fighter jet, resulting in 10 deaths. Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu stated, 'The mission of the military aircraft was to eliminate armed criminal groups threatening the nation, but it mistakenly bombed innocent people in this community.'
Security alert.On December 24, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and the Consulate General in Lagos issued a security reminder, stating that as the year-end and New Year approach, Nigeria will celebrate holidays such as Christmas and New Year. The reminder urged Chinese enterprises and citizens in Nigeria to prioritize their safety and take measures to guard against various risks. First, stay vigilant about the situation. Monitor security dynamics around camps, residences, and workplaces, and watch for suspicious individuals. Enhance identification and screening of unfamiliar vehicles and personnel entering work or living areas. Second, prioritize travel safety. Minimize outings; if necessary, strengthen security measures, avoid disclosing travel plans in advance, and choose multiple routes to prevent criminals from discerning travel patterns. Avoid nighttime or solo travel, steer clear of remote or sparsely populated areas, and avoid gatherings or protests. Third, guard against security risks. Strengthen camp security measures, conduct thorough inspections, and address vulnerabilities. Strictly manage and conduct background checks on local employees. Fourth, beware of telecom fraud. Stay highly alert to crimes like online and telecom fraud. Exercise caution with significant financial transactions, verify sources, and do not trust calls, messages, or emails from strangers. Avoid using unverified software to prevent scams. Fifth, operate legally and compliantly. Adhere to local laws and respect customs. In emergencies, contact local police and the embassy or consulate promptly.
Lassa fever outbreak claims 190 lives. On December 24, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reported that this year, the country has recorded 1,154 confirmed cases of Lassa fever, 9,492 suspected cases, and 190 deaths. Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus, with symptoms including fever, headache, sore throat, cough, and diarrhea, which can be fatal in severe cases.
Mpumalanga Province traffic accident leaves 7 dead and 5 injured.On December 23, a minibus overturned on the N3 highway approximately 10 kilometers north of Villiers town in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, resulting in 7 deaths and 5 serious injuries. The cause of the accident remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.
(III) Angola
Chinese merchant robbed in Luanda Province.On December 23, a Chinese merchant's car was robbed by four local armed men in Viana City, Luanda Province, Angola. The robbers fled with over 23 million kwanza in cash (approximately RMB 184,000). Police have launched an investigation.
Attack on police in Dosso region leaves 3 dead.On December 25, a police patrol in the Dosso region of southwestern Niger was attacked by armed assailants, resulting in the deaths of 3 officers. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.
(5) Mozambique
Protests spark riots, leaving 21 dead and 25 injured.From December 23 to 25, protests erupted in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, and multiple regions across the country, opposing the presidential election results. The protests escalated into riots, causing 21 deaths and 25 injuries. In Maputo, protesters blocked roads, set tires ablaze, and torched several highway toll stations, accusing the election of fraud. In Nampula Province, protesters toppled utility poles, vandalized public facilities, and burned police vehicles.
Protesters in Maputo set tires on fire to block roads
Prison riot in Maputo leaves 33 dead.On December 25, a riot broke out at a prison in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, resulting in 33 deaths, 15 injuries, and the escape of approximately 1,500 inmates. So far, police have recaptured 150 escaped prisoners.
(6) Sudan
Armed conflict continues.From December 23 to 29, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces engaged in intense clashes around the capital Khartoum, in western Omdurman, and along multiple frontlines in central Sudan, causing significant civilian casualties. Among these incidents, two refugee emergency centers in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, were attacked by the Rapid Support Forces on December 27 and 28, killing 20 civilians and injuring 17. Additionally, the conflict has led to the looting of artifacts from over 20 museums nationwide, more than 200 ambulances from dozens of hospitals, and pharmaceuticals worth over $600 million, with economic losses exceeding $11 billion.
(1) United States
7 shootings leave 4 dead and 11 injured.On December 23, a shooting at a supermarket in North Carolina killed 1 police officer; on December 24, a shooting in eastern Baltimore, Maryland, left 1 minor dead and 3 injured; the same day, a shooting in northern Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, injured 1 person; also on the same day, a man was shot and killed near Wyalusing Avenue in western Philadelphia; in Oakland County, Michigan, a shooting resulted in 1 death and 2 injuries; on December 25, a shooting in Detroit, Michigan, injured 1 person; the same day, a shooting at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport in Arizona injured 4 people.
(2) Ukraine
The armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues.From December 23 to 29, Russia's special military operation in Ukraine persisted. The Russian Ministry of Defense recently released a combat report stating that over the past week, the Russian armed forces conducted 37 rounds of strikes using long-range precision weapons and drones against targets such as Ukraine's energy infrastructure, military-industrial enterprises, military airfields, and drone production and storage facilities. They also gained control of several settlements in the Donetsk region. The Russian forces intercepted Ukrainian missiles, aerial bombs, rockets, and hundreds of drones. In the Kharkiv, Avdiivka, and Zaporizhzhia directions, Russian troops repelled Ukrainian offensives and launched multiple attacks, destroying Ukrainian tanks, artillery, and other equipment. In the Kursk region, Russian forces continued to strike Ukrainian personnel and equipment while repelling numerous Ukrainian assaults. On the Ukrainian side, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine recently reported that hundreds of battles occurred along the frontlines this week. Ukrainian forces repelled multiple Russian attacks in the directions of Vovchansk, Kupiansk, Pokrovsk, and the Kursk region.
(3) Haiti
A gang attack on a hospital in the capital, Port-au-Prince, resulted in 3 deaths and 7 injuries.On December 24, the National University Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, was attacked by armed gangs, resulting in at least 3 deaths and 7 injuries. During the hospital's reopening ceremony that day, gang members suddenly attacked journalists and police on the scene, causing casualties. According to United Nations statistics, gang violence in Haiti has claimed approximately 5,000 lives and displaced 700,000 people this year.
(4) Ecuador
Multiple attacks resulted in 8 deaths and 4 injuries.On December 24, a shooting occurred in a park in Babahoyo, Los Ríos Province, Ecuador, killing 1 man and injuring 2 others. On the same day, Ecuadorian police were attacked by armed militants in Block 6 of Flor de Bastion, northwest of Guayaquil, resulting in the death of 1 officer and injuries to 2 others. On December 28, a transportation company in Guayaquil was attacked by armed assailants, leaving 6 dead.
(5) Russia
Multiple locations targeted by arson.From December 20 to 23, approximately 20 cases of arson or attempted arson against state-owned banks, shopping centers, post offices, and government institutions such as military recruitment offices occurred across Russia. Several suspects have been apprehended. According to their confessions, the instigators were from Ukraine and offered payments based on the frequency and scale of the arson attacks.
Drone debris explosion in the capital of the Republic of North Ossetia resulted in 1 death and 9 injuries.On December 25, debris from a downed Ukrainian drone fell on a shopping center in Vladikavkaz, the capital of the Republic of North Ossetia in southern Russia, triggering an explosion that killed one person and injured nine.
(6) Colombia
Chinese citizen killed in armed robbery in Magdalena Department.On December 24, media reported that a Chinese citizen was killed in an armed robbery on December 20 in Santa Marta, the capital of Magdalena Department, Colombia. On that day, the victim was robbed by multiple motorcyclists near the Davinci Soriano residential area in the San Francisco neighborhood of the city. After handing over all his cash, the victim was shot dead by the assailants.
(7) Belgium
Brussels shooting leaves one dead and multiple injured.On December 23, a shooting occurred in Anderlecht, Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. The shooter remains at large, and an investigation is ongoing.
(8) France
Restaurant shooting injures five.On December 24, a shooting at the Le Lamparo restaurant in Ajaccio, Corsica, France, left five people injured. An investigation is currently underway.
The incident restaurant
(9) Mexico
27,794 homicides recorded in first 11 months of the year.On December 27, Mexico's National Public Security Secretariat reported that 27,794 homicides occurred in the first 11 months of 2024, a 1.47% increase compared to the same period last year. Among these, 762 women were killed due to gender-based hatred and other reasons.
Jalisco plane crash kills seven.On December 23, a light aircraft crashed in a forested area of Jalisco in western Mexico, killing all seven on board. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Maritime Security
(1) Mediterranean Sea
Russian cargo ship attacked, two missing.On December 24, the Russian cargo ship "Ursa Major" was subjected to a "targeted attack" 45 miles off the coast of Algeria in the Mediterranean. Three consecutive explosions occurred on the ship's starboard side and stern, causing it to sink. Two crew members are missing, while 14 were rescued. The identity of the attackers remains unknown.
(2) English Channel
Migrant boat capsizes off Rhodes, eight dead.Migrant boat capsizes, three dead. On December 29, a migrant boat capsized while crossing the English Channel to the UK due to overcrowding, killing three migrants. Rescue efforts are still ongoing.
