Hanwei Global Security Information
This issue summarizes global security intelligence updates from September 30 to October 6, 2024. According to security risk assessments, regional security levels are as shown on the global risk map, with Afghanistan, Nigeria, Myanmar, Pakistan, Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel being extremely high-risk areas. During this period, frequent security incidents such as armed conflicts and terrorist attacks occurred in these regions. Chinese enterprises operating abroad must enhance their security precautions. (This information is solely for internal risk assessment purposes.)
Middle East Region
(1) Syria
Attack in Damascus capital leaves 3 dead and 9 injured.On October 1, Syria's capital Damascus was hit by an Israeli airstrike, resulting in 3 deaths (including 1 journalist) and 9 injuries, with multiple vehicles destroyed. That day, Israeli warplanes and drones launched missiles and rockets from the occupied Golan Heights toward various areas of Damascus, with one striking a residential district.
Scene of the attack
Turkey crosses border, kills 4 PKK members.On October 4, Turkish security forces killed 4 members of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in northern Syria. In recent years, Turkish forces have repeatedly crossed borders to target PKK members.
Chinese embassy in Syria issues security alert.On September 30, the Chinese Embassy in Syria issued a security alert to Chinese citizens: The ongoing escalation of the Lebanon-Israel conflict poses a high risk of spillover into Syria, and the security situation in Syria remains complex and severe. Given these circumstances, the embassy advises Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to Syria for the time being. Those already in the country should closely monitor local developments, strengthen security measures, and evacuate or relocate to safer areas as soon as possible. In case of emergencies, contact local authorities and the Chinese Embassy in Syria immediately.
(2) Iraq
Attack on security forces in Kirkuk Province leaves 4 dead and 3 injured.On October 2, Iraqi security forces were attacked by militants from the extremist group "Islamic State" in Kirkuk Province, resulting in 4 deaths and 3 injuries. That day, Iraqi troops conducting reconnaissance and search operations in the province were ambushed by IS militants, causing multiple casualties.
Rocket attack near Baghdad International Airport.On October 1, two "Katyusha" rockets struck areas near Baghdad International Airport in Iraq's capital, causing no casualties. One rocket hit a garage belonging to Iraq's counterterrorism forces near the airport, while the other landed in an abandoned courtyard. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack.
(3) Palestine and Israel
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has resulted in over 41,870 Palestinian deaths.From September 30 to October 6, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) continued clashes with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in central Gaza and southern cities such as Khan Younis. As of October 6, the Israeli military operations in Gaza since the outbreak of the latest round of conflict have killed 41,870 Palestinians and injured 97,166. Among these, IDF attacks from the evening of October 1 to noon on October 2 on Khan Younis, the Nuseirat refugee camp, and two shelters for displaced persons resulted in at least 55 deaths and nearly 100 injuries.
Scene of the October 2 attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp
Multiple areas in Israel were hit by Iranian missile strikes.On October 1, central and southern Israel were targeted by hundreds of Iranian ballistic missiles. Iran stated that the attack was in response to the killings of senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander Nilforoushan and Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, among others. The IDF reported that most of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israeli and allied forces, including those from the U.S. and UK, with a few hitting their targets. No casualties or property damage have been reported so far.
Tel Aviv attack leaves 6 dead and 17 injured.On October 2, an attack in the Jaffa area of Tel Aviv, Israel, killed 6 people and injured 17. Two assailants armed with guns and knives carried out a random assault on pedestrians before being shot dead by patrol officers.
Scene of the attack
(4) Lebanon
Escalation of conflict causes heavy casualties.From September 30 to October 6, the armed conflict between Israel and Lebanon escalated, resulting in heavy casualties. In addition to airstrikes, the Israeli military announced on October 1 the launch of a "limited" ground operation against Hezbollah targets in the southern border region of Lebanon. On October 4, the Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that since the limited ground operation began, a total of 2,000 Hezbollah military targets had been struck, killing 250 Hezbollah members. Hezbollah reported intense clashes with Israeli forces in multiple border towns and repelled Israeli ground offensives in some areas. Due to the escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said on October 5 that over 200,000 people had crossed the border from Lebanon into Syria to seek refuge. Additionally, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated on October 4 that the harm caused by Israel's actions against Hezbollah to Lebanese civilians was "completely unacceptable" and called for an urgent ceasefire between the two sides.
(5) Iran
Terrorist attack in Sistan and Baluchestan Province leaves 3 dead and 2 injured.On October 1, a terrorist attack occurred in Nikshahr City, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran, resulting in 3 deaths and 2 injuries. Details of the incident have not yet been reported.
Chinese embassy advises Chinese citizens in Iran to enhance safety precautions.On October 1, the Chinese Embassy in Iran issued a safety reminder, stating that due to the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the severe and complex security situation in Iran, Chinese citizens and enterprises in Iran should closely monitor the situation and strengthen safety precautions. Avoid sensitive areas and crowded places to ensure personal and property safety. In case of emergencies, please contact local authorities and the embassy for assistance.
(6) Yemen
Multiple locations hit by U.S. and UK airstrikes.On October 4, military facilities in the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, Zamar Province, and the Red Sea port city of Hodeidah in Yemen were targeted in 15 airstrikes by U.S. and UK warplanes. No casualties have been reported so far.
Asia-Pacific Region
(1) Afghanistan
Counterterrorism operation kills 2 terrorists.On September 30, Afghan special forces conducted counterterrorism operations in the suburbs of Kabul and Nangarhar Province, killing 2 terrorists, arresting several others, and seizing a large quantity of weapons and ammunition.
(2) Pakistan
Attack in Balochistan Province leaves 7 dead and 1 injured.On September 30, media reported that an under-construction house in Pakistan's western Balochistan province was attacked by unidentified armed personnel on the 29th, resulting in the deaths of 7 workers and 1 injury. Pakistani police stated that the construction workers were sleeping in the room when the attack occurred, and the armed assailants indiscriminately opened fire on them. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the incident.
Counter-terrorism operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa kills 2 terrorists.On October 4, Pakistani military and police conducted a counter-terrorism operation in Charbagh, Swat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in northwestern Pakistan, killing 2 terrorists, including a senior member of the Pakistani Taliban, Atta Ullah, and arresting one.
Attack on Chinese company convoy in Sindh province leaves 2 dead.On the evening of October 6, a convoy of the Chinese-funded company Port Qasim Electric Power Company was targeted in a terrorist attack near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, the capital of Pakistan's southern Sindh province, killing 2 Chinese nationals and injuring 1, with additional casualties among Pakistani personnel. The Chinese embassy and consulates in Pakistan strongly condemned this terrorist act, expressed deep condolences for the victims from both countries, extended sincere sympathies to the injured and their families, and are working closely with Pakistani authorities to handle the aftermath.
(III) Australia
Two attacks result in 1 death and 3 injuries.On October 4, a stabbing incident occurred in northwestern Melbourne, Australia, leaving 1 dead and the assailant injured by police; on the same day, a shooting in western Sydney injured 2 people. Separately, two men driving a stolen car rammed into police officers, who returned fire and injured the suspects.
Africa Region
(I) Nigeria
Two explosions occur in Rivers State.On October 5, two explosions took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, causing no casualties. The first explosion damaged the gate and shattered windows at the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress on Aba Road, while the second explosion at the Obio/Akpor Council secretariat destroyed part of the roof and damaged the generator room. Nigeria's anti-bomb squad has collected samples from both sites, and investigations are ongoing.
Boat accident in Niger State leaves 60 dead and many missing.On the evening of October 1, a boat capsizing accident occurred in Niger State, resulting in 60 deaths and 80 missing persons. That night, a wooden boat carrying approximately 300 passengers capsized on the Niger River upstream of the Jebba Dam in the Mokwa area of Niger State. Most of the passengers were women and children. By the morning of October 2, over 150 people had been rescued. The cause of the capsizing remains undetermined.
Cholera outbreak continues.On October 5, the latest statistics released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control showed that as of September 29, over 30 states nationwide had reported a cumulative total of 10,837 suspected cholera cases and 359 deaths. The number of suspected cholera cases continues to rise.
Enugu State on alert for kidnapping risks.According to a monitoring report by Hanwei International's security officer in West Africa, around 10:00 AM on October 6, five Fulani armed kidnappers were spotted on the A3 highway approximately 4 kilometers north of a town 9 miles from Enugu State, armed with one AK47, one homemade steel pellet gun, and multiple knives, randomly kidnapping passing vehicles and pedestrians. By 1:30 PM, the military apprehended two of them in the Umuoka community, while the remaining three fled with the AK47. Special reminder: all units and individuals in the relevant areas must conduct thorough pre-travel route research, enhance armed security escort arrangements, and prevent Chinese personnel from encountering kidnappings or armed attacks.
(II) Sudan
Armed conflicts persist in multiple areas.From September 30 to October 6, the Sudanese Armed Forces and local militias continued to engage in clashes with the Rapid Support Forces in the capital Khartoum, North Khartoum, Omdurman, and various central and western regions. During the week, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Darfur-based "Joint Forces" militia fully secured the tri-border area between Sudan, Libya, and Chad in western North Darfur State and recaptured the Birmaza military base in North Darfur State.
Scene of the Birmaza clash in North Darfur State
Cholera outbreak claims 543 lives. On September 30, the Sudanese Ministry of Health issued a statement reporting a cumulative total of 17,649 confirmed cholera cases nationwide, including 543 deaths. The new wave of cholera continues to spread. Over a year of conflict has severely damaged Sudan's healthcare system, leading to large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases such as cholera and dengue fever.
(III) Democratic Republic of the Congo
Goma shipwreck accident leaves 126 dead and many missing. On October 3, a passenger boat carrying hundreds of people capsized in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), resulting in at least 126 deaths and numerous disappearances. The vessel had departed from Minova Port in South Kivu Province that day, en route to Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province. During the voyage, the hull began leaking, and the boat sank approximately 700 meters from Goma's Kituku Port. So far, 9 people have been rescued, while many remain unaccounted for. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.
On October 3, people gathered by Lake Kivu awaiting news of the missing.
Europe and the Americas
(1) United States
Connecticut shooting incident leaves 2 dead.On October 4, a shooting occurred at a nursing home in Connecticut, USA, killing 2 people. During the incident, an 82-year-old man shot and killed his 81-year-old wife in their room before taking his own life. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and police investigations are underway.
(2) Ukraine
Russia-Ukraine armed conflict continues.From September 30 to October 6, Russia's special military operation in Ukraine persisted. The Russian Ministry of Defense recently reported that over the past week, Russian forces struck Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises, energy facilities, airbases, and other targets, gaining control of 6 settlements. Russian air defense systems intercepted and shot down multiple U.S.-made ATACMS missiles, aerial bombs, HIMARS rockets, and drones. Russian forces also continued repelling Ukrainian armed forces invading Kursk Oblast. On the Ukrainian side, the General Staff of the Armed Forces stated that Ukrainian troops engaged Russian forces this week in multiple directions, including Pokrovsk, Kupiansk, and Kurakhove, with the frontline situation remaining severe. Ukrainian forces repelled several Russian attacks.
(3) Haiti
Ponsonde town armed attack leaves 50 dead.On October 3, armed militants attacked Ponsonde, a town in central Haiti, killing at least 50 people, injuring 21, burning 45 buildings, and displacing numerous residents. Police reported that the militants, belonging to a local gang, fired automatic rifles at civilians, causing heavy casualties. Haiti's National Police has deployed additional forces from the capital Port-au-Prince to Ponsonde to restore order. The United Nations has called on Haitian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack and hold perpetrators accountable.
(4) Mexico
6 migrants killed in Chiapas State.On October 2, a Mexican military patrol intercepted a suspicious vehicle in the southern state of Chiapas, resulting in the deaths of six migrants. That day, a vehicle carrying migrants failed to stop at a military checkpoint, prompting soldiers to pursue and open fire to intercept it, leading to the fatalities. Currently, two soldiers involved have been dismissed and are awaiting investigation.
(5) Denmark
Two explosions occurred near the Israeli embassy in Denmark.On October 2, two consecutive explosions took place near the Israeli embassy in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, with no casualties reported. The identity of the attackers remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
(6) Russia
Attack in Belgorod Oblast injures seven.On October 4, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted the Shebekinsky District of Russia's Belgorod Oblast, injuring seven people.
(7) Ecuador
State of emergency declared in the capital and multiple regions.On October 3, the Ecuadorian Presidential Palace issued a communiqué announcing a state of emergency in six provinces and two cities, including the capital Quito, Guayas Province, and Los Ríos Province, due to severe internal unrest and armed conflict. Additionally, a 60-day state of emergency was imposed in six provinces (Guayas, Los Ríos, Manabí, Orellana, Santa Elena, and El Oro) and two cities (Quito in Pichincha Province and Ponce Enríquez in Azuay Province).
Maritime Security
(1) Yemen
Two commercial ships attacked by Houthi forces in Hodeidah waters.On October 1, a Panama-flagged oil tanker was attacked by Houthi forces using an unmanned vessel and a missile approximately 120 kilometers northwest of Yemen's Hodeidah Port in the Red Sea, sustaining damage to its port side. The same day, a Liberia-flagged cargo ship was targeted by a Houthi missile about 180 kilometers northwest of Hodeidah Port. No casualties were reported in either incident.
