Hanwei International Security Weekly (September15-22, 2025)

Armed Conflicts Continue. From September 22 to 28, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continued to exchange fire in various parts of Sudan. This week, the two warring parties fought fiercely in the central White Nile State, leading to severe damage to important civilian facilities in the state, such as the Umm Dabak Power Station, a civilian fuel depot and the Kenana Civilian Airport. On September 19, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights released a report stating that the harm caused by the armed conflict in Sudan to civilians is increasing. The United Nations has recorded at least 3,384 civilian deaths in the conflict in the first half of 2025 alone, and the actual death toll may be higher. In addition, the ongoing armed conflict has also paralyzed the health system in some areas and led to repeated outbreaks of cholera. According to statistics from Sudan's health sector, as of September 15, a total of 11,733 cholera cases and 454 deaths have been reported. At present, the Darfur region is the most severely affected by the epidemic. The epidemic is spreading in places such as Jebel Marra, Zalingei and Nyala Darfur, with a sharp increase in infection and death cases.

Middle East Region

(I) Libya

Armed Conflicts Erupt Near the Capital. On September 24, armed conflicts broke out between the security forces of Libya's Government of National Unity and the local armed group "Kabtata" in the Zawiya region, approximately 60 kilometers west of the capital Tripoli. The conflicts resulted in multiple casualties, including one security guard at an oil facility. The conflicts spread to residential areas and around oil refineries, leading to the suspension of classes in all schools in the Zawiya region. It is reported that the conflicts were triggered by the security department's arrest of several members of Kabtata.

(II) Palestine and Israel

Palestinian Death Toll from Palestine-Israel Conflict Reaches 65,500. From September 22 to 28, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) continued to launch attacks on multiple locations in the Gaza Strip and advanced toward the central area of Gaza City in the northern part of the strip. On September 24, the health department of the Gaza Strip stated that the IDF carried out an air strike on a warehouse housing displaced people in Gaza City, killing 22 people (including women and children), injuring nearly 100 others, and trapping dozens under the rubble. As of September 25, since the outbreak of the new round of Palestine-Israel conflict, the IDF's military operations in Gaza have caused 65,502 Palestinian deaths and 167,376 injuries. In addition, as Israel continues to escalate its military operations, humanitarian aid operations have been gradually canceled, and more than 700,000 Palestinians have left Gaza City and evacuated southward.

Scene of the Attack on Gaza City in Northern Gaza Strip

Eilat, Israel Attacked. On September 24, Yemen's Houthi rebels stated that the group launched a drone attack on the southern Israeli city of Eilat on the same day, injuring 22 people. The Israeli military said that the Houthi rebels' attack on Israel would be met with severe retaliation.

(III) Lebanon

Israeli Air Strike Kills 5, Injures 2. On September 22, media reports stated that the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil was attacked by Israel, resulting in 5 deaths and 2 injuries. On the same day, Israeli drones fired two missiles at the center of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, hitting a motorcycle and a car respectively. Among the 5 U.S. citizens in the car, 4 were killed and 1 was injured.

(IV) Yemen

Israeli Military Air Strike Kills 8, Injures 142. On September 25, Sanaa, the capital of Yemen controlled by the Houthi rebels, was hit by large-scale Israeli air strikes, killing 8 people and injuring 142 others. On the same day, the Israeli military dispatched 20 drones to attack targets including the "Security and Intelligence Agency" (the Houthi rebels' largest intelligence agency) and the "Correction Center" (a facility holding prisoners). Multiple nearby civilian houses were severely damaged. The Israeli military stated that the attack was in response to the Houthi rebels' drone attack on Eilat.

Scene of the Attack on Sanaa

Asia-Pacific Region

(I) Pakistan

Multiple Attacks Kill 2, Injure 7. On September 22, media reports stated that the residence of Shakeel Durrani, a senior leader of the Pakistan People's Party, in Khuzdar, Balochistan Province, was attacked with a hand grenade on the 20th, injuring 7 bodyguards. On September 22, an explosion occurred near the Kagazai checkpoint in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, killing at least 1 person. On the same day, a police officer was shot and killed by "Taliban" militants in the Tappi Killa area of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province.

(II) Philippines

Protests Cause 1 Death and Multiple Injuries. On September 22, large-scale protest demonstrations broke out in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and other places, demanding that the government thoroughly investigate the corruption case related to flood control projects. Nearly 100,000 people participated in the day's protests in major cities such as Manila, Cebu, and Davao. During the protests, some demonstrators clashed with the police. Protesters threw Molotov cocktails, stones, and other objects at the police; the police fired tear gas and engaged in physical conflicts with the protesters. The incident resulted in at least 1 death, more than 90 police officers injured, and 216 arrests.

(III) Cambodia and Thailand

Armed Conflict Breaks Out on the Border. On September 27, an armed conflict broke out between Cambodia and Thailand on their border; no casualties have been reported yet. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defense issued a statement saying that the Thai armed forces fired multiple mortar shells at a Cambodian military base in Preah Vihear Province on the same day. The Thai side, however, stated that Cambodian troops first opened fire and launched grenades at the Thai side, and the Thai side ordered a counterattack.

(IV) India

Stampede in Tamil Nadu Kills 39, Injures 40. On September 27, a stampede occurred at an election rally in Tamil Nadu, southern India, resulting in 39 deaths and more than 40 injuries. At the time of the incident, a large crowd at the rally rushed toward the stage; some people tripped over roadblocks, triggering the stampede. It is reported that the rally was organized by a well-known local actor to build momentum for his political party's participation in next year's local elections.

Africa Region

(I) Nigeria

Multiple Attacks Kill 22, Kidnap 16. According to a monitoring report by Hanwei International's security officers stationed in West Africa: In the early morning of September 21, suspected Fulani armed herders attacked the Dengi Community under the Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau State, kidnapping 3 people including the community leader. In the early morning of September 22, unknown gunmen attacked a highway checkpoint near Tella Town under the Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State, killing 1 police officer. In the late night of the same day, dozens of armed militants attacked Bayan Dutsi Village in the Tofa Community under the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State, injuring 3 villagers and kidnapping several people. In the early morning of September 23, armed militants attacked the Motokun Community under the Patigi Local Government Area and the Chekugi Community under the Edu Local Government Area of Kwara State successively, killing at least 1 person and kidnapping 8 others. In the late night of the same day, suspected "Boko Haram" terrorists attacked the Wagga Mongono Community under the Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State, killing 4 local residents and injuring multiple people. In the early morning of September 24, armed militants attacked Kauran Fawa Village under the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, killing 1 villager and injuring 1 other. In the early morning of September 26, armed bandits attacked a mosque in the Yandoto Community under the Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing at least 5 worshippers and injuring several people. In the early morning of September 28, armed bandits attacked Ogba-Ayo Village in the Oke-Ode Community under the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, killing at least 10 community security team members and kidnapping 5 people.

Security Warning 1: On September 24, according to a monitoring report by Hanwei International's security officers stationed in West Africa, Nigerian bandits are planning to attack foreign-funded companies along the route of Kogi and Kwara States using a Hilux pickup truck painted in military vehicle style (equipped with a heavy machine gun). Chinese citizens and enterprises in the local area are requested to strengthen security precautions, avoid traveling to the above-mentioned areas, and ensure personal and property safety.

Security Warning 2: On September 27, according to a monitoring report by Hanwei International's security officers stationed in West Africa, Nigerian armed groups plan to launch attacks on Borgu, Mokwa, and Kontagora Local Government Areas of Niger State in the near future. Chinese citizens and enterprises in Nigeria are requested to strengthen security precautions, avoid traveling to the above-mentioned areas, and ensure personal and property safety.

Map of Dangerous Areas

(II) South Africa

Chinese Citizen Shot Dead in Cape Town. On September 22, a shooting incident occurred on Voortrekker Road in Cape Town, South Africa, resulting in the death of a Chinese man. In response, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa reminded Chinese citizens and enterprise institutions in South Africa to strengthen security precautions, avoid traveling to the area where the incident occurred, and guard against serious crimes such as kidnapping.

Scene of the Shooting Incident

(III) Algeria

Counter-Terrorism Operation Kills 6 Terrorists. On September 24, the Algerian military carried out a counter-terrorism operation in the Tlemcen region in northeastern Algeria, killing 6 terrorists and seizing 6 submachine guns, a large amount of ammunition, and other materials.

(IV) Mali

3 Foreign Citizens Kidnapped in Koulikoro Region. On September 23, a kidnapping incident occurred in the Sanankoro Ba area of the Koulikoro Region, south of Mali's capital Bamako. Two Emirati citizens and one Iranian citizen were kidnapped, and one Emirati private plane was set on fire and destroyed. At present, the identity of the attackers is unknown, and all parties are conducting rescue operations.

(V) Sudan

Armed Conflicts Continue. From September 22 to 28, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces continued to exchange fire in various parts of Sudan. This week, the two warring parties mainly fought for control in North Darfur State in the west and the capital Khartoum region. Among the clashes, the office building of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, was hit by shelling, killing at least 7 people and leading to the theft of communication equipment and vehicles. The armed conflict that has lasted for more than two years has caused over 30,000 deaths and displaced 12.9 million people in Sudan.

Scene of the Attack on a Civilian House in El Fasher, Capital of North Darfur State

Europe and America Region

(I) United States

6 Shooting Incidents Kill 9, Injure 28. On September 22, a shooting occurred in Indianapolis, Indiana, killing at least 2 people and injuring 5 others. On September 23, a shooting happened outside a grocery store on South Loop in the 1200 block of South Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, injuring 1 person. On the same day, a shooting occurred in the 400 block of Steiner Drive in Hemet, California, killing 1 person and injuring 3 others. On September 24, the office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Dallas, Texas, was shot at, resulting in 1 death and 2 injuries; the gunman committed suicide on the spot. On September 27, a shooting took place at a bar in Southport, North Carolina, killing at least 3 people and injuring 8 others. On the night of the incident, the gunman opened fire on the crowd in the open-air bar from a fishing boat and then fled by boat. On September 28, a shooting occurred at a church in Grand Blanc, Michigan, killing 1 person and injuring 9 others.

Scene of the September 24 Shooting in Dallas

(II) Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine Armed Conflict Continues. From September 22 to 28, Russia's special military operation in Ukraine continued. The Russian Ministry of Defense recently released a battle report stating that over the past week, the Russian military has carried out one large-scale strike and six concentrated strikes using high-precision weapons and attack drones. The targets included Ukraine's military-industrial complex, transportation and energy infrastructure of the Ukrainian military, ammunition depots, military airports, remote drone assembly, storage and launch sites, as well as temporary stations of the Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries. The Russian military also reported that the special military operation this year has taken control of more than 4,700 square kilometers of land and 205 residential areas. On the Ukrainian side, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that within this week, the Ukrainian military repelled Russian attacks in multiple directions and launched effective strikes on Russian ammunition depots, material storage bases, and military equipment. The Ukrainian military also attacked multiple important facilities in Russia related to energy production, transportation, and military-industrial manufacturing, including Russia's petrochemical plants, oil pumping stations, drone production bases, and logistics facilities at the two Black Sea coastal ports of Novorossiysk and Tuapse.

(III) Ecuador

Two Prison Riots Kill 31, Injure 14. On September 22, a riot broke out at a prison in Machala, El Oro Province, southwestern Ecuador, resulting in the deaths of 13 prisoners and 1 prison guard, 14 injuries, and the escape of multiple prisoners. Police Chief William Calle stated that the riot was triggered by gang conflicts among drug trafficking groups and lasted for approximately 40 minutes; currently, the prison "has been brought back under control". On September 25, a gang conflict occurred at a prison in Esmeraldas Province, northern Ecuador, killing at least 17 people. The police said that the riot was caused by a criminal group ordering its members in the prison to eliminate members of other gangs.

(IV) Norway

Explosion Near Israeli Embassy in Norway. On September 23, a hand grenade explosion occurred near the Israeli Embassy in central Oslo, the capital of Norway; no casualties were reported. The explosion site was approximately 500 meters away from the Israeli Embassy, and some unexploded explosives were also found at the scene. At present, one suspect has been arrested, and the relevant investigation is ongoing.

(V) Canada

3 Attacks Kill 1, Injure 4. On September 22, a knife attack occurred in the area of Mason Road and Eglinton Avenue East in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada, injuring 1 person. On the same day, a stabbing incident took place in the Oakdale-Beverley Heights community at 1746 Wilson Avenue in North York, Ontario, injuring 1 man. On September 23, a shooting occurred at a bar in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec Province, Canada, killing 1 person and injuring 2 others.

Scene of the Shooting at the Bar in Deux-Montagnes, Quebec

(VI) Russia

Attacks in Multiple Locations Kill 2, Injure 10. On September 22, Moscow, Moscow Oblast, Russia, was attacked by Ukrainian drones; no casualties were reported. On the same day, the Valuiki District of Belgorod Oblast, Russia, was attacked by Ukrainian drones, injuring 3 civilians. On September 24, the center of Novorossiysk in Krasnodar Krai, southern Russia, was attacked by Ukrainian drones, killing 2 people and injuring 7 others, and damaging 5 civilian houses and 1 hotel.

(VII) Belgium

Knife Attack in Roeselare Kills 3. On September 22, a man carried out a series of knife attacks at multiple locations in Roeselare, West Flanders Province, Belgium, killing 3 people. The perpetrator has been arrested, and the motive for the attack is still under investigation.

(VIII) Brazil

Shooting in Ceará Kills 2, Injures 3. On September 25, a shooting occurred at a school in Sobral, Ceará State, northeastern Brazil, killing 2 students and injuring 3 others. On the same day, two suspects arrived near the Luís Filipe Public School on a motorcycle and opened fire into the school from the sidewalk outside the campus, causing casualties among multiple students who were taking a break between classes. At present, the perpetrators are at large, and the motive for the attack is unknown.

(IX) Mexico

2 Missing Colombian Musicians Confirmed Dead. On September 22, Mexican authorities stated that two Colombian musicians who went missing last week were found dead on the outskirts of Mexico City. Investigations showed that both victims had signs of being subjected to violence before death; relevant investigations have been launched.

Train-Bus Collision in Guanajuato Kills 5, Injures Multiple. On September 27, a collision between a train and a passenger bus occurred in Comonfort, Guanajuato State, central Mexico, killing at least 5 people and injuring multiple others. The accident happened at a railway crossing in the La Nopalera community of the city; a passenger bus tried to cross the railway ahead of the train, leading to the accident.

(X) Italy

Riots Triggered by Protests Injure 60. On September 23, protests in support of Palestine broke out in more than 80 cities in Italy. In Rome, the capital, over 10,000 people gathered in the city center and railway stations, chanting slogans such as "Free Palestine" and "Let's Stop Everything". During the protests, some demonstrators clashed with the police, resulting in 60 police officers injured. Affected by the protests, urban public transportation was paralyzed, and subways and large ports were temporarily closed.

Maritime Security

(I) Gulf of Aden

Merchant Ship Attacked. On September 23, a merchant ship sailing in the waters approximately 120 nautical miles east of the Gulf of Aden (Yemen) was attacked, with no ship damage or casualties reported. The captain stated that an explosive device detonated near the ship. At present, no organization has claimed responsibility for this attack.

 (II) Greece

Convoy Attacked. On September 24, a convoy transporting aid supplies to the Gaza Strip was attacked by Israeli drones in the waters south of Greece. There have been no reports of casualties or property losses so far. Composed of about 50 ships from dozens of countries, the convoy was carrying humanitarian aid supplies such as food and medicine for Palestinians in Gaza. After the incident, Italy and Spain expressed strong condemnation and planned to dispatch naval vessels to escort the convoy.

 (III) Philippines

Fishing Boat Capsizes in Northern Waters, Killing 1 and Leaving 6 Missing. On September 22, a Philippine fishing boat capsized due to strong winds in the waters near Santa Ana Town, Cagayan Province, northern Philippines, resulting in 1 death and 6 people missing. The boat was carrying a total of 13 fishermen, among whom 6 were rescued. Currently, search and rescue operations are still underway.