This issue summarizes global regional security intelligence updates from February 23 to March 1, 2026. Based on security risk assessments, regional security levels are shown on the global risk map.

Middle East
- Attack on checkpoint in Raqqa, Syria kills 5, injures 2.On February 23, a checkpoint in Raqqa city, capital of Raqqa Governorate in northern Syria, was attacked by militants of the extremist group Islamic State, killing 4 Interior Ministry security personnel and injuring 2. One attacker was killed.
- US-Israeli airstrike in Babil Governorate, Iraq kills 2, injures 3.On February 28, northern areas of Babil Governorate, Iraq, were hit by a US-Israeli airstrike, killing at least 2 and injuring 3.The Iraqi Interior Ministry stated that a command center of the Iran-aligned Shia militia Popular Mobilization Forces in Babil Governorate was targeted.Road accident in Anbar Governorate kills 13, injures 5.On February 25, a serious traffic accident occurred on the highway between Fallujah and Ramadi in western Iraq’s Anbar Governorate, killing at least 13 and injuring 5.
- US-Israeli military strikes on Iran cause nearly 1,000 casualties.On February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran, killing more than 200 people—including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several senior officials—and injuring over 700.Nearly 1,000 targets, including Iran’s Presidential Office and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security, were struck. A primary school in Minab City, Hormozgan Province, southern Iran, was hit by an Israeli missile, killing 165 students and injuring 96.The strikes were ongoing at the time of reporting.Following the attacks, Iran launched large-scale retaliation. On February 28, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced Operation True Promise‑4 against the US and Israel, targeting 27 US military bases in the Middle East and firing 4 ballistic missiles at the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier.US Central Command stated that as of 09:30 on March 1, 3 US military personnel had been killed, 5 critically wounded, and others injured in operations against Iran.On March 1, the Iranian government issued a statement on the martyrdom of Supreme Leader Khamenei, vowing to make the enemy “pay a heavy price” with all strength and resolve. Iran declared 40 days of national mourning and a 7‑day suspension of public institutions.The US‑Israeli attacks on Iran and the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader caused strong international shock. Many countries expressed deep concern over the further escalation of the situation in the Middle East on March 1 and called for dialogue.UN Secretary‑General António Guterres condemned the large‑scale US‑Israeli military strikes on Iran and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory actions for violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of multiple countries.The International Atomic Energy Agency urged all parties to the Middle East conflict to exercise restraint to avoid nuclear safety risks to local civilians.
- Israeli‑Palestinian conflict kills 72,000 in Gaza.On February 26, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes on eastern Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, and southern Khan Yunis, killing 2 Palestinians and injuring 5.According to Gaza’s Health Ministry on February 27, Israeli strikes have killed 618 people and injured 1,663 since the first phase of the Gaza truce agreement took effect.Since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have killed 72,082 Palestinians, injured 171,761, and left nearly 10,000 missing.

- Iranian missile strikes on Israel kill 1, injure 20.On February 28, Tel Aviv, Haifa, Galilee and other areas in Israel were hit by IRGC missile attacks, killing 1, injuring 20, and damaging multiple buildings. A missile attack on Tel Aviv on the evening of February 28 killed one woman and wounded several others, causing fires and partial building collapses.
- Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill 2, injure 18.On February 26, the Baalbek area in the Bekaa Valley, eastern Lebanon, was hit by several Israeli airstrikes, killing 2, injuring 18, and damaging homes and shops.The IDF stated the targets were 8 military sites of Hezbollah’s Radwan Force.
- Drone attack on Kuwait International Airport injures several.On February 28, a drone struck Terminal 1 of Kuwait International Airport, injuring several staff and damaging facilities.
- Iranian attacks on UAE kill 3, injure 58.On March 1, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ministry of Defense announced that Iranian missile and drone attacks between February 28 and March 1 had killed 3 and injured 58.The UAE monitored 165 ballistic missiles: 152 intercepted, 13 fell into the sea, 2 cruise missiles intercepted.541 drones were tracked: 506 intercepted, 35 landed inside the UAE, causing casualties.
- Chinese Embassy and Consulate in UAE issue security alert.On February 28, the Chinese Embassy in the UAE and the Chinese Consulate‑General in Dubai reminded Chinese citizens to closely monitor the situation, strengthen security awareness, reduce travel, and stay away from military bases and sensitive facilities. In case of emergency, contact local police and the consulate immediately.
Asia‑Pacific
- Afghanistan‑Pakistan border clashes cause over 100 casualties.From February 24 to 27, continuous cross‑border fighting between Afghanistan and Pakistan caused over 100 casualties.Pakistan’s Prime Minister’s Office stated Afghan forces launched unprovoked artillery attacks on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In response, Pakistan airstruck 22 Afghan targets, killing 274 militants, wounding over 400, destroying 73 outposts, seizing 18, and destroying 115 tanks, armored vehicles and artillery.12 Pakistani soldiers were killed, 27 injured, 1 missing.Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry stated the conflict began when Pakistani forces fired on Afghan border patrols on February 24. Afghanistan then struck Pakistani military facilities, capturing 27 outposts and killing 110 soldiers.
- Attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan kills 3.On February 23, unidentified gunmen attacked an ambulance in Karak city, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, killing 3. No group claimed responsibility.Anti‑US protests kill 20.On March 1, anti‑US protests across Pakistan turned violent, killing at least 20 and injuring over 100.In Islamabad, ~4,000 protesters approached the US Embassy; 3 died in clashes.In Karachi, 10 died when police dispersed crowds trying to storm the US Consulate.In Gilgit‑Baltistan, 7 died when protesters attacked a UN office and military facilities.
- Shooting incident on Malaysia‑Thailand border.On February 25, a shooting occurred on the Malaysia‑Thailand border highway. The vehicle of Malaysia’s Border Affairs Commander was shot at; no casualties. Police are investigating possible retaliation by border criminal groups.
- Chinese citizen robbed in Osaka, Japan.On February 26, a Chinese citizen was assaulted in Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, and a bag containing 5 million yen was stolen. The suspect remains at large.The Chinese Consulate‑General in Osaka protested and urged a swift investigation.In view of recent public security deterioration, Chinese consular authorities reminded citizens to avoid travel to Japan.
- Conflict at Chinese enterprise in Bagmati Province, Nepal injures 5 Chinese staff.On February 23, a clash between Chinese and local workers at a Chinese‑operated food factory in Sindhuli, Bagmati Province, injured 5 Chinese and 2 local employees, triggered by the dismissal of a local worker.Chinese enterprises were advised to strictly follow local labor laws.Bus plunges into river, killing 18 including 1 Chinese citizen.On February 23, a bus from Pokhara to Kathmandu crashed into the Trisuli River, killing 18 (including 1 Chinese citizen) and injuring 26.The Chinese Embassy reminded citizens to prioritize transport safety.

Africa
Multiple attacks in Nigeria kill 47, abduct 17.
According to security monitoring:
Feb 21: Kaduna State – 1 driver killed, 6 passengers abducted
Feb 22: Plateau State – 9 civilians killed, 3 injured
Feb 23: Sokoto State – 3 killed, 1 abducted
Feb 24: Adamawa State – 25 civilians killed (IS‑WA)
Feb 25: Ondo State – 6 churchgoers abducted; Kwara State – 4 farm workers abducted; Kebbi State – 4 worshippers killed, 5 injured
Feb 26: Plateau State – 5 civilians killed
- Armed robberies in Gauteng, South Africa kill 2, injure 1.On February 25, armed robberies in Johannesburg and Pretoria killed 2 and injured 1.
- Government airstrike in DRC kills 8 M23 militants.On February 24, Congolese government forces struck an M23 camp near Rubaya mines, North Kivu, killing 8 including a military spokesperson. M23 condemned the strike.
- Police station attacked in Kouandé, Benin.On February 24, unidentified gunmen attacked and set fire to a police station in Atakora Department. No casualty figures. Security forces launched manhunts.
- Armed conflict continues in Sudan.From February 23 to March 1, clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces continued across Sudan, especially in Darfur.On February 24, RSF drone and ground attacks in North Darfur killed 28 civilians and injured 39.The UN Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire and protection of civilians.
Europe & Americas
Violent incidents in the US.
Feb 24: Pierce County, Washington – stabbing attack kills 4; suspect shot dead
Feb 26: San Francisco Bay Area – shooting kills 1
Mar 1: Austin, Texas – bar shooting kills 3, injures 14; Cincinnati, Ohio – concert hall shooting injures 9
- Russia‑Ukraine conflict continues.From February 23 to March 1, Russia’s special military operation continued.Russian MOD claimed large‑scale strikes on Ukrainian military‑industrial, energy, and drone facilities; destroyed aerial bombs, HIMARS rockets, Neptune missiles, and 1,541 drones; captured settlements in Sumy, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia.Ukraine’s General Staff stated Ukrainian forces repelled attacks, struck command posts and ammo depots, and recaptured 400 km². Ukrainian long‑range drones struck Russian oil depots and military factories.On Feb 26, Russia handed over 1,000 Ukrainian bodies; Ukraine returned 35 Russian bodies.Attacks on Ukrainian police kill 1, injure 32.Bomb attacks in Mykolaiv, Dnipro, and Lviv targeted police on February 23.
- Unrest in Mexico kills 57.From February 23, riots erupted in Jalisco, Michoacán, Colima after a drug cartel leader was killed. 25 National Guard, 1 prison guard, 1 prosecutor killed; 30 cartel members shot dead.The Chinese Embassy in Mexico urged caution when traveling to several states.

- Bomb attack in Moscow Region kills 2, injures 2.On February 24, a suicide bomber detonated explosives near police at a Moscow Oblast train station, killing 1 officer, injuring 2. The 22‑year‑old attacker died.
- Drone attack on Russian chemical plant kills 7, injures 10.On February 25, 30 Ukrainian drones struck the Dorogobuzh chemical plant in Smolensk, causing a fire, casualties, and damage.

Maritime Security
- US military action in Caribbean Sea kills 3.On February 23, US Southern Command struck a suspected drug‑smuggling vessel, killing 3. Since September 2, 2025, US forces have conducted at least 44 operations, killing at least 150 “narcoterrorists.”
- Maritime clash off Cuba kills 4 Americans, injures 7.On February 25, a confrontation between Cuban border guards and an unauthorized US speedboat resulted in 4 US personnel killed and 6 Cubans injured. Cuba stated the boat opened fire first. US Secretary Rubio denied official involvement.
- 6 fishermen missing in southern Philippines.On February 23, the Philippine Coast Guard reported 6 fishermen missing off Mati City, Davao Oriental, after failing to return from a fishing trip on February 20. Search and rescue operations continue.