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Global Security Brief

Incident Highlights & Future Threats

Welcome to the Global Security Brief, your weekly go-to source for incident highlights and future threats from around the world. In this newsletter, we bring you timely updates on security incidents worldwide, along with risk analysis and future events to help you stay informed and prepared.

Updated on: 17 February 2025

Global Incident Highlight

Africa

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

On February 14, at least 70 bodies were discovered in a Protestant church in Mayba, North Kivu. The victims were suspected hostages of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamist militant group. This incident highlights the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC and the persistent threat posed by armed groups, further destabilizing the region. On the same day, M23 rebels claimed control of Bukavu, South Kivu, including Kavumu Airport (BKY) and surrounding areas. The capture of Bukavu signals an escalation in the conflict, which could lead to further displacement of civilians and intensification of clashes between government forces and rebel groups. Earlier, between February 10 and 11, CODECO militants attacked villages in Djugu, Ituri, killing at least 52 people and injuring eight others. This attack, which included the burning of homes, underlines the continued ethnic and resource-driven violence in the region, complicating peace efforts.

Ethiopia

On February 11, a bus crash in Oromia killed 26 people and injured 42. Road safety concerns and infrastructure challenges continue to be an issue in Ethiopia, impacting transportation safety and economic productivity.

Mali

On February 15, a landslide at a gold mine in Kenieba, Kayes, killed at least 48 people. Informal mining operations in Mali remain hazardous, with a lack of regulatory oversight leading to frequent deadly incidents.

Nigeria

On February 15, a Nigerian Army airstrike in Zakka village, Katsina, reportedly killed 10 people. The incident, if confirmed, could heighten tensions between the military and local communities, potentially fueling anti-government sentiment. A day earlier, clashes between ISWAP and Boko Haram faction JAS in Abadam, Borno, resulted in at least 31 fatalities. Intra-militant violence highlights the fragmented nature of jihadist groups in Nigeria, which continues to pose a significant security threat.

Somalia

On February 12, airstrikes in Puntland’s Bari region killed 30 IS militants. The continued targeting of IS-linked fighters reflects ongoing counterterrorism efforts by Somali forces and international partners. On February 11, an IS attack on a military base in Togga Jaeel, Puntland, resulted in 27 soldiers and 70 militant deaths. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region. Earlier, between February 9 and 10, an airstrike in Dasaan, Puntland, killed 13 IS militants, further demonstrating ongoing counterterrorism operations.

Zimbabwe

On February 13, a road accident in Beitbridge, Matabeleland South, killed 24 people and injured 30 others. Poor road conditions and vehicle maintenance continue to contribute to deadly traffic accidents in Zimbabwe.



America

Guatemala

On February 10, a bus accident in Guatemala City resulted in at least 51 deaths after the vehicle fell from a bridge. The incident raises concerns about road safety and public transportation infrastructure in the country.

United States

On February 10, a Learjet crash at Scottsdale Airport (SCF) resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The incident led to temporary runway closures, impacting airport operations.



Asia-Pacific

Afghanistan

On February 11, a suicide bombing in Kunduz killed 21 people and injured 33 others. The attack, targeting civilians outside Kabul Bank, indicates the continued activity of insurgent groups and ongoing instability in Afghanistan.

Pakistan

On February 14, an IED explosion in Harnai, Balochistan, killed 11 people near a coal mine. Such incidents highlight the security challenges in Balochistan, where insurgent groups frequently target economic and security infrastructure. A day earlier, security operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa killed 13 suspected militants across multiple districts. The operations underline the Pakistani military’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

Taiwan

On February 13, a suspected gas explosion at a department store in Taichung killed four people and injured 26. Authorities are investigating the cause, and the incident raises concerns over industrial safety regulations.


Europe

Austria

On February 15, a stabbing attack in Villach, Carinthia, killed one person and injured four others. The suspect, reportedly a Syrian national radicalized online, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State. This incident reflects ongoing concerns regarding radicalization and lone-wolf attacks in Europe.

Belgium

On February 13, nationwide strikes led to the closure of Belgian airspace and disruptions in transportation services, including flight cancellations at Charleroi and Brussels Airports. These disruptions highlight labour tensions and economic challenges within Belgium’s workforce.

On February 15, 1 person was killed in a shooting in Anderlecht, Brussels. The incident occurred in front of the Clemenceau metro station. No suspects have been arrested. The incident is part of an ongoing drug war between gangs operating in Brussels, which led to several shootings in the previous weeks.


Germany

On February 13, a vehicle was deliberately driven into a crowd in Munich, injuring 36 people. Authorities identified an extremist motive, raising concerns over the potential for ideologically driven attacks in the region.

 

Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

Iran/Lebanon

On February 13, protests erupted near Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport after an Iranian plane carrying Lebanese citizens was denied landing. Demonstrators blocked roads and clashed with security forces, reflecting ongoing regional tensions and the political sensitivities surrounding Iran-Lebanon relations.

 

The week ahead

The following is a roundup of upcoming protests scheduled to take place around the world during the week of 17-23 February 2025*

February 17

Australia
– Pro-Palestine protest to be held in Belmont, New South Wales on February 17
– Rally against new anti-protest laws to be held in Sydney, New South Wales on February 17

Germany Partial closure of the Berlin Central Station due to construction works from February 17 to April 22

Iran Planned power outages to occur in Tehran on February 17

Mexico Protest and march to be held by transport unions in Mexico City on February 17

Pakistan Local government representatives to stage protest in Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on February 17

Switzerland Climate protest to be held in Emmen, Lucerne on February 17

United States
– President’s Day Protest to be held in West Palm Beach, Florida on February 17
– Protest against Trump administration to be held in Keene, New Hampshire on February 17
– President’s Day Protest to be held in Baltimore, Maryland on February 17
– President’s Day Protest to be held in Atlanta, Georgia on February 17
– President’s Day Protest to be held in Muskegon, Michigan on February 17
– Protest to be held in Port Townsend, Washington on February 17
– Protest to protect democracy to be held in Delhi, New York on February 17
– Protest against Trump administration to be held in Media, Pennsylvania on February 17
– Rally for Democracy to be held in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 17
– Protest against the current administration to be held in Providence, Rhode Island on February 17
– Protest against government actions to be held in Canton, Ohio on February 17
– March for working families to be held in Richmond, Virginia on February 17
– Protest against Project 2025 to be held in Honolulu, Hawaii on February 17
– Protest against Project 2025 to be held in Hilo, Hawaii on February 17
– Protest against Project 2025 to be held in Kona, Hawaii on February 17
– March against Fascism to be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 17
– President’s Day Protest to be held in Tampa, Florida on February 17
– Protest against President Trump to be held in multiple cities including:
– Irvine, California
– Sacramento, California
– San Diego, California
– Riverside, California
– New York City, New York
– Portland, Oregon
– Dallas, Texas
– Phoenix, Arizona
– Denver, Colorado
– San Antonio, Texas
– Austin, Texas
– Topeka, Kansas
– Nashville, Tennessee
– Seattle, Washington
– Tacoma, Washington
– Spokane, Washington
– Wenatchee, Washington
– Olympia, Washington
– Hartford, Connecticut
– New London, Connecticut
– Augusta, Maine
– Cincinnati, Ohio
– Concord, New Hampshire
– Fort Wayne, Indiana
– Watertown, New York
– Frankfort, Kentucky
– Columbus, Ohio
– Birmingham, Alabama
– South Bend, Indiana
– Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania
– Lansing, Michigan
– Annapolis, Maryland
– Montpelier, Vermont
– Burlington, Vermont
– Fort Myers, Florida
– Sarasota, Florida
– Ocala, Florida
– Orlando, Florida
– Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
– Tallahassee, Florida
– Chicago, Illinois
– Albany, New York
– Madison, Wisconsin
– Carson City, Nevada
– Miami, Florida
– Jefferson City, Missouri
– Lincoln, Nebraska
– Buffalo, New York
– Evansville, Indiana
– Salem, Oregon
– Houston, Texas
– Des Moines, Iowa
– Trenton, New Jersey
– Indianapolis, Indiana
– Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
– Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
– Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
– Washington, D.C. (Pro-democracy protest)
– Huntington, West Virginia
– Morgantown, West Virginia
– Boston, Massachusetts
 

February 18

Australia Rally to stop anti-Palestinian racism to be held in Parramatta, New South Wales on February 18

Bangladesh Awami League to stage nationwide strike action on February 18

Colombia Matecaña International Airport (PEI) to be closed due to scheduled maintenance work from February 18-19

Dominican Republic General strike to be held in Salcedo and Tenares, Hermanas Mirabal on February 18-19

France Protest to demand for the release of Georges Abdallah to be held in Amiens, Hauts-de-France on February 19

Germany
– Protest against the far-right to be held in Bad Kreuznach, Rhineland-Palatinate on February 18
– Protest against the far-right to be held in Berlin on February 19
– Protest against the far-right to be held in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia on February 19
– Protest against the far-right to be held in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia on February 20
– Protest against the far-right to be held in Fulda, Hesse on February 21
– Protest against the far-right to be held in Delmenhorst, Lower Saxony on February 22
– Protest against the far-right to be held in Winsen, Lower Saxony on February 22
– Protest against the far-right to be held in Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia on February 22

Greece
– Healthcare workers to stage nationwide 24-hour strike action on February 18
– Taxi drivers to go on strike in Athens, Attica on February 19
 

February 19

Australia Pro-Palestine protest to be held in Newcastle, New South Wales on February 19

France Pro-Palestine protest to be held in Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes on February 19

Ghana CLOGSAG to begin nationwide strike from February 20

Spain Protest to be held in Ceuta on February 19
 

February 20-23

Germany Federal elections to be held on February 23

Portugal Multiple Pro-Ukraine rallies across Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Coimbra on February 23

United States Multiple Pro-Ukraine rallies in Washington, D.C., Austin, Texas, and Boston, Massachusetts on February 22-23

* The details for these events, including the exact location and time, are available on the Hozint’s intelligence platform. Log in or Request Access.

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