Global Security Intelligence Briefing (December 29, 2025 – January 4, 2026)

This briefing summarizes global regional security intelligence updates from December 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026. According to security risk assessments, regional security levels are as indicated on the Global Risk Map. Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Ukraine, Palestine, and Venezuela are classified as extremely high-risk areas. During this period, security incidents such as armed conflicts and terrorist attacks occurred frequently in these regions. Chinese-funded enterprises stationed overseas must strengthen their safety precautions. (This information is for internal risk assessment purposes only.)

Middle East Region

(1) Syria

Violent clashes in Latakia kill 3, injure 60. On December 29, media reported that Alawite protests erupted in Latakia city, Latakia Governorate, northwestern Syria on the 28th, demanding the government release thousands of Alawite detainees arrested following the Homs mosque attack. The protests escalated into violent clashes, resulting in 3 deaths—including 1 security force member—and 60 injuries.

Suicide bombing in Aleppo kills 1, injures multiple. On December 31, a police patrol in Aleppo city, the capital of Aleppo Governorate, northern Syria, was targeted in a suicide bombing, killing 1 person and injuring several others. On the same day, while patrol officers were arresting a suspect, the individual detonated an explosive device on their person, causing casualties among police personnel. The attacker's identity remains unknown.

Image: Scene of the suicide bombing

(2) Iraq

U.S. forces withdraw from Al Asad Airbase. On December 31, all U.S.-led international coalition forces completed their withdrawal from Al Asad Airbase in Anbar Province, western Iraq, with the base formally handed over to the Iraqi military.

(3) Palestine and Israel

Israel-Palestine conflict leaves 71,000 dead in Gaza Strip. On January 1, the Gaza Strip's health authority released the latest statistical data showing that since the first ceasefire agreement took effect on October 11, 2025, Israeli airstrikes across Gaza have killed 415 Palestinians and injured 1,152 others. Since the outbreak of the new large-scale Israel-Palestine conflict, Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have resulted in a total of 71,269 deaths and 171,232 injuries.

Shop explosion in Nazareth injures 12. On January 1, an explosion occurred at a shop in Nazareth, northern Israel, injuring 12 people. The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and investigations are ongoing.

(4) Iran

Riots in two provinces kill 3, injure 13. On December 29, large-scale protests erupted in Lorestan Province and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, Iran, in response to the sharp currency devaluation and skyrocketing food prices. The protests escalated into riots, resulting in at least 3 deaths and 13 injuries. In Khorramabad, Lorestan Province, 1 member of the Basij volunteer force was killed in an attack, with 13 law enforcement officers injured. In Lordegan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Province, protesters stormed government buildings, police stations, and banks, burned police vehicles, and opened fire on law enforcement personnel, causing 2 deaths.

(5) Turkey

6 ISIS terrorists neutralized in Yalova Province. On December 29, Turkish police and security forces conducted a counter-terrorism operation in the Elmali district of Yalova Province, neutralizing 6 terrorists affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). The operation also resulted in the deaths of 3 police officers, with 8 police officers and 1 security personnel injured.

(6) Lebanon

UNIFIL patrols attacked by Israeli forces. On January 2, a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol was attacked by Israeli forces near the village of Shuba in southern Lebanon, with no casualties reported. On the same day, another UNIFIL patrol was attacked again in the same area, with no immediate reports of casualties. UNIFIL stated that it had notified Israeli forces of the patrol plans in advance. The Israeli military's actions constitute a serious violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, and UNIFIL has urged Israel to cease attacks on peacekeepers working to maintain peace and stability along the Blue Line.

(7) Yemen

Saudi airstrikes kill 7, injure 20. On January 2, Saudi Arabia launched three airstrikes on the 37th Brigade base of Yemen's Southern Transitional Council in Hadhramaut Governorate, killing 7 people and injuring 20 others. Additionally, clashes erupted between the Southern Transitional Council and Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces across multiple locations in the province. On January 3, the Yemeni government announced the recapture of all military and security facilities in Hadhramaut Province, as well as the province's second-largest city, Say'un.

National state of emergency declared. On December 30, Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council announced a 90-day state of emergency in response to frequent hostilities in Hadhramaut Province, with immediate air, sea, and land restrictions imposed on all national ports and border crossings within 72 hours.

Asia-Pacific Region

(1) Afghanistan

Flash floods and blizzards kill 12, injure 11. On January 1, Afghanistan's National Disaster Management Authority reported that 11 provinces—including Kapisa and Parwan—had been hit by blizzards and flash floods over the past three days, resulting in 12 deaths, at least 11 injuries, 274 completely destroyed homes, and 1,558 partially damaged residences.

Image: Collapsed buildings in Kapisa Province

(2) Pakistan

2025 terrorist attack deaths hit 10-year high. On December 30, Pakistani media reported that terrorist attack-related deaths in Pakistan increased by 73% year-on-year in 2025, reaching a 10-year high. The death toll rose from 1,950 in 2024 to 3,387 in 2025, including 2,115 terrorists, 664 security force personnel, and 580 civilians. Attacks were concentrated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan Provinces, with a significant upward trend in suicide bombings and small drone attacks.

Shooting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa kills 3 police officers. On January 4, a shooting incident in northwestern Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province killed 3 traffic police officers on duty. No further details about the incident have been reported.

(3) Philippines

Grenade attack in Cotabato injures 22. On January 1, a grenade attack in Cotabato Province on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao injured at least 22 people. On the same day, two men on a motorcycle threw a grenade at crowds celebrating the New Year before fleeing the scene. Police are currently hunting for the attackers.

Africa Region

(1) Nigeria

Multiple attacks kill 65, kidnap 47. According to monitoring reports from Hanwei International's security officers stationed in West Africa: On the afternoon of December 29, suspected Boko Haram militants attacked Zah and Mubang villages in the Yadul community of Hong Local Government Area, Adamawa State, killing at least 14 civilians and injuring 2 others. On the evening of December 30, militants attacked Ashi Gye village in the Kunza community of Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, killing 3 civilians, injuring 9 others, and abducting 2 village elders. On the evening of December 31, militants launched successive attacks on Kaiwa, Gela Wu, Gebbe, and other villages in Shanga Local Government Area, Kebbi State, killing at least 8 civilians. In the early morning of January 1, 2026, militants attacked Bum village in the Chugwi community of Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, killing at least 7 civilians. On January 2, militants attacked the Ayetoro-Kiri community in Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area, Kogi State, killing 3 civilians, injuring 4 others, and abducting over 30 people. On the evening of January 3, militants attacked the Hayin Kastinawa community in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area, Zamfara State, abducting at least 15 women. On the same day, militants attacked the Demo community in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State, killing at least 30 civilians, abducting several people, looting shops in the local market, and setting the market on fire.

(2) South Africa

Traffic accident in Eastern Cape kills 9, injures multiple. On December 31, a minibus collided with a seven-seater vehicle on the R61 highway in South Africa's Eastern Cape Province, killing 9 people and injuring several others. The cause of the accident is under investigation.

(3) Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

South Kivu armed conflict kills 1,500 civilians. On December 31, the DRC government announced that the M23 rebel group had continued expanding its territory in eastern South Kivu Province, with the security situation deteriorating continuously. The ongoing armed conflict has resulted in at least 1,500 civilian deaths, thousands of injuries, and displaced over 500,000 people.

Chinese-funded project in Haut-Katanga robbed. On December 29, media reported that a robbery occurred at a Chinese-funded camp in the northwestern region of Likasi city, Haut-Katanga Province, DRC, on the 27th. On the same day, a group of armed individuals in military and police uniforms stole 3 mobile phones and millions of Congolese francs (equivalent to approximately 20,000 RMB) before fleeing the scene.

(4) Sudan

Armed conflict continues. From December 29 to January 4, continuous clashes took place between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces across multiple regions of Sudan. This week, intense fighting occurred in the Kordofan region and Darfur State. Local residential areas, schools, and refugee camps were repeatedly attacked, resulting in 42 deaths and nearly 100 injuries. The ongoing armed conflict of more than two years has caused over 30,000 deaths, tens of thousands of injuries, and displaced more than 12.85 million people in Sudan.

Chinese Embassy in Sudan issues security alert. On January 1, the Chinese Embassy in Sudan once again reminded Chinese citizens not to travel to Sudan in the near future. With the ongoing armed conflict, severe and complex security situation, and frequent attacks on civilian infrastructure causing massive civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, the embassy urged Chinese citizens to avoid traveling to extremely high-risk areas, and advised those already in Sudan to evacuate or relocate to safe areas as soon as possible. Chinese citizens in Sudan are recommended to leave the country as soon as possible if non-essential, closely monitor the situation, avoid lingering near military facilities, critical infrastructure, and crowded public places such as markets, gas stations, and hospitals, and refrain from traveling to conflict zones. In case of emergencies, please contact the police and the embassy immediately for assistance.

Europe and the Americas Region

(1) United States

Over 14,600 killed in gun violence in 2025. On January 1, statistics released by the Gun Violence Archive website showed that the United States recorded 407 mass shootings in 2025, resulting in 14,600 deaths and 26,100 injuries. Among the fatalities, 1,030 were teenagers, with 2,733 injured.

Anti-war protests erupt nationwide. On January 3, anti-war protests were held across multiple U.S. cities to oppose U.S. military operations in Venezuela. In Washington, D.C., demonstrators gathered outside the White House holding signs reading "No War on Venezuela," "No Blood for Oil," and "U.S. Hands Off Latin America" to express their dissatisfaction with the government. In Minneapolis, protesters waved Venezuelan flags and held signs demanding "Free President Maduro." Additionally, more protests were planned for the evening of the 3rd in Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Image: Protesters in Times Square

(2) Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine armed conflict continues. From December 29 to January 4, Russia's special military operation in Ukraine continued. The Russian Ministry of Defense recently released a battle report stating that over the past week, Russian forces conducted 1 large-scale strike and 6 concentrated strikes using high-precision weapons and attack drones against Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises and supporting energy facilities, transportation and port infrastructure, drone facilities, ammunition and fuel depots, and other targets. Russia's air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 12 missiles and 3 HIMARS rockets, and shot down 1,600 Ukrainian drones. Russian forces took control of 9 settlements in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kharkiv directions. On the Ukrainian side, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that within the week, Ukrainian missile forces, air force, and artillery conducted strikes on multiple Russian personnel assembly areas, command posts, ammunition depots, and other targets, and repelled Russian attacks in multiple directions. Ukrainian air defense forces shot down 400 Russian tactical drones. Ukrainian forces also attacked a crude oil preprocessing facility in the Almetyevsk region of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan and the Ilsky Refinery in Krasnodar Krai.

(3) Mexico

Three attacks kill 6, injure 5. On December 29, shootings occurred in the San Edoardo neighborhood of Guadalajara, Jalisco State, and the Victoria residential area in the adjacent Zapopan city, killing 3 people and injuring 4 others. On the same day, a shooting incident on Lazaro Cardenas Boulevard in the Juan Morales community of Yautepec de Zaragoza, Morelos State, killed 2 people and injured 1. On the same day, 1 police officer was abducted and killed by armed militants in El Ocotito town, Chilpancingo, Guerrero State.

(4) Ecuador

Shooting in Manabí kills 6. On December 29, a shooting incident in Puerto López, Manabí Province, western Ecuador, killed at least 6 people and injured 3 others. On the same day, a group of armed individuals opened fire continuously at a beach court in Puerto López, causing multiple casualties at the scene. Preliminary police investigations indicate that the shooting may be related to gang conflicts.

State of emergency declared in 9 provinces and 3 counties. On December 31, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa signed Executive Decree No. 277, declaring a new state of emergency in nine provinces and three counties to address the country's severely unstable security situation. The 60-day emergency status applies to the provinces of Guayas, Manabí, Santa Elena, Los Ríos, El Oro, Pichincha, Esmeraldas, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and Sucumbíos, as well as the counties of La Mana (Cotopaxi Province), Las Naves, and Echeandía (Bolívar Province).

(5) Venezuela

U.S. military launches strikes against Venezuela. In the early morning of January 3, the U.S. military launched large-scale strikes against multiple locations in Venezuela, resulting in at least 40 deaths. President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were taken into custody. Targets included parliamentary buildings, central Caracas, El Libertador Air Base, the Catia La Mar mountain military camp, and the El Libertador Helicopter Base, which were destroyed, with power outages reported in southern Caracas. Subsequently, the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement firmly rejecting and strongly condemning the extremely serious military aggression against Venezuela's territory and people by the United States. The international community reacted strongly, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressing deep shock at the U.S. military actions, noting that the development constitutes a "dangerous precedent." Colombia, Cuba, Russia, and other countries condemned the U.S. for flagrantly violating international law and violating national sovereignty. The Chinese Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela reminded Chinese citizens not to travel to Venezuela in the near future, and advised those already in the country to closely monitor the local security situation, strengthen preventive measures and emergency preparedness, avoid non-essential travel, and stay away from conflict or sensitive areas. In case of emergencies, please contact the police and the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela for assistance immediately.

Image: Explosions in Caracas, Venezuela's capital

(6) Germany

Bank burglary in Gelsenkirchen. On December 30, a bank in Gelsenkirchen, western Germany, was burglarized, with tens of millions of euros stolen from approximately 3,200 safe deposit boxes. Police stated that the thieves drilled through the outer wall to access the vault, with the value of stolen property estimated between 10 million and 90 million euros. Forensic and investigative work is ongoing.

(7) Netherlands

Shooting in Amsterdam kills 2. On January 2, a shooting incident in a park in Amsterdam's Nieuw-West district killed 2 people. The shooter remains at large, and police are appealing to the public for information related to the case.

(8) Peru

Mine attack in La Libertad kills 3, leaves 7 missing. On January 1, a mine in the Pataz region of northwestern Peru's La Libertad Province was attacked by unknown armed individuals, killing at least 3 people and leaving 7 missing.

Train collision in southern Peru injures 4 Chinese tourists. On December 30, two tourist trains collided in the Cusco region of southern Peru, killing 1 person and injuring 30 others—including 4 Chinese tourists. Relevant authorities have dispatched personnel to the scene for rescue operations and accident investigations.

(9) Russia

Republic of Tatarstan attacked. On January 1, an oil facility in the Almetyevsk region of Russia's Republic of Tatarstan was attacked by a Ukrainian drone, triggering a fire. The fire has been extinguished with no casualties reported.

Drone attacks prompt temporary airport restrictions across multiple regions. On January 4, multiple regions of Russia were targeted by drone attacks, leading to temporary restrictions on several airports and suspension of flight operations. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin stated that Russian air defense forces shot down 23 drones targeting Moscow on the same day. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that between 10:00 and 13:00 Moscow time on the 4th, air defense forces shot down 11 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones over Belgorod Oblast, Kursk Oblast, and Ryazan Oblast. Multiple airports across Russia implemented temporary restrictions due to the drone attacks.

(10) Switzerland

Bar fire in Valais kills 40, injures 115. On January 1, a fire broke out at a bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana in the Swiss Alps, Valais Canton, southern Switzerland, killing 40 people and injuring 115 others, with several individuals—including 6 Italian citizens—reported missing. At the time of the incident, numerous tourists were gathered at the bar for New Year celebrations. Valais prosecutors stated that the fire was caused by sparklers placed on champagne bottles.

Maritime Security

(1) Eastern Pacific

U.S. military attacks kill 10. On December 29, the U.S. Southern Command announced that the U.S. Joint Task Force Southern Spear carried out a strike on a "drug trafficking vessel identified as belonging to a terrorist organization" in the Eastern Pacific, killing 2 people. On December 30, U.S. forces struck 3 "drug trafficking vessels" in the Caribbean Sea, killing 3 people while others on board jumped into the sea to escape. On December 31, the U.S. Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted another strike on two so-called "drug trafficking vessels," resulting in 5 deaths.

(2) Gambia

Migrant boat capsizes, killing 7 with multiple missing. On January 1, a migrant boat carrying over 200 illegal immigrants capsized in waters near the North Bank Region of Gambia, killing 7 people and leaving multiple others missing. Currently, 96 people have been rescued, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.