Hanwei Global Security Information

Based on the security risk assessment, the security levels of various regions are shown in the Global Risk Map. Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Ukraine, Palestine, Venezuela and other regions 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 enhance their security precautions.

(This information is for the internal risk assessment of our company only)

Middle East

(I) Syria

Arrest of 2 Extremist Group Members: On 12 January, the security forces of the Syrian Interim Government launched a raid on a hideout of Islamic State militants in Homs Governorate, arresting 2 members of the extremist group who were involved in the mosque bombing in Homs City last month.

US Military Kills Al-Qaeda Leader: On 16 January, the US Central Command announced that Bilal Hassan Jasim, a leader of the Al-Qaeda terrorist organization, was killed in a military strike in northwestern Syria. Jasim had organized the attack on US troops stationed in Syria last month.
New Agreement Between Interim Government and Syrian Democratic Forces: On 18 January, the Syrian Interim Government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces reached a new ceasefire and comprehensive integration agreement. Under the agreement, the two sides will immediately and fully cease fire on all current frontlines and points of contact. Armed personnel of the Syrian Democratic Forces will be integrated into the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of the Interior of the Interim Government, and local administrative and military powers in Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa and Al-Hasakah Governorates will be fully transferred to the Interim Government.

(II) Iraq

Traffic Accident in Anbar Governorate Kills 7: On 12 January, a traffic accident occurred while Iraqi border guard forces were on a mission in western Anbar Governorate, killing 7 border guard personnel. No details of the incident have been reported.

(III) Palestine and Israel

Gaza Conflict Death Toll Reaches 71,400: On 15 January, the Israel Defense Forces launched an air strike on central Gaza, killing 10 Palestinians and injuring many others. In addition, Israeli forces shot and killed Mahmoud Astal, the director of the investigation department of the Khan Yunis Police Station in southern Gaza. As of 16 January, since the entry into force of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, Israeli military attacks have resulted in 463 deaths and 1,269 injuries. Since the outbreak of the new large-scale Israel-Palestine conflict, Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have killed a total of 71,455 Palestinians and injured 171,347 others.

(IV) Iran

Arrest of 297 Rioters: On 13 January, the Iranian Police Force arrested 297 rioters in various parts of the country. In recent days, riots have broken out in some areas of Iran. "Terrorists" attacked military and police personnel, public facilities, religious sites, etc., causing about 2,000 deaths, including 111 security personnel. On the same day, Iran's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, sent a letter to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the rotating President of the UN Security Council, condemning the US for inciting violence in Iran, interfering in Iran's internal affairs and undermining peace.

(V) Lebanon

Israeli Military Attacks Peacekeeping Forces: On 12 January, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeeping forces were shelled by the Israeli military, with no casualties reported. On the same day, when UNIFIL stopped 2 Israeli Merkava tanks from advancing from one position to another, the Israeli military fired 3 shells at UNIFIL. UNIFIL stated that this act of the Israeli military constitutes a serious violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and urged Israel to stop attacks on peacekeepers.
Israeli Air Strike on Hezbollah Underground Facilities: On 12 January, the Israel Defense Forces launched an air strike on an underground facility used by Hezbollah to store weapons in Sidon, southern Lebanon, killing 1 Hezbollah fighter.

Scene of the air strike on Sidon in southern Lebanon

Asia-Pacific Region

(I) Pakistan

Multiple Attacks Leave 10 Dead and 5 InjuredOn January 12, an armored police vehicle was hit by a remote-controlled bomb near the police station in Gomal City, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, killing 6 police officers. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.On January 13, a bus carrying members of a local peace committee was attacked by unidentified armed men in the Bannu area of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, resulting in the death of all 4 people on board.On January 14, a convoy of the Pakistan Army Commando Battalion was ambushed by unknown armed forces on the Tumruk-Nazirabad section in the Kech area of Balochistan Province, injuring 2 soldiers.

On the same day, a private ambulance came under attack by unidentified gunmen at the Spelka Intersection in Bannu City, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province, wounding 3 escorts and damaging the vehicle.

(II) New Zealand

Shooting Incident on the North Island Kills 1 and Injures 3

On January 14, a shooting occurred in the Horowhenua region on the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, leaving 1 person dead and 3 others seriously injured. At present, the incident site has been cordoned off by the police and an investigation is underway.

(III) Australia

Three Attacks Cause 2 Deaths and 2 InjuriesOn January 12, a caregiver was killed by their employer in Buchan Village, Logan City, Queensland. The suspect employer has been arrested by the police.On the same day, a shooting took place at a residence on Newman Street in Merrylands, western Sydney, resulting in 1 fatality. The gunman remains at large.

On January 19, a shooting incident in Adelaide, South Australia, left 2 people injured.

(IV) Cambodia

Multiple Chinese Citizens Reported MissingOn January 17, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Cambodia announced that there have been multiple cases of Chinese citizens going missing or losing contact in the country recently, most of which are linked to online fraud.

In response, the Chinese side urged the Cambodian authorities to take concrete measures to crack down on crimes targeting Chinese citizens, such as illegal detention and violent assault, as well as online fraud activities, to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in Cambodia.

(V) Thailand

Train Accident Kills 32 and Injures 64On January 14, an express train traveling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani Province was hit by a collapsing crane when passing through Sikhoraphum District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province in northeastern Thailand. The accident killed at least 32 people and injured 64 others.At the time of the incident, the crane was being used for the construction of an elevated high-speed railway above the existing rail line. Rescue operations are still ongoing.

Accident Scene

Africa Region

(I) Nigeria

Multiple Attacks Leave 16 Dead and at Least 52 KidnappedAccording to the monitoring report by Hanwei International's security officer stationed in West Africa:

On the night of January 12, armed militants attacked Kadagen Kauru Community under Kauru Local Government Area, Kaduna State, killing at least 2 civilians and kidnapping 32 others.
In the early morning of January 13, suspected Fulani armed herdsmen raided Otobi-Akpa Community under Otukpo Local Government Area, Benue State, resulting in the death of at least 4 civilians and several missing people.
On the same day, armed militants attacked Gidan Yawa and Lamuntani Villages in Gulubba Community under Bungudu Local Government Area, Zamfara State, killing 1 civilian and kidnapping more than 10 people.
On the night of the same day, armed militants assaulted Gajit Community under Sabon-Birni Local Government Area, Sokoto State, injuring 2 people and kidnapping at least 20 civilians.
On the night of January 14, suspected "Lakurawa" armed militants attacked Kyara Town under Birnin Gobir Local Government Area, Sokoto State, killing at least 7 civilians and injuring many others.
On the same day, unidentified armed militants launched an attack on a patrol police car at the intersection of the Police Detective College in Enugu, the capital of Enugu State, killing 2 police officers and injuring several people.

(II) South Africa

Shooting in Cape Town Kills 7 and Injures 3

On January 17, a shooting incident occurred in Marikana on the outskirts of Cape Town, South Africa's legislative capital, leaving 7 people dead and 3 injured. Police stated that the attack might be related to extortion. No arrests have been made so far and the investigation is ongoing.

(III) Cameroon

Armed Attack in Northwest Region Kills 14 and Injures 14

On January 14, an armed attack took place in Ndop Town, Northwest Region of Cameroon, killing 14 people and injuring another 14. Most of the victims were women and children. In the early hours of that day, separatist militants launched an indiscriminate attack on a village in Ndop Town, causing dozens of civilian casualties and the destruction of some houses.

(IV) Guinea

Unrest in Kankan Region Injures 1 Chinese NationalOn January 14, protests erupted and escalated into unrest in Siguiri City, the capital of Siguiri Prefecture, Kankan Region, Guinea, triggered by the detention of local activist Ali Thiam. Public facilities were damaged and vehicles were set on fire. During the unrest, 1 Chinese national was injured by projectiles thrown by protesters, but there was no danger to life.In response, the Chinese Embassy reminded Chinese citizens in the country to closely monitor the local situation, strengthen safety precautions effectively, avoid traveling to protest and demonstration areas, stay away from crowded places and traffic-controlled zones, and ensure personal and property safety.

Burnt Vehicles on the Streets of Siguiri City

(V) Sudan

Armed Conflict ContinuesFrom January 12 to 18, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continued to engage in fierce clashes in multiple locations across Sudan. This week, the conflict between the two sides escalated in three states of the Kordofan region. The RSF has taken full control of West Kordofan State and besieged the capitals of South Kordofan and North Kordofan States. The exchanges of fire have caused heavy civilian casualties.The armed conflict, which has lasted for more than two years, has killed over 30,000 people, injured tens of thousands, left nearly 10,000 missing, displaced more than 12.86 million people, and put over 30 million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.

Europe and Americas Region

(I) United States

Two Shooting Incidents Leave 2 Dead

On January 12, a police officer was shot and injured in Greenville County, South Carolina. Subsequently, the police identified a 42-year-old male suspect, who was killed in an exchange of fire with law enforcement.

On January 18, a shooting occurred in Ambridge, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, resulting in 2 deaths.

Chinese Consulate General Issues Security Alert

On January 17, the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China in Chicago issued a security notice stating that law enforcement operations are ongoing in multiple locations across Minnesota. The consulate reminded local Chinese citizens to closely monitor official announcements and media reports, carry valid identity documents at all times, raise safety awareness, enhance security precautions, stay away from assembly venues, crowded areas and places with poor public security, and avoid going out at night or alone.

(II) Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine Armed Conflict Continues

From January 12 to 18, 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 used land-based and sea-based precision-guided weapons as well as attack drones to strike 149 targets in Ukraine, including military-industrial enterprises, energy facilities, military airports, ports, storage facilities and temporary deployment sites.

Russian air defense systems intercepted and shot down 1,660 drones, along with multiple Neptune missiles, aerial bombs and HIMARS rockets. Russian troops have taken full control of Kupiansk in eastern Kharkiv Oblast and multiple settlements in Sumy Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast. At present, Russian forces have established defensive zones in Sumy and Kharkiv Oblasts and continue to advance westward.

On the Ukrainian side, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that within this week, Ukrainian defense forces attacked 3 Russian air defense missile systems, 1 radar station, multiple troop concentration areas and 3 ammunition depots. Ukrainian defense forces used guided missiles and drones to strike a drone factory in Russia's Rostov Oblast and multiple energy targets within Russian territory.

(III) Ecuador

Three Shooting Incidents Cause 3 Deaths and 1 Injury

On January 15, a shooting took place in Zone 9 of Soses, northern Guayaquil, killing 1 police officer.

On the same day, a male vendor was shot dead at the Calderón Market in Portoviejo.

Another shooting occurred in the San Pedro neighborhood of Manta on January 15, resulting in 1 death and 1 injury.

(IV) Colombia

Armed Conflict in Guaviare Department Kills Over 20

On January 16, an armed conflict broke out in a rural area of El Redentor, Guaviare Department in south-central Colombia, killing at least 20 people. It is reported that the clash erupted between dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) over territorial control. At present, the Colombian military has stepped up local patrols and surveillance to prevent the conflict from escalating.

(V) Venezuela

Protests Continue

From January 12 to 17, anti-US protests continued in Caracas, the capital, and across Venezuela. In Caracas, thousands of people held banners advocating for national dignity, opposing foreign aggression and demanding the release of President Maduro, condemning US hegemonic acts. As of now, protests in multiple locations are still ongoing.

(VI) Russia

Attacks on Two Regions Leave 1 Dead and 7 Injured

On January 14, an apartment building in Rostov Oblast, southwestern Russia, was hit by a Ukrainian drone attack and caught fire, killing 1 person and injuring 4 others, including a 4-year-old child.

On January 16, Belgorod Oblast in Russia was attacked by Ukrainian drones, injuring 3 people and damaging multiple buildings.

(VII) Guatemala

Prison Riots Result in 7 Deaths and 10 Injuries

On January 17, simultaneous riots broke out in three prisons in Guatemala: Rehabilitación 1 Prison in Escuintla Department, Fraijanes 2 Prison on the outskirts of the capital, and Section 11 of the Pretrial Detention Center in Zone 18. The riots were organized by the 18th Street Gang, triggered by dissatisfaction over the revocation of prison privileges and demands to transfer detained gang leaders to prisons with better conditions. The incident led to multiple retaliatory attacks, leaving 7 police officers dead, 10 injured and 37 taken hostage.

As of January 18, security forces have regained control of Rehabilitación 1 Prison. On January 19, the entire country was placed on high alert and all educational institutions were closed for one day.

Maritime Security

(I) Black Sea

Two Oil Tankers Attacked: On 13 January, 2 oil tankers were attacked by drones in the Black Sea, approximately 100 kilometers south of Anapa City in Russia's Krasnodar Krai. Among them, the Maltese-flagged oil tanker Matilda was attacked by a drone and exploded while sailing to a loading terminal in Anapa City, with no casualties reported. Another Liberian-flagged oil tanker, Delta Harmony, was attacked by a drone and caught fire while waiting to be loaded.

(II) Gabon

5 Chinese Crew Members Kidnapped by Pirates: On 12 January, media reported that the Gabonese-flagged trawler IB Fish 7 was attacked by 3 armed pirates on 10 January in Gabonese territorial waters, approximately 5 nautical miles southwest of Ekata, with 9 crew members kidnapped, including 5 Chinese crew members and 4 Indonesian crew members. After the incident, the crew reported to the police. The Gabonese National Navy and the Maritime Unit of the National Gendarmerie escorted the vessel to Owendo Port. Currently, Gabonese coast guards are pursuing the criminals.

(III) Caribbean Sea

US Military Seizes an Oil Tanker: On 15 January, an oil tanker named Veronica was seized by the US military in the Caribbean Sea near Venezuela. This is the sixth oil tanker seized by the US side since the beginning of this month.

Hanwei International Security Weekly (January 12-18 ,2026)