Based on the security risk assessment, the security levels of various regions are shown in the Global Risk Map. Regions such as Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Ukraine, Palestine, and Venezuela are extremely high-risk areas. During this period, security incidents such as armed conflicts and terrorist attacks have occurred frequently in these regions. Chinese-funded enterprises overseas need to enhance their security precautions.

(This information is only for internal risk assessment use by our company)

Middle East Region

(I) Syria

Armed attack in Aleppo Governorate kills 2 people
On March 17, a customs patrol was ambushed by ISIS militants while patrolling in the Safira area of Aleppo Governorate, northern Syria, killing 2 people and injuring 2. After the incident, security forces of the Syrian Ministry of Internal Affairs exchanged fire with militants; one militant detonated a suicide bomb and died, with no casualties among security forces.
Southern Syria hit by Israeli airstrikes
On March 20, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes on a military command center and an arsenal in southern Syria. On the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Transitional Government issued a statement condemning the Israeli attack, pointing out that the attack blatantly violated international law and the UN Charter, and infringed on Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

(II) Iraq

Green Zone repeatedly attacked
From March 16 to 21, the US Embassy in Iraq located in the Green Zone was attacked 7 times, causing fires to facilities with no casualties reported. The US Embassy activated air defense alarms and the C-RAM air defense system, intercepting one explosive device. On the same day, the Rashid Hotel in the Green Zone was hit by an airstrike with no casualties. The hotel houses embassies of multiple Arab countries in Iraq and diplomatic staff of various countries and international organization personnel stationed in Iraq.
Shia militia attack US military base kills 6 US soldiers
In the early morning of March 16, the Iraqi Shia militia "Blood Guardians Brigade" issued a statement claiming that it attacked the Victory Camp base near Baghdad International Airport, killing 6 US soldiers and injuring 4. The US side has not responded so far.
Attacks in Baghdad cause 7 deaths and 4 injuries
On March 17, an airstrike hit a residential building in the Jadriya area of central Baghdad, killing at least 6 people and injuring 4. On March 21, an attack near the headquarters of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service killed one officer. On the same day, a drone crashed in the Mansour district of western Baghdad and hit the building of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service headquarters.
Militia in Anbar Governorate attacked, 3 killed
On March 16, the Iraqi militia Popular Mobilization Forces in Anbar Governorate, western Iraq, was hit by US and Israeli airstrikes, killing 3 people and injuring several others.

(III) Iran

Escalating military conflicts with the US and Israel
From March 16 to 22, armed conflicts between Iran, the US and Israel escalated, with targets expanded to oil and energy facilities.
US and Israel side: On March 18, US Central Command announced that the US military used multiple 5,000-pound deep-penetration munitions to destroy reinforced missile launch sites along the coast near the Strait of Hormuz in Iran. On March 21, US Central Command reported that so far, the US military has struck more than 8,000 Iranian military targets, including 130 Iranian vessels. Israel attacked Iran's main natural gas facilities in Bushehr and an energy facility in Asaluyeh, southern Iran on March 18. On March 21, Israel and the US attacked Iran's Natanz uranium enrichment facility with no leakage reported. The IDF stated on March 19 that it had destroyed about 85% of Iran's air defense and detection systems, and destroyed or paralyzed 60% of ballistic missile launchers.
Iran side: The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continued the True Promise 4 military operation, completing 73 rounds of strikes. On March 18, Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirmed that Ali Larijani, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, was killed. President Pezeshkian issued a statement launching retaliatory strikes. On March 18, Iran first used Nasrallah missiles to strike 55 Israeli security targets and US military bases in the Middle East. On March 21, the 74th wave of the True Promise-4 operation targeted the US Navy Fifth Fleet. On March 22, in the 73rd wave of True Promise-4, Iran used missiles and drones to strike some Israeli military facilities and security centers in Arad, Dimona, Eilat, Be'er Sheva and Kiryat Gat in southern Israel. Meanwhile, it used Fateh, Qadr and Emad missiles as well as drones to strike US military bases including Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, Minhad Air Base and Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE. After some petrochemical facilities in South Pars and Asaluyeh, Bushehr Governorate, southern Iran were hit by airstrikes on March 18, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced on March 19 that the war with the US and Israel had entered a new phase, clearly listing core oil and gas facilities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar as legitimate targets for strikes.

Casualties and losses:

Iran: Iran's health department reported on March 16 that 503 people had died and 5,700 were injured in Tehran Governorate, most of whom were ordinary civilians. On March 21, Alishvandi, Vice President for International Affairs of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, stated that since the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28, 1,500 people have been killed and about 20,000 injured in Iran, including 204 minors. The attacks also damaged 80,000 civilian facilities, among which 266 medical centers and 498 schools were directly or indirectly attacked.
US: A spokesperson for US Central Command stated on March 20 that since the US and Israel launched this round of military operations against Iran, 13 US military personnel have been killed and 232 injured. Currently, about 207 have returned to duty and 10 are seriously injured.
Israel: Magen David Adom, Israel's emergency medical service, stated on March 20 that since launching large-scale military operations against Iran, 18 people have been killed and 4,099 injured in Israel, with 80 still hospitalized.

(Picture: Scene of the attack in Tehran)

(IV) Palestine and Israel

Israeli attacks kill 72,000 people in Gaza Strip
From March 16 to 22, Israel continued to launch attacks on multiple locations in the Gaza Strip. According to a report released by the Gaza Strip health department on March 16, since the ceasefire agreement reached on October 11 last year, the death toll in the Gaza Strip due to Israeli attacks has risen to 671 and the injured to 1,779. Since the outbreak of a new round of large-scale Palestinian-Israeli conflicts on October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip have killed 72,247 people and injured 171,878.

(V) Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes kill over 1,000 people
Data released by Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health on March 20 showed that in the past 24 hours, Israel launched airstrikes on multiple locations in Lebanon, killing at least 20 people and injuring 57. Since March 2, continuous Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 1,021 people and injured 2,641. In addition, data released by the Disaster Risk Management Department of the Lebanese Council of Ministers on the same day showed that Israeli airstrikes have led to a continuous increase in displaced persons in Lebanon, exceeding 1 million at present, among which more than 130,000 are resettled in 644 designated shelters by the government.

(Picture: Scene of the attack on the 18th)

(VI) UAE

Port facilities attacked
On March 16, oil facilities at Fujairah Port in the UAE were attacked by drones and caught fire with no casualties reported.
Missile attack kills 1 person
On March 16, a missile hit a civilian vehicle in the Bahya area, killing one Palestinian national. The UAE Ministry of Defense issued a statement on the same day that UAE air defense forces are responding to missile and drone threats from Iran.

(VII) Saudi Arabia

Riyadh hit by missile attack
On March 18, Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was attacked by ballistic missiles with no casualties. Saudi air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 4 ballistic missiles, with debris falling in multiple locations of Riyadh. Air defense alarms were issued via mobile phones in Riyadh during the attack. This is the first large-scale issuance of air defense alarms in urban areas of Riyadh since the US and Israel jointly launched military operations against Iran on February 28.

(Picture: Scene of the attack in Riyadh)

Asia-Pacific Region

(I) Afghanistan and Pakistan

Continuing armed conflicts between Afghanistan and Pakistan
From March 16 to 18, military conflicts on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border escalated. Pakistan launched large-scale airstrikes on Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and Nangarhar Province in eastern Afghanistan, causing heavy casualties. Pakistan stated that it launched targeted airstrikes on the night of March 16, destroying technical equipment, ammunition depots and terrorist logistical facilities in Kabul and Nangarhar Province. Mujahid, spokesperson of the Afghan government, accused Pakistan's fighter jets of bombing a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul on March 17, causing nearly 400 casualties. Pakistan denied this, claiming that Afghanistan intended to mislead public opinion and cover up its support for cross-border terrorism. On the night of March 18, Afghanistan and Pakistan simultaneously announced a suspension of military operations during Eid al-Fitr, with the ceasefire lasting 5 days from midnight on the 18th to midnight on the 23rd.

(II) Pakistan

Heavy rains in Sindh kill 17 people
Pakistani authorities stated on March 19 that Karachi, the capital of southern Sindh Province, was hit by heavy rains on the night of the 18th, killing at least 17 people and injuring 30. The mayor of Karachi advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.

(III) Thailand

Traffic accident in Phuket kills 1 and injures 11
A traffic accident occurred in Phuket, Thailand on March 18, killing one Russian tourist and injuring 11. On the same day, a tourist van lost control and hit a roadside utility pole, with the front severely damaged and causing heavy injuries to passengers. Relevant departments have launched further investigations into the cause of the accident.

(Picture: Accident rescue scene)

(IV) Japan

Chinese Consulate General in Niigata reminds Chinese citizens of outdoor activity safety
On March 16, the Chinese Consulate General in Niigata reminded that Japan has complex terrain and changeable weather, with loose management of outdoor activities such as mountaineering and skiing, and accidents of personnel in distress or death occur every year. Recently, snowmelt in mountainous areas of the consular jurisdiction has led to frequent natural disasters such as avalanches, and animals such as bears and wild boars appear in some areas, prone to accidents. Recently, a tragic incident of a Chinese citizen missing while mountaineering occurred in the consular jurisdiction, and the search is still ongoing. The consulate solemnly reminds Chinese citizens in the jurisdiction to enhance safety awareness, attach great importance to outdoor activity safety and strengthen self-protection. In case of emergency, please call the police and contact the consulate for help in a timely manner.

(V) South Korea

Fire in Daejeon kills 14 people
A fire broke out at an auto parts manufacturing factory in Daejeon, South Korea on March 20, killing 14 people and injuring 69. There were 170 staff members in the factory when the fire occurred. The Chinese Embassy in South Korea has confirmed no Chinese casualties.

(VI) Myanmar

Attack on temple in Sagaing kills 20 people
On March 20, local exchanges of fire occurred between the Myanmar military and the People's Defense Force in parts of Kadaw Town. On the morning of the same day, Myanmar military airstrikes hit a temple, killing at least 20 people. The temple is currently a temporary shelter for refugees.

Africa Region

(I) Nigeria

Multiple attacks kill 46 people and kidnap 13
According to monitoring reports from Hanwei International security officers stationed in West Africa: In the early morning of March 16, armed militants attacked Sabon Gyero Community, Chikun Local Government, Kaduna State, killing 1 civilian and kidnapping 7; multiple suicide bombings occurred in downtown Maiduguri, capital of Borno State on the night of the same day, killing at least 23 people and injuring 108; on the morning of March 17, armed militants raided a border outpost along the Babanna Highway near the Nigeria-Benin border in Niger State, kidnapping 1 official; in the afternoon of the same day, armed militants attacked Bala, Falal and Kadobe Villages, Jibia Local Government, Katsina State, killing at least 15 civilians and injuring many; on March 18, armed militants attacked the Idi-Ayunre Branch of the Nigerian Cocoa Research Institute, Oluyole Local Government, Oyo State, kidnapping 5 staff members; on the night of the same day, suspected Fulani armed herdsmen attacked Tor-Damisa Community, Donga Local Government, Taraba State, killing 7 people including 3 police officers.
Security Warning
According to monitoring reports from Hanwei International security officers stationed in West Africa on March 20, terrorist organizations plan to kidnap Chinese citizens working on the Maiduguri-Mafa Highway, Mafa Local Government Area, Borno State recently. Chinese citizens in the area are reminded to strengthen safety precautions to ensure personal and property safety. In addition, on the morning of March 14, gangsters attacked a gold mine in Alafa Village, Maru Local Government, Zamfara State, kidnapping 5 foreign miners. Chinese-funded enterprises and citizens in the area should strengthen security defense, stop outdoor operations, avoid unnecessary travel and move to relatively safe areas such as urban centers.

(II) Democratic Republic of the Congo

Multiple attacks kill 29 people
On March 16, Babesua Village in Mambasa area was hit by armed attacks, killing at least 19 people and burning many houses; on the morning of the 17th, Bukurani Village was attacked again, killing at least 10 people and taking many as hostages, leading to school closures and a full suspension of economic activities in the local area. Therefore, the Chinese Embassy in the DRC reminds Chinese citizens traveling to the DRC not to go to four provinces in eastern DRC including Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Haut-Uele, nor cross the border from Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, Tanzania, Zambia and the Central African Republic to the above areas. Chinese citizens and enterprises still staying in eastern DRC should evacuate as soon as possible. In case of emergency, please call the police and contact the embassy in a timely manner.

(III) Sudan

Continuing armed conflicts
From March 16 to 22, continuous exchanges of fire occurred between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in multiple locations in Sudan. On March 16, the Sudanese Joint Forces stated that it repelled the attack of the Rapid Support Forces on strategic border towns in Darfur, destroying 57 combat vehicles of three units of the Rapid Support Forces and seizing 39. Continuous armed conflicts have caused heavy civilian casualties. On the night of March 22, a hospital in East Darfur State, southwestern Sudan, was hit by a drone attack, killing at least 62 people including 12 children and injuring 113. The Sudan office of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs issued a statement on the same day that such attacks are unacceptable and civilians and medical facilities must be protected.

(IV) Chad

Drone attack kills 17 people
On the night of March 18, the Chadian Presidential Palace issued a statement that drones from Sudan attacked Tine, a border town in Chad on the night, killing 17 Chadian civilians. Mahamat Déby, President of Chad and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, urgently ordered troops to enter the highest alert state and launch counterattacks against attacks from Sudan.

(V) South Africa

Armed robbery in Johannesburg
On March 18, 3 armed robbers robbed a woman in Johannesburg, South Africa. Police exchanged fire with robbers after receiving the alarm; 3 robbers were shot dead and the victim was rescued. The case is under further investigation.

Europe and America Region

(I) United States

Two shootings kill 3 and injure many
On March 17, a shooting occurred at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico, USA, killing 1 person and injuring 1. Authorities have not announced specific details of the incident and identities of involved personnel; on the afternoon of March 21, a shooting occurred in the Carr Square neighborhood of St. Louis, Missouri, USA, killing 2 men and injuring many. Police have detained one suspect with others at large.

(II) Ukraine

Continuing Russia-Ukraine armed conflicts
From March 16 to 22, Russia's special military operation in Ukraine continued. Russia announced on March 21 that in the past week, Russian troops controlled 3 settlements in Kursk and Zaporizhzhia, striking infrastructure in 148 Ukrainian areas. It used cruise missiles and suicide drones to launch high-precision strikes on Ukrainian energy, military industry, transportation facilities, military airports and drone assembly workshops, intercepting more than 1,000 drones and aerial bombs within a week. Ukraine stated on the same day that it repelled multiple Russian attacks in Kharkiv and other areas, recapturing 6 square kilometers of territory and shooting down more than 1,100 drones. It attacked military factories in Udmurt Republic and natural gas processing plants in Samara Oblast of Russia, causing fires at the plants. On March 19, it advanced and controlled 3 tactical highlands in the Zaporizhzhia direction, repelling multiple rounds of Russian attacks.

(III) Germany

Shooting in Frankfurt kills 2 people
A shooting occurred at a restaurant in Raunheim, a town near Frankfurt Airport, Germany on March 17, killing 2 people. Police stated that an armed man broke into the restaurant and shot two victims who died on the spot. The perpetrator is at large and police are conducting a full-scale manhunt.

(Picture: Shooting scene)

(IV) Russia

Moscow frequently hit by drone attacks
From March 16 to 21, Moscow, the capital of Russia, was frequently attacked by drones. The mayor of Moscow stated on the 21st that more than 30 drones heading for Moscow were shot down only on the 21st. In addition, according to a briefing by the Russian Ministry of Defense on the 21st, Russian air defense forces destroyed 668 Ukrainian drones within 24 hours.
Light aircraft crash in Moscow Oblast kills 2 people
A light aircraft crashed in Kolomna City, Moscow Oblast, Russia on March 20, killing 2 people on board. The cause of the plane crash is under investigation.

(V) Mexico

Refinery fire in Tabasco kills 5 people
A fire broke out in the peripheral area of Olmeca Refinery, Tabasco State, Mexico on March 17, killing 5 people. Affected by heavy rains, oily wastewater from the refinery overflowed and accumulated outside the wall, triggering the fire. The fire has been brought under control with no further risks to surrounding residents and staff.

(VI) United Kingdom

Outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease in Kent
The UK Health Security Agency issued a communiqué on March 16 stating that an outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease occurred in Kent recently. 13 confirmed cases have been reported since March 13, including 2 deaths. Investigations confirmed that the epidemic is associated with a nightclub in Canterbury, Kent. At present, the UK Health Security Agency is working closely with the nightclub and relevant parties to contain the spread of the epidemic.

(VII) Netherlands

Explosion in Amsterdam
An explosion occurred at an office building in Amsterdam, the Netherlands on March 16 and caught fire with no casualties reported. After the incident, an extremist group claimed responsibility for the incident.

Maritime Security

(I) Eastern Pacific Ocean

US military attack drug smuggling vessel kills 2 people
On March 19, the US military launched an attack on a so-called drug smuggling vessel in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, causing 2 casualties. US Southern Command stated that the US Southern Spear Joint Task Force attacked a vessel operated by terrorist organizations on the same day; 2 out of 3 people on board were killed and 1 survived.

(II) Japan

Two vessels capsize off Okinawa, 2 killed
Two vessels capsized in waters near Henoko, Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan on March 16, killing 2 people. There were 21 people on the two vessels at the time, all citizens protesting against the construction of a new base in Henoko. The specific cause of the accident is under investigation.
Vessel collision off Aomori, 3 missing
In the early morning of March 17, a fishing boat collided with a cargo ship and capsized in waters near Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. All 13 crew members on the fishing boat fell into the water; 10 were rescued and 3 are missing.

(III) Gulf of Oman

Oil tanker attacked
On March 17, the UK Maritime Trade Operations stated that an oil tanker anchored in the Gulf of Oman was attacked by unknown projectiles, causing minor structural damage to the hull with no injuries; on March 19, the UK Maritime Trade Operations issued information that a vessel was attacked and caught fire in the Gulf of Oman waters east of Khor Fakkan, UAE.

(IV) Comoros

18 illegal immigrants drowned
18 illegal immigrants drowned in waters near Comoros on March 19. The Comoros Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation stated that 15 of the deceased were from the DRC and 3 from Burundi, with another 30 rescued. These illegal immigrants originally planned to go to Mayotte, a French overseas territory, but were abandoned in waters north of Grande Comore Island, Comoros.

(V) UAE

Cargo ship attacked
The UK Maritime Trade Operations released a report on March 22 stating that an unidentified flying object exploded near a cargo ship 15 nautical miles north of Sharjah, UAE, with all personnel on board safe.

Hanwei International Security Weekly ( march 16 - 22 , 2026)