Hanwei Global Security Intelligence

In accordance with security risk assessments, the security level of each region is illustrated on the Global Risk Map. Regions including Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, Pakistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Ukraine, Palestine, and Venezuela are classified as Extreme High-Risk Areas. During this period, security incidents such as armed conflicts and terrorist attacks occur frequently in these regions. Chinese-funded enterprises overseas shall enhance their security precautions.

(This intelligence is solely for internal risk assessment purposes of our company.)

Middle East

1. Syria

Two attacks in Deir ez-Zor Governorate resulted in 1 injury. On April 20, media reported that a Syrian government official was shot and injured by armed militants near his residence in Abu Kamal city, Deir ez-Zor Governorate, on April 19. On the same day, an oil tanker was strafed by machine gun fire on a highway near Markman, northern Deir ez-Zor city, causing vehicle damage but no casualties. The extremist group Islamic State (ISIS) claimed responsibility for both incidents.

2. Iraq

Conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran caused 20 deaths and 123 injuries in the Kurdistan Region. On April 25, the government of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq stated that since the outbreak of armed conflicts between the US, Israel, and Iran on February 28, the KRG has sustained 809 attacks, killing 20 civilians and injuring 123 others. Erbil Governorate recorded the highest number of attacks at 477, causing 10 civilian deaths and 83 injuries. Among the attack types, there were 419 drone attacks and 58 missile attacks.

3. Iran

Temporary Ceasefire Extended: Following the expiration of the 10-day temporary ceasefire agreement between Iran, the US, and Israel on April 20–26, US President Trump announced on April 21 that the ceasefire with Iran would be extended "until Iran submits a unified negotiation proposal and completes consultations." As of now, a new round of negotiations has not commenced. During this period, US forces continued to blockade Iranian ports. Iran seized two vessels on suspicion of violating maritime regulations, further escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Casualties: According to the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) on April 26, since the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran, 3,468 people have been killed (including 1,460 civilians) and approximately 34,000 injured in Iran. On the US side, the US Department of Defense released the latest casualty data on April 20: since the US launched military operations against Iran on February 28, 415 US military personnel have been injured (271 from the Army, 63 from the Navy, 19 from the Marine Corps, and 62 from the Air Force), with the death toll remaining at 13.
Security Forces Eliminate Terrorists: On April 22, Iranian security forces launched a clearance operation against terrorist hideouts in the border area between Iran and Pakistan, killing multiple armed militants and seizing a large quantity of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.

4. Palestine and Israel

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has caused 72,000 deaths. From April 20 to 26, Israel launched continuous attacks on multiple locations in Gaza, resulting in heavy casualties. Key incidents include:

April 23: An Israeli airstrike on Gaza City killed 6 people and injured 18 others.
April 24: Israeli artillery fire on several residential buildings in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, killed 12 people.
The Gaza Health Ministry released updated statistics on April 24: since the entry into force of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement in October 2025, Israeli operations in Gaza have killed 794 people and injured 2,210 others. Since the outbreak of the large-scale Palestinian-Israeli conflict on October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza have cumulatively killed 72,580 people and injured 172,338 others.

5. Lebanon

Continuous Israeli attacks caused heavy casualties in Lebanon. From April 20 to 26, Israel launched sustained attacks on multiple regions in Lebanon, resulting in heavy casualties. Key incidents include:

April 22: An Israeli airstrike on a car in Tiri, southern Lebanon, killed 2 Hezbollah members. Israeli forces also bombed the main road connecting Tiri and Haddatha, blocking access for the Lebanese Red Cross and journalists.
April 23: Israel launched another wave of airstrikes across southern Lebanon, killing 3 people and injuring 2 others.
April 25: The Israeli military launched airstrikes on the Bint Jbeil area in southern Lebanon, killing 6 people and injuring 17 others.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported on April 25 that since the resumption of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel on March 2, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed 2,496 people and injured 7,725 others.

6. Kuwait

A border outpost was attacked by a drone. On April 24, two border outposts in northern Kuwait were targeted in a drone attack, causing property damage but no reported casualties. The Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense stated that two drones originating from Iraq carried out the attack. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident to date.

Asia-Pacific

1. Pakistan

Two attacks caused 10 deaths and 6 injuries.

April 21: Pakistani police engaged in a firefight with armed militants during an anti-terror operation in the Kand Masuri mountainous area of Dash, Balochistan Province, killing 1 police officer and seriously injuring 6 others. Militants opened fire and threw grenades from mountainous positions during the targeted operation.
April 22 (evening): A mine in southwestern Balochistan Province was attacked by armed militants, killing 9 people and abducting 1 Turkish citizen. The victims included 3 security personnel and 6 workers. The mine, operated by Pakistan's National Resources Limited, was engaged in copper and gold exploration. Security forces arrived at the scene, killing 1 militant while the rest fled by vehicle. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

2. Thailand

Two attacks caused 8 injuries.

April 20: A roadside bomb targeted a Thai military convoy on Highway 410, Village 4, Ban Nam Sat District, Yala Province, injuring 7 soldiers.
April 22: A shooting incident occurred in Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province, injuring 1 person. An air conditioning repairman was shot by two motorcyclists following an argument. One suspect has been arrested, while the other remains at large.
Security Alert from Chinese Embassy in Thailand: On April 24, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand issued a notice warning Chinese citizens in Thailand of scams involving "high-paying jobs" and tourist visas that lure victims to the Thailand-Myanmar border, where they face unlawful detention, violence, and coercion. The embassy urged enhanced risk awareness and security precautions, advising citizens to avoid falling victim to such schemes. Victims are advised to contact local police or the Chinese Embassy/Consulate for assistance, or to alert family members in China to report the situation to the police.

3. Bangladesh

A river police patrol was attacked, causing 6 injuries. On April 22, a Bangladesh river police patrol unit was ambushed by unidentified armed militants while patrolling the Haripur area at the border of Kushtia and Pabna Districts, injuring 5 police officers and 1 boatman. Police stated the attack was premeditated, with illegal sand mining gangs as the primary suspects.

4. India

Ethnic clashes in Manipur caused 3 deaths and 5 injuries. On April 25, clashes erupted between the Kuki and Naga ethnic groups in Ukhrul District, Manipur State, killing 3 people, injuring at least 5 others (including women and children), and destroying dozens of homes. The clashes stemmed from disputes over territorial control and influence.

5. Japan

Explosion at Self-Defense Force Training Ground: On April 21, an ammunition explosion occurred at the Hinodejima Training Ground of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force in Oita Prefecture, killing 3 people and seriously injuring 1 others. The Japanese Ministry of Defense stated the explosion occurred inside the gun barrel during tank live-fire training.
Anti-Constitutional Reform Protests in Tokyo: From April 19 to 22, large-scale protests were held in Tokyo against constitutional amendments and military expansion. On April 19 afternoon, approximately 36,000 people gathered around the Japanese National Diet Building to protest the government's attempts to revise the constitution. On April 22, tens of thousands of protesters assembled outside the Diet to oppose the Kishida administration's moves to lift the arms export ban and revise the pacifist constitution.

Africa

1. Nigeria

Multiple attacks caused 10 deaths and numerous abductions. According to monitoring reports from Hanwei International's West Africa Security Officer:

April 20: Armed bandits attacked Kemangi Village, Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, killing at least 3 soldiers. On the same day, multiple locations in Zamfara State were targeted in armed attacks, causing heavy casualties.
April 21: An armed attack on the Awon community, Kachia Local Government Area, Kaduna State, killed 2 people and abducted 7 others.
April 22: Armed bandits attacked the Yagba West area, Kogi State, abducting multiple people.
April 23 (night): An armed attack on the Olegabulu community, Agatu Local Government Area, Benue State, killed 5 people.

2. South Africa

Security Warning: On April 23, the South Africa-China Police Cooperation Center issued a security alert regarding ongoing anti-immigrant protests in multiple areas of Durban. Clashes between foreign residents and protesters have occurred, with risks of the unrest spreading to Johannesburg from April 27 to 29. Central business districts, areas with high concentrations of foreign-owned shops, and commercial streets face threats of vandalism and looting. Chinese business owners in Johannesburg were advised to operate businesses on reduced hours or close temporarily, avoid non-essential travel, and prioritize personal and property security. Victims of incidents were urged to contact local police immediately.

3. Mali

An armed attack caused 16 injuries. On April 25, multiple military facilities and camps across Mali, including the capital Bamako, were targeted in armed attacks, injuring 16 people (including civilians and military personnel). The extremist group Ansar Dine claimed responsibility for the attacks. Malian military sources stated that hundreds of attackers were killed and the situation in affected areas is under control. Large-scale clearance operations are underway in Bamako and other regions. The Chinese Embassy in Mali issued a notice on April 25 confirming the attacks on military facilities in Bamako and other areas, with ongoing clashes and Bamako International Airport closed. Chinese citizens were advised to avoid travel to Mali, enhance security precautions if residing in the country, monitor the security situation closely, avoid high-risk areas, and minimize non-essential travel. Those in distress were urged to contact local police and the Chinese Embassy immediately.

4. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Armed robbery at a Chinese enterprise camp in Kolwezi injured 9 people. On April 20, an armed robbery targeted a Chinese-funded enterprise camp in eastern Kolwezi, Lualaba Province, DRC, injuring 4 Chinese personnel and 5 Congolese employees, with cash and mobile phones stolen. This marked the fourth robbery targeting Chinese nationals in the region within a week.

5. Sudan

Ongoing armed conflicts. From April 20 to 26, sustained clashes occurred between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) across Sudan. This week, the warring parties engaged in fierce battles for control of key areas around Khartoum, Kordofan, Darfur, and Blue Nile State. Both sides deployed light suicide drones and artillery against urban targets, causing heavy civilian casualties and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. According to the 2026 Global Humanitarian Overview released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), 33.7 million people in Sudan require urgent humanitarian assistance in 2026 (an increase of 3.3 million from 2025), the highest number globally. Over one-third of healthcare facilities nationwide are non-functional, leaving the health system on the brink of collapse, with 21 million people in need of urgent medical care.

6. Chad

Violent clashes in Dar Tama caused 42 deaths and 10 injuries. On April 26, violent clashes erupted in Igote Village, Dar Tama Province, Wadi Fira Region, eastern Chad, killing 42 people and injuring 10 others. The clashes stemmed from disputes over water resources. The situation has since been stabilized.

Europe and the Americas

1. United States

Multiple Shootings: Five shooting incidents caused 3 deaths and 13 injuries.
- April 20: A shooting at a park in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, killed at least 2 people during a planned altercation between two teenagers.
- April 23: A shooting at a shopping mall food court in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, killed 1 person and injured 5 others, with 5 suspects arrested and 2 at large.
- April 25: A shooting at the Endeavor Health Swedish Hospital in Chicago killed 1 police officer and injured 1 others. On the same day, a shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner venue injured 1 person; the suspect, armed with a shotgun, attempted to breach security and was arrested, with President Trump safely evacuated.
- April 26: A shooting in Bloomington, Indiana, injured at least 5 people, with the suspect at large.
Bus Collision: On April 24, two buses collided head-on near the Pentagon Transit Center, injuring 23 people (including 10 US Department of Defense personnel). The cause of the accident remains under investigation.

2. Ukraine

Ongoing Russia-Ukraine armed conflict. From April 20 to 26, Russia continued its special military operation in Ukraine. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that over the past week, Russian forces launched six waves of mass strikes using long-range precision weapons and attack drones against Ukrainian defense industrial facilities and fuel-energy infrastructure supporting Ukrainian troops, targeting military and energy infrastructure, and temporary deployment sites of Ukrainian armed forces and foreign mercenaries across 138 areas. Russian forces shot down 18 guided aerial bombs and 2,800 fixed-wing drones, and have fully secured control of the Luhansk region. On the Ukrainian side, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported hundreds of battles along the frontline this week, with Ukrainian forces repelling Russian offensives and launching multiple counterattacks in several directions. The Ukrainian Air Force, missile troops, and artillery struck Russian troop concentrations, equipment depots, and command posts, shooting down 2,941 drones. Ukrainian forces continued to launch long-range drone strikes against energy targets inside Russia. Additionally, a new round of prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine took place on April 24, with each side receiving 193 prisoners.

3. Russia

Ukrainian drone attacks caused 4 deaths and 13 injuries.

April 20: A large-scale Ukrainian drone attack targeted the port of Tuapse, Krasnodar Krai, killing 1 person and injuring 1 others, with drone debris damaging multiple buildings and causing a fire at the port (a critical Russian logistics hub on the Black Sea coast).
April 22: Ukrainian drone strikes hit two residential buildings in Syzran, Samara Oblast, killing 2 people and injuring at least 12 others.
April 23: A Ukrainian drone attack targeted industrial facilities in Novokuybyshevsk, Samara Oblast, killing 1 person and injuring multiple others.

4. Mexico

A shooting in Mexico City caused 2 deaths and 6 injuries. On April 20, a shooting incident occurred at the Teotihuacan Pyramids scenic area near Mexico City, killing 2 people (including a Canadian female tourist) and injuring 6 others. The gunman died by suicide at the scene. The Mexico State Security Department stated it would collaborate with relevant authorities to investigate the incident and release updates promptly.

5. Colombia

A bombing in Cauca caused 20 deaths and 36 injuries. On April 25, a bomb attack occurred in Cajibío, Cauca Department, western Colombia, killing 20 people and injuring 36 others. A cylindrical explosive device detonated above a bus, severely damaging the roof and windows and causing heavy casualties. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack to date.

6. Brazil

Gunfights in Rio de Janeiro. On April 20, a shootout erupted between police and drug trafficking gangs during an anti-drug operation in Rio de Janeiro, a major tourist city, with no casualties reported but over 200 tourists stranded for approximately 2 hours at the foot of the iconic Two Brothers Mountain.

7. United Kingdom

An explosion in Northern Ireland. On April 26, robbers hijacked a car in Dunmurry, a suburb of Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland. The perpetrators placed a gas cylinder in the trunk and drove toward the local police station. The car exploded while police were evacuating nearby residents, with no casualties reported. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion to date.

Maritime Security

1. Eastern Pacific

US military strike caused 2 deaths. On April 24, US Southern Command issued a statement announcing that the Southern Spear Joint Task Force struck a "drug-smuggling vessel" in the Eastern Pacific, killing 2 people on board. Since early September 2025, US forces have conducted multiple strikes against so-called "drug-smuggling vessels" in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific, causing dozens of deaths.

2. Somalia

Vessels hijacked and attacked. On April 21 and 23, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received two reports of vessel hijackings and attacks in Somali waters:

April 21: An oil tanker was hijacked by unidentified armed militants, who navigated the vessel approximately 77 nautical miles south within Somali territorial waters (final position: 8°56′N, 50°32′E).
April 23: Two small boats carrying armed militants approached a cargo ship 83 nautical miles southeast of El, Somalia. The cargo ship fired warning shots at one boat, which returned fire before withdrawing.

3. Strait of Hormuz and Gulf of Oman

Iranian strike on a container ship. On April 22, UKMTO issued a notice stating that a container ship was struck by Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats 15 nautical miles northeast of Oman, causing severe damage to the vessel but no crew injuries. Iranian sources stated that following US violations of the ceasefire agreement, access to the Strait of Hormuz has been blocked, and no vessels are permitted passage.

Hanwei International Security Weekly ( April 20 -26 , 2026)