Roundup of Global Conflicts Aug 22-29

Summary:

Germany suffered a mass stabbing attack claimed by ISIS. On the same day, Russia suffered from a prison break that turned into a hostage situation by ISIS-linked prisoners.
Ansar Allah immobilized and severely damaged another ship in the Red Sea.
Israel struck Hezbollah positions mere minutes before the largest Hezbollah attack on Israel of the current war with both sides inflicting an unverifiable amount of damage on each other.
In addition, Israel rescued another hostage from Hamas.
Chinese aircraft violated Japanese sovereign airspace for the first time in recent history.

Western Europe

Incident: On the 23rd of August, a mass stabbing incident occurred at a festival in Solingen, Germany leaving three dead and nine more seriously wounded. The aggressor remains at large but a few sources claimed he was arrested on the 24th. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack on the following day.

Threat Level: Intermediate

Risk Mitigation Recommendations: Anyone attending large gatherings around Europe should maintain a somewhat heightened awareness in case of an attack like this one. Those not wounded in the attack should immediately call for help and provide as much first aid as they can to prevent further deaths.

Eastern Europe – Russia

Incident: On the 23rd of August, a group of four ISIS-affiliated prisoners broke free at the Correctional Facility No. 19 in Surovikino, Volgograd region, Russia. Eight prison staff members were taken hostage. The situation was resolved less than an hour later by the intervention of a Rosgvardiya special forces team that killed the terrorists. Four of the hostages sadly died due to stab wounds with the remaining four being taken to the nearby hospital for immediate treatment.

Threat Level: Low

Risk Mitigation Recommendations: Prison breaks are not entirely uncommon and should anyone be found in a hostage situation due to a prison break, the safest option is to simply remain calm and wait for an outside response. Tragically, this can not guarantee survival as the hostage taker remains in control.

Western Asia – Middle East

Incident: On the 23rd of August, Ansar Allah posted footage of the Greek Sounion ship being struck by their ballistic missiles. It is believed that the Sounion is unable to move on its own, is leaking oil, and is potentially sinking slowly at this time. The footage was posted on the 23rd however the original announcement Ansar Allah made claiming they attacked the Sounion was on the 21st.

Threat Level: Intermediate

Risk Mitigation Recommendations: The Red Sea remains dangerous to traverse and the safest option remains detouring via the Cape of Good Hope, South Africa. Those still willing to traverse through the Red Sea should maintain security readiness at all times and be prepared for damage control should Ansar Allah fire any form of missile at the ship.

Incident: On the 24th of August, Israel launched their largest preemptive strike operation of the ongoing conflict with over 40 Hezbollah targets struck across southern Lebanon. Hezbollah responded with multiple drones and around 340 rockets fired at northern Israel. Hezbollah claims the response is not only a response to this preemptive operation, but is also their initial retaliation for Fouad Shukr’s assassination late last month.

Threat Level: Medium

Risk Mitigation Recommendations: Hezbollah claimed this attack was only phase one of what could be a multi-stage, multi-week prolonged operation. As such, civilians in the northern Israel area should once again strongly consider evacuating south towards Tel Aviv for their own safety. Additionally, civilians should continue to avoid military facilities and equipment due to Hezbollah’s propensity to target them.

Incident: On the 27th of August, Israel conducted a successful operation to rescue Kaid Farhan Elkadi, one of the hostages Hamas took on the 7th of October, from southern Gaza. He is the eighth hostage rescued by the IDF since the start of the war last year.

Threat Level: N/A

Risk Mitigation Recommendations: N/A

Eastern Asia – Pacific

Incident: On the 26th of August, Chinese military aircraft reportedly violated Japanese airspace resulting in JASDF fighters being scrambled. No further incidents were reported likely meaning that the Chinese aircraft turned back before an intercept could take place.

Threat Level: Low

Risk Mitigation Recommendations: N/A

Sources

[1] https://t.me/worldpravda/18051

[2] https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/120472

[3] https://t.me/readovkaworld/12102

[4] https://t.me/BellumActaNews/127650

[5] https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/120379

[6] https://t.me/GeoPWatch/4951

[7] https://t.me/DDGeopolitics/120413

[8] https://t.me/worldpravda/18031

[9] https://t.me/BABalMANDAB/6079