In the January 2025 edition
South Korea: major political crisis after President Yoon Suk Yeol tried and failed to impose martial law 3 December, which was swiftly lifted by parliament. Normalisation of the security situation despite heightened political polarisation and an increase in pro and anti-Yoon demonstrations. President Yoon Suk Yeol impeached by parliament 14 December and arrest warrant issued against him. Jeju Air plane crash at Muan Airport 29 December (179 dead).
Mayotte (France): Cyclone Chido caused widespread destruction across the territory (at least 39 dead, thousands of people injured). Increased insecurity in the aftermath of the storm, namely growing small-scale looting and acts of vandalism on the fringes of rescue operations and work to restore essential services). Airport closed until 31 December inclusive due to damage to the site.
Mozambique: escalation of post-election unrest since 23 December and the court confirmation of the ruling FRELIMO party victory in the disputed 9 October general elections. At least 176 dead between 23 and 29 December in the crackdown on demonstrations, notably in Maputo and in the north of the country. Cyclone Chido: at least 120 people dead and severe destruction in the north.
Syria: Bashar al-Assad’s regime overthrown in a rebel offensive carried out by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) 8 December. Appointment of a transitional government and operations against strongholds of the former regime. Large security vacuums in the south, east and centre of the country due to the breakup of the Syrian army, facilitated by Israeli strikes on Syrian military facilities (and Hezbollah’s) in recent months. North: SNA (auxiliary of Ankara) offensive against the SDF (dominated by the Kurds). South: invasion by the Israeli army in the buffer zone between Syria and the Golan Heights (already occupied by Israel).