Antoine Choucair’s Post

The latest edition of the Global Security Brief is now available! This week, we unpack the top headlines impacting international security: Tensions rise in the Middle East: Israel conducts airstrikes on Iranian, but signalling a de-escalation. The US bolsters Ukrainian defences: Washington approves a significant military aid package to support Ukraine in its ongoing conflict. The humanitarian crisis unfolds in Myanmar: Thousands of civilians flee violence and seek refuge in neighbouring Thailand. Stay informed and navigate the evolving security landscape. Read your copy of the Global Security Brief today! https://lnkd.in/dnsF8y2r #GlobalSecurity #Geopolitics #InternationalRelations #Ukraine #Iran #Mynmar

In light of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Cyprus is taking preparatory measures for potential evacuations from Lebanon and Israel. Given its proximity to Beirut — just 10 hours by sea or 40 minutes by plane — it's poised to serve as an evacuation hub for several nations. The UK declared this week that it would deploy 700 soldiers to its bases in Dhekelia and Akrotiri, Cyprus. Since Cyprus attained independence in 1960, these sites have served as crucial military and intelligence facilities. The issue does not concern the evacuation plans themselves, but rather the extent to which the bases are supporting Israel's military efforts. Since 7 October, there have been clashes between Israel and Hizbollah after Hizbollah backed Hamas. Tensions have risen since the killing of Hassan Nasrallah, which has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and prompted some to seek refuge in Cyprus. During the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, Cyprus was instrumental in the evacuation of almost 60,000 persons. Large-scale evacuations may take place if Israel invades southern Lebanon and Hizbollah retaliates; up to 100,000 people may use Cyprus as a transit hub for 24 to 48 hours. ✍🏻 Check out the insightful commentary by Andria Kades here https://lnkd.in/dhtR-ttC

Ukraine: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (January to December 2024) In 2024, a steady stream of attacks due to the war in Ukraine posed significant challenges and impacted the ability of humanitarian organizations to reach the people affected with emergency assistance and services. The rapidly evolving dynamics of the war—particularly along the front lines, cross-border escalations and the use of new weapons and tactics—combined with operational constraints caused by military mobilization and some movement restrictions, hindered the agile and timely delivery of aid in areas where hostilities intensified. Read More - https://lnkd.in/dt7iwsAk

NGOs in #Gaza see no significant improvement by Israeli authorities in alleviating the dire challenges of 2.2 million people on the brink of famine. NGOs highlight that the current situation is expected to deteriorate further with Israel's military invasion of #Rafah, expressing concern over the possible closure of the Rafah crossing and the evacuation of aid actors. 🔎 In a new report we detail the challenges to humanitarian access in Gaza. Read the report: https://lnkd.in/dzB4EDCK

The conflict in Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on one side and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and supporting militia groups on the other has significantly destabilised the Kordofan regions, particularly South and West Kordofan states, which are experiencing escalating violence, ethnic tensions, and a worsening humanitarian crisis. This report delves into the current situation in these states, emphasizing the critical factors fueling conflict and instability. It also examines the humanitarian repercussions and the compounding elements exacerbating the situation within these regions. #ACAPS #Kordofan #BlueNile #humanitariancrisis #RSF #SAF #conflict https://lnkd.in/dsSwWSuQ

In a series of events, Israel has intensified its military operations with precision airstrikes targeting Yemen’s Ras Isa and Hodeidah ports, killing four and injuring 33. These strikes came in retaliation for missile attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, including a failed attempt to hit Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plane. The strikes targeted critical infrastructure like power plants and seaports, raising concerns about Yemen's humanitarian aid supply. This follows Israel’s ongoing military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza, as part of a broader strategy to address regional threats. Israel’s defense minister reiterated that no location is beyond reach for their military response. The escalation risks further destabilizing the region, impacting both security and humanitarian aid routes. Parent: THE GEOSTRATA #Israel #Yemen #Houthi #Hezbollah #Hamas #AirStrikes #RasIsa #Hodeidah #MiddleEastConflict

⚡ The ongoing airstrikes and explosions in Syria are deeply affecting the security and humanitarian situation in the region. In this content, we will provide a detailed account of the latest developments, their causes and international reactions.

Syria and regional operational update following the fall of the Assad regime: All flights to and from Damascus International Airport appear to have been suspended until 18 December.   Neighbouring countries – including Lebanon, Israel, Jordan and Iraq – have closed their borders with Syria and/or increased border security.   Some airlines have rerouted or suspended flights to avoid Syrian airspace. Flight suspensions tied to the broader conflict in Israel/Gaza/Lebanon remain in place.   A direct spillover of violence from Syria to neighbouring countries remains unlikely. However, complex geopolitical alliances and rivalries mean events in Syria are likely to have implications across the Middle East and beyond. Assad’s rapid fall does not conclude the 13-year conflict in Syria, with questions over the rebels’ ability to remain united as they form a transitional government.    Businesses with personnel in Syria should conduct evacuations. Businesses across the broader region should continue to monitor the situation closely and review emergency management plans, in light of the potential for upticks in tensions, military operations, airspace closures and other related developments. For more information on how we can help, see https://lnkd.in/ec5Vz_J3 #syria #middleeast #controlrisks #seerist

https://lnkd.in/dKRd2j7t Israel’s Expanded Perch on Syrian Border Puts Damascus in Its Sights Israeli soldiers have also entered rural areas beyond a buffer zone, seeking to disarm Syrian residents there By Stephen Kalin, Anat Peled and Suha Ma’ayeh Updated Dec. 20, 2024 2:48 am ET SAFED, Israel—Since the Assad regime imploded less than two weeks ago, Israel’s military has seized a strategic mountain top in its contested border area with Syria and advanced on positions beyond it, reshaping the frontier between the foes potentially for the long term.   The military’s expanded perch on the peak of Mount Hermon, straddling the so-called disengagement zone, gives Israel clear sightlines to the Syrian capital, Damascus, 25 miles away. Israeli troops and tanks, operating overtly in Syria for the first time in 50 years, have moved into southern Syrian villages below, where residents say they are trying to disarm the population.