★ TÜRKIYE
Continuing Its African Expansion: Turkey Sends 500 Troops to Somalia to Counter Al-Shabaab’s Advance
Turkey has deployed 500 troops to Mogadishu following a Somali request after Al-Shabaab seized a vital army base. This is a broader plan to send 2,500 soldiers under a 2024 defense agreement. Turkish forces will secure key locations without direct combat, strengthening Ankara’s strategic role in Somalia. Turkey now operates two African military bases and maintains military ties with 27 nations. It exports drones to 15 countries and holds a strategic agreement over Sudan’s Suakin Island. This move consolidates Turkey’s rising influence in African security affairs.
Germany Rejects Claims of Blocking Türkiye’s Eurofighter Jet Deal
Germany denied accusations of halting Eurofighter jet sales to Türkiye, clarifying that no official decision was made by the interim government. The delay had been speculatively tied to the detention of Istanbul Mayor Imamoğlu, but Berlin emphasized that major defense export decisions would fall under the incoming Friedrich Merz administration. Türkiye has requested 40 Eurofighter jets while progressing with its indigenous Kaan fighter program to replace F-16s by the 2030s. Simultaneously, Ankara announced a $20 billion arms deal with the United States and renewed its bid to rejoin the F-35 program, from which it was expelled in 2019 due to its purchase of Russia’s S-400 system. Analysts argue that Türkiye’s retention of the S-400 violates U.S. CAATSA sanctions, potentially obstructing future arms deals.
Turkey and Syria Agree to Establish Joint Operations Center
Turkey’s Defense Ministry announced an agreement with Syria to create a joint operations center, following ministerial talks in Jordan on March 9 involving Iraq and Lebanon. The initiative supports Syria’s fight against terrorism, especially ISIS, and includes discussions on returning control of key assets like the Tishrin Dam to Syria’s new government. Technical coordination continues.
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★ IRAN
Iran Proposes Interim Deal, U.S. Insists on Full Agreement
Iran’s Abbas Araghchi proposed a temporary nuclear deal to address technical delays, but U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff rejected it, demanding a full agreement within 60 days. Rome talks, mediated by Oman, showed progress toward preventing Iranian nuclear armament and lifting sanctions. President Trump warned Iran faces two options, one “very bad.” Europe may reinstate UN sanctions by August. Iran is ready to resume talks with France, Germany, and the UK, as a new U.S.-Iran meeting is planned in Oman. China, Russia, and Iran also discussed the issue with the IAEA, stressing diplomatic resolution.
Netherlands Summons Iranian Envoy Over European Assassination Attempts
The Netherlands summoned Iran’s ambassador after its intelligence agency linked Tehran to two assassination attempts in Europe. Two men were arrested in Haarlem in June 2024 over a plot targeting an Iranian national. One suspect is also tied to the 2023 attempted killing of Spanish politician Alejo Vidal-Quadras. Dutch intelligence blamed Iran for using criminal networks to silence dissidents.
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★ ISRAEL
PLO Approves Vice President Role As Succession Debate Intensifies
The Palestinian Central Council approved establishing a vice president post for the PLO Executive Committee, marking a first since its 1964 founding. President Mahmoud Abbas will nominate the candidate, pending committee approval. The session faced backlash, with four factions boycotting or withdrawing, citing external influence. Observers see the move as preparation for a leadership transition. Hamas harshly criticized the decision, calling it a divisive act during Israel’s Gaza escalation. The group rejected Abbas’s remarks, decried the exclusion of key movements, and urged restructuring the PLO, restoring joint leadership, and holding national elections.
Netanyahu Visits Azerbaijan to Discuss Abraham Accords and Syria
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Baku to discuss Azerbaijan’s possible entry into the Abraham Accords and the mediation between Israel and Turkey on Syria. The visit aligns with recent trilateral security talks in Baku, growing Israeli-Iran tensions, and Syrian interest in Azeri energy firms, reflecting a broader push toward normalization and strategic alignment.
Israeli Offensive Intensifies: Hundreds Killed and New Invasion Warnings
Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives have intensified across Gaza, killing dozens of displaced civilians and raising fears of wider escalation. In Khan Younis, five family members, including a pregnant woman and three children, were killed in an Israeli strike, part of a wider campaign that left 65 Palestinians dead. Similar attacks hit Rafah and Gaza City. Northern Gaza saw a renewed offensive, with evacuations ordered in Beit Hanoun and Sheikh Zayed ahead of a ground push. Since March 18, nearly 2,000 Palestinians have died, bringing the war’s total death toll in Gaza to over 51,300. In the West Bank, Israeli forces arrested Islam Qara’an, a terror cell leader, during a raid in Nablus. Meanwhile, IDF Chief Eyal Zamir warned of an expanded Gaza operation during a stalled hostage deal. Heavy clashes near Beit Hanoun also killed an Israeli tank commander and wounded seven soldiers, underscoring rising Israeli casualties.
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★SYRIA
Al Julani Links Abraham Accords to Sanctions Relief, Territorial Disputes
Abu Mohamad al Julani, aka (Ahmad al Sharaa). expressed conditional support for joining the Abraham Accords during a meeting with U.S. Congressman Cory Mills. He stipulated that normalization with Israel would require an end to Israeli airstrikes, preservation of Syrian unity, and resolution of disputes concerning occupied Syrian land, including Mount Hermon. In parallel, U.S. officials emphasized that lifting sanctions hinges on Syria dismantling its remaining chemical arsenal, ceasing armed activity, and removing foreign militants. Syria’s recent arrests of Islamic Jihad operatives were seen as a gesture toward Washington’s security concerns. al Julani also pressed for sanctions relief as part of any diplomatic agreement.
UK Lifts Sanctions on Syria’s Defense, Interior Ministries, and Energy Sector
Britain lifted sanctions on 12 Syrian entities, including the defense and interior ministries, and eased restrictions on financial and energy sectors to aid reconstruction. The move, effective April 25, aims to boost infrastructure investment and refugee returns post-Assad. Sanctions on former regime figures and captagon traffickers remain, aligning with recent U.S. and EU sanction relief trends.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar Repay Syria’s World Bank Debt to Aid Reintegration
Saudi Arabia and Qatar jointly repaid Syria’s $15 million debt to the World Bank, signaling support for Syria’s reintegration into the global financial system. Central Bank Governor Abdelkader Hasriya confirmed the move during the IMF-World Bank meetings in Washington, describing it as the start of Syria’s economic transformation and institutional reform after Assad’s fall.
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★YEMEN
Escalating U.S. Air Campaign Targets Houthis Across Yemen With Rising Costs
Since March 15, the U.S. has launched approximately 750 airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, spanning key locations like Sana’a, Ma’rib, and al-Salif. The campaign, aimed at halting Red Sea shipping threats, has involved B-2 bombers and carrier-based F/A-18s, incurring costs exceeding $200 million, with projections nearing $1 billion. Seven MQ-9 Reaper drones have been downed, reflecting intensified Houthi air defenses. The U.S. denies involvement in a fatal blast near a UNESCO site in Sana’a, blaming Houthi misfires. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Presidential Council signals a potential end to Houthi control in 2025, during speculation of U.S.-backed ground operations.
Yemen Seeks Emergency IMF Loan During Deepening Fiscal Crisis
Yemen is seeking emergency funding from the IMF to address a severe financial crisis caused by halted oil exports due to Houthi attacks and falling revenues. At the IMF-World Bank spring meetings, officials pledged full cooperation and reforms to secure aid. Talks also covered legislative updates, anti-money laundering, and restarting Article IV consultations to enable financial and technical support.
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★ LEBANON
Hezbollah Shells Syria From Lebanon, Army Intervenes During Border Tensions
Hezbollah fired five shells from Lebanon into Syria’s Qusayr region, prompting a Syrian response that ceased at the Lebanese army’s request. Eight Syrian refugees were wounded by a drone strike near the border. The Lebanese army deployed reinforcements and activated new coordination mechanisms with Syria following recent high-level bilateral talks to restore trust and enhance border security.
Israel Launches Lebanon Incursion as Aoun Pushes to Disarm Hezbollah
Israeli forces entered southern Lebanon overnight, targeting Aalma al-Shaab and Dhayra despite a November ceasefire with Hezbollah. The move follows President Joseph Aoun’s renewed call for Hezbollah’s disarmament by 2025. Israel claims to have killed 140 Hezbollah fighters since the truce, though UN data says 71 civilian deaths have occurred, prompting international legal concerns.
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★ THE GULF
Trump Plans $100 Billion U.S. Arms Package for Saudi Arabia
The U.S. is preparing a $100 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, to be announced during Donald Trump’s May visit. This follows Biden’s failed broader defense agreement tied to Israel normalization. Lockheed Martin, RTX, Boeing, and General Atomics are key suppliers. Some deals date back to 2018, including a $20 billion MQ-9B drone package.
Mossad Chief Barnea Returns to Doha for Hostage Deal Talks
Mossad head David Barnea traveled to Qatar to meet Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, marking his return to Gaza hostage negotiations. Barnea replaces criticized negotiator Ron Dermer, as Israel faces pressure to resume progress.
Saudi Trade Surplus Hits $8.2 Billion in February 2025
Saudi Arabia posted an $8.2 billion trade surplus in February, with non-oil exports up 14.3% year-on-year. Re-exports rose 45.9%, while oil exports fell 7.9%, cutting total exports by 2.6%. Imports dropped 5.6%, raising the surplus by 4% from February 2024. Non-oil export growth aligns with Vision 2030’s diversification drive during oil market fluctuations.
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★ SUDAN
World’s Only Mycetoma Research Center Destroyed in Sudan War
The only global center for mycetoma research in Khartoum was destroyed during Sudan’s ongoing war. The WHO confirmed on Thursday. Founded in 1991, the center served 12,000 patients annually and housed over 40 years of biological data. The conflict has devastated Sudan’s health system and displaced 13 million people, obstructing damage assessments and halting critical research on this neglected tropical disease.
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