You are invited to join us for Global Crisis Watch 307, on Friday, December 20th at 10:00 GMT.
The highlighted topics will include:
Senior Russian General Killed in Moscow Bombing, Ukraine Claims Responsibility
On December 17, 2024, Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia’s radiological, biological and chemical protection forces, was killed in Moscow by a remotely detonated bomb placed on an electric scooter. The explosion killed Kirillov and his assistant, Ilya Polikarpov, outside an apartment building. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) claimed responsibility for the attack, citing Kirillov’s role in the use of banned chemical weapons during the war in Ukraine. The blast followed a Ukrainian court’s sentence in absentia, accusing Kirillov of war crimes related to chemical weapons deployment.
Kirillov had been sanctioned by the United States and the United Kingdom for his involvement in chemical weapons use, including the deployment of chloropicrin, a banned substance. The SBU stated that Kirillov was a “legitimate target,” and the attack highlights Ukraine’s strategy of targeting senior Russian military figures. According to reports, Kirillov’s leadership had resulted in over 4,800 uses of chemical weapons, making him a key figure in Russia’s military operations.
Russia responded by detaining a 29-year-old man from Uzbekistan, accusing him of carrying out the attack under Ukrainian orders. Although Moscow’s Investigative Committee claimed the suspect was recruited by Ukrainian special services, the details of his confession remain unclear.
This assassination is part of a broader trend of targeted attacks on Russian military leadership, reflecting Ukraine’s intensified efforts to disrupt Russia’s military command structure.
Israel Intensifies Strikes in Gaza: Dozens Killed Amid Humanitarian Crisis
The Israeli military’s ongoing air and ground strikes in Gaza have led to at least 53 Palestinian deaths in the past 24 hours, including a journalist and emergency responders. The targeted airstrikes struck civilian areas such as the Nuseirat market, killing Al Jazeera video journalist Ahmed Al-Louh and five others. Additional airstrikes on Gaza City, Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun and Khan Younis left dozens dead, including women and children. The Israeli military states that its strikes aim to target Hamas militants, with precision munitions and aerial surveillance intended to minimize civilian casualties. However, local sources report significant damage to residential areas, shelters and humanitarian infrastructure.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s surprise attacks on Israel on October 7, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 45,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians. Over 100,000 people have been wounded, and Gaza remains under siege, with limited access to food, water and medical supplies. Despite international mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the US, no significant progress has been made toward a ceasefire or truce.
Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu has reaffirmed his commitment to securing the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas, which is a central issue in ongoing negotiations. While Israeli authorities claim that military operations are aimed at dismantling Hamas, accusations of ethnic cleansing persist, with Palestinians alleging that Israel’s actions are designed to depopulate Gaza's northern region to create a buffer zone.
Canada Strengthens Border Measures After US Tariff Threat on Exports
In response to US President-elect Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods unless Canada strengthens its border security, the Canadian government has pledged C$1.3 billion ($900 million) to bolster measures aimed at curbing illegal migration and drug trafficking. The initiative includes the deployment of helicopters, drones and mobile surveillance towers, as well as a joint “strike force” with US authorities to tackle transnational crime. Canada’s Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Dominic LeBlanc, emphasized that the goal is to secure the border while maintaining the free flow of people and goods crucial to both nations’ economies.
Key components of the plan include enhanced law enforcement tools, increased cooperation with US agencies, and funding for the training of new drug detection dog teams. Additionally, Canada will introduce legislative amendments to give the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) more authority to inspect goods destined for export to the US. The proposal also addresses the fentanyl crisis, with new strategies to disrupt the drug trade. Although illegal crossings at the Canada-US border are far fewer than at the southern border, authorities are still concerned about the flow of fentanyl and undocumented migrants.
This move follows Trump’s calls for stronger action against irregular migration and drug smuggling. Canada’s response reflects its commitment to addressing US concerns while preserving cross-border trade relations.
Cyclone Chido Strikes Mayotte and Mozambique, Sparking Humanitarian Crisis
Cyclone Chido has devastated Mayotte and Mozambique, causing significant loss of life and widespread destruction. Mayotte, a French overseas territory, was hit hardest, with winds reaching 220 kph (137 mph). The official death toll has risen to 22, and over 1,400 people have been injured, but authorities fear the actual death toll could be in the thousands due to the severity of the storm and difficulties in communication. With large areas of Mayotte still inaccessible, the main priority is providing food, water and electricity. A curfew has been imposed to prevent lawlessness, and 20 tonnes of supplies are being delivered. The cyclone's destruction has sparked a political debate in France about immigration, as many undocumented migrants in Mayotte were reluctant to seek shelter due to fears of being arrested.
Cyclone Chido also affected Mozambique, where winds reached 260 kph and at least 34 people have died. The storm caused severe damage in Cabo Delgado province, already in crisis due to an ongoing insurgency. Thousands of homes and fishing boats were destroyed, and the region is struggling with the aftermath of both the cyclone and the insurgency. As relief efforts continue in both Mayotte and Mozambique, political tensions are rising, with some French officials using the disaster to push for stricter immigration controls, while others point to the role of climate change in increasing the severity of such natural disasters.
Plus, all the stories that are catching our attention wherever we live in the world. Feel free to join us and add your voice to the conversation.
