February 9th's Report
Executive Summary
It's Monday, February 9th. Russia launched its largest aerial assault of 2026 against Ukraine's energy grid — more than 400 drones and 40 missiles including Tsyrkon hypersonic missiles targeting power infrastructure across 14 oblasts, dropping electricity availability to 21 percent. Israel's security cabinet approved sweeping measures to expand control over the occupied West Bank, including lifting a ban on Jewish land purchases and extending enforcement into Areas A and B. Ethiopia formally accused Eritrea of "outright aggression" and demanded immediate troop withdrawal. RSF drone strikes killed 24 displaced civilians including 8 children near Al-Rahad in Sudan's North Kordofan, and struck a World Food Programme convoy. Islamic State – Pakistan Province officially claimed the February 6 Islamabad mosque bombing that killed 31–32 people. North Korea announced the first Workers' Party Congress in five years. Pro-Russian hacktivists sustained their DDoS campaign against Italian Olympic infrastructure.
Middle East & North Africa
Israel's security cabinet deepens West Bank control as settler violence continues
Israel's security cabinet approved sweeping measures to expand Israeli control over the occupied West Bank on February 8. Key decisions included lifting a ban on Jewish land purchases in the West Bank, restarting the dormant Land Acquisition Committee for state land seizures, expanding Israeli enforcement into Palestinian-administered Areas A and B, and transferring construction authority in Hebron to the Israeli Civil Administration. Palestinian President Abbas called the decisions "dangerous" and "an open Israeli attempt to legalize settlement expansion." Jordan condemned the measures. Hamas called for Palestinians to "intensify the confrontation."
Separately, Israeli settlers broke into a mosque on the outskirts of Maniya village near Bethlehem, set fire to Islamic holy books, stole carpets, and cut electrical wires. No injuries were reported. The IDF also suspended two soldiers after footage surfaced of them beating handcuffed Palestinian Muhand al-Tamimi near Nabi Saleh village.
Israeli strike kills one in Beit Lahiya; Gaza death toll passes 72,000
In Gaza, an Israeli strike in the Beit Lahiya area killed Salem al-Souss, 33, whose body was taken to Shifa Hospital. Another person was critically wounded. Since the October 2025 ceasefire, over 550 Palestinians have been killed and 1,500 wounded by Israeli operations. The cumulative Palestinian death toll in Gaza reached 72,027 with 171,651 wounded since October 7, 2023. A top Hamas leader rejected disarmament or "foreign rule" of Gaza.
Four Druze civilians killed in Syria's Suwayda as SDF integration advances
In Suwayda Governorate, four Druze civilians were shot dead while harvesting olives near al-Matana village. The Syrian Internal Security Directorate arrested one of its own officers involved in the attack. A militia member from Hikmat al-Hijri's group was killed when Internal Security Forces repelled further advance attempts. Armed groups also targeted the town of Al-Mazraa with mortar shells, hitting civilian homes. In Quneitra province, Israeli artillery shelled Samdaniyah and Tal Krum.
In northeastern Syria, the government continued implementing its January 30 agreement with the SDF. Internal Security forces deployed into Kobani's Sheikh district and entered Hasakah, while a defense ministry delegation traveled to discuss SDF integration. A government team visited Qamishli International Airport to prepare for reopening. A C-17 heavy airlift aircraft was filmed departing the U.S. base at Shadadi amid reports of American withdrawal. U.S. CENTCOM emphasized completing ISIS detainee transfers to Iraq, where 2,250 ISIS prisoners were received on February 8 with U.S. military escort.
Iran's internal power signals raise questions about Khamenei
Three developments out of Iran on February 8 carried significant implications. Iranian authorities arrested three reformist figures — Azar Mansouri (head of Iran's Reform Front), Ebrahim Asgharzadeh, and Mohsen Aminzadeh — on charges of "targeting national unity" and "coordination with enemy propaganda." In a potentially momentous institutional shift, Iranian Army Air Force commanders — who traditionally swear annual allegiance to the Supreme Leader every February — instead met Hassan Khomeini, the founder's grandson, after Supreme Leader Khamenei did not hold the annual meeting for the first time in 37 years. Iran International reported that at least 1,800 people were killed in Tehran alone during the January 8 crackdown on protests, based on aggregated hospital data from an emergency medical officials meeting. Iran's FM Araghchi declared the missile program "never negotiable" and defied new U.S. sanctions.
Yemen cabinet reshuffled; U.S. strikes al-Qaeda in Marib
Yemen's Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council announced a new cabinet with diverse political affiliations, following the collapse of the UAE-backed Southern Transitional Council and UAE withdrawal from southern Yemen. In Marib province, a U.S. drone strike killed 3 al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula operatives in a vehicle. The U.S. also conducted 7 strikes against Houthi unmanned surface vessels and anti-ship cruise missiles that were being prepared for Red Sea launches.
Lebanon building collapse kills at least 14 in Tripoli
Two adjoining residential buildings collapsed in the Bab al-Tabbaneh neighborhood of Tripoli, killing at least 9 people initially with the death toll rising to 14 by February 9. Six survivors were rescued from the rubble. Victims included a child and a woman. President Joseph Aoun ordered emergency services on high alert. PM Nawaf Salam pledged housing allowances for evacuated residents. Tripoli's mayor declared the city "disaster-stricken," with 105 buildings identified as requiring immediate evacuation warnings. In southern Lebanon, the IDF continued operations against Hezbollah targets.
U.S. military buildup reaches historic scale
At least 115 U.S. Air Force C-17 and C-5 flights had arrived or were en route to Middle East bases by February 8, with 18 flights in progress. Primary destinations: Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan (70 flights); Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar (13); Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia (13); Diego Garcia (9); Ali Al Salem Air Base, Kuwait (7). The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group remained deployed in the region.
Sources: Times of Israel, Al Jazeera, Reuters, CNN, BBC, Iran International, CENTCOM, Wafa News Agency, Kyiv Independent, Liveuamap
Europe
Russia unleashes 400+ drones and 40 missiles on Ukraine's power grid
Russia launched its largest combined aerial assault of 2026 overnight February 7–8 — more than 400 strike drones and approximately 40 missiles, including 2 Tsyrkon hypersonic missiles, 21 Kh-101 cruise missiles, and 16 Kalibr sea-launched cruise missiles fired from the Black Sea near Novorossiysk. The barrage targeted power generation facilities, distribution substations, high-voltage lines, and nuclear plant substations across 14 oblasts: Khmelnytskyi, Rivne, Dnipropetrovsk, Volyn, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Poltava, Kherson, Vinnytsia, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa, and Kyiv.
Key facilities sustained critical damage. The Burshtyn thermal power plant in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast ceased operations. The Dobrotvir thermal plant in Lviv Oblast was hit. Nuclear power plant substations lost output, with one unit auto-shutting down — confirmed by the IAEA. DTEK reported "significant damage" in what it described as the 220th attack on Ukrainian thermal generation since 2022. Average electricity availability across Ukraine dropped to 5 hours per day (21 percent), the lowest level since the start of 2026. Over 1,000 apartment buildings in Kyiv lost heating as temperatures dropped toward forecasts of -19°C. An estimated 14 million Ukrainians were affected by rolling blackouts. Poland temporarily suspended operations at Lublin and Rzeszów airports near the Ukrainian border during the strike.
Ground combat: 294 engagements across the front line
The Ukrainian General Staff recorded 294 combat engagements during the 24-hour reporting period. The heaviest fighting centered on the Pokrovsk sector, with elevated activity along the Kostiantynivka and Lyman axes. Russian forces claimed capture of three villages — Chuhunivka (Kharkiv Oblast), Pokrovka, and Sidorovka — while Ukrainian forces advanced near Zagryzovo and Borovskaya Andreevka. Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive near Ternovatoye, described by Russian military analysts as the "main battle of the winter campaign," prompting Russia to transfer units from 7 assault regiments and 3 assault brigades.
Confirmed civilian casualties across Ukraine on February 8: at least 3 killed and 26 or more wounded. In Kindrativka (Donetsk Oblast), Russian shelling of a residential area killed 2 and wounded 3. Across Zaporizhzhia and Polohy districts, 577 strikes on 30 settlements killed 1 and wounded 8, with 297 drones launched at populated areas. In Kherson, Russian MLRS shelling wounded at least 9, including 3 women in the Korabelnyi district. In Dnipropetrovsk's Synelnykove district, bombardment wounded 6 people including a 10-year-old boy. Claimed military losses for the 24-hour period: Ukraine reported 1,040 Russian troops killed or wounded, plus 468 UAVs and 8 artillery systems destroyed. Russia claimed approximately 1,105 Ukrainian troops lost. Neither figure can be independently verified.
Ukrainian strikes hit missile factory and oil depot deep inside Russia
Ukrainian forces conducted multiple strikes on Russian soil on February 8. SBU Alpha special forces drones struck the Redkino Experimental Plant in Tver Oblast, a facility manufacturing fuel components for Kh-55 and Kh-101 cruise missiles, causing a "massive fire." The Balashovo oil depot in Saratov Oblast was hit. Neptune missiles and HIMARS struck targets in Bryansk Oblast, wounding 2 and disrupting power in 7 municipalities. The pro-Ukrainian Atesh partisan group claimed to have disabled military communication infrastructure in Belgorod Oblast by setting fire to a hardware module at a communication tower base. In Belgorod city, approximately 80,000 people remained without heating following strikes from the prior day.
GRU assassination suspect extradited from Dubai
Russia's FSB announced the arrest and extradition from Dubai of the suspect who shot GRU Deputy Chief Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev on February 6 at his Moscow residence. The 65-year-old suspect, described as a Ukrainian-born Russian citizen, allegedly arrived in Russia in December "on instructions of Kyiv special services." One accomplice, Viktor Vasin, was detained in Moscow; another, Zinaida Serebritskaya, reportedly escaped to Ukraine. Alekseyev regained consciousness after surgery and was described as out of danger. Russian FM Lavrov accused Ukraine of orchestrating the attack to "sabotage peace talks." Ukrainian FM Sybiha denied involvement, suggesting possible "internal Russian infighting."
U.S. sets June 2026 peace deadline; proposes Miami talks and energy ceasefire
President Zelensky disclosed on February 8 that the United States has set a deadline of June 2026 for Moscow and Kyiv to reach a peace agreement. Washington proposed follow-up talks in Miami within one week; Kyiv agreed, but Moscow had not confirmed. The U.S. also proposed a free economic zone in occupied Donetsk — neither side expressed enthusiasm — and requested both parties agree to a ceasefire on energy infrastructure strikes as a de-escalation measure. Kyiv accepted; Moscow did not respond. Zelensky warned of the risk that the U.S. and Russia could strike bilateral deals without Kyiv's involvement. Kremlin spokesman Peskov said a third round of talks should happen "soon" but set no date. Separately, Ukraine's FM Sybiha endorsed Italy and the Pope's call for an Olympic truce during the Milan-Cortina Games.
Other European security developments
Turkey's amphibious assault ship L400 Anadolu delivered ground forces to the port of Emden, Germany, as part of NATO's Steadfast Dart-26 exercise. No conflict events were documented in Kosovo, Armenia-Azerbaijan, or the Balkans.
Sources: Kyiv Independent, Ukrainska Pravda, Ukrinform, LIGA.net, South Front, Al Jazeera, Reuters, BBC, CNN, UNITED24 Media, IAEA, Defense News
Americas
Venezuela releases 35 political prisoners; key opposition figure kidnapped hours later
Venezuela released approximately 35 political prisoners on February 8 under mounting U.S. pressure, including prominent opposition figures Juan Pablo Guanipa, Freddy Superlano, and lawyer Perkins Rocha. Foro Penal confirmed the releases, which came days after National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez promised all detainees would be freed by February 13. Hours after his release, Guanipa posted videos to social media declaring Venezuela had "completely changed" and calling for the release of remaining prisoners.
Around midnight, heavily armed men in civilian clothes arrived in four vehicles and forcibly seized Guanipa in the Los Chorros neighborhood of Caracas. Opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado described the seizure as a kidnapping and demanded his immediate release. Guanipa's Primero Justicia party accused the regime of acting President Delcy Rodríguez of being behind the abduction, holding Rodríguez, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez, and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello responsible. Venezuela's public prosecutor's office later stated it had requested Guanipa be placed under house arrest, claiming a breach of his release conditions. The government did not immediately respond to the kidnapping allegations. Foro Penal estimates approximately 680 political prisoners remain detained in Venezuela.
Sources: Reuters, CNN, Al Jazeera, Foro Penal, Business Standard
Sub-Saharan Africa
Ethiopia accuses Eritrea of "outright aggression" and demands troop withdrawal
Ethiopian Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos sent a formal letter to Eritrea on February 7–8, accusing Eritrea of occupying Ethiopian territory along the northeastern border "for quite a considerable period," conducting "incursions of Eritrean troops further into Ethiopian territory," executing joint military maneuvers with rebel groups along the northwestern border, and providing material support to armed factions inside Ethiopia — reportedly Fano militia fighters. The letter described Eritrea's actions as "outright aggression" and "actively preparing for war." Ethiopia demanded immediate withdrawal and stated willingness for "good faith negotiations" if sovereignty is respected.
Eritrea had not publicly responded. Context includes a January 14 interdiction of a truck in Woldia carrying 57,000 rounds of ammunition allegedly from Eritrea destined for Fano rebels, and PM Abiy Ahmed's first-ever acknowledgment that Eritrean troops massacred civilians in Aksum during the 2020–22 Tigray war. The International Crisis Group lists Ethiopia-Eritrea as a top 10 conflict to watch in 2026.
RSF drone strikes kill displaced families and hit WFP convoy in Sudan
The Rapid Support Forces carried out a drone strike on February 7 on a vehicle carrying internally displaced persons near the southern entrance of Al-Rahad city, North Kordofan, killing at least 24 people including 8 children (2 of whom were infants), with dozens wounded. The victims had fled fighting in the Dubeiker area of South Kordofan. On February 6–7, RSF drones also struck a World Food Programme convoy on the road connecting el-Obeid with Kosti, killing at least 1 and destroying food aid — with two separate attacks hitting seven vehicles total.
International condemnations issued on February 8 came from Saudi Arabia (denouncing RSF "criminal attacks" and condemning foreign interference), Turkey (calling it "a blatant and grave violation of international humanitarian law"), and the United States (Senior Advisor Massad Boulos stating the "Trump Administration has zero tolerance for this destruction of life and of U.S.-funded assistance"). SAF and RSF continue intense fighting across Kordofan, with the RSF attempting to encircle el-Obeid. The nearly three-year civil war has displaced approximately 14 million people, killed an estimated 40,000 or more, and left 21 million facing acute food insecurity.
ISWAP attacks military checkpoint in northeastern Nigeria
Islamic State West Africa Province operatives attacked a Nigerian Army checkpoint in Monguno, Borno State, approximately 70 km from the Nigeria-Chad-Cameroon tri-border area. MNJTF Sector 3 troops engaged the attackers. Specific casualty figures were not available. The attack occurred during an intensified ISWAP offensive — on February 5, ISWAP ambushed Nigerian soldiers near Goniri (6 killed), and on February 3, the IS-linked Lakurawa group massacred 162 or more civilians in Kwara State.
South Africa withdraws 700 troops from Congo peacekeeping mission
South Africa's presidency announced on February 8 the withdrawal of approximately 700 troops from MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC. President Ramaphosa cited the need to "consolidate and realign" SANDF resources after 27 years of UN peacekeeping in the DRC. South Africa had already withdrawn SADC mission troops in 2025 after 17 South African soldiers were killed in the escalating M23 conflict. The withdrawal was scheduled for completion by end of 2026. In eastern DRC, M23 (backed by Rwanda) continued to hold Goma and Bukavu, and conducted drone attacks on Kisangani airport in Tshopo province in the days preceding.
South Sudan fighting displaces 280,000+ across Jonglei State
Heavy fighting between SSPDF government forces and SPLA-IO opposition forces persisted through February 8 across Jonglei State — encompassing Uror, Nyirol, Akobo, Duk, Ayod, and Canal/Pigi counties. Between February 3–5, airstrikes hit Lankien town and Walgak. An MSF hospital in Lankien was struck during a February 3 airstrike, injuring staff and destroying medical supplies. On February 7, the UN Secretary-General "strongly condemned" the escalating violence, noting 370,000 or more displaced including 280,000 or more in Jonglei alone and at least 11 healthcare facilities attacked since late December.
Sources: Reuters, Al Jazeera, BBC, Sudan Tribune, International Crisis Group, WFP, UN OCHA, AP, OkayAfrica, allAfrica.com
Asia-Pacific
North Korea announces first Workers' Party Congress in five years
KCNA reported on February 8 that the Workers' Party of Korea Political Bureau unanimously approved convening the 9th Congress of the WPK in late February 2026 in Pyongyang — the first such congress since January 2021. Kim Jong Un is expected to outline his policy roadmap including "next-stage plans for further bolstering the country's nuclear deterrent." A military parade is expected to accompany the congress and is being closely watched for signs of new weapons systems. February 8 also marked Korean People's Army Foundation Day. South Korean officials indicated "new developments" on North Korea were expected in coming days.
Myanmar's junta retakes strategic Banmauk after months of battle
Myanmar junta forces and allied Shanni Nationalities Army fighters retook control of Banmauk town in northern Sagaing Region on February 8 after several days of heavy fighting against the Kachin Independence Army and People's Defence Force. Banmauk, strategically located near the Kachin State border, had been captured by resistance forces on September 20, 2025. The junta deployed Light Infantry Division 33 and SNA forces with heavy airstrikes and artillery to recapture it. Civilians were displaced from the town and approximately 15 surrounding villages.
The broader Myanmar civil war remained intensely active. On February 6, a junta airstrike on a Sagaing Region monastery killed a novice monk among five dead. On February 7, junta troops raided villages in Mandalay's Ngazun Township using drones, and an airstrike on a school shelter in Depayin Township wounded 7 IDPs. According to HRW and Amnesty International, the junta conducted 408 military air attacks between December 28, 2025 and January 25, 2026, killing at least 170 civilians. Total internal displacement exceeds 3.6 million, with over 15 million facing acute food insecurity. President Trump extended the U.S. national emergency declaration on Myanmar, enabling continued sanctions, and signed a spending bill including $121 million in humanitarian aid.
PLA patrols South China Sea as Beijing warns Philippines
The PLA Southern Theater Command announced that naval and air forces conducted "routine patrols" in the South China Sea from February 2–6, accusing the Philippines of "roping in countries outside the region" for bilateral air patrols that "undermined peace and stability." China warned its forces "will remain on high alert and resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights." A new Type 052D destroyer entered Chinese naval service.
Elections in Thailand and Japan carry defense implications
Thailand held snap general elections on February 8, with 53 million registered voters casting ballots against a backdrop of the 2025 Thailand-Cambodia border conflict that killed 149 people across two rounds of fighting. The Bhumjaithai Party won the most seats (194), followed by People's Party (116) and Pheu Thai (76). No election-day violence was reported despite insurgent threats from Thailand's deep south. Japan also held snap elections, with PM Sanae Takaichi seeking a mandate for record defense spending of 9 trillion yen or more for FY2026, accelerated military buildup to 2 percent of GDP, and a more assertive posture on Taiwan.
Sources: KCNA, Myanmar Now, The Irrawaddy, The Diplomat, Reuters, BBC, PLA Southern Theater Command, Military Watch Magazine, NHK
South & Central Asia
ISIS claims Islamabad mosque bombing; Pakistan arrests alleged mastermind
The dominant security event in this theater remained the aftermath of the February 6 suicide bombing at the Khadijah-tul-Kubra Shia mosque in Tarlai Kalan, Islamabad — the deadliest attack in the capital since the 2008 Marriott bombing, killing 31–32 people and wounding 169–170. On February 8, Islamic State – Pakistan Province officially claimed responsibility via Amaq News Agency, warning "there is still more to come." Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi announced a "major breakthrough" — the arrest of the alleged Afghan ISIS mastermind and 4 facilitators in overnight raids in Peshawar and Nowshera. Pakistani Defense Minister accused India and Afghanistan of backing the attack; both countries rejected the allegations. Thousands attended mass funeral prayers.
Police attacked in Bannu; opposition strikes trigger security deployments
In Bannu district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, armed assailants attacked the Khonia Khel police check post (February 7) and a police team transporting a body on Dera Ismail Road (February 7–8), wounding 2 police constables across both incidents. Assailants fled. PTI-led opposition parties observed nationwide strikes on February 8 marking the second anniversary of alleged election rigging, prompting deployment of 4,200 police in Charsadda district and Section 144 restrictions in Rawalpindi.
India conducts counter-insurgency sweeps across Manipur
Indian security forces carried out significant counter-insurgency operations across Manipur on February 8. In Tengnoupal district, forces recovered an AK rifle, a pistol, 2 improvised mortars, a single-barrel rifle, 2 live mortar bombs, 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and 14 IEDs with wire bundles. Additional mortars and IEDs were recovered near the Indo-Myanmar border at Yangoubung and destroyed in situ. Five militants were arrested from four separate insurgent groups — PREPAK, PREPAK (Pro), KYKL, and UNLF (K) — on charges including extortion and armed opposition. Security forces installed 114 checkpoints across Manipur and destroyed approximately 97 acres of illegal poppy plantations in Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts. Separately, PM Modi announced strengthened counter-terrorism and intelligence-sharing cooperation with Malaysia during a visit to Kuala Lumpur.
Sources: Dawn, Geo News, The News International, Tribune India, Hindustan Times, Al Jazeera, Reuters, Amaq News Agency
Cyber & Space
Pro-Russian hacktivists sustain DDoS campaign against Italian Olympic infrastructure
The pro-Russian hacktivist group NoName057(16) continued its DDoS campaign against Italian government and Winter Olympics infrastructure throughout February 8 — part of an operation launched on February 4–5 targeting approximately 120 Italian government and Olympic-related websites. Targets included Italian Foreign Ministry offices (embassies in Washington, consulates in Sydney, Toronto, Paris), Winter Olympics sites, hotels in Cortina d'Ampezzo, municipal websites, and surveillance systems. Italian FM Tajani confirmed attacks were "effectively neutralised" though at least one hotel website remained offline. Italy deployed 6,000 security officers for the Games.
Ransomware groups claim 43 new victims in 24 hours
The Purple Ops Daily Ransomware Report recorded 43 new ransomware victims in the 24 hours ending February 8, bringing the 2026 year-to-date total to 1,078. Healthcare organizations were disproportionately targeted (11 victims), followed by professional services (12) and legal firms (7). The Insomnia group claimed 17 victims, Qilin (a Russian-speaking RaaS operation) claimed 10, and Play News claimed 7. The United States accounted for 29 of 43 victims.
Critical infrastructure and state-sponsored campaigns remain active
Sapienza University of Rome — Europe's largest university by enrollment with approximately 120,000 students — remained fully offline for a sixth consecutive day following a February 2 ransomware attack attributed to pro-Russian threat actor "Femwar02" using BabLock ransomware (which avoids encrypting devices set to Russian or post-Soviet languages). Romania's national oil pipeline operator Conpet continued dealing with a Qilin ransomware compromise that took its corporate IT offline, though SCADA and operational technology systems were unaffected.
Germany's BfV and BSI issued a joint advisory regarding an ongoing state-sponsored Signal account hijacking campaign targeting high-ranking European military personnel, diplomats, politicians, and journalists. The attacks exploit legitimate Signal features through social engineering — either impersonating "Signal Support" to extract PINs for account takeover, or using QR codes to silently link attacker devices for persistent monitoring. The pro-Russian Russian Legion alliance continued its "OpDenmark" DDoS campaign against Danish government and energy sector websites, demanding Denmark withdraw a 1.5 billion DKK military aid package to Ukraine.
Sources: The Cyber Express, BleepingComputer, Help Net Security, Purple Ops, CISA, Germany BfV/BSI, The Hacker News, Datadog Security Labs
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