An Islamist militant movement with a claimed state
The first exit polls from Israel’s pivotal general election show strong gains for Arab-majority parties, with predictions of 17–20 seats for the two Arab lists and a near-equal split in the Knesset. The Netanyahu bloc holds a narrow path to a majority, while opposition leaders call for coalition-building with Arab parties to unseat him. Turnout is high amid years of political tension and ongoing conflict, with Gaza and West Bank residents not eligible to vote.
Soldiers have attacked Base 101 at Niamey’s Diori Hamani International Airport and fired on sites near the presidential district overnight, triggering hours of clashes with forces loyal to junta leader General Abdourahamane Tchiani. State television briefly went off air. Authorities have said security forces are regaining control after Russia’s Africa Corps intervened and dozens of mutineers were killed or detained.
Mondlane has had immunity lifted and is set to stand trial on five charges related to post-election protests. Authorities say protests turned violent after the October 2024 elections; Mondlane denies wrongdoing. The Supreme Court has scheduled the trial for next month.
The United States plans to withdraw its military coalition from Iraq by Sept. 30, 2026, as Baghdad and Washington finalize the exit, with air defence systems in Erbil to be removed and weapons under state control to follow. The transition aims to prevent a security vacuum while maintaining security cooperation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has used his UN General Assembly address to accuse New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani of antisemitism, of supporting Hamas and of making Jewish New Yorkers feel unsafe. Mamdani has replied that Netanyahu is repeating "baseless lies" and remains subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant; protests and walkouts have followed the speech.
A survey of how intelligence, counter-terrorism, and national security strategies have evolved since the 2001 attacks, reflecting on failures, reforms and shifting threats as the world marks the 25th anniversary.
The Department of Justice has secured the first-ever removal under the Alien Terrorist Removal Court after Nazira Haji Zada, a lawful permanent resident in Fort Worth, Texas, has waived appeals and accepted designation as an "alien terrorist." The DOJ says classified evidence supported her removal after her son and son-in-law were convicted in a 2024 election-day attack plot.
Protests over the killing of Sami Shekhmous Hiso in Hasakeh Province have sparked prison violence at Kobani. Inmates set dormitories ablaze as security forces wage a crackdown; authorities call for restraint while Kurdish groups demand a transparent investigation.
Voters in BARMM have participated in a historic election to choose 80 parliamentary seats, with security deployments exceeding 20,000. Turnout is expected around 80% as officials report pockets of violence and logistical challenges, including ballot reprints for pre-shaded ballots. The region seeks greater autonomy after decades of conflict.
BARMM heads to its first regular parliamentary elections, trading appointed lawmakers for elected representatives amid persistent violence risks. MILF factions split, campaigning amid security deployments and reports of intimidation. Despite threats, leaders emphasize the goal of sustaining the peace as ballots are cast.
Iraq and France are pushing for diversified export routes to secure energy supplies as the Middle East crisis worsens. Iraqi PM Ali al-Zaidi has met European leaders in Paris and Berlin to discuss expanding export corridors, with TotalEnergies signaling greater investment and a roadmap for defence and energy collaboration.
The war in Sudan continues to devastate civilians as donor funding shrinks. USAID-funded programs have ended or run out of funds, forcing clinics to close and patients to travel longer distances for care. International aid globally fell in 2025, and MSF warns that without increased support, more patients will face late, life-threatening treatment.
The United States is finalizing a drawdown in northern Iraq, with hundreds of troops set to depart by September 30. Iraq’s government links the exit to a demand for militias to disarm, but Iran-backed groups are signaling that disarmament is unlikely and favor regulation instead. Tehran seeks to keep influence in Iraq while Baghdad weighs its options amid regional tensions.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has held its first regional elections since the 2014 peace deal and the 2019 autonomy vote. Initial results show no party has won a majority of the 80-seat parliament, forcing parties to seek coalitions as leaders vow to push for stable governance amid ongoing security concerns.
A Virginia federal court has sentenced Mohammad Sharifullah to the maximum term for providing material support to ISIS-K, while jurors remain deadlocked on his role in the Kabul airport bombing. Prosecutors say he helped scout the Abbey Gate route and coordinated attacks, though the court did not tie him to the airport bombing itself.
Protests erupt in Hasakeh province after the killing of Sami Shekhmous Hiso, a former Kurdish fighter. Prison authorities report inmates set fires during a security crisis at Kobane prison as government and Kurdish-led groups trade blame. Regional tensions rise as authorities pledge investigation and security forces respond.
Syria’s Internal Security Forces have killed three members of an armed group during an operation in Al-Sanamayn, Daraa province, as they attempted to arrest a suspect linked to the Islamic State. The security operation has led to a curfew and heightened manhunt as authorities say they dismantled a cell coordinating with IS.
The High Court has found most of the defendants guilty on multiple charges related to the 2019 Easter bombings that killed 279 people and wounded hundreds. Sentencing will be delivered later; several defendants face long prison terms while others are acquitted. The case has highlighted alleged intelligence failures and potential state links to the attacks.
Counter-terrorism police have disrupted an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester during Yom Kippur. Two men in their 30s have been arrested, with searches in Salford and Liverpool. Police say the investigation is ongoing and heightened security is in place for the High Holy Days.
The federal police have arrested the seventh man in Victoria since May on allegations of possessing or distributing ISIS content online. A 65-year-old Australian citizen has been charged with being a member of a terrorist organization and distributing violent extremist material. He allegedly sent 10,000 files between 2015 and 2020, including propaganda, and provided guidance on evading authorities and planning mass attacks.
Iraq and Turkey have agreed to establish full state authority in Sinjar and end the presence of outlawed armed elements. Turkish forces will hand over a Bashiqa-Zilkan base to Baghdad under an agreed mechanism, with a timetable not specified. The pact follows talks between Erdogan and al-Zaidi at the UN General Assembly, and aligns with earlier Kurdish armed groups’ disarmament efforts.
The New Arab reports that a Syrian national, known as Al-Daameesh, has been detained in Batroun after allegedly preparing an IS-aligned attack during the pope’s 2025 Lebanon visit. Authorities say he previously served with Nusra Front and IS, with the cell’s dismantling attributed to security measures around the pope’s trip.
Syria’s energy infrastructure has been repeatedly targeted as gas pipelines and power plants have been disrupted by sabotage, prompting authorities to isolate damaged sections and halt flows to electricity generation. The incidents follow protests over fuel prices and compound post-war reconstruction challenges.
The US-led coalition has formally concluded its combat and operational presence in Iraq, winding down to an advisory role. Iraqi forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga are expected to lead security efforts, with the government emphasising sovereignty while pro-Iran factions press for disarmament and continued influence.
Burkina Faso has inaugurated Raffinor-BF, a state-backed gold refinery in Ouagadougou with 164 tonnes annual capacity, aiming to process gold domestically and cut reliance on foreign firms. The project is part of President Traoré’s push for greater state control of minerals amid security challenges and concerns over the informal mining sector.
A Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an altercation on the flight deck. The airline has said all passengers are safe and accounted for. Israeli officials have said a pilot stabbed the co-pilot and tried to sabotage the aircraft; Israeli warplanes monitored the diversion and passengers restrained the assailant.
The final U.S. troops have withdrawn from Iraq, ending Operation Inherent Resolve. Tehran and its allies call the pullout a victory and push for American forces to leave the region. Iraqi leaders warn security gaps could follow, as militias and Islamic State remnants pose fresh risks.
The United States-led coalition has completed its orderly withdrawal from Erbil, handing security responsibilities to Iraqi forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga. Iraq aims to preserve sovereignty amid Iran-aligned pressure and regional volatility. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is pushing to place weapons under state control while diversifying the economy to reduce external influence.
An Omani co‑pilot has attacked the captain aboard Flydubai flight FZ1073 and has attempted to seize control to crash the aircraft on Sept. 30. Passengers and off‑duty crew have overpowered and restrained him; the jet has made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. UAE prosecutors have opened a terrorism probe and say the suspect has admitted planning a suicide attack inspired by 9/11.
The State Department has amended ITAR to remove Syria from the denial list, allowing case‑by‑case consideration of US arms exports. The move follows steps to ease sanctions and hints at reopening Damascus embassy. Seven countries remain on the denial list as Washington shifts its approach to Damascus.
A bus attack in Homs province has killed seven people and injured four, state media says. The motive remains unclear as authorities investigate. The incident follows a string of security incidents near Damascus and across central Syria amid years of instability.
Two Iranian nationals have been charged in Manchester with preparing to commit or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism. They were arrested ahead of Yom Kippur and are believed to have been in contact with an overseas third party; authorities say there is no ongoing public threat.
Rahman Salehi and Salam Ahmadyan are remanded after appearing in court on terrorism charges related to hostile reconnaissance and plans for a homemade explosive targeting Manchester’s Jewish community. Prosecution says a third party, likely based in Iran, directed the plot. They are due at the Old Bailey on Oct. 23.
Mali’s army, with Russian-backed support, has re-entered Kidal after Tuareg rebels withdrew without direct fighting. Analysts say the move boosts the junta’s standing but is unlikely to decisively alter the broader conflict against jihadist and separatist groups.
An 18-year-old from Richfield, Minnesota has been arrested after attempting to purchase a firearm and ammunition in a sting operation. He planned a mass casualty attack at the Mall of America, targeting non-Muslims during a community event, and pledged allegiance to ISIS in messages with an undercover FBI source. The FBI and local authorities disrupted the plot, with the suspect facing terrorism-related charges.
National Security Adviser Qasim al-Aboudi has described talks among Syria, Iraq, and the United States on the fate of prisoners linked to ISIS. Iraq refuses handing 4,000 Syrians to Syria; about 50 Syrians repatriated; 400 high‑level ISIS detainees remain in Iraq. U.S. aid requests and rights groups’ concerns accompany the update as the last U.S. troops left Iraq last month.
The Iran war continues to drive global energy volatility. US forces maintain a naval blockade; oil prices have risen sharply, pressuring consumers as fuel costs stay elevated amid ongoing clashes and attacks in the Strait of Hormuz.
Somalia has announced parliamentary and presidential elections scheduled for 2027 as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term transitions, amid opposition resistance and regional pushback over party-based electoral reforms. The government says the process aims to reinforce democracy, while critics warn of potential fragmentation and conflict.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said Nidal Hasan, convicted for the 2009 Fort Hood shootings, is scheduled for execution by firing squad on Dec. 3 and that the military will make the execution public. The Department of Defense has declined to comment on how the execution will be presented to spectators or whether it will be broadcast.
A series of Houthi missile and drone strikes has struck Saudi airports this week, including a deadly attack on Riyadh’s King Khalid International that has killed and wounded dozens and forced prolonged airport closures. Saudi and allied forces are mounting counter‑operations in Yemen while global leaders have condemned the assaults and airlines have suspended flights.
Cross-border clashes and Pakistani airstrikes near the Afghan border have intensified tensions. Pakistan accuses Afghanistan-based militants of sanctuary; Kabul denies safe havens and calls for dialogue. UN data shows civilian harm from cross-border violence this year.
The Home Secretary has announced a public inquiry into the deaths of two worshippers during the Heaton Park synagogue attack on Yom Kippur, with officials noting recent anti‑Jewish violence across Britain. The inquiry will hear sensitive material that could not be addressed in a coroner’s court. The Home Office has also cited a rise in hate crimes against Jews in England and Wales.
Turkish President has indicated that Turkish troops remain in northern Iraq and Syria to guard borders and contain PKK and Daesh threats. The number of troops is kept proportional to ground needs, and a reassessment will occur once security conditions and state authority are established across Syria and borders are secure.
US military planners have drawn up options to deploy the GBU-43/B MOAB against Iranian energy infrastructure and underground sites, according to CNN. No decision has been announced; the White House says all options remain on the table. The MOAB’s use would be a major escalation, with uncertain strategic value and significant civilian risk.
The United States has drawn up options for renewed strikes on Iran using the MOAB, though officials warn the move would be a symbolic escalation rather than a decisive shift. Reports indicate planning is under consideration and could target energy infrastructure or underground facilities, with officials stressing the weapon’s non-nuclear status.
President Trump has cancelled plans to livestream the Dec. 3 firing‑squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan after bipartisan domestic and international outrage. The administration has said the execution will proceed at Fort Hood and that immediate family members of victims may attend in person; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced criticism for announcing the broadcast plan.
Trump has told Newsmax the MOAB is not nuclear and that the US is considering strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, including Pickaxe Mountain. He says ground troops are unlikely; oil and gas prices are expected to fall if the war ends soon.
Israel has held a tightly contested election on Oct. 27, 2026, with polling places showing strong turnout across settler towns, Arab communities and mixed cities. The Netanyahu-led right and a Zionist opposition bloc led by former chief Gadi Eisenkot have run neck-and-neck in polls; Arab-led lists are projected to increase seats and could hold the balance of power.
Eight civilians have died and multiple others wounded after a drone strike in Guélédou village, Mopti region, with Human Rights Watch condemning abuses by Malian and allied forces. ISSP attacks and Malian army strikes across the Sahel compound the crisis, highlighting risks to civilians amid militant competition.
Shelling along the Pakistan-Afghanistan frontier has damaged shops in South Waziristan. Islamabad says border forces are responding heavily, while Kabul has not commented. The clash follows Pakistan’s calls for Kabul to act against militants allegedly using Afghan soil to attack Pakistan. Officials say Pakistan will not tolerate sovereignty violations as violence surges linked to TTP and BLA networks.