The Day So Far
Oil Surges as Hormuz Disruption and Houthi Advance Rattle Markets
Brent crude has surged towards $110 a barrel as tankers are attacked and traffic is disrupted through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb deepening fears over global oil supplies.
BRICS Leaders Descend on New Delhi Under Extraordinary Security
New Delhi is under heavy security as world leaders arrive for the BRICS summit. Tens of thousands of personnel, NSG commandos and anti-drone systems have been deployed across the capital as India prepares to host Putin, Xi and other leaders.
Houthis Seize Mocha and Advance Towards Strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait
The Houthis have seized Mocha and are advancing towards Bab el-Mandeb, bringing them closer to one of the world’s most important shipping routes. With the Strait of Hormuz already disrupted, the battle in Yemen now carries consequences far beyond its borders.
Xi Jinping Expected in India for First Visit Since Galwan Clash
Xi Jinping is expected in New Delhi for his first visit to India since the 2020 Galwan clash. Six years after relations collapsed, Modi and Xi are talking again. But behind the diplomatic thaw, the mistrust remains.
Philippines Tells China to ‘Have Some Shame’ as South China Sea Feud Erupts
China and the Philippines are at loggerheads again over the South China Sea. This time, India has reason to watch closely: Manila is now a strategic partner, a BrahMos customer and an increasingly important part of New Delhi’s Indo-Pacific defence network.
Trump Promises Americans $5,000 if Republicans Keep Control of Congress
Donald Trump says American adults will receive a $5,000 “Trump Dividend” if Republicans keep control of Congress in November. The promise could cost more than $1 trillion, there is no legislation or clear plan explaining where the money would come from.
Los Tiguerones Added to US Terror List as Washington Backs Ecuador’s Gang War
The US has designated Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones gang a terrorist organisation and is expanding security cooperation with Quito. Washington is putting more money, equipment and operational support behind President Daniel Noboa’s increasingly difficult war against organised crime.
Pakistan Promises to Defend Saudi Arabia While Fighting to Secure Itself
Pakistan says it could help defend Saudi Arabia if Houthi attacks continue, putting the new Mecca defence pact close to its first real test. It is a bold promise from a country still struggling to contain the BLA and TTP within its own borders.
Declassified Files Show Spain Had Advance Warning of Ceuta Border Assault
Spain’s intelligence service knew a mass attempt to enter Ceuta was being organised and warned authorities a day before more than 70,000 migrants crossed from Morocco. Newly declassified files are now raising difficult questions about what Madrid knew.
Ukraine’s Drones Reach Russia’s Arctic Gas Heartland for the First Time
For the first time, Ukrainian drones have struck Russia’s Arctic gas heartland, nearly 3,000 km from the border. The attack caused limited damage, but reaching this far into Siberia shows just how much Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign has evolved.