October 2026

The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government said it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by the Houthi militia toward Riyadh. The coalition said the strike was part of a "qualitative operation" to neutralize sources of threat, described as a response to attacks by the Houthi militia.

The Houthis announced three ballistic missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, saying they targeted Riyadh airport and oil facilities. Saudi Arabia's air defenses intercepted 12 missiles, and the Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired toward Riyadh.

A US official said US Central Command has prepared an expanded list of bombing targets in Iran, as Washington prepares for wide-ranging strikes and the decision rests with President Donald Trump. The reports describe growing indications of a new US military escalation against Iran.

Vote counting in Israel's Knesset election passed the halfway mark, with more than 50 percent of ballots tallied in the first counts reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc strengthened its position as counting approached 80 percent of the vote.

Yemen's government has asked for outside help as the Houthis tighten their siege of Taiz, the southwestern city where fighting between government forces and the militia has continued. The appeal was carried by DW's Arabic service and by the wire outlet Al-Shorouk, which reported that Yemen requested assistance as the blockade closed in.

Houthi forces fired three ballistic missiles at a security training camp in Shabwa, killing 45 people and wounding dozens more, according to the pro-government daily Okaz. BBC News Arabic put the death toll at more than 50. The attack was one of the deadliest single strikes on Yemeni government-linked forces in the current round of fighting.

Egypt's National Defense Council approved sending forces to Saudi Arabia on a defensive mission, with parliament due to vote at midday, according to the pro-government Sabq. The approval follows President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's call for a parliamentary mandate to act in defense of Saudi Arabia and his pledge that Egypt will not allow harm to the kingdom's security and stability. Sisi said Egypt is ready to carry out whatever Saudi Arabia requests, in line with the directions of King Salman and the crown prince.

Britain's Ministry of Defence said Typhoon fighter jets will take part in supporting Saudi Arabia against Houthi attacks, and that the aircraft will contribute to defensive roles in the kingdom. London described the attacks on its ally as "despicable acts" and called on the Houthis to halt their escalation.

France has imposed a partial curfew to counter violence during widening protests, and the government has not ruled out declaring a state of emergency. Demonstrators besieged the Louvre in Paris, and authorities have signaled emergency powers as an option.

Two gunmen entered a funeral service inside a church in Jordan's Karak governorate and opened fire, killing at least six people and wounding 28, according to an account carried by Sabq. The attack lasted five minutes, Al Khaleej reported. Security services were still pursuing the perpetrators, Copts United reported.

The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile launched toward Yanbu and drones launched toward Riyadh. The coalition also reported intercepting and destroying three drones over the southern region and the Riyadh region.

Saudi Arabia welcomed a presidential statement issued by the members of the UN Security Council concerning attacks against the kingdom, and affirmed its right to defend its security. The Saudi Foreign Ministry responded to the Council's statement on the Houthi attacks, and Arab states also welcomed the condemnation.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi directed that a military salute be given to the Gulf states, honoring their support for Egypt after the events of 2011, saying the debt must be acknowledged. He also pledged that Egypt will not allow any harm to Saudi Arabia's security and stability.

The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's internationally recognized government announced it had thwarted attempts to smuggle weapons to the Houthi militia by sea, with the smuggling route described as running from the water toward Yemeni islands. The coalition also said it destroyed two ballistic missile launch platforms in Saada.

The International Monetary Fund projects global growth at 3.1% in 2026, with artificial intelligence supporting the expansion. The fund's managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, warned that without safeguards the risks of AI could outweigh its opportunities.

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation announced that two attacks targeted the facilities of Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport on Tuesday and Wednesday. The authority put the toll at three dead and 36 injured.

The Saudi-led coalition supporting Yemen's legitimate government announced it intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile north of Riyadh. The missile was launched by the Houthi group toward the Saudi capital. The coalition stated it remains committed to neutralizing the threat of ballistic and surface-to-surface missiles and destroying their sources.

The Saudi-led coalition is tracking a missile launch platform in Sanaa through an intelligence system, according to BBC News Arabic. The tracking operation comes amid heightened military activity in Yemen.

Yemeni President Rashad al-Alimi stated that Operation Dawn of Yemen is proceeding until its full objectives are achieved. He expressed appreciation for the Kingdom's complete support for the Yemeni government and people. The operation aims to restore state authority, which is inseparable from international navigation security, according to Yemen's Assistant Defense Minister.

Brent crude traded near $102 a barrel as supply risks reignited energy markets, while Middle East oil exports continued to flow despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The market balanced supply concerns against increased regional exports, with oil prices retreating as those concerns eased.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi disclosed details of a meeting with Qatari mediators in New York and addressed the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear file. Tehran is awaiting a US response to its proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for guarantees, and has signaled it could target infrastructure if the response is unsatisfactory.

Forces aligned with Ethiopia's government announced they have taken control of the strategic town of Alamata in the Tigray region. The advance was reported by multiple Arabic-language outlets, which described it as a shift in the balance of power in the area.

Yemeni government forces and the Houthis remain engaged in ongoing clashes in Taiz and Lahj, with the Houthi advance having brought the Bab al-Mandab strait and Taiz onto the map of the battle. The Yemeni Foreign Ministry has called for urgent international action over the humanitarian repercussions of the Houthi escalation.

Heavy rains have flooded 41 provinces across Thailand, forcing the evacuation of thousands of residents. The floods have submerged parts of Bangkok, where the death toll has risen to 23.

Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman invited UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed to visit the kingdom, and the visit is scheduled for Tuesday. The invitation was extended as part of what is described as a fraternal visit between Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.