DJIBOUTI
Riyadh seeks access to overseas storage
The move follows a flurry of attacks by Yemen's Houthis on infrastructure. "Commercial storage available through partners is limited. The larger capacity lies in what we call strategic storage owned by governments," Nasser said in an interview.
The Andaman Islands could be India's next big trade trump card
India is focusing on strengthening the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' strategic maritime role for regional trade. The upcoming Andaman Dialogue 2027 will emphasize maritime infrastructure and economic cooperation among countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal highlighted the islands as an economic bridge, particularly for trade and logistics efforts. Enhanced cooperation between regional ports and industries is also proposed to bolster maritime security.
Djibouti boat wreck leaves 139 migrants dead, 84 missing: UN
Among the 109 bodies earlier recovered were 52 men, 42 women and 15 children - nine girls and six boys - the initial statement said. Eighty-two people survived the shipwreck, all Ethiopian nationals, according to the toll.
Pakistani president suspends provincial government led by Khan's party ahead of march
A state of emergency was declared in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, suspending the provincial government led by Imran Khan's party. The federal government cited neglect of counterterrorism efforts as a reason for this decision. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi pointed to increased militant violence as justification for the emergency rule. Khan's party condemned the suspension as a disguised coup against democracy in Pakistan.
US Embassy warns of 'possible long-range attacks' targeting Ethiopian military installations
The US Embassy in Addis Ababa has issued a warning regarding possible long-range attacks on Ethiopian military installations. American citizens are advised to exercise caution and follow local authorities' guidance. Travel to several regions, including Amhara, Tigray, and Afar, is strongly discouraged. Citizens in these areas should consider leaving or sheltering in place until the situation improves. The embassy emphasizes monitoring reliable media for updates, as disinformation is widespread.
Attack aircraft, military vehicles visible at new China-Laos base, satellite images show
China has moved light attack aircraft and military vehicles into a newly announced joint training facility in Laos, according to satellite images reviewed by Reuters. Analysts say the Ban Keun site could eventually become China’s most significant military foothold in Southeast Asia if it develops beyond training into a base with expanded air, surveillance and support capabilities.
Saudi-backed Yemeni forces expel the Houthis from several areas around key strait, officials say
Forces of Yemen's internationally recognized government began a major offensive Monday against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels on the country's Red Sea coast, under an intensified air campaign by the Saudi-led coalition.
US imposes visa bonds of up to $20,000 on 50 countries; is India on the updated list?
The US has expanded its visa bond programme to citizens of 50 countries, requiring some B1/B2 applicants to post bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 depending on the consular officer’s decision. India is not included, while Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal are covered; paying the bond does not guarantee visa approval, and refunds depend on complying with travel and visa conditions.
China widens military footprint with Laos air base
China recently opened its first overseas air force base in Laos to enhance military training and influence. The base will train Laotian air force pilots and potentially house Chinese military assets. This move reflects China's ambition to expand its military presence beyond its borders. The facility could serve as a training ground for Chinese personnel and equipment. Regional partners, especially the US, are monitoring the developments closely for potential implications.
In 1994, two friends set out to circle the Earth without engines or sails; 13 years later, one returned after nearly 46,000 miles, a crocodile attack and a dozen crossings
Jason Lewis completed a thirteen-year journey around the world using only human power. He traveled by bicycle, pedal boat, inline skates, and kayak covering vast distances. Lewis faced numerous challenges including malaria, sepsis, and a crocodile attack during his expedition. He broke both his legs after being hit by a drunk driver in Colorado.
Riyadh issues first air raid alert since renewed fighting in Yemen
Explosions were heard in Riyadh early Saturday after Saudi Arabia issued its first air raid alert in the capital since fighting resumed in Yemen in July.
Saudi pipeline hit by drones to be out of service for weeks, further restricting oil flow
A Saudi oil pipeline faces weeks of repairs after an attack, impacting global petroleum supplies. Houthi rebels captured key Red Sea islands, further threatening Saudi oil exports. This disruption forces the kingdom to shift crude oil away from the Persian Gulf. The pipeline's shutdown threatens extended periods of reduced oil flow to markets. The ongoing conflict in Yemen is also escalating, causing significant displacement and casualties.
Yemen's Houthi rebels seize more key islands in southern Red Sea, tighten grip on shipping routes
Yemen's Houthi rebels have captured key islands in the southern Red Sea. This move strengthens their control over a vital maritime shipping route. Government forces are attempting to regroup and fight back against rebel advances. The Houthi gains threaten Saudi oil shipments and global supplies. This escalation pushes Yemen back into a full-fledged civil war.
Oman postpones regional talks on Strait of Hormuz
Oman postponed a meeting on the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions. An Iranian ship was struck near the waterway, killing one person. Houthi rebels launched drones and missiles toward southern Saudi Arabia. An Israeli strike in Gaza killed two individuals, according to reports. Protests erupted in Syria over increased fuel prices.
Why is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait so important?
Iran-backed Houthis aim to control Yemen's Red Sea coast and Bab el-Mandeb strait. This strategic waterway connects Asia to Europe via the Suez Canal. Major shipping firms have rerouted vessels, increasing freight costs and journey times. Houthi control could grant Iran leverage in its conflict with the United States. Petroleum volumes transiting Bab el-Mandeb represent about seven percent of global oil output.
Yemen's Houthis close in on stranglehold over strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait
The Houthis in Yemen are making significant strides towards seizing control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Recent clashes between Saudi-backed troops and the Houthis have become increasingly violent, posing a serious risk to global energy supply chains and crucial maritime corridors. Houthi forces have launched attacks on various infrastructure and cities within Saudi Arabia, putting additional pressure on the already fragile UN-mediated truce established in 2022.
Djibouti explosion kills four children in Afar; NGO alleges drone strike, probe underway
Four children were killed in southern Djibouti in an explosion, authorities said late Tuesday, with a human rights group saying it was a drone strike. "Two children, aged six and seven (a girl and a boy), were killed at the scene, and on Tuesday two others succumbed to their injuries due to a lack of evacuation and medical care," the Djiboutian League for Human Rights (LDDH) said in a press release.
China widens presence in Indian Ocean through massive inroads in Djibouti
China chose Djibouti for setting up a military base in the guise of securing its communication cables in the sea and ships from attacks and piracy. To further its agenda of surveillance and block overseas and deep- sea maritime traffic at will, China vigorously participated in the construction of Djibouti's ports, railways, highways and related infrastructure.
Djibouti’s rising debts to expansionist China worry US, France
In 2017, the IMF said Djibouti’s public debt, the lion’s share of it owed to China, rose from 50% to 85% of GDP.
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