Middle East Bulletin is now live! Issue 04 | 9–16 October 2026 Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure, US–Iran tensions, Gaza’s deepening crisis and threats to Hormuz shipping. This week’s security, diplomacy, energy and mining developments, in one briefing. mintelworld.com/reports/midd…

Africa Bulletin Issue 8 is now available!! Period: 16–24 October 2026! Sudan’s humanitarian emergency, renewed fighting in eastern Congo, regional diplomacy, and key energy and mining developments. mintelworld.com/reports/afri…

Nigeria and Rwanda have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening military ties, enhancing operational capabilities, and advancing African-led solutions to the continent’s evolving security challenges. The commitment was reiterated by Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and Rwanda Defence Force Army Chief of Staff, Maj. Gen. Vincent Nyakarundi.

Ambassador Ferhat Alkan, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Somalia, paid a courtesy visit to Hamza Abdi Barre, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Somalia. During the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening the historic ties, strategic partnership, and longstanding friendship between Türkiye and Somalia.

Middle East Bulletin Issue 5 is out now! 16–24 October 2026 period! Iran escalation risks, attacks on Saudi infrastructure, humanitarian crises and energy security—this issue’s key developments and strategic outlook. mintelworld.com/reports/midd…

The Turkish Red Crescent (Türk Kızılay) continues to provide humanitarian assistance to people in need across Somalia, maintaining its efforts to support vulnerable communities facing humanitarian challenges.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame met with Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, at Urugwiro Village during his working visit to Rwanda. The discussions focused on strengthening existing defence ties and exploring ways to further enhance military cooperation between the two countries.

Kodal Minerals is looking to expand its lithium portfolio across West Africa, building on its operations in Mali and plans to develop its presence in Ghana. CEO Bernard Aylward cited the region’s geological potential and the company’s long-standing experience in the market as key factors behind its expansion strategy. - Reuters

Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. Gideon Behar, met with National Police Service Inspector General Douglas Kanja Kirocho during a courtesy visit at Jogoo House ‘A’ in Nairobi .

Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Musa Kulaklıkaya met with Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairsand International Cooperation, Ali Mohamed Omar, in İstanbul, reaffirming continued diplomatic engagement between Türkiye and Somalia.

US administrations repeatedly requested SpaceX to enable or disable its Starlink and military-grade Starshield satellite services in Ukraine, Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon to align with Washington's foreign policy and national security objectives, according to sources familiar with the matter. While Washington sought to enable access in Iran to support anti-government protesters, it worked to block terminals utilized by Hezbollah and Houthi militants. Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s statement that Starshield speed throttling hindered drone and defense operations, Elon Musk maintained that ultimate control rests with the US government. The developments have reignited debate in the US Congress and Europe over the strategic risks of relying on a single private corporation for critical military infrastructure. -Reuters

The US Department of State has decided to reduce staff levels at its embassies in Jordan, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates following intelligence reports indicating heightened threats and advanced attack plans by Iran and Yemen's Houthis targeting American personnel. -AP

Türkiye’s Defence Minister Yaşar Güler met Sudanese Land Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Malik Altayeb Khogali Alneil in Ankara, with Turkish Land Forces Commander Gen. Metin Tokel also in attendance. The meeting underscored ongoing efforts to deepen military ties and strengthen defence cooperation between Türkiye and Sudan.

Türkiye’s Ambassador to Mali, H.E. Efe Ceylan, met with Mali’s Minister of Security and Civil Protection, Major General Daoud Aly Mohammedine, to discuss opportunities for further strengthening bilateral security cooperation. During the meeting, Ambassador Ceylan welcomed the measures taken to secure fuel convoys and highlighted the significance of the Malian Armed Forces’ return to Kidal as an important milestone in restoring state authority across the country.

Chad is demanding an investigation into a deadly drone strike near its border with Sudan. The incident raises fresh concerns over civilian safety and the risk of the Sudan conflict spilling across borders. - RFI

Egypt is calling for a political solution to the Yemen conflict as parliament prepares to vote on possible military support for Saudi Arabia against the Iran-aligned Houthis. President Sisi says any Egyptian role would focus on defending Saudi territory, not attacking Yemen. - Reuters

Equatorial Guinea Vice President Teodorín Obiang met France’s newly appointed ambassador, Sonia Doña Pérez, in Malabo. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to expanding French-language learning across all levels of education, reinforcing ties between the two nations.

Lebanon’s ambassador met with ECOWAS authorities in Abuja to discuss strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and strategic cooperation. A memorandum of understanding is being considered to formalize closer ties.

China and Djibouti have signed a security cooperation memorandum under the Global Security Initiative following talks between their foreign ministers in Beijing. The joint statement reaffirms Somalia’s territorial integrity, rejects recognition of Somaliland’s independence, and calls for freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune received Nigerien Defense Minister General Salifou Mody for the second time in eight days. The latest meeting coincided with the signing of a military cooperation agreement between the two countries.

According to an analysis of commercial satellite imagery by US researchers, Saudi Arabia is expanding its Al-Dawadmi ballistic missile production facility near Riyadh. The expansion activities—observed between April 2025 and September 2026—are assessed to enable the production of solid-fueled ballistic missiles capable of carrying heavier payloads over longer ranges, potentially including China's DF-21 or similar designs. Researchers estimate that the site could be ready for production by the end of 2026. Experts note that this capability could strengthen Saudi Arabia's military stance against Iran while also potentially influencing ongoing US-Saudi negotiations regarding a civil nuclear cooperation deal. -Reuters