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…

Malian President Assimi Goïta met with Republic of the Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso on the sidelines of the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. The meeting addressed regional developments, diplomatic and geopolitical issues, particularly the security situation in the Sahel region and across Africa.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni held talks with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, focusing on bilateral relations and key regional issues, with particular emphasis on the security situation in Somalia.

AFRICOM’s participation in the Africa International Defence Exhibition underscores the ongoing U.S.–Nigeria defense partnership. Engagement at the exhibition focuses on intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and African-led approaches to counterterrorism.

Russia’s Africa Corps is helping to eliminate the terrorist threat on the continent. The threat in the Sahel region is extremely serious and is spreading further north across the continent. — Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister

Nigerian Army announced the neutralisation of 16 ISWAP fighters in coordinated air and artillery strikes targeting three suspected terrorist locations in the Tunbunma area of the Lake Chad .

The Somali Army targeted Al-Shabaab vehicles in airstrikes in Buurhakaba, Bay region, Somalia.

Niger’s government has accused Chad and France of involvement in a drone strike in the Emi Lulu area of the Agadez region on October 24, which reportedly killed two civilians and injured several others. In a statement broadcast on state television, the government held Chad “fully responsible” for the incident and its consequences.

Somali’s Ministry of Defence announced that the National Army killed approximately 75 Al-Shabaab militants and wounded 56 others during an operation in Jameeca, Bay region, as part of Operation Banooda. The group also carried out attacks using vehicle-borne explosives, damaging several military vehicles.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to escalate, with confirmed cases reaching 10,060, according to the latest government data. The figures highlight the growing scale of the public health crisis. - Reuters

Former Chadian minister Hassan Soukaya Youssouf has been handed over to authorities in N’Djamena following his arrest in southern Libya by forces affiliated with Khalifa Haftar. The former MDJT figure, who was also linked to self-defense groups in Miski, Tibesti .

Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune welcomed the Czech Prime Minister and his delegation, joined by senior Algerian officials, including representatives from the Foreign Ministry and Sonatrach.

At least 42 people were killed and 18 others injured after armed men attacked several villages in the Shirka district of Ethiopia’s Oromia region. The victims were reportedly members of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.

Russian Africa Corps has released footage showing Lancet drones striking JNIM/FLA boats in Mali.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed the nation in a televised speech, highlighting the latest political and security developments, progress in the fight against terrorism, democratic reforms, the implementation of universal suffrage, and ongoing efforts to advance political dialogue and national unity.

Algeria’s Parliament has approved President Tebboune’s request to deploy troops to Niger.

Mali’s President Goïta Arrives in Moscow for the 3rd Russia-Africa Summit. - Sputnik

Somali National Army Ground Forces Commander Brig. Gen. Sahal Abdullahi met with Turkish Land Forces Commander Gen. Metin Tokel in Ankara to discuss strengthening bilateral defence ties, military training, and operational capabilities.

The Malian Army reports that 54 civilians were killed by Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) in Tagadayat, southeast of Ménaka. Nine survivors were found at the camp.

The Somali National Army (SNA), including elite Danab Commandos, has launched Operation Banoodaagainst Al-Shabaab militants in the South West State. Near Leego, Bay Region 7 militants reportedly killed, others wounded weapons seized as operations continue against fleeing fighters.

The Nigerian Air Force has decided to procure 6 additional T129 ATAK attack helicopters and 12 TUSAŞ AKSUNGUR UCAVs from Türkiye, further strengthening its aerial combat and unmanned capabilities.