Morning Briefing

Ukraine — Localised Ceasefire Begins in Russian-Occupied Oleshky as Strikes Continue Elsewhere

Russia and Ukraine said on 27 October that a localised ceasefire had begun around the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in Kherson region to permit humanitarian aid deliveries and civilian evacuations. Russia’s Defence Ministry said it had halted shelling towards Kherson from 01:00 GMT, while Ukrainian parliamentary commissioner for human rights Dmytro Lubinets confirmed that Ukraine was honouring the arrangement. Separately, Kyiv officials reported strikes on the capital’s Southern Bridge and metro infrastructure that suspended traffic, while a Reuters witness heard explosions.

Sources: Reuters

Sudan — Dozens of Countries Urge Humanitarian Access Amid Worsening Food Crisis

The United States and dozens of other countries issued a joint statement on 26 October warning of deteriorating food security in Sudan and urging the parties to the conflict to remove impediments to humanitarian assistance. The statement called for humanitarian operations through crossline and cross-border routes, including air access into Darfur, and for the protection of humanitarian personnel and civilian infrastructure. The United Nations-backed Integrated Food Security Phase Classification reported in June that 5.1 million people in Sudan faced severe hunger.

Sources: Reuters

Saudi Arabia and Yemen — Coalition Reports Interception of Three Ballistic Missiles and Four Drones

The Saudi-led coalition fighting Yemen’s Houthis said on 27 October that it had intercepted and destroyed three ballistic missiles launched towards Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Region and four drones directed towards its Southern Region. Saudi Civil Defence issued early-warning alerts for potential hostile threats in the Eastern Region and Kharj governorate before announcing that the danger had passed in both areas. The interceptions followed renewed fighting between the coalition and the Houthis, who captured strategic areas along Yemen’s Red Sea coast in September.

Sources: Reuters

Jordan and Syria — Jordan Claims More Than Twenty Militants Killed in Cross-Border Air Strikes

Jordan said on 27 October that its air strikes on southern Syria the previous evening had killed more than 20 Islamic State militants, following a church attack in Jordan that killed nine people. Syrian authorities reported that the strikes killed seven people, including three children and a woman, while Jordanian Government Communication Minister Mohammed al-Momani expressed regret over civilian casualties. Jordan maintained that the operation had been coordinated with Damascus, whereas Syria said it had received no prior coordination and announced plans for a joint security committee.

Sources: Reuters

Nigeria — Emergency Agency Raises Binnari Attack Death Toll to At Least Sixty-Two

Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency reported on 27 October that at least 62 people had been killed and 52 wounded in an attack by suspected bandits on Binnari community in Taraba state on 23 October, with thousands displaced. Agency officials said 52 bodies had been recovered, including 15 from the Benue River, while Amnesty International Nigeria director Isa Sanusi said residents fleeing the attackers had been chased towards the river. Taraba police spokesperson Victor Mshelizah said the casualty count remained subject to revision as recovery operations continued.

Sources: AP