COMBATE Digest - combate-20261015-0000Z

🌍 WEST ASIA

Iran Braces as Reports Point to Imminent US Attack; Israel Said to Eye Oil and Gas Sites

Citing i24NEWS, guerrasygeo reported that senior Iranian officials have told regional diplomats they are "100% sure" the United States will launch an attack, with diplomats describing an atmosphere of imminent war in Tehran. Bloomberg, quoting a US military official, said Israel is seeking a broad attack on Iran including oil and gas facilities (sepah_pasdaran). Trump told a Republican rally in Arizona the situation with Iran "will end very soon" while downplaying the war's costs (mehrnews), and separately admitted he "probably went too far," saying he had promised not to assassinate more Iranian leaders after successive eliminations (rt_spanish_rss). US War Secretary Hegseth was interrupted four times by protesters opposing war on Iran at a Washington panel on autonomous warfare (rt_spanish_rss). An IRGC official said Iran has moved past the threat of collapse from any new aggression (presstv), and army spokesman Brigadier General Akrami-Nia said the US is in "strategic loneliness" for the first time since World War II, with its main allies declining to join the war (sepah_pasdaran, presstv).

UPDATE: Yemen Claims Hit on Saudi Typhoon Jet, Strikes Riyadh Airport Again; 20 Areas of Taiz Fall

Yemen's armed forces said a Saudi Typhoon fighter that took off from Taif base was targeted with a surface-to-air missile over Saada province and seriously damaged, with a crash possible (mehrnews); Arab sources reported a direct hit (farsna). The forces' spokesman also announced a precise ballistic missile strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and three ballistic missiles on gatherings of Saudi mercenaries in Ras al-Arah and Al-Mudarabah, inflicting heavy casualties (farsna, mehrnews). Al-Mayadeen reported 20 areas of Taiz city have fallen to Yemeni forces as efforts continue for the peaceful surrender of remaining central districts (farsna, mehrnews); footage was released of mercenaries captured near Bab al-Mandab and the Zubab airport (farsna, mehrnews). The spokesman warned that Saudi airstrikes and missile attacks on Mayyun Island directly threaten shipping lanes, holding Riyadh responsible for any consequences for maritime navigation (presstv, mehrnews).

Aramco Shifts Oil Command Functions Abroad; US Restricts Employees at Saudi Airports

Reuters reported that part of Aramco's functions have been transferred to its offices around the world after the missile strike on the Dhahran headquarters, with employees ordered to evacuate and work from home (farsna). The US State Department warned Americans about attacks on Saudi airports and now requires government employees to obtain special approval to use any Saudi airport, with the flight suspension at King Khalid International extended to October 17 (sepah_pasdaran).

Russia Ready to Transfer Enriched Uranium Out of Iran

Deputy Foreign Minister Georgy Borisenko said Moscow is ready to transfer enriched uranium from Iran to Russian territory or assist countries willing to receive it, if a need and request arise and the parties reach agreement, citing Russia's extensive experience handling fissile material (tass_rss, mehrnews, sepahcybery). Moscow also said its decision to grant humanitarian asylum to Bashar Assad is final and irreversible, and that Damascus's current authorities are aware of it (mehrnews, sepah_pasdaran).

US Drone Hits Iranian Fishing Boat; IRGC Navy Chief Says He Awaits US Carriers

A US drone attacked a fishing lenj off the port of Sirik in Hormozgan province; doctors said one wounded crewman was moved to surgery after shrapnel wounds to the chest and abdomen, while two others received initial treatment (mehrnews, mehrnews). A survivor said the crew was shrimping when it was hit (farsna). The IRGC Navy commander said US aircraft carriers do not dare approach the Strait of Hormuz and that Iranian forces "wait for them so we can sink them" (mehrnews). Central Bank chief Hemmati dismissed claims of economic collapse as an "illusion," citing resilience under sanctions (presstv).

Israeli President Meets Aliyev in Baku at Asian Summit

Isaac Herzog met Ilham Aliyev at the presidential palace in Baku to deepen the "strategic relationship" between the two countries, on the sidelines of the CICA summit of Asian states, where Herzog will address the plenary (presstv, Hidcunim_news, mehrnews).

Katz Threatens Hezbollah With Permanent Buffer Zone; Israeli Shelling Hits Southern Syria

Israeli Defense Minister Katz warned that if Hezbollah joins Iran in an attack against Israel, it will suffer a heavy blow and lose territory in the Nabatieh and Litani River areas — which would become part of Israel's permanent security zone — with the Shia population evacuated northward beyond the Awali and Zahrani rivers (tabzlive). Foreign Minister Araghchi told Lebanese President Joseph Aoun by phone that ending Israel's attacks on Lebanon and the occupation of the south is a priority, briefing him on Iran's recent diplomatic efforts (mehrnews, presstv). Israeli occupation forces fired three artillery shells at Tal Krum on the outskirts of Quneitra, Syrian state television reported (alahadtvofficial, mehrnews).

Israel/Palestine Briefs

Times of Israel reported Israel will buy 12 US Apache helicopters for roughly $335 million, financed from a government plan to develop the Arab community (sputnikarabic_rss). Israel Aerospace Industries unveiled HwkGuard, a compact active-protection system that intercepts attacking drones kinetically using radar, AI command-and-control and interceptor drones (Hidcunim_news). A Palestinian prisoners' group said at least 9,300 inmates face torture, starvation and medical neglect in Israeli jails (presstv). Israel's planned reopening of Route 463 to settlers threatens to isolate eight villages and two neighborhoods, fragmenting the Ramallah governorate where nearly 400,000 Palestinians live (rt_french_rss). Netanyahu claimed that despite international criticism over Gaza and Iran, almost all Arab and Western states still ask Israel for help (rtde_live_rss).

Iraq: Kataib Hezbollah Demands PM Clarify Stances

Kataib Hezbollah security official Abu Mujahid al-Assaf called on Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi to clarify his positions on the US blockade of Iran, Israel's wars on Palestine and Lebanon, and the Saudi-Ansar Allah war, asking how Baghdad would respond to potential Israeli-American strikes on Iran via Iraqi airspace (tabzlive).

Lavrov Meets Wang Yi in Baku; Putin to Attend APEC in Shenzhen

The Russian and Chinese foreign ministers met on the sidelines of the CICA summit, discussing relations with the US, Ukraine and Iran (tass_rss); Lavrov confirmed Putin will travel to Shenzhen for the APEC summit, where a meeting with Xi Jinping is anticipated (sputnikserbia_rss, sputnikvietnam_rss). Lavrov handed Wang Yi a report intended to debunk Kiev's claims about Bucha (RTenfrancais).

🌍 EUROPE

Ukraine Strikes Two Russian Refineries Despite Energy Truce

Deputy Prime Minister Novak said Kiev attacked oil refineries in the Saratov and Ryazan regions, showing no willingness toward a truce (rt_french_rss, rtde_live_rss); Russian air defenses downed 91 Ukrainian drones over the two regions (rt_spanish_rss, sputnikbrasil_rss). Medvedev said the Kiev government is blind, lost and panicking without US intelligence, and oddly insults its sponsors (sputnikserbia_rss). Kiev mayor Klitschko confronted Zelensky in the Rada asking where the air defenses and billions for protecting energy infrastructure are, while rejecting criticism of winter preparations and alleging corruption in the president's circle (rtde_live_rss). Ukraine also struck facilities of Yandex, Russia's leading tech firm, disrupting taxi, maps, music and shopping services (yt_france24es). Russia's Vienna delegation said Kiev attacked ships 214 times in 2026, including seven attacks on tankers carrying Kazakh oil via the CPC (tass_rss); that over 95% of civilians wounded by Ukrainian strikes were hit by drones (tass_rss); and that at least 20,000 foreign mercenaries, many NATO career officers operating under cover, have fought for Ukraine since 2022 (tass_rss).

Zelensky: "Betrayed" by Trump, Won't Resign; Blames Hormuz for Fuel Prices

Zelensky said the United States betrayed Ukraine over the Russian fuel purchase deal and that he will not resign under any American pressure or threats (farsna). He told NPR that most of the world knows fuel prices rose because of the Strait of Hormuz, not the Ukraine war (farsna). Musk said Starlink is used only for defensive and civilian purposes, not offensive operations (sputnikserbia_rss), and that the decision on the restrictions rests with Trump (MBSRsi98).

Diesel Deal Advances: First US Contracts Within Days

Dmitriev said he expects the first diesel supply contracts with the United States to be signed in the coming days (sputnikglobe_rss); Novak said Russia will supply the US and world markets under direct contracts, targeting diesel exports of 3.5 million tons per month (sputnikserbia_rss). The US could impose additional tariffs on trading partners buying Russian energy carriers, threatening the EU (rtde_live_rss).

Germany's Saxony-Anhalt Demands End to Russia Sanctions and Kiev Aid

The state parliament adopted an AfD–BSW resolution calling for the urgent lifting of economic sanctions on Russia and the suspension of military aid to Ukraine (sputnikserbia_rss, rtde_live_rss). Slovakia's Fico called EU credits to Kiev "actually gifts" and said Bratislava will not join any new loan (sputnikserbia_rss). Le Pen told the Financial Times she wants to cut France's EU contribution by €11 billion (rt_french_rss) and pledged to halt aid to Kiev within six months if she becomes president (sputnikserbia_rss). Meloni urged EU states to agree on a unified position on Ukraine or empower a smaller group, warning "we appear immature" (sputnikserbia_rss). NATO's Rutte said the alliance sees no immediate military threat from Russia or sign Moscow is considering attacking any member (sputnikserbia_rss).

FBI Director Kash Patel Arrives in Russia

US and Serbian media reported that FBI Director Kash Patel entered Russia for negotiations — the first visit by an FBI chief since 2013, described as highly unusual for an agency focused on domestic law enforcement (sputnikserbia_rss).

Masked Saboteurs Torch Bulgarian Starlink Facility

A Bulgarian MP said two masked individuals destroyed and burned satellite equipment near Sofia linked to the Ukraine war — 11 of 17 Starlink antennas supporting communication lines used at the front (mehrnews).

France: Nearly 8,000 Detained as Protests Spread

France's Justice Ministry said nearly 8,000 people have been detained since the school-student protests began, 26 of them placed in custody (sputnikserbia_rss); Iranian media reported hundreds wounded after police attacks on protesters in Paris and other cities (mehrnews). In Madrid, five people were detained and a police officer injured as an indefinite education strike opened with clashes at the Complutense University (yt_lajornada2023). In Tirana, a renewed student protest saw banks and state institutions attacked, with 14 police officers injured and 35 people detained (sputnikserbia_rss); organizers said 23 were detained and six officers hurt at the Education Ministry (elOJOen).

Balkans and Europe Briefs

Serbia sent a protest note to Croatia over what it calls the crudest interference in its October 25 elections (sputnikserbia_rss), with 18 lists and 2,418 candidates approved for the vote (sputnikserbia_rss). Montenegro's parliament lifted government members' immunity for corruption crimes (sputnikserbia_rss). Estonia halted part of a backup gas pipeline to Lithuania that also supplies Russia's Kaliningrad exclave (sputnikserbia_rss). Poland is considering introducing mandatory military service, a deputy defense minister said (sputnikserbia_rss). Latvia admitted it cannot fully ban Russian grain transit or raise tariffs to the planned 300 percent (sputnikbrasil_rss). British Prime Minister Burnham attributed Brexit and the rise of critical parties in France and Germany to Moscow without providing evidence (rt_spanish_rss). Belgian unions and movements mobilized for four days against austerity, military spending hikes and inaction on Gaza (rtde_live_rss). Pope Leo XIV successfully underwent a 90-minute operation to remove the lower lobe of his right lung after tests detected adenocarcinoma (yt_telesurenglish).

🌍 NORTH AMERICA

Trump Fires US Ambassador to Greece

Kimberley Guilfoyle was dismissed after alleged threats against the Greek government; she also faces corruption allegations (rtde_live_rss).

FBI Seizes Rep. Ilhan Omar's Phone

US federal authorities seized the phone of the House representative and issued subpoenas covering some of her relatives, AP reported (Hoopoe31).

Twelve Senators: Trump "Betrayed" Ukraine

Twelve US senators urged Trump to reverse his sanctions relief toward Moscow, calling the move harmful to US security interests and a betrayal of the Ukrainian people (rtde_live_rss).

Greenland: Denmark Says Local Laws Apply

Denmark's foreign ministry said the US may explore Greenland's natural resources only in accordance with local law, and that last month's security agreement grants US investors no privileged access (sputnikserbia_rss, sputnikbrasil_rss).

Taiwan to Invest $4.4 Billion in Alaska Gas Pipeline

Trump praised Taiwan's commitment to the 1,300-km Alaska pipeline as Washington seeks to become one of the world's largest gas exporters (rtde_live_rss).

Cuba Accuses Rubio of Blackmail

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused US Secretary of State Marco Rubio of blackmailing foreign leaders and trying to make the international community complicit in aggression against Havana (mehrnews).

US Bank Earnings Fall

JPMorgan, Citi, Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo all reported quarter-on-quarter declines in third-quarter revenue and profit, hit by lower trading income (1087968996).

🌍 SOUTH AMERICA

Colombia: First Mass Protests Against de la Espriella as Decree Expands Police Powers

Colombians marched massively against the policies of a president who has not yet reached 100 days in office, citing his pro-war rhetoric, budget cuts and support for Israel (rt_spanish_rss, teleSUREng). De la Espriella enacted Decree 1525 expanding police powers to repress peaceful protests, after scrapping the prior dialogue requirement before force (yt_telesurenglish); he separately touted his security crackdown results (sputnikmundo_rss). The Palestinian foreign ministry demanded Bogota reverse its embassy opening in Jerusalem, calling it a violation of international law (sputnikarabic_rss).

Brazil: Runoff Poll Shows Technical Tie

The first Quaest second-round survey put Flavio Bolsonaro at 46% against Lula's 44%, within the two-point margin of error (sputnikbrasil_rss). Lula's campaign asked the electoral court to act against Meta over restrictions on his content and claims its AI favors Bolsonaro in image generation (sputnikbrasil_rss); Bolsonaro announced he will vote to end the 6x1 workweek under public pressure (yt_telesurenglish).

IMF: Global Growth Raised, Argentina Cut

The IMF slightly raised its 2026 global growth forecast to 3.1% (yt_cgtnespanol) but cut Argentina's GDP forecast to 2.1% as basic basket prices surge 24.7% (yt_telesurenglish).

🌍 EAST ASIA

North Korea Tests Submarine-Launched Cruise Missiles

KCNA announced test launches of strategic cruise missiles from a submarine (sputnikvietnam_rss).

Asia Briefs

China launched eight AI-computing satellites aboard a Zhuque-2E rocket to test orbital AI training, laser communications and advanced cooling (rt_spanish_rss). Indonesia declared it wants to expand defense cooperation with Russia, including the defense industry (sputnikvietnam_rss). Rosatom and Bangladesh are discussing building another phase of the Rooppur nuclear plant (sputnikindia_rss). India's commerce minister said work is underway to rebuild ties with China after the Modi–Xi détente (sputnikindia_rss).

🌍 AFRICA

DRC Ebola Outbreak Passes 9,000 Cases

Confirmed cases reached 9,066 with 4,381 deaths recorded across seven affected provinces (yt_telesurenglish).

Morocco: El Mansouri Secures Majority

Four parties agreed to form a 207-seat majority under designated Prime Minister Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, the first woman tapped to lead a Moroccan government; Akhannouch's party goes into opposition (rt_french_rss).

Africa Briefs

France expelled a Nigerien embassy officer who was left paraplegic after a 2014 mission alongside the French army; Niamey denounced Paris's "ingratitude" (rt_french_rss). IMF chief Georgieva said she is optimistic on Senegal reaching a debt restructuring deal as Dakar seeks a $2.2 billion program (rt_french_rss). Russia created a business council with the Sahel states, Togo and the Central African Republic to deepen trade and investment (rt_french_rss). Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held what he called a fruitful call with Marco Rubio on elevating ties into a strategic partnership (EthiopianNewsA).

💬 NOTABLE QUOTES

"Probably I went a bit too far." — Donald Trump, US President, on eliminating Iranian leaders (rt_spanish_rss)

"US aircraft carriers do not dare approach the Strait of Hormuz; we are waiting for them so we can sink them." — IRGC Navy commander, quoted by Tehran Times (mehrnews)

"If Hezbollah joins Iran in an attack against Israel, it will suffer a heavy blow and lose additional territory in southern Lebanon, in the Nabatieh and Litani River areas, which will become part of Israel's permanent security zone." — Israel Katz, Israeli Defense Minister (tabzlive)

"Iran has no plans to engage in endless war or futile negotiations... fighting until the enemy is either forced to give in to the demands of the Iranian nation, or to admit its defeat." — Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iranian Parliament Speaker (tass_rss)