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Today’s headlines are dominated by developments across Africa, with Sudan’s RSF militia launching a long-range drone attack on Atbara and semi-autonomous Jubaland suspending ties with Somalia. In other regions, Cuba grapples with an escalating energy crisis, and Syria witnesses its most intense fighting in four years as militants—ostensibly bolstered by Turkiye—push to seize Aleppo.

Our lead story highlights Pakistan’s ongoing political stalemate following the 2023 elections, with tensions boiling over in Islamabad in addition to the volatile Northwest.

More details below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇸🇾 🇹🇷 Syria sees fiercest fighting in four years as militants attempt to take Aleppo: Militants have severed the strategic Damascus-Aleppo highway during a surprise offensive led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and allied factions, sparking some of the fiercest fighting in years. The clashes, centred on Idlib and Aleppo provinces, have claimed at least 200 lives, including 19 civilians killed in Russian airstrikes. The offensive, described as a preemptive move against a potential Syrian military campaign, saw rebels capture key junctions connecting Aleppo with Damascus and Latakia. Analysts suggest Turkiye-backed factions joined the assault to signal Ankara’s opposition to escalating Russian and Syrian offensives in the northwest. While the region remains contested, the conflict underscores the enduring instability of Syria's civil war, which has displaced millions and claimed over 500,000 lives since erupting in 2011.

2️⃣ 🇨🇾 🇧🇪 Cyprus hints at future NATO membership: Cyprus may pursue NATO membership once its armed forces are sufficiently trained and equipped to meet alliance standards, President Nikos Christodoulides announced Thursday. The statement follows his recent meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden and marks a potential shift from Cyprus’ long-standing neutrality dating back to the Cold War. While Turkey’s likely opposition currently prevents accession, Christodoulides emphasized the importance of upgrading the Cypriot National Guard's defensive capabilities with U.S. support. This development signals a strategic pivot for the Mediterranean nation amidst evolving regional dynamics.

3️⃣ 🇸🇴 Semi-autonomous Jubaland suspends ties with parent state Somalia: Jubaland, Somalia's semi-autonomous region bordering Kenya and Ethiopia, announced it would sever ties with the federal government in Mogadishu after disputes over a regional election. Ahmed Madobe was re-elected as Jubaland's president earlier this week, but the federal government, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, rejected the election, citing a lack of federal oversight. The tensions escalated as Mogadishu issued an arrest warrant for Madobe, who retaliated with a warrant for Mohamud, amid accusations of treason and constitutional violations. This political feud adds to Somalia's broader challenges, including its strained relationship with Somaliland—which seeks independence—and ongoing security concerns in Jubaland, a vital agricultural hub and a contested maritime zone with potential oil and gas reserves.

4️⃣ 🇺🇸 🇺🇦 🇷🇺 Putin praises Trump, threatens Kyiv with intermediate-range missile attack: Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned of potential strikes on Kyiv using Oreshnik missiles, a weapon Moscow recently deployed against Dnipro and claimed to be impervious to air defence systems. Speaking in Kazakhstan, Putin suggested targeting military or decision-making facilities in Kyiv, emphasizing the missile’s destructive power, which he likened to a meteorite impact. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the threats as a “despicable escalation,” while adviser Mykhailo Podolyak dismissed Putin’s claims about the missile’s invincibility as “fiction.” Moscow justified the threats as retaliation for Western nations allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles against Russian military targets.

5️⃣ 🇸🇩 🇦🇪 🇹🇩 RSF conduct long range drone attack on Atbara, Sudan: Sudanese authorities announced that they thwarted long-range drone attacks targeting Atbara, a key city north of Khartoum. The Nile River State Security Committee reported that the drones, launched from over 300 km away, aimed at the city’s artillery base and airport. The attack once again raises questions of materiel support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia. While authorities accused the RSF of orchestrating the strikes, the paramilitary group has not claimed responsibility. The security committee dismissed claims that the drones originated from nearby farms or expatriate homes, emphasizing that Atbara’s security remains firmly under control amid escalating tensions. 

Major Story

🇵🇰 POLITICAL STALEMATE FOLLOWING 2023 ELECTIONS

Overview

Pakistan’s February 2023 elections ushered in a coalition government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif but deepened political instability. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, jailed since August, and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party claim election fraud and reject the new government’s legitimacy. Despite significant obstacles—including arrests of key leaders, limited campaign opportunities, and unfair electoral practices—PTI-backed candidates secured the largest bloc in parliament. However, allegations of vote tampering persist, fueling nationwide protests that have often turned violent.

Ensuing Political and Economic Crises

The political deadlock is worsening Pakistan’s economic and security crises. With a fragile economy dependent on international aid and rising militancy in border regions—particularly in the northwest—collaboration between rival political factions is essential. The ruling coalition must temper its crackdown on the PTI and foster dialogue, while the judiciary plays a vital role in upholding civil liberties and ensuring fair trial processes.

Path Forward

According to a report from International Crisis Group, both the government and opposition must prioritise consensus-building over divisive rhetoric. Establishing parliamentary collaboration, addressing electoral flaws, and improving women’s political representation could lay the groundwork for reconciliation. Without compromise, Pakistan risks deeper instability, threatening democratic institutions and the country’s ability to tackle urgent challenges.

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Other News

 1️⃣ 🇮🇷 🇺🇳 IAEA report suggests that Iran plans to expand uranium enrichment programme: Iran has notified the U.N. nuclear watchdog of its intention to install over 6,000 additional uranium-enrichment centrifuges and activate more existing ones, according to a confidential International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report. While Iran insists its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, Western nations argue that enriching uranium to 60%—near weapons-grade—has no civilian justification. Although the new centrifuges are currently set for 5% enrichment, far below the 60% level already achieved, the flexibility to adjust enrichment levels raises concerns over nuclear proliferation risks. Some analysts view the lower initial purity as a potential overture to European powers amid diplomatic tensions.

2️⃣ 🇨🇺 Cuba in critical state as energy crisis deepens: Cuba has introduced new regulations urging state and private businesses to generate at least 50% of their daytime electricity from renewable sources within three years, as the country battles its worst energy crisis in decades. The decree, published Tuesday, mandates solar panel installation or contractual agreements with government renewable energy facilities if onsite solutions are not feasible. Conservation measures include restrictions on air conditioning, limiting non-technological offices to no lower than 24°C. Amid recurring blackouts and a fragile electrical grid, the government attributes the crisis to U.S. sanctions and economic instability. The decree also outlines contingency plans for prolonged outages exceeding 72 hours, highlighting the severity of Cuba’s energy challenges.

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