Recent intelligence reports from U.S. agencies reveal that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has significantly increased its supply of advanced Chinese drones and other weapon systems to Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This development, reported as recently as October, underscores the UAE’s deepening involvement in the Sudanese conflict. The RSF, accused of committing genocide in Darfur, has received a steady flow of arms, including small arms, heavy machine guns, vehicles, artillery, mortars, and ammunition, according to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report published on Tuesday. The UAE’s support for the RSF has been well-documented, with Middle East Eye (MEE) previously reporting in January 2024 on the UAE’s complex network of supply lines stretching across Libya, Chad, Uganda, and breakaway regions of Somalia. In May, Amnesty International confirmed the UAE’s delivery of Chinese-made weaponry, such as GB50A-guided bombs and 155mm AH-4 howitzers, to Darfur, where the RSF has been besieging cities. The RSF’s recent capture of el-Fasher in North Darfur, accompanied by documented civilian massacres, follows the collapse of U.S.-sponsored peace talks. Sources indicate that the UAE, the RSF’s primary patron, has refused to address the ongoing siege of el-Fasher, which has persisted for over 500 days. The WSJ report highlights that the UAE’s weapon supply to the RSF intensified after March, when the Sudanese Army, backed by Iran, Turkey, and Egypt, reclaimed Khartoum. MEE also reported in May that the UAE orchestrated precision drone attacks on government-controlled Port Sudan, injuring members of a Turkish technical team assisting the Sudanese military. The UAE is now supplying the RSF with advanced Chinese drones, including the CH-95 model, capable of precision strikes and long-range reconnaissance. The RSF, originally formed as the janjaweed militia under Omar Bashir’s regime, has expanded its operations in Darfur, leveraging its close ties with the UAE. RSF leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemeti, has established a commercial empire in Dubai, using the emirate to smuggle gold from Darfur’s mines under his control.
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Cameroon opposition leader to face legal action over election unrest, government says
Cameroon is grappling with escalating tensions following the controversial re-election of 92-year-old President Paul Biya for an unprecedented eighth term. The election, held on October 12, has been marred by violent clashes between security forces and opposition supporters, resulting in at least four fatalities. Opposition leader Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who claims victory in the election, faces legal action for allegedly inciting “violent post-election demonstrations.” Cameroon’s Interior Minister Paul Atanga Nji accused Bakary of organizing “illegal” protests and declared that his accomplices in an “insurrectionary plan” would also be prosecuted. The government has announced an investigation into the violent incidents surrounding the election. Despite Nji’s assurance that the situation is under control, protests persist in cities like Douala and Garoua, where demonstrators have erected roadblocks and set fire to tires. The international community, including the UN, African Union, and EU, has expressed concern over the violent crackdowns and called for restraint. Analysts warn that the ongoing unrest could plunge Cameroon into a deep political crisis.
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WWI soldiers’ messages in a bottle found on Australian beach more than 100 years later
In a remarkable discovery, messages in a bottle written by two Australian soldiers during World War I have been found over a century later on Australia’s coastline. The Brown family stumbled upon the Schweppes-brand bottle on October 9, 2025, during a routine beach cleanup at Wharton Beach near Esperance in Western Australia. Inside the bottle were cheerful letters penned in pencil by Privates Malcolm Neville, 27, and William Harley, 37, dated August 15, 1916. The soldiers were aboard the troop ship HMAT A70 Ballarat, which had departed Adelaide on August 12, 1916, bound for the Western Front in Europe. Neville tragically lost his life in action a year later, while Harley survived the war but succumbed to cancer in 1934, believed to be a result of being gassed in the trenches. Neville’s letter requested the finder deliver it to his mother, Robertina Neville, while Harley was content for his note to be kept by the discoverer. The bottle, found in pristine condition, likely spent decades buried in sand dunes before being dislodged by recent erosion. The legible letters have since connected the soldiers’ descendants, who expressed profound astonishment and emotional resonance with the discovery. Harley’s granddaughter described it as a ‘miracle,’ while Neville’s great nephew reflected on the pride and sorrow tied to his ancestor’s sacrifice.
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Israel says Hamas attacked troops in Gaza, warns group will ‘pay heavy price’
Israel has accused Hamas of launching an attack on its troops in Gaza, despite an ongoing ceasefire, and has vowed to make the group ‘pay a heavy price.’ The incident has further escalated tensions in the region, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordering intense military strikes on the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating a US-brokered ceasefire agreement, which had temporarily halted hostilities. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, condemned the attack, calling it a ‘crossing of a bright red line’ and promising a forceful response. Katz stated that Hamas would be held accountable not only for the attack on Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers but also for violating the agreement to return the bodies of hostages. The situation has reignited fears of a broader conflict, as both sides appear to be preparing for further confrontations. The ceasefire, which had been brokered to de-escalate the violence, now hangs in the balance as Israel intensifies its military operations in Gaza. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, with concerns over the potential humanitarian impact on civilians in the region.
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Ms Rachel’s activism on Gaza lauded in Glamour Women of the Year nod
In a bold move that transcends traditional celebrity accolades, Glamour magazine’s 2025 ‘Women of the Year’ list has spotlighted two remarkable figures for their unwavering courage and moral clarity in the face of global controversy. YouTube educator Ms Rachel and actress Rachel Zegler have been celebrated for their vocal support of Palestine amidst Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza, a conflict that has claimed over 68,000 lives and left tens of thousands injured. Their inclusion in the prestigious list has been hailed as a cultural turning point, signaling a shift in how public figures use their platforms to advocate for justice and compassion. Ms Rachel, a beloved children’s educator known for her sing-along lessons, has faced both praise and backlash for her outspoken stance. Her recent attempt to host a party for Rahaf, a Palestinian child who survived Israeli air strikes, was met with rejection from three venues, sparking outrage online. Zegler, a rising star in Hollywood, has similarly faced criticism for her pro-Palestinian posts, including a public clash with Disney executives who reportedly sought to silence her. Despite the challenges, both women have remained steadfast in their advocacy, earning widespread admiration from fans and activists alike. Their recognition by Glamour has resonated deeply with audiences disillusioned by the silence of many public figures, offering a rare moment of moral victory and hope. This honor also reflects a broader cultural movement, as a new generation of artists, educators, and influencers continues to normalize open support for Palestinian rights, despite repression and boycotts. Ms Rachel and Zegler’s joint recognition symbolizes a shifting tide, proving that compassion and courage can still trend in an increasingly polarized world.
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After Pakistan controversy, Suryakumar faces big test in Australia T20s
Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian cricket captain, is under intense scrutiny as he leads the Men in Blue into a five-match T20 series against Australia. Despite India’s dominant performance in the recent Asia Cup, Yadav’s personal batting form has been a cause for concern. The 35-year-old, renowned for his explosive shot-making in the T20 format, managed only 72 runs across seven matches in the Asia Cup, averaging a meager 18. His struggles were overshadowed by India’s all-round superiority and their three consecutive victories over arch-rivals Pakistan, including a controversial final. However, as India prepares to face Australia, a formidable opponent and a precursor to next year’s T20 World Cup, Yadav’s form will be under the microscope. Critics who overlooked his poor performance in the Asia Cup are now questioning his place in the team. Yadav’s recent IPL 2025 campaign with the Mumbai Indians was stellar, amassing 717 runs at an average of 65.18 and a strike rate of 167.91. Yet, his international T20 form has been dismal, with no half-centuries in his last 14 innings. At the pre-match press conference, Yadav remained optimistic, stating, “I have had good practice sessions, and I am in a good space. Runs will come eventually, but the team’s goal is more important.” The Indian team management hopes Yadav can rediscover his magic as they face Australia, the world’s second-ranked T20 team, in what promises to be a high-stakes series.
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Monster Hurricane Melissa makes landfall in Jamaica
Jamaica faced unprecedented devastation as Hurricane Melissa, a ferocious Category 5 hurricane, made landfall on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. With sustained winds reaching a staggering 185 miles per hour (295 kilometers per hour), Melissa surpassed the intensity of historic storms like Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm brought ferocious winds, torrential rains, and life-threatening conditions, marking it as the most powerful hurricane ever to strike the island nation. The US National Hurricane Center issued urgent warnings, emphasizing the extreme danger and urging residents to seek shelter and avoid windows, even during the deceptive calm of the storm’s eye. Tragically, seven deaths have already been reported across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic, with officials expressing concern over residents ignoring evacuation pleas. Jamaican government minister Desmond McKenzie implored citizens to prioritize safety, noting that many of the island’s 880 shelters remained underutilized. The combination of storm surges and heavy rainfall, expected to be measured in feet rather than inches, threatens to trigger catastrophic floods and landslides. Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, a national icon, took to social media to urge his fellow Jamaicans to stay safe. Meanwhile, residents like Ishack Wilmot in Kingston described the harrowing experience of losing electricity and water while enduring the storm’s relentless intensity. The Jamaican Red Cross, preparing for widespread infrastructure disruptions, highlighted the anxiety caused by Melissa’s slow progression, which prolonged its destructive impact. Meteorologists and climate scientists have linked the storm’s unprecedented strength to human-driven climate change, which has exacerbated the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events. Hurricane Melissa is expected to continue its path of destruction, moving toward eastern Cuba after devastating Jamaica. Experts warn that the storm’s scale and impact could rival historic hurricanes like Katrina, Maria, and Harvey, underscoring the urgent need for global action on climate change.
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Three Dubai sisters empower Tanzanian students through Arise Foundation
At an age when most teenagers are still figuring out their life paths, three Dubai-based sisters—Inaya, Simar, and Rania Bhasin—are making a profound impact on communities in Tanzania through their non-profit organization, the Arise Foundation. Founded on the principles of ‘Educate, Empower, and Conserve,’ the foundation aims to uplift underprivileged students and communities, demonstrating how youthful energy and determination can drive global change. The sisters began their journey with small initiatives, such as organizing recycling drives in Dubai and selling artwork to raise funds. Their efforts have since evolved into structured programs addressing critical issues like education, food security, and environmental sustainability. Partnering with Diamond Trust Bank Tanzania Plc (DTB), the foundation has donated 100 desktop computers to Songoro Mnyonge School, revolutionizing teaching methods and enhancing students’ digital skills. Additionally, their women-led school lunch initiative provides daily nutritious meals to 1,300 students, significantly improving attendance and academic performance while empowering local women through employment. The sisters also launched the Adopt a Tree initiative, planting 135 seedlings to foster environmental awareness and climate resilience. Despite its youth, the Arise Foundation has already made a tangible impact, proving that young leaders can address global challenges with innovative solutions and optimism.
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Australian girls being ‘hunted’ by online crime gangs to commit violent acts
Australian authorities have issued a stark warning about a sinister trend where young girls are being manipulated by online crime networks into committing violent acts. This alarming phenomenon, described as a ‘twisted type of gamification,’ involves coercing victims into harming themselves, their siblings, or even pets. Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commissioner Krissy Barrett is set to address this issue in a speech on Wednesday, highlighting it as a ‘new and disturbing front in traditional gender-based violence.’
A newly established taskforce is working alongside global law enforcement agencies to combat this growing threat. So far, three individuals have been arrested in Australia, with an additional nine apprehended internationally. The perpetrators, primarily young men in their late teens or early 20s from Western backgrounds, are driven by violent extremist ideologies, including nihilism, sadism, Nazism, and satanism. Dubbed ‘crimefluencers’ by Barrett, they exploit gaming platforms like Roblox and messaging apps such as Discord and Telegram to recruit pre-teen and teenage girls.
Barrett emphasized that these networks operate similarly to online gaming cultures, hunting and luring victims across various platforms. The motivation behind these acts is not financial gain or sexual gratification but rather a desire for amusement, popularity, or sheer fun. ‘They may not fully understand the consequences of their behavior,’ she added.
In Australia alone, nearly 60 alleged offenders have been identified. The AFP is collaborating with Five Eyes nations—the US, UK, New Zealand, and Canada—to dismantle these groups. This development coincides with Australia’s upcoming social media ban for children under 16, aimed at reducing online harm. However, gaming and messaging platforms remain exempt from the new legislation, which takes effect in December.
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Royal Academy Ajman hosts breast cancer awareness campaign
In a vibrant display of unity and solidarity, the Royal Academy Ajman, under the auspices of North Point Education (NPE), hosted its 8th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Marathon at Safia Park, Ajman. The event, held in alignment with the UAE’s National Year of Community 2025, drew hundreds of participants from over 36 nationalities, creating a sea of pink that symbolized hope and resilience in the fight against breast cancer. The marathon was inaugurated by Ajman Traffic Department officials, First Assistant Rashid Adel Hammadi and Assistant Saeed Al Shamsi, alongside School Principal Dr. Prema Muralidhar, marking a moment of collaborative pride for the Royal Academy community. Saif Ahmed Mohammed Alabdouli, Licensing & Permits Executive at the Ajman Private Education Authority (APEA), attended as Chief Guest, emphasizing APEA’s commitment to fostering social awareness and community engagement among students. The Office of Special Education Affairs, Ajman, also supported the initiative, reinforcing the event’s mission to promote health awareness and early detection. The marathon kicked off with the release of pink balloons, symbolizing courage and unity, followed by inspiring speeches from students Huda Mohamed (Grade 12B) and Rosy (Grade 7B). A lively flash mob performance energized the crowd, while Dr. Muralidhar highlighted the academy’s dedication to nurturing empathy and social responsibility. The event concluded with the recognition of winners across various categories, celebrating not only athletic achievement but also the collective spirit of compassion and perseverance.