Oct 16, 2026, 05:30 AM UTC

United States federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment against five alleged Russian intelligence operatives accused of directing a global assassination and sabotage network. According to American authorities, the operatives paid or attempted to pay individuals across North America and Europe to surveil and assault targets "aligned, or perceived to be aligned, with Ukraine."

The campaign included a June 2024 attack in Prague, alongside broader intelligence gathering aimed at carrying out targeted killings. All five charged suspects currently remain at large.

Concurrently, Denmark's Security and Intelligence Service stated that Russian operatives executed physical sabotage operations against Danish defense contractors providing military supplies to Kyiv. Danish officials described the incidents as a notable escalation in Moscow's hybrid warfare strategy.

Sources: BBC News, France24, OCCRP, Sweden Herald, The Guardian.

United States President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have denied reports that American military ammunition reserves are running dangerously low due to the conflict with Iran. Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated that the military holds "huge amounts of 'munition', especially certain types", while warning that those leaking inventory details face long prison sentences. Hegseth similarly dismissed media claims regarding depleted defense stockpiles.

The administration’s statements follow media reports indicating that missile shortages had limited further strikes against Iran. However, an independent report from the United States Department of Defense’s inspector general submitted to Congress acknowledged "strategic stock gaps and bottlenecks" resulting from ongoing military engagements. The document detailed costs and operational strain, contradicting claims of unlimited military reserves.

Sources: Die Zeit, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

Former Slovenian national team captain Aleš Čeh and forward Jan Mlakar have provided insights into their respective careers and the domestic football scene in separate interviews.

Čeh, who served as national team captain and spent over a decade as an assistant coach to Srečko Katanec, reflected on his transition into coaching and his seven years working in Asia. Despite his strong historical ties to Olimpija Ljubljana and Austrian club Grazer AK, Čeh emphasized his ongoing respect for Maribor.

Meanwhile, 27-year-old forward Jan Mlakar discussed returning to Maribor for a third spell as he aims to secure his first Slovenian PrvaLiga title. Mlakar addressed past transfer rumors linking him to rival side Olimpija Ljubljana, stating he was "never close" to joining them, while noting that Olimpija remains a competitive opponent despite internal challenges.

Sources: Delo, Siol.net

Qatari mediators continue efforts to facilitate a diplomatic agreement between Washington and Tehran despite escalating political demands and military action. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented terms to US envoy Steve Witkoff for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling for an immediate end to the US naval blockade, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and a full cessation of hostilities.

Negotiation prospects remain fragile after US President Donald Trump stated he would seek financial compensation from Tehran for fatalities linked to Iranian-backed operations. Simultaneously, military engagements resumed as US forces launched strikes on Larak Island targeting missile launchers, marking the first American strikes on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed six naval personnel were killed in recent US attacks.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

Flight operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh remain suspended after a second consecutive day of projectile strikes caused a terminal fire. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree warned international airlines and travellers that Saudi Arabia's airspace is a "theatre of operations," excepting only the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

Casualty estimates continue to diverge. Local officials reported at least 12 deaths and more than 300 injuries, whereas Saudi civil aviation authorities cited three fatalities and 36 injuries across strikes in Riyadh and Abha.

US President Donald Trump condemned the Riyadh attack as "not acceptable." In response, the Saudi-led coalition launched airstrikes targeting more than 80 Houthi military positions across Yemen as regional hostilities intensify.

Sources: BBC News, Cyprus Mail, France24, STV News, The Guardian.