Oct 24, 2026, 10:00 PM UTC

The United States has finalized the withdrawal of its military forces from Iraq, concluding a presence spanning over two decades. U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the drawdown on social media, describing it as a "great day for America" and asserting that previous deployment decisions would soon become history. The departure fulfills a timeline established in 2024 under former President Joe Biden.

While analysts note Iraq is currently more stable than during the 2011 drawdown, security experts warn the exit could empower regional militant groups and Iranian-backed factions. Concurrently, the U.S. Department of Defense is reviewing its broader strategic footprint in the Persian Gulf following recent attacks on American facilities.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

An international journalistic investigation led by Forbidden Stories revealed that the administration of US President Donald Trump deported at least 25,447 migrants to 28 third countries under non-transparent bilateral agreements. Reports indicate approximately 20,000 individuals were transferred to Mexico, while over 5,000 were flown to nations where they had no personal ties.

The practice has drawn intense opposition from over a dozen United Nations human rights experts, who urged Washington to immediately halt transfers, warning that sending asylum seekers to third countries exposes them to heightened risks of torture, abuse, and persecution. Concurrently, the United States Supreme Court granted a temporary allowance for the administration to continue expedited third-country deportations while justices deliberate whether migrants must be granted an opportunity to challenge such transfers legally prior to removal.

Sources: Danas, Index, Klix, N1, Vijesti

Azerbaijan is continuing its drive to broaden the scope of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), positioning the multilateral grouping as a key framework for regional cooperation. Speaking on the strategic trajectory of the bloc, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the OTS is expanding beyond its traditional cultural and humanitarian focus to address political, economic, energy, transport, and security priorities.

Baku aims to align national interests with regional infrastructure and energy corridors while reinforcing common political stances among member states. By hosting major international and religious forums, Azerbaijan seeks to enhance the international prestige of the OTS and consolidate its position as a central trade and transit hub bridging Europe and Asia.

Sources: Trend News Agency.

French authorities are preparing extensive security measures for upcoming demonstrations on Saturday, October 24, following earlier unrest. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a "massive" police presence nationwide, with 70,000 officers equipped with revised mobile tactics deploying across major cities including Paris, Marseille, and Lyon.

In Orléans, where the National Rally holds its party congress, between 20,000 and 30,000 counter-protesters are expected. Local authorities have assigned nearly 3,000 security personnel, enacted a youth curfew for those under 15, and banned all undeclared gatherings on Sunday during Marine Le Pen's planned address. Meanwhile, police in Paris received authorization for drone surveillance as the government restricts sanctioned marches strictly to union-organized events.

Sources: La Tribune, Le Figaro, Le Monde, Libération, RTBF Info.

Educational institutions across Central Europe face heightened security concerns following a series of violent incidents in Poland and widespread bomb threats in Hungary.

In Poland, public shock has intensified after three violent attacks occurred within a single week. The latest incident involved a 21-year-old female student who injured three people with a dangerous object at a Warsaw higher education facility before being disarmed by staff. Police stated the suspect did not know the victims, whose injuries were not life-threatening. The attack follows several other recent youth-related plots and assaults across Polish schools.

Simultaneously, Hungarian police are investigating email bomb threats sent on Monday to over 70 educational facilities nationwide, mirroring similar mass hoaxes reported in Northern Ireland.

Sources: 444, HVG, Rzeczpospolita, Telex, TVP info