Oct 26, 2026, 03:30 PM UTC

Firefighters in France have contained a wildfire in the Corbières area of the Aude department after it burned 100 hectares near Montséret. However, a separate 225-hectare blaze near Puilaurens remains active due to steep, inaccessible terrain. Meanwhile, emergency personnel reported progress in other regions, with fires extinguished in Var, fixed in Drôme, and no longer advancing in Gironde.

Official figures indicate that wildfires have consumed over 115,000 hectares across France since the beginning of the year. In response to extreme risks, authorities in the Var department banned public access to seven forest massifs. Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced he will travel to Gironde on August 17 to initiate reconstruction efforts for affected communities. Fire crews remain on high alert as difficult weather conditions persist.

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

During a regional visit to Kraljevo, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced ongoing efforts to secure two major foreign investors over the next year. He noted that the planned industrial developments are expected to generate around 1,000 new jobs, offering key support to the local labor market.

Concurrently in Belgrade, the Serbian National Assembly concluded its daily legislative work after working through scheduled agenda items. Parliamentary proceedings adjourned in the late afternoon and are scheduled to resume at 10:00 AM the following day to continue deliberations on remaining legislative proposals.

Sources: Tanjug

The United States has finalized the withdrawal of its remaining military forces from Iraq, concluding more than two decades of American military presence in the country. U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the departure, posting on social media, "Today I am pleased to announce that the last American troops are leaving Iraq!"

The drawdown, initially negotiated in 2024 under former President Joe Biden, comes as the U.S. Department of Defense evaluates its military presence across the Persian Gulf following repeated strikes on American installations by Iranian forces.

While analysts note that Iraq currently possesses greater stability than during the 2011 U.S. drawdown, security experts express concern over the resulting power dynamic. Observers warn that the withdrawal could solidify Iranian influence in Baghdad and potentially reinvigorate regional militant groups.

Sources: Defence24, Portal obronny, Rzeczpospolita, TVP info

Ségolène Royal has secured the required endorsements to compete in the left-wing primary ahead of France's 2027 presidential election. Organized jointly by the Socialist Party and Place Publique, the vote will take place over two rounds in October.

Royal, the 2007 Socialist presidential nominee, will face six other declared contenders, including Socialist Party First Secretary Olivier Faure. Following her qualification, Royal stated that she had "kept many friendships within the PS." However, her recent criticism of rival candidate Raphaël Glucksmann has drawn scrutiny, contrasting with her earlier pledges to refrain from attacking primary opponents. Meanwhile, left-wing unity faces additional pressure as French Communist Party National Secretary Fabien Roussel announced an independent presidential campaign outside the primary system.

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

Azerbaijan is actively guiding the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) toward a broader operational mandate that encompasses energy, security, transport, and political cooperation alongside traditional cultural ties. Following recent strategic outlines by President Ilham Aliyev, Baku is focusing on establishing transit corridors and integrating energy grids across member nations to position the region as a central bridge between Europe and Asia.

In addition to physical infrastructure, Azerbaijan is hosting international diplomatic and interfaith conferences to elevate the organization's global standing. The strategic shift reflects a concerted effort among Turkic nations to align security priorities and leverage shared economic interests within an increasingly interconnected Eurasian geopolitical framework.

Sources: Trend News Agency.