Oct 31, 2026, 09:30 PM UTC

Saudi Arabia’s main international airport in Riyadh remains closed following renewed drone and missile strikes by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, extending disruptions after a deadly attack that killed 12 people and injured over 300. Houthi forces claimed responsibility and urged international airlines to avoid Saudi airspace.

Meanwhile, a Saudi military helicopter crashed near Najran near the Yemen border due to an alleged technical failure, killing two crew members. Regional maritime tensions escalated further after a vessel was struck near the United Arab Emirates, prompting warnings from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In response to the escalating crisis, the United States is evaluating potential military strikes against Iran despite ongoing diplomatic discussions.

Sources: Beta, Cafe del Montenegro, Danas, N1, Vijesti

Serbia is awaiting results from Sunday's snap parliamentary election, where a student-led opposition movement has mounted the most significant challenge to President Aleksandar Vučić and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party in 14 years.

Born out of two years of anti-corruption protests triggered by a fatal railway station canopy collapse in Novi Sad, the youth movement chose to confront the government directly at the polls rather than solely through street demonstrations. High voter turnout was reported across the country as citizens decided between Vučić's long-standing political dominance and the student coalition's reform platform.

Despite high engagement, opposition supporters voiced pervasive concerns regarding potential vote tampering and electoral fraud by the ruling party. Analysts view the contest as Serbia's most unpredictable election since 2012.

Sources: Balkan Insight, Bloomberg, Cyprus Mail, OCCRP, Politico Europe.

Özgür Özel, leader of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), has condemned the transfer of Istanbul’s Üsküdar district leadership to the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) following a local council vote. Speaking at a public rally in Üsküdar and during a television broadcast, Özel characterized the outcome as an erosion of democratic principles and a disregard for voter intent.

Özel directly addressed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, questioning his commitment to democratic standards after the AKP secured the acting mayor position despite CHP's victory in the recent local elections. Additionally, Özel commented on a recent meeting between Ankara Mayor Mansur Yavaş and President Erdoğan, clarifying that the discussions were focused solely on resolving administrative obstacles affecting municipal public services in the capital.

Sources: Bianet, Cumhuriyet

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced on Monday during a visit to Kraljevo that the government aims to secure two major foreign investors for the municipality within the next 12 months. The proposed industrial projects are expected to generate approximately 1,000 new jobs for local residents, forming part of broader state efforts to boost economic growth outside the capital.

In Belgrade, the Serbian National Assembly concluded its scheduled legislative deliberations for the day shortly after 6:00 PM local time. Parliamentary members finished discussing the agenda items assigned for the sitting and are set to resume their work on Tuesday at 10:00 AM.

Sources: Tanjug

Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko rejected claims of hostile designs against neighboring states, stating during a military inspection that an invasion would be "tantamount to death." He also remarked that foreign leaders should not dictate Ukraine's political leadership, arguing that Ukrainian voters alone must decide their president.

However, opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya warned at the United Nations General Assembly that Lukashenko remains prepared to let Russia use Belarusian territory to attack Ukraine. Analysts similarly noted that despite public emphasis on trade, Minsk continues coordinating logistics, fuel, and microchip supplies for Russian troops while offering training grounds. Observers also highlighted Beijing's diplomatic influence as a key buffer protecting Belarus from deeper annexation by Moscow.

Sources: Belsat, NEXTA, NV, Radio Svoboda, Ukrainska Pravda