Global News Briefs: Saudi Arabia Intercepts Missiles, EU Extends UN Force in Lebanon

Explosions were heard in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after the Houthis claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack targeting King Khalid International Airport. The Saudi-led military coalition announced it had intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched toward the Kingdom. Following the incident, the Houthi military spokesperson called on employees of all Saudi oil facilities to evacuate, identifying them as targets amid escalating strikes on the Kingdom.

In Lebanon, the European Union's foreign policy chief stated that EU member states support extending the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) as its term nears expiration. Israel announced the cessation of British consular activities in East Jerusalem, while allowing seven British diplomats to remain. The UK affirmed its commitment to continuing essential services.

Four Palestinian factions, including Fatah and Hamas, agreed in Cairo to hold a comprehensive national dialogue involving all Palestinian forces before legislative elections scheduled for November. In Syria, Damascus reported that nine Syrians were among the crew of a commercial vessel that sank in the Black Sea after being hit by a drone, with search operations concluded without survivors.

Iran welcomed the first foreign commercial airline flight since the war began, following a US exemption for an Iraqi carrier. Separately, armed assailants attacked a vehicle carrying military personnel in southeastern Iran, resulting in one death and three injuries. Turkey's Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) announced the withdrawal of all its fighters from Turkish territory, criticizing Ankara's inaction in the peace process.

Ethiopian drones struck Eritrean forces in the northern Tigray region, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict. Human Rights Watch criticized US policy of deporting migrants to third countries, particularly in Africa, as politically motivated. In Ukraine, at least thirty people were killed in a Russian strike on two buses in Kramatorsk, one of the deadliest attacks in recent weeks. A Ukrainian drone attack also targeted a Yandex data center in Russia's Ryazan region, causing a fire and service disruptions.

South Korea summoned its ambassador to Ukraine amid a diplomatic dispute over the transfer of North Korean prisoners of war to Seoul. French high school students continued protests against government policies. The Italian parliament approved an amendment to electoral law, which opposition parties claim will boost the incumbent government's re-election chances. Spanish unions called for a general strike on November 11, demanding action on housing issues. German coalition parties sought to de-escalate tensions after disagreements hampered government work and eroded popularity.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed a desire for strong European allies during a tour. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commended the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. The US also intercepted nearly $3 million worth of fuel shipments bound for Cuba. In the UK, the Green Party leader is seeking a parliamentary seat after the party classified Zionism as a form of racism, drawing Israeli anger.

The Philippines reported a near doubling of Chinese military and coast guard vessels in the South China Sea. The EU Trade Commissioner visited China to address a trade deficit. China nominated a candidate to head the World Health Organization. Japan urged China to show appropriate respect after a Chinese spokesperson referred to the Japanese Prime Minister by name without her title.

Oil prices surpassed 5% after reports of potential US strikes on Iran. South Korea conducted its first test of a domestically developed hypersonic missile. North Korea's leader's sister demanded "utmost respect" from South Korea for improved relations. Former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Greenspan is a leading candidate for UN Secretary-General. In Brazil, thousands protested against presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro.