The lead
Gulf shipping, a follow-up to our report of 23 October. On 2 November UKMTO reported a tanker struck by 2 unknown projectiles on the port side 72NM east of Ras al Khafji, Saudi Arabia, in the Arabian Gulf, with all crew accounted for. UKMTO has classed as an attack an incident on 29 October 25NM northeast of Khasab, Oman, after a report that a small boat attached two explosive devices to a tanker's hull.
The second post
The Department for Transport marked ten years of "See it. Say it. Sorted." on 31 October. The release says more than 1.5 million texts have been exchanged with the 61016 line. Our post sets out who said what on volume and how close protection teams travelling by rail can use the line.
Yemen
In a statement from his spokesperson on 31 October, the Secretary-General said he is "appalled and condemns the death of a United Nations colleague, Mohammad el Shami, while in the custody of the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen." The statement says: "This is the second death of a United Nations staff member in detention by the Houthi de facto authorities, following the death of a World Food Programme colleague in February 2025." It says "the 70 United Nations personnel, five former UN staff members, and personnel from humanitarian and civil society organizations who remain detained" are of grave concern, and repeats the call for their immediate and unconditional release. It says the circumstances of the death "remain unclear".
Sudan
In a statement dated 31 October, the Secretary-General "strongly condemns the escalating drone attacks in Sudan by the parties to the conflict". It says "Across the country, as well as in Abyei, drones have killed hundreds of civilians, including women and children". He calls on the parties to "agree without delay to a cessation of hostilities". The statement gives no new casualty figure and does not name a party.
Myanmar
The UN Special Rapporteur on Myanmar, Kelley Anne Eckels-Currie, reports at least 8,384 civilians killed by the military since the coup, up to 15 September 2026. The report, A/81/418, also records at least 753 civilians killed during the military's declared 100 days of peace, from 20 April to 31 July. UN News reported on 29 October that she warned Myanmar's growing illicit economy has become a major driver of the conflict, rather than simply a consequence of it.
Piracy
UKMTO reported on 28 October suspicious activity in the Gulf of Aden, "Potentially indicative of Pirate Action Group Activity", including "a green and blue boat with two ladders and one hook with 9 persons onboard". On 31 October UKMTO reported that "a large fishing vessel has been boarded by unauthorised personnel" and "reclassified this incident to HIJACK". The entry gives no position, so we do not place it in the Gulf of Aden or anywhere else.
No Place for Knives
The Home Office says its No Place for Knives advertising campaign, launched on 2 November, will be piloted in parts of Westminster and Croydon and in Birmingham city centre. It says the adverts will raise awareness of increased police activity, including smarter metal detection, rapid response e-bikes, extra foot patrols and live facial recognition. The release names no streets and gives no end date.
