Eritrea
The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to Eritrea, and continues to advise against all travel within 25km of its land borders. The whole country, including Asmara, is now inside an advise-against area. The FCDO says "Tensions between Eritrea and Ethiopia are high." Full story in today's lead.
Yemen
The UN said its Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, told the Security Council on 9 October that Yemen has slid back into full-scale war. He said the Government had reported retaking areas around the Bab al-Mandab in a counter-offensive this week, and warned of Houthi threats against Saudi-linked commercial ships in the Red Sea: "These threats are becoming enmeshed with the broader confrontation over control of maritime trade routes and the stresses on the international energy market". The UN's Mohamed Yahya said "More than 200,000 people have been displaced across Yemen since the beginning of August", and that, citing UN human rights office figures, at least 46 civilians have been killed and more than 130 injured since August.
Sudan
The UN said on 9 October it was appalled by "horrific reports of a suspected drone strike hitting a displacement site in Blue Nile State", near the Sudan-Ethiopia border. Initial information indicates that "40 civilians have been reportedly killed", with "most of the casualties being women and children".
Saudi Arabia
On 9 October the FCDO added information about travelling to the airport to its Saudi Arabia advice. The current advice says "Further attacks against airports are very likely." and tells travellers to confirm reservations and flight status before going to the airport and to remain alert there.
UK: SIA enforcement
The SIA's first quarterly compliance and enforcement report shows 1,553 licences revoked, 475 refused and 378 suspended between April and June 2026. Full story in today's second post.
