Ethiopia
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on all parties to cease hostilities in northern Ethiopia and said the fighting in Tigray, Afar and Amhara risks escalating in ways that would further destabilise the wider region. UN News, citing media reports, says Ethiopia has accused Eritrea of an "all-out invasion" of Tigray. Eritrea rejects the claim and says it faces an "unprovoked war of aggression". The FCDO advises against all travel to Tigray and Amhara. Full story in today's lead.
Saudi Arabia
On Saturday 10 October the FCDO updated its Saudi Arabia advice following what it calls a serious incident at King Khalid International Airport at approximately 1500 local time. The advice says: "we advise British nationals to avoid King Khalid International Airport until the airport is secure and to monitor the advice of the Saudi authorities." The FCDO page does not describe the incident, and we have not seen a primary account of it. Separately, in its existing paragraph on Houthi missile and drone attacks since 13 July, the page says "Further attacks against airports are very likely."
Ukraine
UN officials told the Security Council on 9 October that Russian Federation strikes killed over 100 civilians across Ukraine in the week to 9 October, with at least 429 injured, citing the UN human rights office. Strikes on bridges and energy infrastructure are causing blackouts and water disruption ahead of winter. Full story in today's second post.
Bangladesh
The FCDO has added advice on the Hindu festival of Durga Puja, taking place in Bangladesh from 16 to 21 October 2026. It says to expect large crowds around festival sites and Hindu temples, increased security and traffic disruption, and that "There has been intercommunal violence during previous festivals." It advises travellers to stay away from large crowds where possible. The FCDO also continues to advise against all but essential travel to the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
