Yemen
The UN says the Houthis took control of the last main road between Taiz and other government-held areas at the start of October, and aid partners warn that wheat and flour in Taiz City could run out in less than three weeks. The WHO says the escalation since 6 August has displaced more than 200,000 people and that suspected cholera cases tripled in three weeks. The FCDO advises against all travel to Yemen. Full story in today's lead.
Pakistan
The FCDO added information to its Pakistan advice on 13 October that emergency measures and Governor's Rule were introduced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 11 October. It says there were reports of road closures, an increased security presence and internet disruption in parts of the province.
Mauritius
The FCDO says protests and community unrest followed a police shooting on 9 October, and that the government imposed an overnight curfew covering most of the main island, from 20:30 on Tuesday 13 October to 06:00 on Wednesday 14 October. Check the FCDO page for any extension before travel.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for the Great Lakes region, Huang Xia, told the Security Council on 13 October that the security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC has continued to worsen despite sustained diplomatic effort, the UN's meeting coverage reports. He pointed to armed drones adding to civilian suffering and to the spread of Ebola.
United Kingdom
Transport for London has published a £237 million, five-year award to Mitie Security for guarding and reception services across TfL, running from July 2026 to July 2031, according to a Contracts Finder notice published on 12 October. Full story in today's second post.
