Saudi-Backed Yemeni Offensive Retakes Control of Bab El-Mandeb Strait

Saudi-backed Yemeni forces have gained effective control of Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the government says, following a coastal offensive to reclaim the oil chokepoint from the Houthis.

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WATCH: Yemen's Houthi forces fired two missiles toward a government-controlled area as an Al Arabiya correspondent was preparing to go live.

Ex-Prince Andrew Takes Police to Court Over Epstein Investigation

The former Duke of York has taken Thames Valley Police to court over search warrants used in the Epstein files investigation, opening a legal challenge eight months after his arrest.

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A centuries-old plague scare just hit Siberia.

A lab technician died.

Nearly 200 contacts were monitored.

Russia says there are still no confirmed plague cases.

Iran's Security Council Secretary Rezaei:

Every computational error by the enemy against Iran has resulted in a heavy defeat for it; the next error will bring about fresh fronts and greater surprises.

With the wise leadership of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution, the companionship of the history-making nation, and the coordination of all branches of the system, Iran will powerfully navigate through these complex conditions.

The Next Frontier: US, Russia, and China Race for a Nuclear Reactor on Moon

NASA wants a lunar reactor ready for launch by 2030, ahead of a Russia-China project targeting operation in 2036. Both face unresolved landing, radiation, and fuel challenges.

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British officials warned Israel that if the UK consulate in East Jerusalem is closed and British diplomats are expelled, Britain will expel 27 Israeli diplomats and their families.

The consulate is due to close on October 8 under an order from Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, in response to UK sanctions related to the West Bank.

Source: i24NEWS

Republican Senator Rick Scott:

Zohran Mamdani is talking about the issues people care about. He is talking about the cost of things and housing, things like that.

But their solution is foolish.

Republican Senator Rick Scott:

You can go to Canada and get free healthcare, right? But people in Canada can't see a doctor.

Republican Senator Rick Scott:

Free healthcare never works.

U.S. official to Al Jazeera:

Around 200 U.S. advisers are providing advice at Saudi planning centers.

U.S. advisers are helping Saudi forces conduct targeting operations efficiently and effectively.

U.S. forces are not involved in the war in Yemen, and we have no specific targets there.

Republican Senator Rick Scott:

I don't like high gas prices, but I don't want to be killed by a nuclear weapon.

The U.S. aircraft carrier George H.W. Bush arrived in Phuket, Thailand, with about 4,800 personnel for a rest break after six months supporting U.S. operations in the Middle East.

Phuket is its first port call since leaving the U.S. in March, with crew members expected ashore from October 4–9 for sightseeing, cultural activities and a U.S.-Thailand football match.

Source: Reuters

JD Vance on Flydubai plane incident:

In terms of involvement with Iran, I wouldn't say I've seen anything conclusive just yet.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Iran:

We're dealing with an empire of evil which wants to conquer the free world. That's what Tehran is doing.

BREAKING: Yemen’s state news agency, citing a military source, says government forces have taken control of the city of Mokha in western Taiz province.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog:

We did not seek that war. It was waged upon us by horrific, barbaric terrorists.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog:

Israel is protecting the West and the free world by its activities.

Israel was prepared to shoot down the FlyDubai passenger jet carrying more than 150 Israelis if it had been confirmed hijacked and continued toward Israel, two Israeli sources say.

Under the protocol, fighter jets would first inspect the cockpit and cabin and try to establish contact.

If the aircraft was deemed hijacked, remained silent and kept approaching Israel, Netanyahu could authorize it to be shot down to prevent an attack on a major target.

Source: CBS News

An Epstein Whistleblower Just Died by Suicide. He's Not the First

Simon Andriesz had uncovered business dealings between Howard Lutnick and Jeffrey Epstein. He is not the first figure linked to Epstein files to have died since the case became public.

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Trump is spending the final stretch of the midterm campaign almost entirely in heavily Republican states, underscoring growing GOP concern about losing control of Congress.

One GOP lawmaker called the situation a “five-alarm fire,” adding: “We always welcome the president, but I don’t know if he’s aware of the feelings out here.”

Republicans increasingly fear high fuel prices, living costs, the Iran war and Trump’s beef-import policy could hurt them even in red states.

Source: CNN