Diplomacy and International Relations
Bahrain
Bahrain’s air defense systems intercepted and destroyed Iranian drones on Sunday, Bahraini state TV reported. Bahrain’s Defense Force later said its air defense systems had intercepted Iranian aerial attacks before they reached their intended targets, accusing Tehran of continuing a “systematic hostile approach through its nefarious attacks.” – Al Arabiya Bahrain says air defenses intercepted Iranian aerial attacks before reaching targets
Europe
An unprecedented wave of bomb threats across Europe has left the bloc struggling to respond, as it remains unclear who is behind the incidents. The threats, which are mainly understood to have been sent via emails and have so far all proven false, have impacted multiple media broadcasters, more than 50 flights, thousands of schools and at least one cruise ship across the continent, posing an increasingly urgent security challenge for European authorities. Analysts say the hoaxes have exposed the vulnerability of Europe’s public infrastructure to anonymous and hard-to-trace messages and highlight the bloc’s need for a more coordinated response. The bomb threats targeting European flights were taken seriously by authorities and elicited strong action, which varied between countries. While some authorities diverted flights to other airports, others – such as Hungary and France – scrambled fighter jets to escort the affected passenger planes. – CNN Bomb threats pose a major question of Europe. But what’s the answer?
Gaza – Israel
Hamas said on Sunday that a senior commander who helped plan and oversee the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel had been killed in an Israeli airstrike, with the Israeli military confirming his death. Samir Abu Younis, 53, the commander of the Rafah brigade, was killed on Saturday, said the Palestinian militant group’s armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades. The Israeli military said it had killed Abu Younis in a strike in the southern Gaza Strip overnight, adding that he had led the Rafah brigade since his predecessor, Nael Abu Obeid, was killed on September 15. – Reuters Senior Hamas commander killed in Israeli strike in Gaza
Jordan
A Jordanian court on Sunday sentenced three men to death by hanging for carrying out last month’s deadly gun attack on a church in the kingdom’s south. Gunmen killed nine people and wounded 25 others when they stormed a funeral at a Greek Orthodox church in Hammoud village, in Jordan’s Karak governorate on October 23. – AFP Jordan sentences three men to death over church attack
Russia – Ukraine
Ukraine says restrictions affecting its use of SpaceX’s Starshield satellite communications system remain widespread, hampering the military’s ability to intercept Russian jet-powered attack drones near the front line and giving Moscow additional opportunities to strike Ukrainian targets. Denys Sienik, Ukraine’s top diplomat in Washington, told RFE/RL on November 14 that Ukrainian forces continue to experience disruptions despite repeated tests in multiple directions. “As of today, I can confirm that the restrictions are effective. These are not isolated cases; they are widespread,” Sienik said. – RFE/RL Ukraine Says Starshield Restrictions Persist, Hampering Drone Defenses
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said US negotiators asked for the first time whether Kyiv would withdraw its remaining forces from the Donbas in exchange for NATO membership. “The Americans asked: Will Ukraine leave Donbas if [Ukraine] joins NATO?” Zelenskyy told reporters on November 13. He added that his country fundamentally opposes giving up its territories but would consider putting a comprehensive security package to the Ukrainian public if the US and other NATO partners confirm concrete guarantees. – RFE/RL Zelenskyy: US Floated Trading Donbas For NATO Membership
Saudi Arabia
The Saudi-led coalition said Sunday it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia toward Riyadh, along with three drones in separate incidents in the Kingdom’s Eastern Region. Coalition spokesman Maj. Gen. Turki al-Malki announced the interceptions in a series of statements posted on X. – Al Arabiya Saudi-led coalition intercepts two Houthi missiles, three drones
US – Iran
The US military is expanding its efforts to disrupt Iran’s supply networks beyond the naval blockade of its ports, turning its attention to the country’s land borders and the Caspian Sea. On November 7, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the creation of Task Force Iron Gate, an internal team of approximately 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida. It will coordinate with other US government agencies to prevent Iran from using its land borders and the Caspian Sea to transport advanced weapons systems, dual-use technologies, sanctioned materials, and what Washington describes as illegal revenue streams, according to the CENTCOM statement. – RFE/RL US Seeks To Disrupt Iran’s Supply Networks Beyond Naval Blockade
Yemen
Yemen’s Southern Armed Forces announced Sunday the redeployment of their troops from Dhubab Airport and the Bab al-Mandeb area west of Taiz, citing growing threats and military buildups by the Iran-backed Houthi militia. The forces said the redeployment was part of a broader reorganization of their military presence aimed at countering Houthi threats and securing the southern port city of Aden and neighboring provinces. – Al Arabiya Yemen’s Southern Armed Forces announce troop redeployment amid Houthi threats
