Middle East news — October 18, 2026 - Page 7

165 publications

1. WorldMiddle East

   Oct 18, 2026, 03:07 UTC

   

   Massive Drone Attack on St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast

   St. Petersburg and Leningrad Oblast experienced a mass drone attack overnight on October 18, with over 135 drones shot down. Targets included the St. Petersburg Oil Terminal, VK data center, residential buildings, and power lines, causing fires, power outages, and transport disruptions. Four people, including three children, were injured.

   620 sourcesSee all sources
2. WorldRegulatorsMiddle East

   Oct 18, 2026, 03:07 UTC

   

   Ukraine Strikes VK Data Center with Drones

   Ukrainian drones targeted and set ablaze a data center belonging to Russian social media giant VK, causing network disruptions. The attack was confirmed by VK's press service, which stated that services remained available to users.

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3. PoliticsRegulatorsMiddle EastConflict

   Oct 18, 2026, 02:47 UTC

   

   Russia Launches Fifth Attack on Zaporizhstal, Firing Six Ballistic Missiles

   Russia attacked the Zaporizhstal metallurgical plant for the fifth time, launching six ballistic missiles at the facility on October 17. The strikes targeted internal energy and logistics infrastructure, as well as production sites, causing damage but no casualties. Since August, a total of 23 ballistic missiles have been fired at the plant, resulting in eight worker deaths and 31 injuries. Despite the attacks, the plant has not returned to normal operation.

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4. WorldRegulatorsEuropeMiddle EastWeather

   Oct 18, 2026, 02:28 UTC

   

   VKontakte Data Center Attack Causes Major Outage

   A data center of the popular Russian social network VKontakte was attacked in Leningrad Oblast, leading to significant service disruptions across Russia. Users reported issues with accessing the platform, loading feeds, and logging into accounts. The attack also caused a partial blackout in St. Petersburg.

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5. WorldArrestMiddle EastEarth

   Oct 18, 2026, 02:09 UTC

   

   Kolkata Police Detains Organizers After Durga Puja Stampede

   Following a fatal stampede at a Durga Puja pandal in Kolkata's Chorbagan area, police have detained 12 individuals, including organizers and private security personnel, for questioning. The incident resulted in 19 deaths and 24 injuries.

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6. WorldLocal GovProtestMiddle East

   Oct 18, 2026, 02:08 UTC

   

   Protester Loses Hand After Picking Up Police Grenade in France

   A protester in Saint-Étienne, France, lost their hand after picking up a police grenade that subsequently exploded. The incident occurred during a protest, and the injured individual was taken to Saint-Étienne University Hospital for treatment. The exact type of grenade and the circumstances leading to the explosion are still under investigation.

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7. U.S.Local GovMiddle East

   Oct 18, 2026, 02:08 UTC

   

   US Condemns Settler Attack on Washington Post Journalist in West Bank

   The United States has condemned 'criminal violence' in the West Bank after Israeli settlers attacked American photojournalist Heidi Levine while she was covering violence against Palestinian olive farmers for The Washington Post. The State Department offered consular assistance to Levine and expressed concern for her safety.

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8. WorldMiddle East

   Oct 18, 2026, 02:08 UTC

   Truck Accidents Due to Snow and Ice in Zabaykalsky Krai

   Multiple truck accidents occurred in Zabaykalsky Krai due to snowy and icy road conditions. Several trucks slid off the road or overturned in different districts, including near Khilok, Aginsky, and Atamanovka. No casualties were reported. Heavy vehicle movement was temporarily closed, and warming points were opened for drivers.

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9. PoliticsLawCivil RightsMiddle East

   Oct 18, 2026, 01:49 UTC

   

   Left Party Leader Rejects Anti-Semitism Allegations

   Left party co-chair Ines Schwerdtner has repeatedly denied allegations of anti-Semitism within her party, stating that criticism of the Israeli government does not equate to anti-Semitism. She described the accusations as 'disgusting' and suggested they may be politically motivated.

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10. PoliticsLawRegulatorsGovernanceMiddle East

    Oct 18, 2026, 01:29 UTC

    

    Kapil Sibal Retaliates Against Rajnath Singh's 'Regime Change' Accusation

    Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has responded to Union Minister Rajnath Singh's accusation that the Congress is seeking a 'regime change' similar to Bangladesh. Sibal asserted that it is the people who desire a change in government due to allegations of corruption and manipulation of voter lists by the ruling party. He stated, 'Time to go,' indicating his support for the ongoing protests against electoral irregularities.

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11. WorldMiddle East

    Oct 18, 2026, 01:29 UTC

    Flight Suspensions in Saudi Arabia's King Fahd International Airport

    Air traffic has been suspended at King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The disruption affects the airport in the Eastern Province.

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12. WorldRegulatorsMiddle East

    Oct 18, 2026, 01:09 UTC

    Iraq's Role in Organization of Islamic Cooperation Discussed

    Political analysts and professors weigh in on Iraq's significance in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Dr. Tariq Al-Zubaidi, Professor of Political Science at Baghdad University, highlights Iraq's trustworthy role and the OIC's importance as a regional problem-solving platform. Ali Sahib, a political analyst, emphasizes Iraq's leading role in the region and its principle of non-interference. Both agree that the OIC meeting in Baghdad underscores Iraq's regional weight.

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13. PoliticsMiddle EastChina

    Oct 18, 2026, 01:09 UTC

    

    Schröder: Republicans Easier on Peace Deals Than Democrats

    Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder has stated that Republicans traditionally find it easier to achieve a negotiated peace than Democrats. He believes Democrats are more ideologically committed and tougher on Russia and China.

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14. WorldMiddle East

    Oct 18, 2026, 01:09 UTC

    Drone Alerts in Kyiv Region

    Multiple yellow alerts have been issued for drone activity in several districts of the Kyiv region, including Obuhovskyi rayon, Obuhivskyi and Bilozerkivskyi districts, Obuhiv, and Bila Tserkva. A strike drone was reported heading towards Kyiv Reservoir from the Chernihiv region.

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15. WorldRegulatorsIndictmentMiddle East

    Oct 18, 2026, 01:09 UTC

    

    Four UAVs Shot Down Over Leningrad Oblast

    Overnight, four unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were shot down over the Leningrad Oblast. The regional governor, Alexander Drozdenko, confirmed the incident and stated that there are no airborne targets in the region at the moment. An air threat alert is expected to be lifted shortly.

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16. WorldMiddle East

    Oct 18, 2026, 00:50 UTC

    

    57 Drones Shot Down Over Leningrad Oblast

    Over the course of an operation, 57 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were shot down over the territory of Leningrad Oblast, according to Governor Alexander Drozdenko. The incident resulted in debris damaging cars on a parking lot in the Lomonosov district and a reported fire.

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17. WorldMiddle EastTrade

    Oct 18, 2026, 00:50 UTC

    Russia Reorients Foreign Trade Towards East and Global South

    First Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk has announced that Russia is shifting its foreign trade focus towards Eastern countries and the global South. This was revealed following his participation in the autumn session of the governing bodies of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

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18. WorldRegulatorsMiddle East

    Oct 18, 2026, 00:50 UTC

    Trump Delays Russia Sanctions Decision Due to Energy Market Tensions

    President Trump took 60 days to assess the impact of potential U.S. sanctions against Russia. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo attributed the delay to the need for further analysis due to the tense situation on global energy markets.

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19. WorldMiddle East

    Oct 18, 2026, 00:30 UTC

    

    Russia Struggles with Surge in Deadly Bear Attacks

    Russia is grappling with a sharp increase in deadly bear attacks, with at least 27 people killed since spring. The surge in attacks, primarily in Siberia and the Far East, has been attributed to a growing brown bear population and a shortage of wild fruits due to an early and dry spring. Authorities have launched culling operations, with over 3,000 bears eliminated this year. Residents, particularly in rural areas, are advised to exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when visiting forests.

    58 sourcesSee all sources
20. WorldBillMiddle East

    Oct 18, 2026, 00:30 UTC

    

    Zelensky Seeks European Support Amid US Uncertainty

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky traveled to Brussels seeking stronger European support as the war with Russia continues. He called for increased military and financial aid, particularly for energy sector and air defense needs. The EU pledged continued support but expressed concerns about Zelensky's public criticism of US President Donald Trump, fearing it could jeopardize US military and intelligence support. Zelensky's visit comes as Russian strikes intensify and Ukraine faces power outages and heating restrictions. The EU, however, is focused on its own energy crisis and budget disagreements, leading some to question Ukraine's priority on the agenda.

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21. SportsMiddle East

    Oct 18, 2026, 00:10 UTC

    

    Melgar vs Deportivo Garcilaso: Match Preview and Live Broadcast Details

    Melgar hosts Deportivo Garcilaso in matchday 12 of the Torneo Clausura. The match kicks off at 6:00 PM Peruvian time at the UNSA Monumental Stadium in Arequipa. It will be the eighth encounter between the two teams, with 'Pedacito de Cielo' leading the head-to-head with 3 wins. Melgar comes into the match after drawing with Universitario de Deportes, while Garcilaso lost to Sport Huancayo. The match will be broadcast live on L1 MAX.

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