Armed conflicts and attacks
Syrian Civil War, Russian military intervention in the Syrian Civil War
The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that increased airstrikes by Russia have forced humanitarian assistance organizations to curtail their relief efforts, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in northern Syria. (The Washington Post)
Territorial disputes in the South China Sea
United States Pacific Fleet commander Scott H. Swift warns of a possible South China Sea arms race. (Reuters via MSN)
Islamist insurgency in Nigeria
At least 30 people are killed after Boko Haram militants attack three villages in Nigeria's northeast Borno state. (AFP via Yahoo)
Military intervention against ISIL
France's Air Force carries out its first cruise-missile strikes targeting Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant installations in Iraq, including “a training center and logistical depot,” according to the French defence ministry. (AFP via Defense News)
Disasters and accidents
2015 Pacific typhoon season
Typhoon Melor (Nona) causes widespread flooding and blackouts in the Philippines. More than 700,000 people had been evacuated ahead of the storm which hit late on Monday night. (New York Times)