Armed conflicts and attacks
Kivu conflict
Rwandan-backed M23 rebel forces initiate advances towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following a two-day unilateral ceasefire. (Al Jazeera)
CODECO insurgents kill at least 52 people and injure eight others in attacks across Ituri Province, DRC. At least 30 civilian homes were burned down during the attacks, according to Radio Okapi. (Anadolu Ajansi)
War against the Islamic State
Islamic State insurgency in Puntland
Puntland counter-terrorism operations
At least 27 Puntland soldiers and more than 70 ISIL militants are killed or wounded in fighting around the Togga Jacel area of the Cal Miskaad mountains in Puntland’s Bari Region. This is the deadliest attack since Puntland launched an offensive in December 2024 against Islamic State in Somalia hiding in the Golis Mountains. (VOA) (Reuters) (Garowe Online)
Gaza war
2025 Gaza war ceasefire, Gaza war hostage crisis
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that if Hamas does not release Israeli hostages by noon on Saturday, the ceasefire will end and the IDF will resume offensive operations in the Gaza Strip. (Reuters)
Islamic State–Taliban conflict
Five Taliban members are killed and seven others are injured during a suicide bombing outside New Kabul Bank in Kunduz, Afghanistan. (Arab News)
Arts and culture
The accession ceremony is held for Prince Rahim al-Hussaini as the 50th Imam of Nizari Isma'ilism, succeeding his late father Aga Khan IV. (Islamabad Post)