China-Laos Military Expansion: Satellite images reviewed by Reuters show light attack jets and support vehicles arriving at China’s new Ban Keun joint training facility, fueling speculation it could become a wider Chinese military foothold in Southeast Asia. Yemen Red Sea Fight: Yemen’s Saudi-backed government launched “Operation Dawn of Yemen” to retake territory from Iran-backed Houthis, while the Houthis struck back and both sides escalated around Bab el-Mandeb, raising fresh risks for Red Sea shipping. Horn of Africa Diplomacy: Ethiopia’s foreign ministry said any talks on the Abay River and Red Sea must reflect Ethiopia’s geography and interests, after Egypt, Eritrea, Somalia and Sudan signalled Red Sea governance should stay with littoral states. Djibouti Football Federation Standoff: Police occupied the Djibouti Football Federation headquarters as club presidents moved to oust president Souleiman Waberi, triggering a legitimacy dispute and an interim-management push. Somali Piracy Aftermath: Pakistan’s DPM/FM Ishaq Dar confirmed the last three surviving crew members of MT Honour 25 were rescued and flown to Addis Ababa, with travel to Karachi expected on Oct 7. Regional Maritime Safety: A Djibouti-linked SAR training programme in Madagascar brought together maritime professionals from eight countries to strengthen search-and-rescue coordination. Local Economy Snapshot: A new ranking puts Djibouti at the top in Africa for average monthly take-home pay in 2026.