8 October 2025
Mali
Fuel shortages in the capital, Bamako, are being reported after JNIM created a blockade of supplies from neighbouring countries. The blockade began in September, and lorries have been set on fire on the roadside. According to the Malian Petroleum Importers Association, over 100 tanker trucks had been burned and destroyed by JNIM fighters.
Myanmar
At least 24 have been killed and another 47 injured after a government army motorised paraglider dropped two bombs into a Buddhist festival. The government is attempting to regain control of the country after losing almost half of it recently to rebels. Since the coup in 2021, thousands have died and millions have been displaced.
Canada
For the first time in seven years, a Victoria-class submarine has returned from a deployment. HMCS Corner Brook returned after a two-month deployment. Corner Brook worked in conjunction with the Royal Canadian Navy, Coast Guard, the US Navy and the US Coast Guard in Operation Latitude. It was the first time since 2017. The Corner Brook has been undergoing years of repairs and upgrades, including a modern sonar suite, new torpedo system and improved communications gear.
Gold
For the first time in history, gold has passed $4,000 per ounce, reflecting worries about the state of the global economy and a desire for safe havens. This has an effect on the legal transfer of gold, but also has implications in illicit smuggling such as in Africa as it becomes much more lucrative.
Germany
Germany’s cabinet approved changes to the Federal Police Act, granting police additional powers to disable hostile drones. German police will establish an anti-drone unit, and the force will be granted additional capabilities, including the ability to tap phones and collect location data, detain foreign nationals under deportation orders, and conduct “random checks without cause” in transport hubs where weapons and knives are prohibited.
North Korea
A new report finds that North Korean hackers are increasingly targeting wealthy cryptocurrency holders. It is believed that North Korean hackers have stolen $2 billion in cryptocurrency since 2025. The North Korean government then uses this money for military expenditures including rocket research and development. It is estimated that North Korea’s GDP was approximately $14 billion in 2024.
Israel
Israel has intercepted another flotilla headed for Gaza, this time carrying 145 activists who were detained and are being processed for deportation. Turkey accused Israel of “piracy” and has sought to free its citizens who have been arrested by Israel.
United States
President Trump has called for the arrest of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for “failing to protect ICE.”
Social Media Wires
A large fire broke out at an electronics plant in Novosibirsk, Russia.
Feature Photo: “Royal Canadian Mint Gold Ingot” – Wikimedia Commons, 2025
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates.