Mali
In a rare moment, General Assimi Goita, the head of Mali’s military junta, spoke about the fuel crisis and JNIM’s blockade of fuel supplies. The military has been attempting to escort fuel tanker convoys to the capital, while also conducting air strikes on some JNIM locations. Goita urged Malians to reduce their gasoline consumption.
Sudan
It is believed that the RSF is digging mass graves in El-Fashir to hide the massacre. There are calls for an investigation that does not include the RSF, as the RSF chief has vowed to investigate the matter.
North Korea
There are reports that North Korea has sent 5,000 construction workers to Russia to assist in rebuilding the country’s infrastructure. There have also been reports that North Korea is getting ready to send another batch of soldiers to Russia – it is believed that 10,000 are in service at the moment.
Belgium
Belgium shut down the Brussels Airport due to suspicious drone sightings. This is the first time that the airport has been shut down due to drone activity. An hour before, there was another drone sighting at the Kleine Brogel air base. It is believed that six drones were involved in that incident.
New York City
Zohran Mamdani was elected the next Mayor of New York. Around 2 million votes were cast, a record for New York. Foreign-born voters overwhelmingly supported Mamdani, propelling him to victory. American-born voters supported Cuomo by a healthy margin, with Mamdani only receiving 31% of the American-born vote. Perhaps this should serve as a warning about importing a new voting class…
Pakistan–Qatar
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari offered to expand bilateral cooperation in the areas of defence and defence production between Pakistan and Qatar. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia recently reaffirmed their defence commitment, and Pakistan has enjoyed diplomatic success on the world stage, particularly in the Middle East, in recent months.
Hamas Hostages
Hamas has returned the body of the last dead Israeli-American hostage to Israel. Itay Chen, 19, an Israeli-American soldier who also held German citizenship, was killed during the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack. 7 dead hostages remain in Gaza, though no more with American citizenship. Israeli officials anticipate it will be very difficult to find the remaining corpses.
Social media wires
Possible IL-76 shot down in Sudan.
Russian drones don’t have patience.
Feature Photo: “Mobil Formwork System Stalform for underground construction/Troparevo Subway Station, Moscow, Russia, c. 2013” – 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.