North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-un has dispatched a trusted special forces general, Kim Yong Bok, to Russia to lead Pyongyang's troops in Ukraine, according to Kyiv's intelligence. General Kim, deputy head of the North Korean army and a veteran of the Storm Corps special forces, is often seen alongside Kim Jong-un. Ukraine's statement to the UN identified Gen Kim as the highest-ranking North Korean officer sent to Russia ahead of its expected entry into the war. This military alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang is deemed a "threat to Europe, the Korean peninsula, its neighbours and beyond".

Hezbollah launched rockets at an Israeli intelligence base near Tel Aviv and other areas in northern Israel early Saturday, the Iran-backed group announced. The 2:30 AM attack targeted the Glilot base of Israel's 8200 military intelligence unit, as well as the city of Safed, according to Hezbollah's statement. This escalation is the latest in a year-long exchange of cross-border fire between Hezbollah and Israel, sparked by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Tensions intensified on September 23 when Israel ramped up the conflict. The region teeters on the brink of all-out war as displaced persons flee southern Lebanon.

An additional 500 soldiers are being deployed to Spain's Valencia region following heavy floods that began Monday, devastating communities and sparking public criticism over authorities’ response. Over 200 people have died, mostly in Valencia and nearby areas, and the death toll is expected to rise. The floods destroyed bridges, covered towns in mud, and cut off communities from essential resources like water, food, and electricity. Thousands of volunteers have joined clean-up efforts in rural areas, but authorities restricted traffic over the weekend to ensure emergency workers have clear access to affected regions amid ongoing rescue and recovery operations.

On October 31, the Village Halloween Parade in New York City featured a large-scale "Thriller" flash mob dance performance. Over 100 dancers participated in the event, which has been a 20-year tradition. To join, participants were required to register in advance and purchase a $50 entry ticket, which sold out in 90 seconds. The choreographed dance to Michael Jackson's iconic song took place on Sixth Avenue. The parade's organizers successfully executed the popular event, attracting thousands of spectators. The flash mob remains a highlight of the annual Halloween celebration in Manhattan.

Israel's revolutionary "Iron Beam" laser defense system is set to become operational within a year, marking a significant milestone in the country's defense capabilities. Developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Elbit Systems, the Iron Beam will complement Israel's existing Iron Dome system, providing enhanced protection against missiles, drones, rockets, and mortars. With its high-power laser technology, the Iron Beam can engage targets at the speed of light, ranging from hundreds of meters to several kilometers, with minimal collateral damage and almost zero cost per interception. This game-changing system is expected to herald a "new era of warfare" and will play a crucial role in Israel's ongoing conflicts with Hamas and Hezbollah.

Republicans are preparing to dispute the 2024 US presidential election if Donald Trump loses. Some pro-Trump polls show him leading, though most non-partisan polls reveal a close race with Kamala Harris. Experts warn that GOP-aligned polls may falsely suggest Trump is ahead to justify claims of fraud. Trump and his allies have already filed lawsuits, claiming cheating in places like Pennsylvania. This echoes his actions after the 2020 election, where he filed multiple unsuccessful lawsuits alleging fraud. Anti-Trump Republicans worry that these tactics aim to create doubt and disrupt the election certification process if Harris wins.

North Korea has pledged its support for Russia in the war against Ukraine, with Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui declaring they will stand with Russia “until victory.” The U.S. reported that 10,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to Russia, with 8,000 stationed near Ukraine’s border, likely to enter combat soon. The troops have been trained in artillery, drones, and trench clearing by Russian forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the West’s lack of response to this deployment. This move follows a June meeting between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, where a mutual defense pact was agreed.

Iran and its allies are concerned about a potential Trump comeback in the U.S. elections. Iranian leaders fear Trump could renew his “maximum pressure” policy, bringing harsher sanctions and possibly backing Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Trump previously withdrew the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal and applied tough restrictions on Iran’s oil exports, straining its economy. Analysts say Iran might be forced to negotiate if pressured again. Trump’s close ties with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu also worry Iran, as a new U.S.-Saudi defense pact could further shift regional power, creating a stronger front against Iranian influence.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has ordered a strong response to recent Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military positions. The strikes, which targeted anti-aircraft and radar sites, reportedly killed four Iranian soldiers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel’s aim is to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and claimed Israel’s freedom to operate within Iran is at an all-time high. Iranian officials hinted at a severe counterattack, possibly from Iraqi territory, to reduce direct risks. Military experts suggest that Iran may wait until after the U.S. elections on November 5 to act.

As the US election nears, Ukrainians view its outcome as less pivotal to the ongoing conflict with Russia than initially thought. Despite extensive military and financial support from the Biden administration, recent battlefield losses in Ukraine’s eastern regions have led to frustration with Biden’s reluctance to approve long-range Western weapons for strikes deep inside Russia. Republican candidate Donald Trump has criticized current US aid levels, stating he would end the conflict if elected, though specifics remain unclear. Ukrainians now focus more on their own resilience as they face growing Russian aggression.