Saudi Arabia is facing major challenges in exporting oil after a key pipeline was shut. The East-West pipeline, which connects oil fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu, was closed after attacks on Saudi energy facilities. The Strait of Hormuz is also blocked, limiting Saudi Arabia’s main export route. Houthi attacks have further reduced shipments through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Saudi Arabia can send some oil through Egypt using the Suez Canal and Sumed pipeline. However, this route takes longer, especially for Asian markets. The disruptions have pushed oil prices higher and increased pressure on global energy supplies.  

The European Union has invited Canada to become its first-ever “associate member”. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the offer during a speech in Strasbourg on Wednesday. She said the EU and Canada share democratic values and common views on issues like AI, climate change and the Ukraine war. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed closer ties with the EU. The two sides plan to strengthen cooperation in trade, defence, energy, technology and critical minerals. They will also work together on Arctic projects. The EU and Canada are expected to discuss the proposal at a summit in October.  

At least 20 people, including five children, were killed when a six-storey residential building in Gaza City collapsed on September 16 after previously being damaged by Israeli strikes, according to Palestinian rescue officials. The building had been sheltering around 100 displaced Palestinian families, and its collapse also brought down nearby tents, trapping people beneath the rubble. At least 25 others were reported injured, while rescue teams continued searching for survivors. Emergency operations were hampered by limited heavy machinery. The incident highlights the dangers faced by displaced civilians living in damaged buildings amid continuing violence and severe housing shortages in Gaza. (PC: AFP)

Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday evening. Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki al-Maliki called the alleged targeting of the holy city a “disgraceful act”. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca, with military spokesperson Yahya Sarea saying their attacks were aimed at Saudi military bases and oil facilities. Saudi authorities also issued security alerts over incoming projectiles in western areas, including Mecca and Jeddah. The United States embassy in Saudi Arabia separately advised Americans to reconsider travel, citing risks from missile and drone attacks. The claims could not be independently verified. (PC: BBC)

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has backed proposals for Canada to become the European Union’s first “associate member”, calling for closer cooperation between the two sides. Speaking in Strasbourg on Wednesday, von der Leyen said she wanted to “open the door” to Canada and deepen ties in areas including defence, energy, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, cyber security and supply chains. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who attended the speech, has recently called for a “unique alliance” with the EU as trade tensions with the US continue. Von der Leyen said closer EU-Canada ties would strengthen Europe and were not aimed against any country. (PC: BBC)

Kerala travel vlogger Arunima I P, known as Backpacker Arunima, was detained by Taliban members in Afghanistan’s Bamyan province while travelling alone, according to The Indian Express. She was reportedly held for several hours and questioned about travelling without a male companion or guide. Arunima had earlier posted an SOS seeking help and assistance in contacting the Indian Embassy. The Taliban members reportedly threatened to arrest her over alleged violations of local rules. She was later released and continued her journey. Arunima said she was safe and had not been formally arrested or taken to prison. (PC: The Indian Express)

The United States has advised its citizens to reconsider travel to Saudi Arabia, citing the risk of Iranian drone and missile attacks, armed conflict and terrorism. The US State Department said Iran has targeted Saudi cities, airports, military bases, diplomatic sites and energy facilities. It also warned of threats from Iran-backed Houthi forces and advised Americans not to travel to areas near the Yemen border because of terrorism risks. The advisory comes as tensions rise across the region, with Saudi Arabia recently issuing security alerts for Mecca and other areas. The US travel advisory remains at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. (PC: India Today)

India summoned Pakistan’s Charge d’Affaires Saad Ahmad Warraich on Wednesday and lodged a strong protest after a Pakistani naval vessel collided with an Indian Navy ship in international waters. The incident occurred on September 15 during a routine Indian surveillance mission in the North Arabian Sea, about 220 km east of Oman, according to Indian sources. The Ministry of External Affairs said there was no major damage but described the Pakistani vessel’s conduct as unacceptable and unprofessional. India said the incident violated provisions of the 1991 India-Pakistan agreement covering advance notice of military exercises, manoeuvres and troop movements. (Representative image)

Yemen’s Houthi movement on Wednesday rejected Saudi Arabia’s claim that it launched a drone towards Mecca, calling the allegation “fabrications and lies.” Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday evening before it entered the holy city’s restricted airspace. Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki described the incident as the second alleged Houthi attempt to target Mecca, following a ballistic missile launch in 2017. The Houthis denied targeting Mecca or other Islamic holy sites, saying their operations are directed at Saudi military bases and oil facilities. (PC: X)

All remaining support acts on Ed Sheeran’s US tour have withdrawn after rapper Macklemore was dropped from the lineup over his pro-Palestinian remarks during concerts in New Jersey. Finneas, Lukas Graham, Aaron Rowe and Irish folk band Beoga announced their departures. Macklemore had performed his song “Hind’s Hall” at MetLife Stadium on September 4 and told the crowd he wanted to say “Free Palestine”, while footage showing destruction in Gaza played on screen. Sheeran said Macklemore’s removal was the promoter’s decision and not his own. The decision followed pressure from venues and criticism from some Jewish organisations over Macklemore’s comments. (PC: BBC)