THE FRONTLINE REPORT

It's Friday, November 14, 2025. On the 13th, Russia launched approximately 430 drones and 18 ballistic missiles against Kyiv overnight, killing 4 civilians and wounding 25 others in one of the largest aerial assaults on the capital since the war began. Pakistan formally accused Afghanistan of orchestrating twin suicide bombings that killed 15 people on November 11, threatening the fragile ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey. Germany announced the return of military conscription starting January 1, 2026, requiring all males born in 2008 or later to register for military service. Nordic and Baltic nations pledged $500 million in coordinated military aid to Ukraine. Ukrainian forces conducted the first large-scale operational use of domestically-produced Flamingo cruise missiles, striking targets across occupied Crimea and Russia. Israeli settlers set fire to a West Bank mosque, while pro-Russian hackers launched coordinated cyberattacks on Danish government infrastructure. Colombia conducted military strikes on FARC dissident positions in Arauca department, while the US Treasury sanctioned 10 Mexico-based casinos for cartel money laundering.

• Russian forces launched approximately 430 drones and 18 ballistic missiles against Kyiv overnight November 13-14, killing 4 civilians and wounding 25 others including two children and a pregnant woman
• Ukrainian forces conducted first large-scale operational use of Flamingo cruise missiles, striking Morskoy Neftyanoy oil terminal and Kirovske airfield in occupied Crimea on November 13
• Ukraine struck Oryol Thermal Power Plant in Russia's Oryol Oblast on November 13, causing explosions around 04:30 local time
• Germany announced return of military conscription starting January 1, 2026, requiring males born in 2008 or later to register
• Nordic and Baltic nations pledged $500 million coordinated military aid package for Ukraine on November 13
• Russian Ministry of Defence claimed liberation of Synelnykove in Kharkiv region and Danylivka in Dnipropetrovsk region on November 13

Russia launches massive aerial assault on Kyiv

Russian forces launched one of the largest aerial assaults on Kyiv since the war began during the overnight hours of November 13-14, deploying approximately 430 drones and 18 ballistic missiles including Iskander-M and KN-23 systems. The attack killed 4 civilians and wounded 25 others, including two children aged 7 and 10 and a pregnant woman. Fragments from an Iskander-M ballistic missile damaged the Azerbaijan embassy in Kyiv. The strikes hit 11 apartment buildings across six districts, alongside a hospital, school, and sports facility.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the assault one of the most massive strikes of the war, with explosions reported across Kyiv at 03:54, 04:28, 04:32, 06:02, and 06:04 local time. The attack caused widespread power outages across Kyiv, Donetsk, and Odesa oblasts as Russia systematically targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a significant portion of the incoming missiles and drones, though multiple projectiles penetrated defensive systems. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed damage across Solomianskyi, Holosiivskyi, Pecherskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, Dniprovskyi, and Darnytskyi districts.

Ukraine deploys Flamingo missiles at scale

Ukrainian forces conducted the first large-scale operational use of domestically-produced Flamingo cruise missiles on November 13, marking a significant escalation in Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities. The missiles, with a range of 3,000 kilometers and 1,150-kilogram warheads, struck the Morskoy Neftyanoy oil terminal and Kirovske airfield in occupied Crimea. The strikes destroyed helicopter parking areas and Orion drone storage facilities at the airfield, while causing massive explosions at the oil terminal.

Additional Ukrainian strikes hit an air defense radar station near Yevpatoriya in Crimea, oil depots near Berdyansk in Zaporizhia Oblast, and forward command posts of Russia's 5th Combined Arms Army and 127th Motor Rifle Division. Ukrainian drones released video footage showing direct hits on Russian Orion drone bases in occupied Crimea. Cross-border strikes reached Russia's Oryol Oblast, where explosions damaged the Oryol Thermal Power Plant around 04:30 local time on November 13, with debris falling in residential areas.

Ground combat and territorial changes

Russian forces claimed the liberation of Synelnykove in Kharkiv region and Danylivka in Dnipropetrovsk region on November 13, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence daily briefing. Ukrainian sources acknowledged a deteriorating situation particularly in the Zaporizhzhia direction, where President Zelenskyy visited the 65th Separate Mechanised Brigade near Orikhiv. Ukrainian forces reported retreating from destroyed positions in the Rivnopillia sector amid fierce fighting.

The Russian Ministry of Defence claimed Ukrainian forces suffered 1,180 personnel casualties in the 24-hour period ending November 13, along with the destruction of various military equipment including artillery systems and armored vehicles. These casualty figures cannot be independently verified. Ukrainian forces continued defensive operations along multiple axes in eastern Ukraine, with particular pressure reported in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Germany returns to conscription

Germany announced on November 13 the return of military conscription starting January 1, 2026, marking the first time since conscription was suspended in 2011. All males born in 2008 or later, approximately 700,000 young people, must register for military service, undergo mandatory medical examinations, and complete questionnaires. While service remains initially voluntary with monthly pay of approximately 2,600 euros gross, a lottery-based conscription system will activate if volunteer numbers prove insufficient.

The Bundeswehr aims to expand from its current 186,000 personnel to 260,000-270,000 by 2035, with reserves increasing from 70,000 to 200,000. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Germany's decision as a critical step in meeting alliance obligations in response to Russian aggression. The announcement represents a fundamental shift in German defense policy and acknowledges the long-term nature of European security challenges.

Nordic and Baltic military aid package

Eight Nordic and Baltic nations announced a coordinated $500 million military aid package for Ukraine on November 13, with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden contributing through NATO's Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List. Norway pledged the largest single contribution at approximately $200 million, with Denmark adding $53 million. The package includes long-range 155mm artillery shells, HIMARS rockets, guided aerial bombs, and air defense systems designed to strengthen Ukrainian capabilities entering winter.

The coordinated announcement demonstrates continued Nordic-Baltic commitment to Ukrainian defense despite fatigue in some European capitals. Total NATO PURL pledges now exceed $3.3 billion. The package specifically addresses Ukraine's urgent needs for artillery ammunition and air defense interceptors as Russian forces intensify strikes on energy infrastructure and civilian targets.

• Israeli settlers set fire to Hajja Hamida Mosque in Deir Istiya village in northern West Bank on November 13, burning Qurans and spray-painting racist slogans
• Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad returned body of hostage Meny Godard via Red Cross coordination on November 13
• Israeli forces conducted multiple airstrikes on Hezbollah weapons storage facilities and underground sites in southern Lebanon on November 13
• IDF Arabic spokesman denied Lebanon explosion in Toul village was Israeli airstrike, claiming it resulted from failed Hezbollah weapons smuggling attempt
• Two Palestinian children killed by Israeli forces during raid in Beit Ummar near Hebron on November 13
• Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani officially reopened Syria's embassy in London on November 13 after 13-year closure

West Bank mosque arson attack

Israeli settlers set fire to the Hajja Hamida Mosque in Deir Istiya village near Salfit in the northern West Bank around dawn on November 13. The attackers burned Qurans, smashed windows, and spray-painted racist slogans including "He will exact vengeance on his enemies" and "We are not afraid of you Gen. Avi Bluth" in Hebrew, referencing IDF Central Command chief Avi Bluth. The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Endowments condemned the attack as a heinous crime, while UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated the UN was deeply disturbed.

The arson represents one of 167 settler attacks related to the 2025 olive harvest since October 1, which have injured 150 Palestinians and damaged 5,700 trees according to Palestinian monitoring organizations. The attack follows a pattern of increased settler violence in the West Bank during 2025, with international observers documenting systematic targeting of Palestinian religious sites, agricultural lands, and civilian infrastructure. Israeli authorities have made few arrests despite the escalating violence.

Hostage body returned from Gaza

Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad returned the body of hostage Meny Godard via Red Cross coordination on November 13. The 61-year-old resident of Kibbutz Be'eri, who managed the kibbutz mini-market and pool, was abducted and killed on October 7, 2023. His body was found in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza and formally identified by Israeli forensic experts before being returned to his family. Three bodies remain in Gaza: Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, Dror Or, and Thai national Sudthisak Rinthalak.

Gaza's Ministry of Health reported 2 Palestinians killed in the 24-hour period ending November 13, one newly deceased and one recovered from rubble, bringing total deaths since October 7, 2023 to 69,187 killed and 170,703 injured according to Gaza health authorities. The casualty figures include combatants and civilians, though the Ministry does not distinguish between categories. International humanitarian organizations have documented systematic destruction of Gaza's healthcare infrastructure throughout the conflict.

Lebanon ceasefire violations

Israeli forces conducted multiple airstrikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon on the morning of November 13, targeting weapons storage facilities located next to a public sports center, underground sites, and additional infrastructure in the Nabatieh and Beqaa Valley areas. The IDF stated these strikes were guided by intelligence and that Hezbollah's presence constitutes a violation of understandings between Israel and Lebanon regarding the November 2024 ceasefire.

In the village of Toul, an explosion initially reported by Lebanese media as an Israeli airstrike was denied by IDF Arabic spokesman Col. Avichay Adraee, who claimed the blast resulted from a failed attempt by Hezbollah to smuggle weapons. One person was injured in Toul. These incidents add to UN Human Rights Office findings that Israel has killed at least 114 civilians in Lebanon since the November 2024 ceasefire began, raising questions about compliance with ceasefire terms by multiple parties.

West Bank military operations

Israeli forces killed two Palestinian children during a raid in Beit Ummar near Hebron on November 13. The incident occurred during ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank that have intensified following the November 11 Delhi blast and November 10 Islamabad bombing. Israeli forces have conducted hundreds of search operations across West Bank cities and refugee camps in the first two weeks of November, detaining dozens of Palestinians for questioning.

Palestinian health authorities documented increased casualties in the West Bank throughout November 13, with multiple injuries reported from confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian residents. The Israeli military described the operations as counter-terrorism measures targeting militant infrastructure and weapons manufacturing facilities. International observers have documented a pattern of home demolitions, arbitrary detentions, and restrictions on movement affecting Palestinian civilian populations.

Syria diplomatic reopening

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani officially reopened Syria's embassy in London on November 13 after a 13-year closure, posting on social media that after years of isolation, Syria returns to the world with its identity free. The UK expelled Syrian diplomats in May 2012 during the civil war. Al-Shaibani's visit marks Syria's first official engagement with the UK to open official channels of communication and lay groundwork for dialogue.

The diplomatic reopening follows Syria's admission to the international coalition against ISIS on November 8 and represents a significant shift in Western engagement with Damascus. US Central Command reported killing 5 ISIS members and capturing 19 others in multiple operations across Syria on November 13, demonstrating continued counterterrorism coordination despite the broader geopolitical complexities of Syrian governance and international sanctions.

• Russian Navy and Myanmar Navy commenced joint naval exercises MARUMEX-2025 in Andaman Sea on November 13-14 with multiple warships and submarines
• US Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron deployed MQ-9A Reaper drones to Philippines on November 13 for South China Sea maritime domain awareness
• South Korean prosecutors released evidence on November 13 alleging former President Yoon Suk Yeol authorized covert drone flights to Pyongyang in October 2024 to provoke North Korean retaliation
• China's Foreign Ministry issued stern rebuke on November 13 condemning Japanese Prime Minister's statement that Chinese use of force on Taiwan could constitute survival-threatening situation for Japan
• Cambodia evacuated approximately 250 families to Buddhist temple 29 kilometers from Thailand border on November 13 following deadly November 12 shooting

Russia-Myanmar naval exercises

The Russian Pacific Fleet and Myanmar Navy commenced joint naval exercises MARUMEX-2025 in the Andaman Sea on November 13-14, with Russia deploying frigate Marshal Shaposhnikov, corvette Gremyashchiy, and support vessel Boris Butoma alongside Myanmar's amphibious assault ship Muttama, frigate Kyansittha, corvette Tabinshwehti, and submarine Minye Theinkhathu. The exercises, opened by Russian Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy Lieutenant General Alexei Kiyashko at Port of Tilava on November 12, included submarine detection, artillery and torpedo firing, and anti-piracy scenarios.

The operation demonstrates Russia's continued military support for Myanmar's junta despite international sanctions and the ongoing civil war that has displaced millions. The exercises occur in strategically important waters adjacent to the Strait of Malacca, through which significant global maritime trade passes. Regional observers note the exercises send signals about Russian commitment to allies facing Western pressure while simultaneously demonstrating naval power projection capabilities in the Indo-Pacific theater.

US drone deployment to Philippines

The US Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron VMU 1 deployed MQ-9A Reaper drones to the Philippines in an announcement on November 13, supporting Philippine maritime security amid escalating South China Sea tensions. The unarmed reconnaissance drones, operating from Basa Air Base, enhance maritime domain awareness as China Coast Guard vessels conduct dozens of incidents in Philippine waters, with 47 reported incidents in 2025 through mid-October and 245 since 2022.

Marine Corps Forces Pacific stated the deployment demonstrates mutual commitment to improving collective maritime security and supports the common goal for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The US simultaneously announced a 60-person Task Force Philippines coordination unit led by a one-star officer, $500 million in defense assistance, and funding for a Philippine Navy base for unmanned surface vessels. The deployment represents a significant enhancement of US-Philippine military cooperation following years of territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

South Korea presidential drone scandal

South Korean prosecutors released explosive evidence on November 13 revealing that former President Yoon Suk Yeol allegedly authorized covert drone flights to Pyongyang in October 2024 specifically to provoke North Korean military retaliation that would justify martial law. Memos recovered from phones of former Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung and former Defense Intelligence Commander Noh Sang-won detailed three drone missions on October 3, 8-9, and November 13, 2024, dropping anti-regime leaflets over Pyongyang including near Kim Jong Un's residence.

Key memo excerpts stated that officials must find and exploit a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create an unstable situation, and that enemy action must come first with a wartime situation created. North Korea, despite Kim Yo Jong's October 12 warning of severe consequences, did not launch military retaliation and instead blew up two roads on its side of the border. Yoon declared martial law on December 3, 2024, which parliament overturned within hours. Yoon now faces insurrection charges with prosecutors alleging he deliberately sought to provoke an international incident to justify authoritarian measures.

China-Japan tensions escalate

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian issued a stern rebuke on November 13 condemning Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent statement that Chinese use of force on Taiwan could constitute a survival-threatening situation for Japan. Lin called it a serious affront to international justice and blatant provocation to post-World War II order, warning that if Japan should dare to meddle in cross-Strait situation, it would be an act of aggression and definitely meet a firm response from China.

Lin invoked China's right to self-defense under UN Charter, stating ominously that those who play with fire will perish by it. The exchange marks a significant escalation in Sino-Japanese tensions amid competing claims over Taiwan. Chinese officials have repeatedly warned that Taiwan is an internal matter and foreign interference will not be tolerated. Japanese officials have increasingly framed potential conflict over Taiwan as a direct threat to Japanese security, citing geographic proximity and alliance obligations.

Thailand-Cambodia border crisis

Cambodia evacuated approximately 250 families, hundreds of people, to a Buddhist temple 29 kilometers from the Thailand border on November 13 following deadly shooting in disputed Prey Chan village that killed one Cambodian civilian and injured three on November 12. The evacuation followed Thailand's November 10 suspension of the US-brokered peace agreement signed October 26 in Kuala Lumpur after a Thai soldier lost his foot to a landmine.

Both nations blame each other for the escalation. Thailand claims Cambodia laid new mines, which Phnom Penh denies, while Cambodia accuses Thailand of provocative actions. Thailand suspended the scheduled release of 18 Cambodian POWs on November 13. The violence threatens to reignite full-scale conflict after July's five-day battle killed 43 people and displaced 300,000. The disputed border area around Prey Chan village has been contested since colonial-era mapping discrepancies, with both nations claiming sovereignty over the territory.

• Pakistan's Interior Minister confirmed on November 13 that Afghan nationals carried out twin suicide bombings on November 11 that killed 15 people and wounded dozens
• India launched massive security operations across Kashmir on November 13, conducting 400 search operations in Kulgam district alone and detaining approximately 500 people for questioning
• National Investigation Agency arrested 15 suspects including several Kashmiri doctors on November 13, identifying Dr. Umar Nabi as suspected Delhi blast bomber
• Pakistan's National Assembly passed three military amendment bills and Supreme Court amendment in 9 minutes on November 13, granting Army Chief lifelong immunity
• Pakistan President Zardari signed 27th Constitutional Amendment on November 13, expanding military powers while limiting Supreme Court independence

Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of orchestrating bombings

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi officially confirmed on November 13 that Afghan nationals carried out twin suicide bombings on November 11 that killed 15 people and wounded dozens more. In a televised parliamentary statement, Naqvi detailed that the Islamabad District Court bombing killed 12 and wounded 27, while the Cadet College Wana attack killed 3 soldiers. Pakistan's Ministry of Information stated the attacks were planned and controlled from Afghanistan using American-made weapons allegedly brought across the border.

Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan breakaway faction, initially claimed the Islamabad attack before retracting, with Pakistani authorities implicating TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud and identifying militant Zahid as the orchestrator. The accusations threaten the fragile October 19 ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey, coming just five days after peace talks collapsed in Istanbul on November 8. Afghan authorities have not responded to the accusations, though tensions between Islamabad and Kabul have escalated significantly throughout 2025 with both sides blaming each other for cross-border militant activity.

India Kashmir crackdown intensifies

India launched massive security operations across Kashmir, conducting 400 search operations in Kulgam district alone and detaining approximately 500 people for questioning on November 13. The crackdown followed the November 11 Delhi Red Fort car blast that killed 13 and wounded 20 people. Indian police announced they had busted a transnational terror module linked to Jaish-e-Muhammad and al-Qaeda-affiliated Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind.

The National Investigation Agency arrested 15 suspects including several Kashmiri doctors, identifying Dr. Umar Nabi, 29, from Pulwama as the suspected bomber who died in the blast. Authorities seized 2,900 kilograms of explosives and weapons from Faridabad houses rented by Dr. Muzammil Shakeel Ganai. The investigation revealed plans for six explosions across the National Capital Region on December 6, the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. Security forces conducted door-to-door searches in multiple Kashmir districts, with residents reporting communications disruptions and movement restrictions.

India designates Delhi blast as terrorism

Prime Minister Modi's cabinet formally designated the November 11 Delhi car blast as a heinous terror incident perpetrated by anti-national forces on November 13. Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to hunt down each and every culprit involved in the attack. The designation triggers enhanced investigative powers for security agencies and potential diplomatic consequences for nations authorities allege provided support or safe haven to perpetrators.

Indian officials have not explicitly accused Pakistan of involvement but have emphasized the attackers' alleged connections to Kashmir-based militant organizations. Pakistan has denied any role and accused India of attempting to deflect from internal security failures. The competing narratives threaten to further inflame tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with both sides increasing military readiness along the Line of Control in Kashmir following the attack.

Pakistan military powers expansion

Pakistan's National Assembly passed three military amendment bills and a Supreme Court amendment in just 9 minutes without debate on November 13, harmonizing laws with the 27th Constitutional Amendment signed by President Zardari the same day. The Pakistan Army Act, Air Force, and Navy Amendment Bills grant Army Chief Asim Munir lifelong immunity and expanded powers over all military branches while limiting the independence of the country's highest court.

The parliamentary vote secured 234 votes, 10 more than the required two-thirds majority, with only 4 opposition votes from JUI-F and PTI boycotting entirely. The rapid passage amid Pakistan's security crisis following the twin suicide bombings represents a major expansion of military authority that critics argue undermines civilian oversight. Legal experts have raised concerns about the constitutional implications of granting lifelong immunity to military officials, noting it could shield decision-makers from accountability for human rights violations or unlawful orders.

Constitutional crisis in Pakistan

President Zardari's signing of the 27th Constitutional Amendment on November 13 caps a turbulent period of constitutional maneuvering that began with parliament's October passage of the amendment package. The amendments significantly expand military influence over judicial appointments and limit the Supreme Court's power to review military decisions. Opposition parties, including PTI, have challenged the amendments' legitimacy, arguing they were passed without proper debate and violate fundamental constitutional principles.

Legal scholars note the amendments represent the most significant expansion of military authority in Pakistan's constitution since the 1970s. The timing, coming just two days after the twin suicide bombings, has fueled suspicion among opposition parties that the government exploited the security crisis to push through controversial measures with limited scrutiny. International observers have expressed concern about the erosion of judicial independence and the concentration of power in military institutions.

• World Health Organization announced on November 13 that 8 suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever emerged in Ethiopia's South Ethiopia Region bordering Kenya and South Sudan
• At least 5 Puntland soldiers killed on November 13 during clashes with Islamic State-Somalia militants in Baalade Valley, Bari region
• Sudan's Foreign Minister welcomed US Secretary Rubio's remarks about potentially designating RSF as terrorist organization on November 13
• 250-300 displaced persons arriving daily in Tawila, North Darfur, fleeing violence in El Fasher 60 kilometers to east

Ethiopia hemorrhagic fever outbreak

The World Health Organization announced on November 13 that 8 suspected cases of viral hemorrhagic fever have emerged in Ethiopia's South Ethiopia Region bordering Kenya and South Sudan, including infected health workers. WHO deployed an 11-person rapid response team while laboratory testing continues at the Ethiopia Public Health Institute to identify whether the pathogen is Marburg, Ebola, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, or Lassa fever.

The outbreak poses cross-border transmission risks, prompting WHO coordination with South Sudan to prevent spread. The announcement represents a significant public health security emergency requiring international containment efforts. Ethiopian health authorities have established isolation facilities and are conducting contact tracing to prevent further transmission. The region's proximity to international borders raises concerns about potential regional spread if containment measures prove insufficient.

Puntland-Islamic State fighting

At least 5 Puntland soldiers were killed on November 13 during ongoing clashes with Islamic State-Somalia militants in the Baalade Valley, Bari region of Puntland. UAE aircraft conducted airstrikes against IS-Somalia positions as ground fighting continued between Puntland Security Forces and militants. The casualties add to approximately 10 soldiers killed the previous day in the same area, where Islamic State maintains a presence in the Al-Miskaad Mountains region.

The fighting represents part of the broader counterterrorism campaign against IS-Somalia, which operates separately from the larger al-Shabaab insurgency that has displaced 9.1 million Somalis. Puntland authorities have requested additional international support to combat IS-Somalia, which has expanded territorial control in mountainous areas of northeastern Somalia. The militants have demonstrated increased sophistication in attacks against security forces, using improvised explosive devices and coordinated ambush tactics.

Sudan diplomatic developments

Sudan's Foreign Minister Muhi al-Din Salem welcomed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks about potentially designating the Rapid Support Forces as a terrorist organization in a statement from Port Sudan on November 13. Salem called for international action to prevent a repeat of the El Fasher tragedy in Kadugli, Dilling, and Babanusa, referencing the late October massacre at El Fasher maternity hospital that killed 460 people.

The potential designation would impose significant financial and diplomatic costs on the RSF and nations providing support to the paramilitary force. Sudan's government has lobbied intensively for international sanctions against the RSF, which controls significant territory in Darfur and western Sudan. The designation would facilitate asset freezes and criminal prosecutions against RSF leadership, though implementation challenges remain given the group's control of gold mining operations and other revenue sources.

Darfur displacement crisis

Between 250-300 displaced persons arrive daily in Tawila, North Darfur, fleeing violence in El Fasher 60 kilometers to the east. The Tawila area now hosts 655,000 internally displaced persons, with 17,355 families arriving since October 10. Only 21 percent live in formal camps while 74 percent occupy informal settlements. Sudan's civil war has killed 150,000 people since April 2023 and displaced 12 million people in the world's largest displacement crisis.

Humanitarian organizations report severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies in Tawila's displacement sites. The informal settlements lack basic sanitation infrastructure, creating conditions conducive to disease outbreaks. International aid deliveries face significant obstacles due to ongoing fighting, bureaucratic restrictions, and attacks on humanitarian convoys. Aid workers report that malnutrition rates among children in displacement sites exceed emergency thresholds, with limited capacity to provide treatment.

• Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on November 13 that he authorized second bombing in two days against FARC dissident groups in Arauca department targeting structures led by alias Iván Mordisco
• US Treasury Department sanctioned 10 Mexico-based casinos and Hysa Organized Crime Group on November 13, alleging gambling establishments facilitate money laundering for Sinaloa Cartel
• Treasury designated Carteles Unidos and Los Viagras along with seven affiliated individuals on November 13, charging Western Mexico organizations with links to terrorism and drug trafficking

Colombia conducts FARC dissident strikes

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced during a police promotion ceremony in Bogotá on November 13 that he had authorized the second bombing in two days against FARC dissident groups in Arauca department bordering Venezuela. The presidential-authorized strike targeted structures led by Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández, alias Iván Mordisco, one of Colombia's most wanted, who leads dissident groups that rejected the 2016 peace accord.

A secondary target was alias Antonio Medina, described as a major narcotics capo operating in Arauca. The November 12 bombing in Guaviare department killed at least 19 members of Mordisco's organization. Petro stated that another bombing ordered by him occurred on November 13, with consequences to be seen in Arauca department. The strikes mark 8 bombardments in 2025 and 13 total since Petro took office in August 2022, representing a significant escalation after most FARC dissident groups abandoned peace negotiations in 2024.

US sanctions Mexico casino network

The US Treasury Department sanctioned 10 Mexico-based casinos and the Hysa Organized Crime Group on November 13 in coordinated action with the Mexican government, alleging the gambling establishments facilitate money laundering for the Sinaloa Cartel and send illicit payments to senior cartel members. The sanctioned casinos span Sonora, Sinaloa, Baja California, and Tabasco states, including Emine Casino in San Luis Rio Colorado, Casino Mirage in Culiacan, multiple Midas Casino locations, Palermo Casino in Nogales, and Skampa Casino sites in Ensenada and Villahermosa.

Five members of the Hysa family, Luftar, Arben, Ramiz, Fatos, and Fabjon Hysa, were simultaneously designated, cutting them off from the US financial system. Treasury Under Secretary John K. Hurley stated that the United States and Mexico are working together to combat money laundering in Mexico's gambling sector, with a clear message that those supporting the cartels will be held accountable. The designations freeze any US assets and prohibit Americans from conducting transactions with the designated entities.

Carteles Unidos and Los Viagras designated

In separate action, Treasury designated Carteles Unidos and Los Viagras along with seven affiliated individuals on November 13, charging the Western Mexico organizations with links to terrorism, drug trafficking, and extortion of Michoacan state's agricultural sector and legally-operating mines. Carteles Unidos received Foreign Terrorist Organization designation from the State Department on February 20, 2025.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the sanctions draw further attention to the diverse, insidious ways the cartels engage in violent activities and exploit otherwise legitimate commerce. The dual cartel designations represent coordinated US-Mexico efforts involving DOJ, HSI, DEA, FBI, and Mexico's Financial Intelligence Unit. The designations impose visa restrictions on cartel members and their families, asset freezes, and criminal penalties for material support, though enforcement challenges remain given the cartels' territorial control in Michoacan.

• Pro-Russian hacker group NoName057(16) launched coordinated DDoS attacks on Danish government websites, defense contractors, and critical infrastructure on November 13
• Denmark's Civil Protection Agency confirmed several Danish companies and websites experiencing outages and operating disruptions
• Defense contractor Terma targeted in attacks but reported no security breaches and no data lost

Cyberattacks on Danish infrastructure

Pro-Russian hacker group NoName057(16) launched coordinated DDoS attacks on Danish government websites, defense contractors, and critical infrastructure on November 13, temporarily overwhelming the Ministry of Transport, state portal Borger.dk, and defense contractor Terma. Denmark's Civil Protection Agency confirmed several Danish companies and websites were currently experiencing outages and operating disruptions, with military intelligence intensifying monitoring.

Terma spokesperson Tobias Brun-Falkencrone stated the company acted quickly, with no security breaches and no data lost. The attacks occurred one day after NoName057(16) targeted Danish municipal websites and less than a week before local elections. Denmark's strong support for Ukraine provides the geopolitical context for the targeting, part of a broader wave of pro-Russian cyber activity against European NATO members.

Danish cybersecurity authorities have elevated threat levels for critical infrastructure operators and government agencies, implementing enhanced monitoring protocols. The attacks demonstrate the ongoing vulnerability of government digital services to politically-motivated disruption campaigns. While DDoS attacks typically do not result in data breaches, the targeting of defense contractors raises concerns about potential reconnaissance activities preceding more sophisticated intrusion attempts.