ACLED

Yemen’s Houthi rebels threaten to blockade Saudi Arabia by targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical global trade chokepoint, in retaliation for a Saudi blockade on Yemen and an attack on Sanaa’s airport. The rebels claim to have attacked two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, escalating tensions that could disrupt 12% of global trade and exacerbate the Iran war’s impact on oil supplies.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels declared a blockade of Saudi Arabia, targeting the Bab el-Mandeb Strait to retaliate against the kingdom’s blockade and an airport attack in Sanaa. They claim to have rerouted six ships and plan to use naval mines, explosive-laden boats, and drones to disrupt Saudi-linked shipping, potentially straining global trade and oil supplies.

Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega has announced no elections will be held, extending his nearly 20-year rule. The cancellation of the 2027 elections, following a constitutional term extension, has drawn criticism from opposition groups and international observers, who view the move as consolidating authoritarian control.

Nigeria’s Senate approved a constitutional amendment allowing states to establish their own police forces to address a long-standing security crisis marked by terrorist attacks, farmer-herder clashes, and kidnappings. The bill, which will next go to state assemblies and the president, faces criticism over potential political manipulation by state governors.

Drone strikes in Sudan killed over 1,000 civilians between January and May 2026, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The conflict, now in its fourth year, has seen a sharp rise in drone warfare and civilian infrastructure attacks, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis affecting 34 million people.

Israeli attacks on Gaza increased by 35% in April, according to a report by conflict monitor ACLED. The increase occurred after a ceasefire with Iran. The report highlights the escalation of violence in the region.