YEMEN: The United Nations suspended all travel to the area governed by the Houthis today after more of its staff were detained.

The Houthis have previously detained UN staff members, as well as individuals associated with the now closed US embassy in the capital Sanaa and aid groups. 

The Yemenis have de-escalated their attacks on regional shipping and Israel now that a ceasefire has taken effect in Gaza.

COLOMBIA: President Gustavo Petro issued a decree today giving himself emergency powers to restore order in a coca-growing region bordering Venezuela where dissident rebel groups have been fighting a deadly turf war.

Mr Petro’s decree gives him up to 270 days to impose curfews, restrict traffic and take other steps that would normally violate Colombians’ civil rights or require congressional approval.

PAKISTAN: Afghan refugees appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif today to ease a visa regime on humanitarian grounds after President Donald Trump paused US refugee programmes.

“We don’t know exactly when the pause of the US refugee programme will be lifted, but we request Pakistan to extend our stay for at least six months after the expiry of our visas,” said Ahmad Shah, a member of the Afghan USRAP Refugees advocacy group.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO: The governor of the eastern province of North-Kivu, Major General Peter Cirimwami, has died from injuries sustained during fighting on the front line, authorities said today, as M23 rebels closed in on the provincial capital.

M23 have made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, encircling Goma, which is home to around two million people and also a regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts.