Mali

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas is expected to travel to Damascus as the EU works toward normalising relations with Syria. The visit would mark a significant step in re-engagement with the Syrian government, with discussions expected to focus on diplomatic ties and cooperation, as the bloc reassesses its approach following major political changes in the country.

DR Congo, Sudan and Mali have emerged as Africa's largest importers of military drones, with the United States and Iran among key suppliers whose technology is also feeding rival sides in the Russia-Ukraine war. The report highlights how armed drones are spreading across African conflict zones while the same supplier networks shape the war in Ukraine.

Barrick Mining has reached an agreement with unions at its Loulo-Gounkoto gold complex in Mali, defusing an immediate threat of strike action at the site. The deal eases tensions at one of the company's largest African operations, which has faced repeated disputes with workers and the Malian authorities over operations, staffing and revenue. Details of the terms have not been disclosed.

New figures show the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Mali are Africa's leading importers of military drones, while the United States and Iran have become key suppliers to opposing sides in the Russia-Ukraine war. The picture highlights how armed drone technology is spreading across African conflict zones, with outside powers fuelling rival camps, and analysts are weighing what this means for regional security and accountability.

Reporting by Inside Climate News describes how decades of sand loss along Malibu's coastline are now catching up with the community, framing the accumulated erosion as a 'sand debt' that must finally be repaid. The story examines the coastal management choices and natural forces that left beaches starved of sediment, and what that means for homes, roads and shoreline protection as erosion pressures mount.

South Korean robotics firm Now Robotics is moving into maintenance, repair and overhaul services for military robots, and will formalize its defense business push on November 4. The company aims to position itself in the growing market for servicing robotic systems used by armed forces, joining a wider trend of commercial robotics firms expanding into defense contracts.

A Georgia man has been charged with malice murder after a 48-year-old was found shot dead, according to WSB-TV. Details about the suspect, the victim's identity, and the circumstances of the killing have not been released. The charge of malice murder in Georgia indicates prosecutors allege the killing was intentional, and the case is likely to proceed through the local court system.