Portal:Current events/2018 October 16

October 16, 2018 (Tuesday)

Armed conflicts and attacks

Somali Civil War (2009–present)
- The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) says that a U.S. airstrike has killed around 60 al-Shabaab militants near Harardhere in central Somalia. (BBC)

Disasters and accidents

At least seven people are killed and more than 80 others injured after a train derails in Bouknadel, Morocco. (Reuters)
The death toll of an accidental explosion in Aba, Nigeria, rises to 200. Over 2,000 people protest, claiming that the pipeline explosion was caused by NNPC's negligence. (Vanguard News)
Two Myanmar Air Force F-7 fighter jets crash into a broadcast tower in Magway, Myanmar, resulting in the deaths of both pilots and an 11-year-old girl, who was killed by falling debris. (New York Times)

International relations

United States sanctions against Iran
- The United States Treasury Department announces new sanctions on 22 Iranian corporations and banks. (Bloomberg)
Australia–Israel relations
- Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announces that his government is considering recognising Jerusalem as the Israeli capital and relocating its embassy accordingly, in line with the United States, drawing local criticism and sparking outrage from members of the opposition. The announcement comes days before a by-election in which the governing party's candidate is Dave Sharma, a former ambassador to Israel. (BBC)
Saudi Arabia–United States relations, Killing of Jamal Khashoggi
- United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo meets in Riyadh with Saudi Arabia King Salman to express concerns about the disappearance of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (Fox News) (Reuters)
- Senior U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham states that Mohammed bin Salman has murdered Khashoggi and that the country's crown prince has "got to go". (AOL) (CNBC)

Politics and elections

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan resigns from his post in order to dissolve the National Assembly and force early elections by the end of the year. (RFE/RL)