A Ukrainian drone attack has reportedly set a Liberian-flagged crude oil tanker ablaze off Russia’s Black Sea coast near Sochi, triggering a massive fire and a thick column of black smoke visible from the shoreline. The tanker, identified as Aframax Rio, was reportedly targeted by an unmanned vessel, according to Russia’s Transport Ministry. The incident sparked a major emergency response as crude oil burned openly in the waters of the Black Sea and the intensity of the blaze initially prevented firefighters from approaching the vessel. In a major relief, all 23 crew members aboard the tanker were rescued safely. The entire crew was reported to be Indian nationals, with no injuries reported.

 The Saudi-Houthi conflict is showing fresh signs of escalation as Houthi military media releases dramatic sniper footage and Saudi Arabia reports intercepting ballistic missiles and drones. The footage, released by Houthi military media, claims to show Houthi snipers targeting Saudi-backed forces along the Jizan border. Saudi Arabia says its air defences intercepted two ballistic missiles and four drones launched toward southern Saudi Arabia on October 1, with threats reported over areas including Khamis Mushait and Jizan. Meanwhile, fighting has intensified inside Yemen, including across Taiz and other fronts, as the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces continue to trade accusations over military operations and airstrikes.