In the October 2024 edition
Central and Eastern Europe: Storm Boris causes considerable flooding and damage, along with 24 deaths (12 to 15 September) in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Italy.
Israel/Palestine: increased popular pressure for the release of the Hamas hostages through massive demonstrations and a general strike attracting are more erratic following (1-2 September). Ongoing intense IDF operations in the West Bank and the major war in Gaza. Escalation at the end of the month of rocket fire by Lebanese Hezbollah and, to a lesser extent, by the Yemeni Houthi, mainly against the north, in response to Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Major regional escalation 1 October: 200 Iranian missiles fired at Israel, targeting military sites; most were intercepted so did not inflict any significant damage or casualties.
Lebanon: Israeli offensive on Hezbollah started with two major attacks on the Shiite militia’s telecommunications network (42 dead, 3,500 people injured). Widespread aerial bombing campaign launched from 23 September and “limited ground operations” in Southern Lebanon aimed at weakening the capabilities of Hezbollah. The Shiite militia’s general staff decimated and its Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah killed in an unprecedented Israeli strike on the southern suburbs of Beirut (27 September). Numbers indicate more than 1,900 dead and over one million displaced throughout the month as a consequence of the Israeli military operations in Lebanon.
Mali: twin attacks in Bamako 17 September claimed by the GSIM (Al-Qaeda) on a gendarmerie school and a military camp in the immediate vicinity of Bamako Airport, followed by intense fighting during the day (at least 70 dead and 200 injured according to unofficial figures) – Ongoing severe disruption related to the wet season (at least 75 dead and 250,000 displaced since August).
Mexico: at least 100 dead in a wave of violence in Sinaloa State between organised criminal gangs and clashes with the military, especially in Culiacan (since 9 September), Independence Day celebrations suspended (15-16 September) – Mexico City: demonstrators stormed the Senate during debates on a controversial judicial reform 11 September following demonstrations 1 & 8 September.