The LOWDOWN - 29 September 2026 - PLA Navy Buildups, Russia’s Drone Pivot, and Venezuelan Realignment
Middle East Strait of Hormuz Incident & Yemen Offensives: A commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, causing an onboard fire that was subsequently extinguished by the crew. In Yemen, government forces and Houthi fighters are engaged in heavy combat over Jabal Naman and critical Ground Lines of Communication (GLOCs) near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. Houthi Strikes & Regional Coalitions: Houthi missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu and targets in Riyadh prompted a rare religious decree from the Saudi Grand Mufti urging…
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