Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Saturday, September 19, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
Yemen clashes
Military escalation between Yemeni government forces and the Houthis, particularly in western Taiz, Mokha and areas surrounding Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Iran-US tensions
Tensions between Washington and Tehran, including military activity, diplomatic efforts and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz after US President Donald Trump said he was considering whether to resume major attacks against Iran.
Israeli aggression in Gaza, West Bank
Israeli ceasefire violations and attacks in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, as well as developments in Gaza's health sector ahead of the Kuwait Specialized Field Hospital's announced suspension of most medical services on Sunday because of shortages of fuel needed to operate the facility.
Field developments in Sudan
Military and humanitarian developments in the conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, particularly in North and South Kordofan, as the Sudanese army said it had seized several areas in North Kordofan amid renewed fighting.
Alleged Russian hybrid attacks across Europe
Alleged Russian hybrid attacks and suspected hostile activities across Europe, including sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation and threats to critical infrastructure, as well as statements from European governments and institutions.
EU finance ministers’ informal meeting concludes in Dublin
EU finance ministers and central bank governors will conclude their informal talks in Dublin, Ireland, with discussions expected to focus on digital finance, the economic impact of artificial intelligence and the competitiveness of the EU banking sector.
NATO Chiefs of Defense meeting concludes in Denmark
NATO’s Military Committee is set to conclude its Chiefs of Defence Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, where discussions will focus on follow-up to the NATO Summit in Ankara, including further strengthening collective deterrence and defense, and continued support for Ukraine.
Far-right activists protest in The Hague
Far-right activists are set to hold a protest in The Hague, while a counter-demonstration promoting inclusivity will take place at Spuiplein, with routes coordinated to avoid clashes between the groups.
Russian legislative elections
Russia hosts its first legislative election since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022. Voting, which began on Friday, will continue until Sunday and determine the 9th convocation of Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma.
Russia-Ukraine war
Latest on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, as Trump signs a congressional bill designed to expand sanctions against Moscow.
Japan hosts Asian Games for first time in 32 years
Japan hosts the 20th Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, which will run through Oct. 4, for the first time in 32 years. More than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions are expected to compete.
Taiwan holds international security forum
Taiwanese leader Lai Ching-te addresses an international forum on whole-of-society defense resilience. Nearly 500 people are expected at the event, including figures from the government, academia, national security, companies, and trade groups. Eight panels will focus on psychological defense, maritime gray-zone threats, cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and civil-military integration, among other subjects.
Typhoon approaches Japan
A large-scale storm, Typhoon No. 25, is expected to approach the Ogasawaraa Islands in Japan. Residents were warned to remain on high alert for landslides and to take precautions against high waves and strong winds.
SPECIAL REPORTS
INTERVIEW - ‘What was possible in New York can be possible in Berlin’: German Left Party candidate looks to Mamdani model
Interview with Berlin Left Party candidate Elif Eralp, who says New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s 2025 victory offers a model for progressive parties seeking to win major cities by focusing on affordability and bringing different communities together.
Eralp, whose party is leading the latest polls ahead of Sunday’s Berlin election, says her campaign similarly centers on soaring rents, cheaper public transport and other everyday economic pressures. She argues that addressing these concerns is also key to countering the rise of the AfD and rebuilding trust among frustrated voters.
The interview also covers Eralp’s criticism of Berlin authorities’ handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, her rejection of accusations that criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza is antisemitic, and what she would change if she becomes the city-state’s first governing mayor with a migration background.