Monday SITREP: Global Ratings

🚢 Red Sea Attack

A commercial vessel in the Red Sea came under attack from small boats firing rocket-propelled grenades and automatic weapons, forcing the crew to abandon the burning ship as it took on water. The Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas was struck by four unmanned surface vehicles 94km southwest of Yemen's Hodeidah port in an attack matching the "established Houthi target profile." The incident threatens to escalate Red Sea tensions at a sensitive moment as Gaza ceasefire talks continue and Iran considers restarting nuclear negotiations. More - Al Jazeera

🇦🇫 Russia Recognizes Taliban Government

Russia became the first country to formally recognize Afghanistan's Taliban government, marking a major milestone nearly four years after the group seized power in Kabul. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi called the decision "courageous" and hoped it would encourage other nations, while Russia cited potential for commercial cooperation in energy and infrastructure. Afghan women's rights groups and former politicians condemned the move as legitimizing an "authoritarian, anti-women" regime that has banned girls' education and severely restricted women's freedoms since 2021. More - BBC