Seoul has said Pyongyang has started sending troops to Ukraine for combat experience. North Korea has been accused of supplying weapons for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

South Korea’s Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun it is “highly likely” that North Korean troops are fighting alongside Russians in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Ukraine said it had shot down another wave of overnight missile and drone attacks from Russia.

Here are the latest developments regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine on Tuesday, October 8:

Ukraine shoots down 18 Russian drones

Russia launched two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 19 drones in an overnight attack, Ukraine’s military said on Tuesday.

In a post on Telegram, the air force said it had shot down 18 drones, while the last one “returned to Russia.”

Meanwhile, Oleh Kiper, the governor of Odesa, said a drone attack in the city of Chornomorsk caused fires in an apartment building, but no casualties were reported.

Kiper also reported a fire at a production facility in Odesa. One Russian drone landed without detonating, he added.

Additionally, a Russian missile hit a Palau-flagged ship in Odesa port, killing one Ukrainian and injuring five others, officials said.

North Korean troops fighting in Ukraine, some killed, says Seoul

South Korea said on Tuesday that it is “highly likely” that North Korean troops are fighting alongside Russians in Ukraine and that some of them have been killed.

South Korea’s Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, told a parliament hearing that there were reports of North Korean military officers being killed in Ukraine.

“We assess that the occurrence of casualties among North Korean officers and soldiers in Ukraine is highly likely, considering various circumstances,” he said.

Kim said more North Korean troops are expected to be deployed under a mutual defense pact between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin that was signed in June, highlighting deepening military ties.

Ukrainian media reported that six North Korean military officers were killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on Russian-occupied territory near Donetsk on October 3.

Seoul has accused Pyongyang of sending weapons to Russia, a charge that both North Korea and Moscow have denied.

Meanwhile, experts say North Korea is moving from supplying weapons to sending troops for combat experience.

ss/ab (AFP, Reuters, dpa, AP)

Mozambique is set to see 17 million voters participate in the elections on October 9, which will decide the composition of 250 members in parliament and provincial assemblies.

The Frelimo party, which has governed since the nation’s independence from Portugal in 1975, is anticipated to select its next presidential candidate from within.

With a population of 31 million, the country looks forward to Daniel Chapo from the ruling party taking over the presidency from Filipe Nyusi. Chapo previously worked as a radio announcer and taught law.

Maputo local Julio Macamo stated, “We aspire for a better future. Given our past experiences, we want the new government to achieve success for us.”

At least four candidates are seeking to bring about change in a country that has been dealing with a jihadist insurgency and exposed to harsh climate conditions, including flooding.

More than 1.3 million individuals have been compelled to leave their homes because of the insurgency, and millions of others are experiencing significant food shortages as a result of drought.

According to Sheila Duarte Timana from Maputo, “If the president-elect delivers the improved conditions we’ve been asking for, I believe the people will be very happy.”

Last year’s local elections in Mozambique faced serious allegations of vote-rigging and fraud, which resulted in violent protests in the capital, Maputo, and its surroundings. This time, the concerns seem to be less intense.

The unrest in Rivers State, initially sparked by protests over the controversial local government elections, has rapidly intensified, leading to scenes of violence and chaos across the state. Disturbing footage circulating online shows bodies strewn around several council secretariats, as the violence escalates in the aftermath of the elections.

The unrest reportedly intensified after the swearing-in of newly elected chairmen, who are believed to be aligned with supporters of former Governor Nyesom Wike. Protestors contest the legitimacy of the election results announced by the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), claiming that they do not reflect the true will of the people.

Eyewitnesses have reported hearing gunfire at multiple locations, while security forces have been notably absent from key council premises following an order from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. A source within the Rivers State Police Command explained, “We are concerned about the escalating situation, but are acting in accordance with directives from higher authorities.”

Despite the growing tension, the Rivers State Police Command has yet to confirm the number of casualties, and official statements from the authorities have been limited. The violence, which initially erupted in specific local government areas (LGAs), now appears to be spreading to neighbouring regions, with reports of clashes and gunfire emerging from nearby communities.

The deteriorating situation has sparked widespread calls for swift intervention. Local residents and political observers are urging the government to take immediate action to restore order, prevent further bloodshed, and address the grievances surrounding the disputed election results. With tensions continuing to rise, there is growing fear that the violence could spiral out of control unless decisive measures are taken to quell the unrest.