Terrorism risks in the US and Singapore rise, while humanitarian aid contracts and conflicts in Yemen and the DRC escalate. Regional tensions and policy shifts are reshaping global security landscapes.
The 60-second global view
Global security and humanitarian challenges are intensifying as counter-terrorism frameworks weaken, conflicts in Yemen and the DRC escalate, and humanitarian aid systems contract. In the US, budget cuts and institutional neglect have raised concerns about rising counter-terrorism risks, while in Singapore, youth radicalisation is on the rise. In Yemen, the Houthis are advancing toward control of the Red Sea coast, and in the DRC, a school fire has claimed the lives of at least 24 children. Meanwhile, humanitarian aid has seen a significant decline, with 64 million fewer people receiving assistance in 2025. In Europe, Swedish Muslims are working to counter far-right narratives, while Sweden's immigration policies face criticism for their treatment of vulnerable migrants.
Across the regions
Africa
At least 24 schoolchildren died in a stampede as they fled a fire that engulfed two schools in rebel-held Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and the death toll could rise further due to the densely populated nature of the area. Rebel-appointed authorities confirmed a provisional death toll of 24, but concerns persist that more lives may have been lost.
Americas
The US has designated Ecuador’s Los Tiguerones gang as a terrorist organisation, citing its involvement in narcotics trafficking and attacks on civilians, law enforcement, and journalists. The designation follows the gang’s 2024 attack on a television station, which led Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa to declare a state of internal armed conflict.
Asia Pacific
Singapore's Internal Security Department reports that youth radicalisation is a growing concern, with six of eight cases under the Internal Security Act since July 2025 involving individuals under 21. The department highlights the emergence of Composite Violent Extremism, or 'salad bar' extremism, among self-radicalised youths, influenced by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and a volatile global security environment.
Europe
Swedish Muslims are organizing public outreach efforts to counter far-right narratives ahead of the general election, as concerns grow over the potential rise of extremist political influence. Meanwhile, Sweden's immigration policies have drawn scrutiny after reports of families, including children, being targeted for deportation despite legal residency status, with cases involving a baby born in Sweden and a 74-year-old British man with dementia.
- Swedish Muslims launch campaign to counter far-right influence before election
- Sweden's immigration policies face criticism over harsh treatment of vulnerable migrants
Middle East
Yemen's Houthis have reportedly captured the Red Sea port of Mokha, bringing them closer to controlling the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a key shipping route. In addition, the global humanitarian aid system faces severe contraction as 64 million fewer people received help in 2025 due to funding cuts and political pressures. In Yemen, aid cuts have worsened nutrition and led to an increase in diphtheria cases due to suspended vaccination campaigns.
- Yemen's Houthis reportedly seize strategic Red Sea port of Mokha
- Houthis seize key Yemeni port of Mocha in drive to take control of Red Sea coast
- Global humanitarian aid system faces severe contraction as 64 million fewer people receive help
US
Experts warn that budget cuts, loss of experienced officials, and shifting priorities have increased the risk of future terrorist attacks in the US. The counter-terrorism framework, established after the 9/11 attacks, is deteriorating due to budget cuts, loss of experienced personnel, and a reduced focus on terrorism as a national security priority.
What connects them
The rise in youth radicalisation in Singapore and the weakening of the US counter-terrorism framework are linked by a shared concern over the influence of global conflicts and the erosion of security infrastructure. In Yemen, the Houthis' advances toward the Red Sea coast and the contraction of the humanitarian aid system are connected by the impact of funding cuts and political pressures on both military and civilian populations. In Sweden, the efforts by Muslim communities to counter far-right narratives and the criticism of immigration policies are linked by the broader political and social tensions surrounding migration and national identity.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
- US counter-terrorism risks may rise further if budget cuts and institutional neglect continue.
- Youth radicalisation in Singapore could increase as geopolitical tensions and extremist ideologies spread.
- Humanitarian aid systems may face further contraction if funding cuts and political pressures persist.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.