Russian warships are reportedly planning to conduct rocket tests off the Libyan coast later this month. Russia is a supporter of the eastern government and its forces of Dignity Operation, led by Khalifa Haftar, who visited Moscow and was even given a tour on a Russian aircraft carrier earlier this year, when he allegedly made a deal for arms supply by the Russians. Source Libya Observer
Saudi security forces foiled an attack on the Grand Mosque in the Muslim holy city of Mecca on Friday, state television Al-Ekhbariya and Al Arabiya TV reported. Source Reuters
Turkey rejected a call from four Arab states on Friday to shut down its military base in Qatar, saying the base was a guarantor of security in the Gulf and demands for its closure represented interference in its ties with Doha. Source Reuters
The ECB has approved the yuan as a reserve currency. This is a symbolic but historic step for China, which can now establish its currency in Europe as a counterweight to the US dollar, says DW’s Frank Sieren. Source Deutsche Welle
