The UNICEF representative in Yemen, Peter Hawkins, was abducted by Houthis in Sanaa on October 19th, 2025, between 6:38 PM and 9:03 PM UTC. The abduction occurred alongside approximately 20 other individuals, according to a UN official who spoke to AFP. The incident was initially reported via social media by a user identifying as BenAdamYmn, who tagged UNICEF and other UN-related accounts. This period also saw an unusual incident at the Lebanese border on the night of October 18th-19th, 2025. Three soldiers conducting fitness training near the border fence were mistakenly identified as armed militants by surveillance. Responding forces, including three tanks and significant firepower, were deployed to intercept them. The soldiers were only recognized as friendly forces at the entrance to an outpost by its commander, averting a potential disaster. The IDF confirmed the details of the incident, stating it is under investigation and disciplinary action is intended. The IDF spokesman confirmed that a number of soldiers went out for fitness training outside a military outpost in the north and were identified as suspects by surveillance. As a result, outpost forces reinforced their positions according to procedures. The incident is currently under investigation. No direct link has been established between the abduction in Yemen and the border incident in the north of Israel. The previous report on October 19th, 2025, detailed public outrage in Iran over a lavish wedding held by the daughter of a top official, contrasting with the government's strict morality enforcement and economic hardship.
