WEEKLY INTERNATIONAL NEWS REVIEW – Aug 8st – 14th 2026

BURKINA FASO

44 JOURNALISTS FORCED INTO MILITARY TRAINING NEAR OUAGADOUGOU

On August 14, 2026, the military junta in Burkina Faso conducted a mandatory training program at the Pabré Police Academy for 44 journalists from public and private media outlets. Ministry of Security authorities initiated this immersion to instill defense force values into media personnel during the ongoing jihadist conflict. The government stated that professional journalists who lack patriotism represent a threat to their country. General Director of the Police Academy Lassina Traoré explained that the training aims to provide media members with operational realities. Minister of Security Mahamadou Sana instructed that this training become an annual tradition and expand to other social professional groups. Sadibou Marong, director of the Reporters Without Borders sub Saharan Africa office, denounced the initiative as an alarming signal for press freedom.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

MUSLIM COMMUNITY GRADUALLY RETURNS TO SIBUT 12 YEARS AFTER CIVIL WAR

The Muslim population has begun a progressive return to Sibut following years of exile. Sibut experienced significant violence when the Séléka seized power in 2013, followed by counter offensives from anti-Balaka armed groups. In the Adramane neighborhood, homes and businesses were destroyed and the central mosque was pillaged and destroyed in 2014. Although the Central African army, Russian paramilitaries and UN peacekeepers reduced instability, many residents remain displaced due to destroyed housing.

ETHIOPIA

TIGRAY REBELS ACCUSE FEDERAL ARMY OF DEADLY DRONE STRIKE

On August 10, 2026, Tigray rebel authorities accused the Ethiopian federal government of conducting deadly drone strikes. Amanuel Assefa, the number two official of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, declared that the attack occurred in Merewa, southern Tigray. Assefa claimed that the strikes hit a high school and targeted Tigrayan troops, resulting in human casualties. The federal army spokesperson did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment regarding the incident.

GUINEA

AN OFFICER PROMOTED TO GENERAL DESPITE ALLEGED INVOLVEMENT IN MASSACRE

On August 13, 2026, the International Federation for Human Rights condemned the promotion of Colonel Bienvenu Lamah to the rank of general. President Mamadi Doumbouya issued a decree on August 3 for the promotion following the acquittal of the officer on July 27 in a Conakry court. Bienvenu Lamah was previously incarcerated since November 2022 for his alleged role in the September 28, 2009 massacre at a Conakry stadium. During that event, at least 156 people were killed by gunfire, knives, machetes, and bayonets during an opposition gathering. UN investigators documented that at least 109 women were raped or held as sex slaves during the crackdown.

LIBYA

MAJOR ATTACK ON ZAWIYA REFINERY

On August 10, 2026, unknown attackers targeted a significant gasoline storage tank in Zawiya causing a massive fire and total collapse of the facility. The National Oil Corporation reported that Brega Oil Marketing tank 402 T contained 4.5 million liters of fuel which threatened the entire refinery site. While the emergency services reported smoke inhalation cases, no serious injuries were recorded among the staff. This incident follows similar attacks against a diesel tank and a desalination plant earlier that week. The National Oil Corporation declared a state of emergency and called for an official investigation. The Energy Commission of the House of Representatives condemned the criminal act against the refinery which is a cornerstone of the national economy. Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah met with the Minister of the Interior to address security developments and protect vital infrastructure.

EASTERN INTELLIGENCE HEAD AL MANSOURI ASSASSINATED IN BENGHAZI

On August 10, 2026, the intelligence chief of the Haftar’s Eastern Libyan Army, Fauzi Al Mansouri, was killed in a car bomb attack in Benghazi. The explosion occurred as the brigadier-general left a mosque after evening prayers. Eastern authorities suspected jihadist involvement. General Al Mansouri had been instrumental in the 2014 to 2017 victory over groups like Ansar al Sharia and the Islamic State. Expert Hamish Kinnear noted that the sophisticated attack in a secure bastion represents a severe setback for the Haftar security apparatus.

MALI

35 MAURITANIAN CITIZENS RELEASED AFTER ALLEGATIONS OF TORTURE BY MALIAN AUTHORITIES

On August 12, 2026, a Mauritanian government spokesperson announced the return of 35 citizens who were allegedly tortured while held by Malian security services. Government spokesperson Houssein Ould Medou stated that the civilians were victims of ill treatment and torture during their three week captivity. Malian police and foreign ministry sources claimed the individuals were suspected of terrorism following a series of jihadist attacks. The detainees had posted videos and messages on social media reporting the theft of their money and personal belongings. The individuals were originally arrested after leaving Ivory Coast. Mali has been facing a deep security crisis since 2012 which intensified recently after an offensive by a coalition involving the Group to Support Islam and Muslims and the Azawad Liberation Front.

82 MALIAN SOLDIERS FREED AFTER ALGERIAN MEDIATION WITH REBEL GROUPS

On August 13, 2026, the Malian army announced the release of 82 soldiers held hostage by jihadist and rebel groups since April. A coalition involving the Group to Support Islam and Muslims and the Azawad Liberation Front captured the soldiers during coordinated attacks on April 25 and 26. These assaults resulted in the death of Minister of Defense General Sadio Camara. Rebel spokesperson Mohamed Elmaouloud Ramadane stated the release of approximately 80 soldiers was conducted for humanitarian reasons. A Malian foreign ministry source revealed that the liberation was achieved through mediation led by Algeria. Since the April attacks, approximately 40,000 people have fled their homes in northern and central Mali.

SUDAN

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 14

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: Unspecified, “Dozens”

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Umm Arda (North Kordofan), Jabal al-Hashaba, Khartoum, Khartoum North (Bahri), Atbara, El-Damer, El-Obeid, Tamboul, Geissan (Blue Nile State), Omdurman.

PERPETRATORS: Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

VICTIMS: Sudanese civilians

RAPID SUPPORT FORCES LAUNCH ATTACK NEAR ETHIOPIAN BORDER

On August 11, 2026, Rapid Support Forces launched an attack on the strategic border town of Geissan in Blue Nile State. A military source reported that the attack was launched from within Ethiopian territory, which has been a recurring accusation by the Sudanese government. The armed group was reportedly allied with a faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement North led by Abdelaziz al Hilu. While the Rapid Support Forces claimed to have captured the town and inflicted losses on the army, the military stated their forces were still confronting the group.

COORDINATED RSF STRIKES TARGET SUDANESE CAPITAL AND NORTHERN CITIES

On August 12, 2026, journalist Abdelmoneim Abu Idris Ali reported that the RSF launched coordinated drone attacks across Sudan. Witnesses stated that two drones hit an electrical transformer and a mosque following morning prayers. Military sources confirmed that the RSF used a large number of drones to target Khartoum, Atbara, El Damer and El Obeid. Sudanese army air defenses reportedly engaged and intercepted several of the unmanned aerial vehicles.

RSF ATTACK KHARTOUM FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE DAY

On August 13, 2026, the RSF conducted a second day of drone strikes against the capital city of Khartoum. Air defense units downed several drones during the engagement. The attacks caused panic in the population but no casualties were reported.

14 CIVILIANS MURDERED IN RSF ASSAULT ON UMM ARDA

On August 14, 2026, the NGO Emergency Lawyers reported that at least 14 civilians died during a RSF attack on Umm Arda. A Sudanese army source stated that their troops repelled two attacks in the city, as well as in Jabal al Hashaba, inflicting personnel and equipment losses on the armed group. The ongoing conflict has prevented independent verification of the details due to blackouts and restricted access to battle zones.

LEBANON

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 1

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Nabatiye, Zawtar al-Gharbiya, Zawtar el-Charqiyé, Southern Lebanon.

PERPETRATORS: Israeli Army

VICTIMS: Lebanese civilians, Rescuers

FORMER SYRIAN OFFICER ARRESTED IN BEIRUT FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY

On August 8, 2026, Lebanese authorities arrested 67 year old former Syrian army officer Adel Issa based on an arrest warrant issued by Damascus. A judicial source explained that the former member of the 17th brigade of the Syrian army under Bashar al Assad visited the Syrian embassy in Beirut for administrative procedures. Embassy personnel alerted Lebanese authorities after identifying the warrant for murders and crimes against humanity committed during his military service. The General Prosecutor of Lebanon requested that his Syrian counterpart transmit the extradition file before making a decision on his transfer. Transition authorities in both countries have met recently to strengthen security cooperation and open a new chapter in bilateral relations between Syria and Lebanon.

ISRAELI TROOPS ENTER LEBANESE PILOT ZONE

On August 8, 2026, Lebanese media and Mayor Abed Ezzeddine reported that Israeli troops entered the village of Zawtar al Gharbiya and erected a dirt embankment near the village square. This village is located in the first pilot zone where the Lebanese army recently deployed in July under the framework agreement. A Lebanese military source qualified this incursion as a violation of the agreement which requires Israeli withdrawal conditional on the disarmament of the Hezbollah. The dirt embankment currently blocks an entry road to the locality where approximately 50 families have returned since late July. Lebanese army personnel reported that 3 soldiers were wounded while defusing unexploded munitions in the same village. An Israeli army spokesperson stated they have no knowledge of the incident.

1 DEAD IN ISRAELI DOUBLE STRIKE TARGETING AMBULANCE

On August 11, 2026, the Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that an Israeli double strike killed 1 person and damaged an ambulance in Nabatiye. The National News Agency reported that the first raid targeted a vehicle before the Israeli army struck again as rescuers from the Risala Scouts Association arrived. Lebanese health authorities condemned the systematic targeting of rescue teams as an unacceptable violation of international humanitarian law. In a separate incident, the Lebanese Civil Defense reported that a drone strike targeted its members while they were extinguishing a brush fire in the Nabatiye region. While no injuries occurred in the drone attack, the teams were forced to flee the site. Israeli military operations continue in the south despite a framework agreement.

LEBANON BECOMES FIRST WESTERN ASIAN COUNTRY TO ABOLISH DEATH PENALTY

On August 11, 2026, the Lebanese Parliament voted to abolish the death penalty in a decision described as historic by Minister of Justice Adel Nassar. The new law dictates that crimes previously punishable by death will now carry a sentence of life imprisonment. This abolition contrasts with a record 2,611 executions recorded in the Region in 2025 by Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.

PARLIAMENT VOTES FIRST GENERAL AMNESTY SINCE CIVIL WAR

On August 12, 2026, the Lebanese Parliament adopted a law granting a general amnesty to thousands of prisoners and wanted individuals. This legislative measure represents the first general amnesty passed since the official conclusion of the civil war in 1991. The Presidency of the Assembly specified that the law exceptionally reduces the duration of certain sentences for those prosecuted by the justice system. The project had been supported by multiple political groups but remained a polarizing issue in national debate for several years.

PM CONDEMNS SYSTEMATIC DESTRUCTION OF SOUTHERN VILLAGES BY ISRAEL

On August 12, 2026, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the systematic destruction of infrastructure and houses by Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Israeli Minister of Defense Israel Katz visited the border region the same day to reaffirm the establishment of a 10 kilometer security zone where all houses are being demolished. Prime Minister Salam stated that these attacks on government buildings and religious sites constitute a grave violation of international law. He rejected the Israeli claim that these villages are military infrastructure used by Hezbollah to target northern Israel. During the 2026 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, more than 1 million Lebanese citizens were displaced. While some have returned, many found their homes destroyed or remain blocked from the security zone. American General Joseph Clearfield met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Army Chief Rodolphe Haykal to discuss security arrangements for the June framework agreement which Hezbollah still rejects.

FAMILIES OF PEOPLE CAPTURED BY ISRAEL PROTEST IN BEIRUT

On August 12, 2026, relatives of Lebanese citizens captured by Israel gathered at the International Committee of the Red Cross headquarters in Beirut. Former prisoner Anwar Yassine estimates that Israel currently holds at least 32 Lebanese prisoners including 22 civilians. The wife of civilian Hassan Hammoud who was captured at his home in late 2025, urged the Lebanese state to prioritize this issue. Official sources indicate that Lebanon requested the release of a first group of prisoners during negotiations in Rome. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has arrested dozens of Lebanese citizens since 2024.

PALESTINE

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 2

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: Unspecified, several.

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Gaza City (Sheikh Ajlin), Khan Younes, Tell, Qusra, Ganim, Jenin, Deir Abu Deif, Emek Dotan.

PERPETRATORS: Israeli Army, Israeli settlers.

VICTIMS: Palestinian civilians, journalist.

CHRISTIAN POPULATION IN WEST BANK THREATENED BY ECONOMIC CRISIS AND EXILE

Pastor Mitri Raheb of Bethlehem warned that the Christian community in the West Bank could disappear by 2050 due to current conditions. More than 200 Christian families have left the occupied territory since 2023. West Bank Christians currently represent approximately 1 percent of the population, compared to 6 percent in 1967. Father Bachar Fawadleh, priest of the Latin Church in Taybeh, reported that settler attacks and military checkpoints have turned the village into an isolated area.

NETANYAHU REJECTS AMERICAN PEACE PLAN ACCEPTED BY HAMAS

On August 9, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his rejection of the latest American roadmap for Gaza, despite its acceptance by Hamas. The 15 point document presented by the American Peace Council proposed a progressive withdrawal of Israeli troops linked to Hamas disarmament. Prime Minister Netanyahu insisted that no withdrawal will occur without the total destruction of Hamas weapons and the entry of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza into the territory. This Palestinian technocratic body is blocked in Egypt by Israeli authorities. High Hamas official Bassem Naïm urged Washington to pressure the Israeli government to respect the roadmap. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty also called on all parties to honor their commitments. The rejection comes as polls show the plan is unpopular with right wing Israeli voters before the October elections.

ISRAELI SETTER SUSPECTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT BANNED FROM WEST BANK

On August 10, 2026, settler Tal Yinon Dardik was banned from entering the West Bank by the Israeli army. The suspect is accused of committing a sexual assault against 29 year old Palestinian shepherd Suheib Abu al Kabsh during an attack on the village of Humsa in March 2026. The victim reported that a group of settlers beat him and tied his genitals with a plastic tie after stealing 400 goats. Minister of Defense Israel Katz visited the suspect while he was in administrative detention and publicly criticized the military measures taken against him. Tal Yinon Dardik was subsequently released to house arrest before a district court confirmed that his presence in the territory represents a significant danger. The suspect denied the allegations and unsuccessfully petitioned to return to his illegal outpost.

ISRAELI ARMY DESTROYS HOME OF A MURDERED PALESTINIAN

On August 11, 2026, the Israeli army blew up the apartment of Farouq Ramadan in the West Bank village of Tell following his death in July. Mayor Walid Zaidan reported that 30 military vehicles and engineering teams entered the village and evacuated residents from 30 surrounding houses before the explosion. Farouq Ramadan was killed on July 24 during an armed confrontation involving 20 settlers that resulted in the deaths of 1 settler, 1 soldier, and 4 Palestinians. Military radio Galei Tsahal noted that the demolition was carried out in an unprecedented timeframe of less than 2 weeks. While the Israeli government claims such demolitions have a deterrent effect, critics denounce them as collective punishment. Farouq Ramadan lived in the second floor apartment with his wife and 5 daughters. Since the beginning of the Gaza war, Israeli soldiers and settlers have killed at least 1,097 Palestinians in the West Bank.

ISRAELI GOVERNMENT OFFICIALLY REESTABLISHES GANIM SETTLEMENT

On August 13, 2026, Minister of Defense Israel Katz inaugurated the reestablished Ganim settlement in the northern West Bank. This settlement was originally dismantled in 2005 under the withdrawal plan of former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. Approximately 24 prefabricated houses have already been installed for new residents like 35 year old Reut Baran and 25 year old Matan Berkovitch. Regional Council President Yossi Dagan announced plans for 19 new settlements to triple the Jewish presence in the area. Palestinian residents in the valley expressed fear that this expansion will lead to their eventual displacement. The Israeli army recently demolished local businesses and blocked dirt roads leading to nearby Palestinian villages with rubble. This reconstruction follows the reestablishment of Homesh and Sa Nour earlier this year. More than 500,000 Israelis currently live in West Bank settlements which are considered illegal under international law.

PALESTINIAN JOURNALIST ARRESTED IN HIS HOUSE

On August 13, 2026, the Israeli army arrested 38 year old Palestinian journalist Mohammed Awad at his home near Ramallah. His wife Iman Shalash reported that he was taken away in a military vehicle and denied accusations of links with terrorists. The Israeli army stated that the journalist is suspected of promoting attacks on behalf of Hamas but provided no evidence. Mohammed Awad previously produced videos for various media outlets. The Palestinian Prisoners’ Society indicated that this arrest brings the total number of Palestinian journalists detained by Israel to 40. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate denounced the arrest as a continuous attempt to silence the press and hide the truth regarding violations against the Palestinian people.

US AMBASSADOR DENOUNCES SETTER SIEGE OF PALESTINIAN HOMES AS TERRORISM

On August 13, 2026, United States Ambassador Mike Huckabee described the settler siege of Palestinian homes in Qusra as an act of terror. Dozens of Israeli settlers have blocked access to the village since August 9, cutting off food supplies to families including 1 man with American citizenship. Ambassador Huckabee stated there is no excuse for such behavior and confirmed that the Israeli army intervened at the request of the United States. Resident Aïcha Hassan reported that while the army dismantled a tent, settlers remain positioned on a neighboring hill. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights demanded that Israeli authorities fulfill their obligations under international law to protect the local population.

2 KILLED IN ISRAELI STRIKE IN GAZA

On August 13, 2026, an Israeli air strike killed Gaza City police chief Jamal Abou Kamil in the Sheikh Ajlin neighborhood. The Gaza Interior Ministry and Al Shifa Hospital confirmed receiving his body along with other wounded individuals. The Israeli army confirmed the death and claimed Jamal Abou Kamil was a Hamas commander who participated in the October 7, 2023 attack. In a separate strike west of Khan Younes, another person died in another attack. Hamas denounced these killings as war crimes intended to aggravate the humanitarian catastrophe and continue a genocidal war.

ISRAELI PEACE ACTIVISTS BLOCKED FROM DELIVERING FOOD TO BESIEGED PALESTINIANS

On August 14, 2026, dozens of Israeli left-wing activists attempted to deliver food and water to Palestinian families in Qusra. The village has been under siege by settlers for nearly a week while Israeli troops occupy the area. Activists, demanding justice, left supplies in front of a house. The Israeli army stated that all provisions must be inspected before reaching the inhabitants who watched the scene from their balconies. During these events, Minister of Defense Israel Katz announced a plan to transfer law enforcement to the Israeli police. This competence is currently held by the army due to the status of the West Bank as an occupied territory. This move has been designated as a significant step toward the formal annexation of the territory.

ARMED SETTER GROUPS HARASS PALESTINIAN LANDOWNERS

Settlers coming with quads bikes from the new Emek Dotan colony have stolen livestock and damaged Palestinian properties. They recently used a rope to block access to chicken coop and olive trees. The landowners expressed fear that armed settlers will attack his children or burn his house as seen in other villages. UN OCHA figures show a record average of 6 settler attacks per day including theft and arson. Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich has repeatedly called to cancel the Oslo Agreements and expand settlements across all zones. In Jenin, a military base was established in Zone A while several shops were demolished to ease the road for caravans in the Ganim colony.

SYRIA

RUSSIA AND SYRIA AGREEMENT ABOUT MILITARY BASES

On August 9, 2026, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced an agreement regarding the future of 2 Russian military bases. The sites at the port of Tartus and Hmeimim airport will be transformed into joint training centers within 3 months. This agreement follows 18 months of negotiations after the fall of Bashar al Assad in late 2024. Syrian Foreign Minister Assaad al Chaibani inspected the bases which were crucial for maintaining the former regime during the war. Transition authorities also took control of Latakia International Airport to reintegrate it into the national civil aviation system. Damascus continues to demand that Russia extradite Bashar al Assad who is currently hiding in Moscow with his wife.

RETURN OF 2,500 KURDISH DISPLACED PERSONS SUSPENDED AFTER ATTACK

On August 10, 2026, a first group of 2,500 displaced Kurds began returning to Ras al Raïn before the process was suspended due to violence. Local official Jawan Isso reported that the returning families were targeted in a deliberate attack by armed groups that caused several injuries. Security official Mahmoud Khalil Ali announced the suspension to ensure resident safety and confirmed that several suspects were arrested. The return process was established by a January agreement between Kurdish authorities and the central government. The attack triggered protests in Qashmili where angry residents attempted to storm security offices. In Kobane, protesters targeted official buildings and removed the Syrian flag. Syrian Democratic Forces commander Mazloum Abdi condemned the aggression and urged the Kurdish people to exercise restraint while coordinating with authorities for civilian protection.

SYRIA DENOUNCES COLOMBIAN RECOGNITION OF ISRAELI GOLAN ANNEXATION

On August 11, 2026, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the decision by the new Colombian government to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights. Transition authorities in Damascus stated the move is a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions. President Abelardo de la Espriella of Colombia pledged to strengthen ties with Israel and the United States during his campaign. Israel seized most of the region in 1967 and formally annexed it in 1981, a move previously only recognized by Washington. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres reminded the international community during a recent visit to Damascus that the Golan Heights remain Syrian territory.

BASHAR AL ASSAD SENTENCED TO DEATH

On August 11, 2026, a Damascus court sentenced, in absentia, Bashar al Assad and his brother Maher, to death for crimes committed during the war. Judge Fakhr al Din al Aryan found the former leader guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes including premeditated murder and the intentional killing of children. Transition authorities organized the trial following the December 2024 revolution to ensure justice for 13 years of violence. Former Minister of Defense Fahd al Freij and intelligence chief Louay al Ali also received death sentences in absentia. Atef Najib, the former political security chief in Deraa, was the only accused person present and received a death sentence too, for repressing peaceful protests with live ammunition. Minister of Justice Mazhar al Wais noted that the convicts have 30 days to appeal.

GULF WAR

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 16

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: 22

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Marib Province, Mokha, Jazan, Najran (Saudi Arabia), Bab el-Mandeb Strait (Red Sea), Kuwait.

PERPETRATORS: Houthi rebels, US Army

VICTIMS: Yemeni civilians, Pakistani & Indonesian merchant sailors, maritime rescue personnel

10 KILLED IN HOUTHI STRIKES AGAINST MARIB

On August 7, 2026, Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks in the Marib region killing 8 government soldiers and 2 civilians. Military spokesperson Yahya Saree stated that the rebels are responding to the escalation of forces supported by Saudi Arabia.

HOUTHI REBELS STRIKE SAUDI OIL REFINERY AND YEMENI PORT OF MOKHA

On August 9, 2026, Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a drone strike on the Aramco refinery in Jazan and missile attacks on the port of Mokha. Military spokesperson Yahya Saree specified that the drone strike was a response to Saudi incursions in northwest Yemen. The Saudi Ministry of Energy reported a fire at the Jazan site but confirmed no victims occurred during the incident. In Mokha, military sources reported that air defenses were activated as 6 consecutive explosions shook the port.

IRANIAN SUPREME LEADER MOJTABA KHAMENEI APPOINTS NEW MILITARY CHIEF

On August 10, 2026, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei appointed General Ali Abdollahi as Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces. The new chief previously commanded the Khatam al Anbiya central headquarters which coordinates all military operations. General Abdollahi recently accused the United States of escalating Middle East tensions and urged Washington’s allies to reconsider their cooperation. Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father Ali Khamenei in March after the latter was killed during a US Israeli offensive on February 28. The Supreme Leader also named General Ahmad Vahidi as Commander in Chief of the Revolutionary Guards and Admiral Ali Ozamaï to lead the naval branch. Hossein Taeb was appointed to direct the Bassidj paramilitary organization.

6 KILLED IN HOUTHI BALLISTIC MISSILE ATTACK ON CARGO SHIP

On August 11, 2026, Houthi rebels struck the cargo ship Tihamah near the Bab el Mandeb strait resulting in at least 6 deaths. Yemeni coast guards reported that 4 crew members including 3 Pakistanis and 1 Indonesian died in the initial explosion which caused major damage and a fire. 2 rescuers were killed during a second strike that targeted the vessel while evacuation operations were underway. 10 other individuals were wounded in the attack. The Yemeni Ministry of Transport stated the cargo ship was carrying food supplies and was hit by 3 ballistic missiles. Houthi media claimed the group targeted a ship carrying Saudi military equipment. The UKMTO maritime agency and British security firm Vanguard Tech confirmed the incident.

US HELICOPTER STRIKES CARGO SHIP FOR VIOLATING BLOCKADE

On August 12, 2026, the American military command for the Middle East announced a missile strike on the Panama flagged cargo ship Vela Nova. A US helicopter fired 2 missiles at the engine room after the crew ignored warnings while attempting to approach an Iranian port. This incident marks the 3rd time Washington has used force to enforce its maritime blockade since it was reinstated on July 14. Centcom reports redirecting 55 ships since the new blockade began. During a previous 2 month period, American forces fired on 9 vessels and redirected 140 others.

8 KILLED IN HOUTHI MISSILE STRIKES ON MERCHANT SHIPS IN MOKHA

On August 14, 2026, a Yemeni military official reported that Houthi strikes on the port of Mokha killed 8 people. The pro Irani rebels fired 5 missiles at merchant ships while they were unloading cargo, causing 2 vessels to catch fire. 2 security personnel are among the victims of the attack which targeted a port already struck earlier this week. Simultaneously, Houthi rebels claimed a drone attack against a Saudi Aramco facility in Najran in the southwest of the kingdom. Rebel media Saba reported that the drone reached its objective as part of a retaliatory campaign against the Saudi government.

AFGHANISTAN–PAKISTAN

MAYOR OF FAIZABAD KILLED IN BOMB ATTACK

On August 13, 2026, the mayor of Faizabad, Habib ur Rahman Mansour, died after a bomb on his vehicle detonated near the municipal building in the Badakhshan province. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the assassination which follows the recent killing of provincial culture official Zabihullah Amiri in late July. The Islamic State in Khorasan previously claimed responsibility for the shooting of Zabihullah Amiri while he traveled toward the regional capital. The Badakhshan province has faced internal instability including recent clashes between security forces and opium poppy farmers that left 2 people dead.

MYANMAR

INCREASE IN DEADLY AIR STRIKES AGAINST CIVILIANS

On August 11, 2026, United Nations investigators reported that the Myanmar military has significantly increased its use of air strikes against civilian populations. The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar documented a pattern of deliberate attacks on homes, schools, hospitals, and displacement camps between July 2025 and June 2026. The report highlights that the military frequently uses paramotors and drones which are difficult to detect before impact. Investigators have identified specific military units responsible for these atrocities and shared evidence with the International Court of Justice regarding the genocide of the Rohingya minority. Since the 2021 coup against the elected government, the war has caused more than 100,000 deaths according to Acled. Detainees in military facilities face torture, sexual violence, and sentences of up to 20 years or death for criticizing the regime on social media.

EASTERN EUROPE

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 51

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: 223

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Kramatorsk, Bilenke (Donetsk), Zaporijjia, Kiev, Poukhivka, Dnipro, Kharkiv, Tchougouïv, Belgorod, Novaïa Tavoljanka, Odessa, Pavlograd, Nijnekamsk (Tatarstan), Kherson, Voronej, Novorossiïsk, Volna, Anapa, Guélendjik, Sebastopol (Crimea), Kardam (Bulgaria), Warsaw (Poland), Ust Luga Port (Russia).

PERPETRATORS: Russian Army, Ukrainian Army.

VICTIMS: Ukrainian civilians, Russian civilians, humanitarian and rescue workers, Russian political opponents, Tajik and Uzbek citizens

EXPLOSION NEAR GAS PIPELINE IN BULGARIA TRIGGERS INVESTIGATION

On August 8, 2026, a drone carrying an explosive charge crashed in a field near a strategic gas pipeline in northeast Bulgaria close to the Romanian border. Bulgarian Minister of Foreign Affairs Velislava Petrova summoned Ukrainian Ambassador Olesya Ilashchuk after military analysis identified the debris as a Maya type decoy drone used by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Georgiï Tykhy stated that the incident was not deliberate and promised an official investigation. Bulgarian Prime Minister Roumen Radev confirmed that the explosion occurred near the Kardam border post and approximately 1000 meters from a station for the Trans-Balkan pipeline. Military radar in both countries failed to detect the aircraft during its flight. The Trans-Balkan pipeline is essential for connecting Europe to energy sources in Turkey and Greece.

VOLUNTEER KILLED BY MINE WHILE RETRIEVING FALLEN SOLDIERS

On August 8, 2026, hundreds of mourners gathered at the Volodymyrska Cathedral in Kiev to bid farewell to 40 year old volunteer Oleksiï Ioukov. The leader of the Platsdarm group was killed by a mine during a mission to recover the bodies of fallen soldiers from dangerous front line zones. Oleksiï Ioukov and his team recovered both Ukrainian and Russian soldiers to ensure they received proper burials. The volunteer was previously wounded in 2022 by a mine that injured his eye and leg but he returned to the front to continue his mission. Oleksiï Ioukov believed that the lingering energy of the war would remain until all the dead were identified and buried.

3 PEOPLE INCLUDING A CHILD KILLED IN RUSSIAN STRIKE ON KIEV REGION

On August 8, 2026, Russian forces launched a series of strikes on the Ukrainian capital and its outskirts resulting in at least 3 deaths and 7 injuries. Local rescue services confirmed that the fatalities occurred in the village of Poukhivka where a child born in 2022 was among the victims of the bombardment. Military authorities reported that a dozen explosions shook Kiev around midnight following an alert for the use of ballistic missiles. The Ukrainian air defense was unable to intercept any missiles due to a critical shortage of ammunition. Reports indicate that United States President Donald Trump refused a recent request for Patriot missiles because of shortages caused by the war in the Middle East. In the capital city, emergency workers responded to fires in 2 neighborhoods where 4 people were wounded. This attack comes as American senators adopted new sanctions against the Russian hydrocarbon industry. President Zelensky visited Serbia to meet with President Aleksandar Vucic to discuss economic and security cooperation.

WHO MEDICAL WAREHOUSE IN DNIPRO DESTROYED

On August 9, 2026, Director General of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the destruction of a medical supply warehouse in Dnipro. The facility stored humanitarian supplies intended for front line health centers including emergency surgical kits. WHO personnel and drivers managed to evacuate 130 of the 300 pallets of supplies just before the attack occurred. Director General Ghebreyesus stated that while no casualties were reported in this specific incident, attacks on health services must stop to prevent the deprivation of vital care. Since the February 2022 invasion, the organization has documented 3148 attacks on health infrastructure in Ukraine resulting in 240 deaths and 1055 injuries.

5 KILLED AS RUSSIA & UKRAINE EXCHANGE STRIKES, RUSSIA CLAIMS PROGRESSION

On August 9, 2026, mutual aerial attacks between Russian and Ukrainian forces resulted in at least 5 deaths across several regions. A Russian drone strike in Kharkiv killed 2 people and destroyed a residential building. Governor Oleg Synegoubov added that 23 individuals were wounded in the city as rescue teams worked through the ruins. In the Ukrainian city of Odessa, 8 people were injured after strikes damaged the electrical grid and port facilities. Another Russian strike hit energy infrastructure near a shopping mall in Pavlograd causing injuries to 9 people including 4 children. In the Russian region of Belgorod, acting Governor Alexandre Chouvaïev confirmed that a Ukrainian drone strike killed 3 people and wounded 25 others including 2 children. Ukrainian strikes also targeted the Russian port of Novorossiïsk. The Russian military claimed to have captured the villages of Vassioutynské and another small locality in the Donetsk region.

RUSSIAN SUPREME COURT BANS LAST ANTI WAR POLITICAL PARTY FROM ELECTIONS

On August 10, 2026, the Russian Supreme Court issued a ruling prohibiting the liberal Yabloko party from participating in the upcoming legislative elections. Judge Viatcheslav Kirillov accepted a request from a pro Kremlin nationalist group to cancel the registration of the party candidates. Yabloko leader Nikolaï Rybakov announced that the party would appeal the decision and stated that their mission is to end the war and restore peace. Approximately 100 supporters gathered outside the court to protest the verdict which deprives anti-war voters of a legal way to express their opposition to the conflict. Most major opposition figures are currently in prison, in exile, or dead following years of repression by the government of Vladimir Poutine. Yabloko received public support from Ioulia Navalnaïa, the widow of activist Alexeï Navalny who died in prison in 2024.

13 PEOPLE KILLED IN UKRAINIAN DRONE ATTACK ON RUSSIAN INDUSTRIAL HUB

On August 10, 2026, a massive Ukrainian drone strike against the industrial city of Nijnekamsk in Tatarstan killed 13 people including 1 child. Local authorities reported that 75 other individuals were wounded during the attack which targeted a region more than 1000 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. The dead include citizens of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan who worked in the city known as the petrochemical capital of the region. The Ukrainian general staff confirmed that the operation targeted the Taneko refinery controlled by the Tatneft company to reduce Russian military potential. Regional leader Roustam Minnikhanov declared a day of mourning following the explosion which sent large plumes of black smoke over the industrial site. The Russian Investigative Committee has opened a terrorism inquiry and claimed that Ukrainian drones hit residential sectors and industrial zones.

CIVILIANS KILLED IN KHARKIV, KHERSON & BELGOROD

On August 10, 2026, Russian forces conducted a heavy artillery strike on a residential area in the Kharkiv region resulting in 5 deaths. The office of the Ukrainian General Prosecutor reported that the attack targeted a village in the Tchougouïv district and published images showing several destroyed houses. In the southern city of Kherson, Governor Iaroslav Chanko confirmed that 1 person died following a drone strike on a taxi. Ukrainian police also reported that 18 people were wounded by Russian gliding bombs in the Zaporijjia region which houses the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. In the Russian border region of Belgorod, 1 woman was killed when a drone hit her house in Novaïa Tavoljanka.

9 DEAD AS RUSSIA LAUNCHES MASSIVE OVERNIGHT STRIKES, UKRAINE ACCUSES RUSSIANS OF FIRING NORTH KOREAN MISSILES

On August 11, 2026, Ukrainian authorities announced that at least 9 people were killed during a night of Russian bombardments. Governor Ivan Fedorov confirmed that 6 people died and 19 others were injured in Zaporijjia following a massive strike involving missiles and aerial bombs. The attack damaged multiple apartment buildings and industrial infrastructure leaving cars completely destroyed. In the Dnipropetrovsk region, military official Oleksandre Ganja reported that 3 people including a 15 year old adolescent were killed in drone and artillery attacks. A series of explosions also hit Kiev after midnight where fires broke out in warehouses and 1 person was wounded according to national emergency services. Governor Alexandre Gussev of the Voronej region reported that a man died after drone debris fell on a logistics center. President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that the Russian army used North Korean ballistic missiles during a deadly strike on Zaporijjia. The Ukrainian leader stated that the attack which killed at least 6 people involved North Korean weapons alongside Russian Zircon missiles and guided bombs. Governor Ivan Fedorov updated the casualty toll to 19 wounded as strikes hit residential buildings and industrial infrastructure.

2 DEAD ON BOTH SIDE

On August 12, 2026, Russian regional Governor Veniamine Kondratiev reported that a Ukrainian drone strike killed an 8 year old child in Novorossiïsk. The attack on the Black Sea port city also wounded 8 other people and damaged residential buildings where 90 residents were moved to temporary shelters. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces struck the Novorossiïsk naval base which he described as a major bastion for the Russian fleet. In a separate incident in the village of Volna, another drone strike killed 1 person and wounded 4 others according to Russian authorities. During the same period, the Russian military launched 138 drones and multiple missiles against Ukraine resulting in 2 deaths in the southern city of Kherson. Governor Ivan Fedorov confirmed that 1 person was injured when a drone hit a bus in the Zaporijjia region.

RUSSIAN DEMINERS KILLED IN OCCUPIED SEBASTOPOL

On August 13, 2026, the Russian governor of Sebastopol announced that 5 people died when an unexploded munition detonated during a recovery operation. Governor Mikhaïl Razvojaïev explained that 4 bomb disposal experts from the Ministry of Emergency Situations and a security agent were killed while inspecting a zone following a Ukrainian attack. Ukrainian forces have recently intensified strikes on the Crimean peninsula to target Russian energy and logistics infrastructure.

2 RAILWAY WORKERS KILLED IN RUSSIAN DRONE STRIKE

On August 13, 2026, a Russian drone strike targeted a locomotive in the Odessa region killing the driver and his assistant. Railway Director Oleksandre Pertsovsky reported that more than 300 passengers were on board the train when the attack occurred during a planned evacuation. The strike used a jet powered Shahed drone which is significantly harder to intercept than previous piston engine models. In a separate incident in the same region, another passenger train was struck by Russian forces resulting in injuries to 1 child among the people on board.

RUSSIAN AGENT ARRESTED IN POLAND FOR ASSASSINATION PLOT AGAINST AMERICAN CITIZEN

On August 13, 2026, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the arrest of a Russian citizen recruited to execute an American Ukrainian citizen in Warsaw. The suspect was apprehended on August 7 following a joint operation between the Polish Internal Security Agency and American intelligence services. This incident represents the first recorded case of a Russian ordered assassination attempt against an American citizen on the territory of a NATO member state. Polish authorities have frequently warned of Russian sabotage activities since the full scale invasion of Ukraine began 4 years ago. Moscow denied any involvement in these plots and sabotage operations.

1 DEAD IN RUSSIAN STRIKES ON KRAMATORSK

On August 14, 2026, the Ukrainian regional military administration reported that Russian forces attacked Kramatorsk 8 times resulting in 1 death and 15 injuries. Regional chief Vadym Filachkine confirmed that the strikes hit residential buildings in the community and the nearby locality of Bilenke. The official urged local residents to evacuate to safer regions of Ukraine as the city in the Donetsk region remains close to the front line. In southern Ukraine, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported that another Russian attack in Zaporijjia wounded a 25 year old woman and a 5 year old child. Kramatorsk serves as a vital urban and logistics hub for Ukrainian forces in the Donbass region and has been a frequent target for Russian missiles.

NATO FIGHTER JETS SHOOT DOWN FOREIGN DRONE IN LATVIAN AIRSPACE

On August 14, 2026, NATO fighter jets intercepted and destroyed a drone that entered Latvian airspace near the Russian border. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that 2 Italian Eurofighter jets were scrambled from the Siauliai base in Lithuania to neutralize the threat. 2 Turkish F 16 jets were also deployed. The Latvian Ministry of Defense stated that the unmanned aerial vehicle entered their territory as a result of electromagnetic warfare conducted by Russia. This is the second drone shoot down in Latvia following an incident in June involving French Rafale jets.

VENEZUELA

INDIGENOUS LEADER JULIO RODRIGUEZ MURDERED BY COLOMBIAN GUERRILLAS

On August 12, 2026, the NGO Provea confirmed that indigenous chief Julio Rodriguez was found dead after being kidnapped near the Colombian border. Presumed members of FARC dissidents abducted the leader of the Jivi Ekunay people on August 2 in a mining locality in southern Venezuela. Provea demanded an immediate investigation and urgent measures to protect indigenous territories which are rich in gold, diamonds, and oil. The NGO reported that other indigenous people searching for their chief were ambushed by drones that launched explosive devices. One elderly individual was seriously injured during the drone attack and transferred to the Los Pijiguaos hospital. Since 2010, at least 48 indigenous people from various ethnic groups including the Yanomami and Wayúu have been murdered by state agents or non state actors. In April, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez approved a new mining law to encourage foreign private investment under pressure from Washington.

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE AND RELATIONS

TANZANIAN PRESIDENT SAMIA SULUHU HASSAN INVESTIGATES ELECTION DEATHS

On August 7, 2026, President Samia Suluhu Hassan launched a commission of inquiry to identify those responsible for deadly violence during the 2025 elections. A previous commission led by former magistrate Mohamed Chande Othman reported a death toll of 518 people in April. Opposition leaders rejected these figures and claimed that more than 2,000 people were killed by police forces. Witnesses and NGOs accused Tanzanian authorities of hiding bodies in mass graves and blocking internet access during the crackdown. The new commission includes Ugandan judge Barishaki Cheborion and Namibian judge Petrus Damaseb to ensure an independent perspective. While the government has minimized the violence, the son of the president, Abdul Halim Hafidh Ameir, has been accused of participating in the repression.

WHISTLEBLOWER ATHORBEY AL GADDHAFFY RELEASED AFTER MILITARY DETENTION

On August 10, 2026, a South Sudanese whistleblower returned to Nairobi after being kidnapped and illegally detained in a military facility. Family members announced that Athorbey Al Gaddhaffy reached the Kenyan capital on August 8 to receive medical care that was denied during his two month captivity in Juba. Masked gunmen kidnapped the victim in Nairobi in June because he repeatedly exposed corruption among South Sudanese elites. The family noted that interrogations by South Sudanese authorities revealed no legal infractions during his detention.

TURKISH PARLIAMENT VOTES HISTORIC LAW TO REINTEGRATE PKK FIGHTERS

On August 10, 2026, Turkish deputies adopted a law to facilitate the return of Kurdish guerrillas to civil life following a peace process. The members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party began a weapons disposal program in 2025 after announcing the dissolution of their group. The new legislation provides a framework for the social reintegration of fighters but does not address the fate of imprisoned founder Abdullah Öcalan. Abdullah Öcalan has been held in isolation on Imrali island since his capture in 1999. Hostilities previously intensified in 2015 when a ceasefire collapsed following an attack at the Syrian border. During the height of the conflict, the Turkish army conducted urban offensives in Diyarbakir while the guerrilla bombed Ankara and Istanbul.

HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS SUE DONALD TRUMP OVER ICC SANCTIONS

On August 11, 2026, NGOs filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump to challenge sanctions against the International Criminal Court. Human Rights Watch, the American Friends Service Committee, the Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Open Society Institute filed the 101-page complaint in New York. The organizations argue that the sanctions violate the First Amendment and obstruct justice for victims of war crimes and genocide. The American administration imposed restrictions on several judges to prevent investigations into Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The sanctions prohibit judges from entering the United States and block their financial transactions within the American economy. Washington launched a major diplomatic offensive last month urging its partners to withdraw from the court established in 2002. Three sanctioned judges previously filed their own lawsuit in June against Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Treasury Scott Bessent, and Attorney General Todd Blanche.

2 MEN CONVICTED AFTER NAZI SALUTES AT FRENCH SYNAGOGUE

On August 12, 2026, the court in Pontoise sentenced two men for doing nazi salutes in front of a synagogue. A Russian citizen received an 8 month prison sentence and a definitive ban from French territory. A naturalized Frenchman of Ukrainian origin was sentenced to 6 months in prison. Residents witnessed the individuals photographing themselves while performing the salute under a sign commemorating victims of the 2012 Toulouse terrorist attacks.

UGANDAN TROOPS TO REMAIN IN SOMALIA AFTER AFRICAN UNION MISSION ENDS

On August 14, 2026, Minister of Defense Kiryowa Kiwanuka announced that Ugandan troops will stay in Somalia beyond the current mandate. The African Union mission is expected to conclude in late 2026 after the United States withdrew financial support for UN logistics. Leaders from troop contributing countries including Burundi, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Kenya recently met in Kampala to discuss the continuity of the mission. Minister Kiwanuka explained that Uganda maintains 4,500 soldiers under the regional mandate and 2,000 additional personnel under a 2024 bilateral agreement. He emphasized that the objective is to achieve lasting peace regardless of fixed deadlines or lack of foreign resources.

WHO REPORTS 10,000 ATTACKS ON HEALTH CENTERS WITH ZERO PROSECUTIONS

On August 14, 2026, WHO Director Altaf Musani reported that more than 10,000 attacks against health structures have occurred since 2018. These incidents resulted in approximately 5,700 deaths and 8,500 injuries across 29 countries without a single case resulting in legal prosecution. During the current year, the organization documented 914 attacks with high concentrations in Ukraine, Lebanon, and Palestine. Other documented assaults occurred in Myanmar, Iran, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Syria. Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus repeatedly stated that health facilities are protected under the Geneva Conventions and must never be targeted. The report highlights that all 36 hospitals in Gaza were damaged before the end of 2025. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, 12 health centers have been attacked since the Ebola outbreak began in May.

CHAD PRESIDENT MAHAMAT IDRISS DEBY PARDONS OPPOSITION LEADER

On August 14, 2026, President Mahamat Idriss Déby issued a decree pardoning nine opposition leaders. Succès Masra, the leader of the Transformateurs party, was released after serving one year of a 20 year prison sentence. The courts previously convicted him of complicity in murder. Eight other leaders from the GCAP platform were also freed after being sentenced for inciting an insurrection. Although the pardon grants them physical freedom, the individuals remain ineligible for office and retain their criminal records. Mouvement Patriotique du Salut spokesperson Abdelnasser Ngarboa described the decision as a salutary move for national reconciliation. Succès Masra previously lived in exile in Cameroon after the 2022 repression of protests.