WEEKLY INTERNATIONAL NEWS REVIEW – Aug 1st – 7th 2026

SUDAN

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 35

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: 50

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Garra al-Zawaya (near Kabkabiya), North Darfur; Setit River.

PERPETRATORS: [Likely] Sudanese Army.

VICTIMS: Civilians, tribal chiefs.

35 PEOPLE MURDERED IN NORTH DARFUR DRONE ATTACK

On August 3, 2026, the human rights group Emergency Lawyers reported that a drone strike killed 35 people at a customary court in Garra al-Zawaya. The independent group stated the attack occurred at midday while civilians gathered for institutional hearings on local disputes. The strike damaged the traditional court building located near Kabkabiya. A witness confirmed the fatalities included four tribal chiefs and two commanders from the Rapid Support Forces. The self-proclaimed government of the Rapid Support Forces described the incident as a crime and reported a higher toll of 37 dead and 50 wounded. The regular army has not reacted to accusations of responsibility.

15 TIGREAN REBEL BODIES RECOVERED FROM SUDANESE RIVER

On August 4, 2026, a medical source from Wad al-Hulaywah hospital reported the discovery of 15 Tigrean rebel bodies in a border river. Sudanese citizens retrieved the remains from the Setit river following heavy fighting between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and Ethiopian federal forces. The anonymous source confirmed the hospital also treated six wounded individuals on August 3. A witness in the village of Hamdayet reported that several injured persons arrived from Ethiopia and are currently sheltered by a local chief. These events follow intense battle between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the Ethiopian armed forces in the northern Shererina. The resurgence of conflict occurs less than four years after a war that resulted in approximately 600,000 deaths.

ETHIOPIA

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: 1

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Addis Ababa, Shererina, Western Tigray.

PERPETRATORS: Ethiopian federal army, Tigray People’s Liberation Front.

VICTIMS: Journalists, Tigrean civilians.

HEAVY ARTILLERY STRIKES AND FIREFIGHTS IN NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

On August 1, 2026, TPLF second-in-command Amanuel Assefa announced that Ethiopian federal forces launched a major attack against Tigrean positions. The fighting began at 06:00 in the Shererina region near the Sudanese border and involved heavy artillery and drones. According to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, federal authorities escalated through a vast infantry offensive in Western Tigray. This disputed zone is currently administered by nationalists from the Amhara regional state. Tensions have been building for months as both sides massed troops along the border. The federal government has accused the rebel authorities of forced recruitment and seeking alliances with Eritrea. Fighting reportedly ceased around 17:00.

INDEPENDENT ETHIOPIAN MEDIA DENOUNCES STATE INTIMIDATION

On August 6, 2026, Jakenn Publishing reported that security forces kidnapped and assaulted Addis Standard editor-in-chief Yonas Kedir. The publishing company stated that armed men in civilian clothes abducted the journalist from his home on August 1 and detained him for 24 hours in a basement for interrogation. Kedir reported being blindfolded and accused of betraying the country while his home was searched and equipment seized. He later identified military plates on the vehicle used. On August 2, an armed team from the security and intelligence services raided the media premises to confiscate multimedia equipment. Furthermore, the owner of the office served a three-day eviction notice on August 3 after being pressured by police. These actions follow the February revocation of the media outlet’s license for alleged violations of journalism ethics.

UGANDA

VIDEOS OF EMACIATED OPPOSITION FIGURE SPARK TORTURE ACCUSATIONS

On August 4, 2026, a video appeared online showing emaciated Ugandan opposition figure Sam Mugumya sitting near a walker. His mother confirmed his identity and stated he was of average build before his abduction on August 26, 2025. Sam Mugumya served as an assistant to opposition leader Kizza Besigye and was a parliamentary candidate when he was kidnapped by soldiers. Ugandan Bar Association vice-president Anthony Asiimwe and human rights defender Agather Athuaire identified him in the footage and condemned his physical condition. Although a Ministry of Defense official previously denied his detention under oath in September 2025, activists describe the government as using kidnapping and torture. President Yoweri Museveni recently denied ordering any acts of torture.

NIGERIA

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 11

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS UNLAWFULLY ARRESTED: 52

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Kasuwar Daji (Zamfara), Sabon Birni (Sokoto).

PERPETRATORS: Armed gangs

VICTIMS: Civilians

ARMED BANDITS KIDNAP 52 PEOPLE IN ZAMFARA VILLAGE

On August 1, 2026, armed men kidnapped at least 52 people, including children, during a raid in Zamfara State. Residents stated that gunmen on motorcycles attacked Kasuwar Daji in the Kaura Namoda local government area during the night. The attackers first targeted a military base, killing one soldier and one policeman, before moving house-to-house to abduct villagers. Army spokesperson Olaniyi Osoba attributed the attack to terrorists and claimed troops successfully repelled the assault despite the casualties. In a separate incident near the Niger border, at least 11 people were killed in Sabon Birni.

CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC

SWISS MINING PROSPECTOR AND SOLDIER KILLED NEAR BANGUI

On August 3, 2026, military sources confirmed that a Swiss national and a Central African soldier were killed in an attack north of the capital. The Swiss citizen was conducting mining prospection when he was assaulted. The ambush occurred on July 30 approximately 18 kilometers from the town of Damara. Government spokesperson Evariste Ngamana described the incident as an act of banditry rather than a targeted insurgent attack and confirmed an investigation is underway. This killing comes amid a reported resurgence of insecurity in the country, characterized by a rise in armed robberies and illegal roadblocks. While general security had improved since the civil war, various armed groups remain active in remote regions.

GOVERNMENT-TRAINED MILITIA TURNS AGAINST STATE AUTHORITIES

On August 6, 2026, reports emerged that the AAKG militia trained by the Wagner Group is now clashing with Central African regular forces. The Azandé Ani Kpi Gbé militia was originally formed with government support in 2023 to combat the UPC group led by Ali Darassa in the High-Mbomou region. However, tensions over unpaid wages and integration into the regular army led the group to defy state authority. The militia is currently holding four civil servants hostage, including sub-prefect Koumba Ndiaye, who was kidnapped on December 28, 2025. Despite the presence of 1,700 Russian paramilitaries, authorities have struggled to neutralize the group in isolated areas.

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

KINSHASA TRANSFERS 15 PRISONERS TO M23

On August 7, 2026, the International Committee of the Red Cross announced the transfer of 15 prisoners to the M23 rebel group. The operation took place between August 6 and August 7 as a preliminary step in a long-awaited peace process. The prisoners were transported in a convoy from the government-controlled city of Beni in North Kivu and crossed through Uganda to reach rebel territory. This exchange implemented the Doha mechanism signed in September 2025 and follows negotiations held in Switzerland in April. The identities and ranks of the released individuals were not disclosed. The M23 has controlled significant portions of North Kivu and Ituri since 2021 with alleged support from Rwanda. The DRC government previously condemned dozens to death for supporting the group.

SOMALIA

AL-SHABAAB CAPTURES STRATEGIC TOWN AFTER INTENSE COMBATS

On August 3, 2026, Al-Shabaab insurgents announced they seized control of Teedaan in central Somalia after 24 hours of fighting. Inhabitants and militia members confirmed that the government troops and local allies were forced to withdraw on August 2 after the Islamists received significant reinforcements. The group claimed to have captured weapons, vehicles, and military equipment during the assault. The battle provoked casualties on both sides of the confrontation. Teedaan is strategically located near a major road axis connecting the Hiiraan region to Galgaduud and Middle Shabelle, allowing the group to potentially collect taxes on commercial traffic. This occurs as the African Union force faces uncertainty regarding its future logistics mission.

LIBYA

RIVAL ARMED GROUPS CLASH IN WESTERN LIBYA KILLS 4

On August 4, 2026, a security official reported that violent fighting between rival factions left 4 dead and 10 injured near Tripoli. The clashes involved the Security Threats Combat Apparatus, which is linked to Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah, and the 103rd Infantry Battalion. Violence erupted in residential neighborhoods south of Sorman and in parts of Zawiya, a region known for its oil refinery and smuggling activities. The 52nd Infantry Brigade eventually intervened as a “peacekeeping force” to establish a ceasefire and secure the coastal road. The judicial police confirmed that a group of detainees escaped from the Sorman prison center during the fight. Libya continues to be divided between the UN-recognized government in Tripoli and the eastern administration led by Khalifa Haftar.

LEBANON

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 1

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: 16

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Tebnine, Bourj al-Chamali, Mansouri, Tyre.

PERPETRATORS: Israeli army.

VICTIMS: Lebanese civilians, journalists.

CLOSE-QUARTER BATTLE IN THE SOUTH

On August 1, 2026, the Israeli army announced that an officer was injured during a close-quarters confrontation with Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. The incident occurred overnight despite an active ceasefire agreement facilitated by the United States and signed in June. While the Israeli military described the event as an operation against terrorists, Hezbollah has not claimed responsibility for any attacks since the June 20 truce took effect. Although violence had decreased following recent diplomatic agreements between Lebanon, Israel, the United States, and Iran, the Lebanese army continues to report sporadic Israeli artillery fire and demolition activities in southern villages. Lebanese officials have condemned these ongoing military actions which they claim prevent the full deployment of national forces as outlined in the framework agreement.

800,000 DISPLACED PERSONS BACK FROM EXODUS

On August 5, 2026, the United Nations reported that more than 800,000 people displaced by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah have returned to their home regions since June. According to the humanitarian agency OCHA, 821,077 individuals began regressing to their original areas by July 30 following a decrease in hostilities. However, 360,000 people remain displaced, with approximately 26,000 in public shelters. The conflict, which resulted in over 4,300 deaths and the displacement of one million people, severely damaged infrastructure, civilian homes and currently affects water access for 700,000 residents in the south.

ISRAEL SUSPENDS ROME PEACE TALKS AMID NEW STRIKES

On August 5, 2026, Israeli negotiators requested a temporary suspension of peace talks in Rome. Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter criticized the conduct of the American-sponsored discussions which focus on the deployment of the Lebanese army in pilot zones evacuated by Israel. Simultaneously, Israeli forces launched targeted strikes in southern Lebanon in response to alleged ceasefire violations by the Hezbollah. The Lebanese National News Agency reported 1 death and 11 injuries after an Israeli strike targeted a prayer hall in a cemetery of Tebnine. Israeli military spokesperson Ella Waweya also issued an evacuation order for the village of al-Mansouri in anticipation of further bombardments. Hezbollah Secretary General Naïm Qassem reiterated the group’s refusal to disarm or participate in direct negotiations. Since the start of hostilities, over 4,300 people have been killed in Lebanon.

INJURED AFP PHOTOJOURNALIST TO BE HONORED IN NEW YORK

On August 5, 2026, the Committee to Protect Journalists announced it will honor AFP reporter Christina Assi at a press freedom ceremony in November. Christina Assi lost her right leg during an Israeli tank strike in southern Lebanon on October 13, 2023, while performing her professional duties near the border. The same attack killed Reuters video journalist Issam Abdallah and wounded six other reporters, including AFP journalist Dylan Collins. Independent investigations concluded that the group was hit by an Israeli 120 mm tank shell, an incident the Israeli Ambassador in France later described as “an error”. The Committee to Protect Journalists noted that although this attack is highly documented, no one has been held responsible after three years. Christina Assi has since advocated for journalist safety and justice for Issam Abdallah.

ISRAEL INTENSIFIES BOMBARDMENTS AS 2 SOLDIERS DIE, ISRAEL BLOCKS LEBANESE EXPANSION IN SOUTHERN ZONES

On August 6, 2026, the Israeli army reported the death of two soldiers in southern Lebanon as aerial attacks intensified in the Tyre region. According to the Lebanese National News Agency, Israeli drones and aircraft targeted Bourj al-Chamali and Mansouri, resulting in 4 injuries. Meanwhile, Israel refused to identify new withdrawal sectors in southern Lebanon during negotiations in Rome. Israel insists on verifying the Lebanese army’s effective control of the first two pilot zones, including Zawtar Al-Gharbiya, before proceeding with further evacuations. An Israeli official confirmed that the extension is not automatic and depends on proven results. Hezbollah continues to reject the accord and refuses to give up its weapons.

ONGS LABEL JOURNALIST’S DEATH AS ISRAELI WAR CRIME

On August 6, 2026, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and The Legal Agenda released investigations classifying the April killing of journalist Amal Khalil as a war crime. The Al-Akhbar correspondent was killed on April 22 in the village of al-Tiri during an Israeli attack that also wounded independent camera operator Zeinab Faraj. The organizations stated that the Israeli military used low-altitude drones and knew or should have known that civilians were sheltering in the targeted building. They accused Israel of conducting a deliberate attack on civilians and obstructing rescue efforts while Amal Khalil was bleeding. The Israeli army previously claimed the strike targeted Hezbollah. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 15 media professionals have been killed by Israeli forces in Lebanon since October 2023.

SYRIA

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: 14

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Jaramana (Damascus suburb), Rmeilan.

PERPETRATORS: Unidentified.

VICTIMS: Civilians.

14 WOUNDED IN JARAMANA

On August 7, 2026, the Syrian Ministry of Health reported that 14 people were injured in a bomb explosion on a minibus near Damascus. Three of the injured victims were in critical condition. The attack occurred in Jaramana, a suburb with a Druze and Christian majority that previously experienced sectarian violence in 2025. Syrian Interior Ministry units are currently investigating the crime to identify those responsible. Foreign Minister Assaad al-Chaibani stated on social media that targeting civilians would not deter the country’s recovery efforts.

PALESTINE

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 13

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: 5

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Deir al-Balah, Gaza City, Khan Younis, Jabaliya, Khirbet al-Tuba (West Bank). PERPETRATORS: Israeli army, Israeli settlers.

VICTIMS: Palestinian civilians.

112 BODIES RECOVERED FROM GAZA CITY RUBBLE

On August 1, 2026, the Palestinian Civil Defense announced it recovered 112 bodies from destroyed homes in the Sabra neighborhood of southern Gaza City. The recovery operation lasted two weeks and identified victims including 40 children, 38 women, and 7 people with disabilities. International Committee of the Red Cross spokesperson Amani al-Naaouq confirmed their support for the search teams, emphasizing the humanitarian importance of extracting remains. Operation head Colonel Mohammed Abou Dan reported that 157 additional people are still missing under the concrete and metal debris at the site. Search conditions remain extremely difficult as teams must often dig manually. Mohammad Al-Moughayyir stated his teams worked for 17 days to recover the remains, some of which were reduced to skeletons. Thousands of people remain missing across Gaza since the war began on October 7, 2023. Accurate casualty counts are difficult to maintain due to widespread destruction and restricted access to the territory. The UN and World Bank estimate that Gaza contains 68 million tons of debris and that 60% of residents have lost their homes.

13 PALESTINIANS KILLED IN GAZA DESPITE DISARMAMENT AGREEMENT

On August 2, 2026, the Civil Defense reported that 13 people were killed in new Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip. Spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal stated that victims included a pregnant woman and several children in apartments in Deir al-Balah, Gaza City, and Khan Younès. A drone strike also targeted civilians near the Jabaliya displacement camp. These attacks occurred despite an agreement announced by US President Donald Trump’s Peace Council, which calls for the disarmament of Hamas and a progressive Israeli withdrawal. Hamas official Ghazi Hamad accused Israel of escalating violence to avoid reaching a final agreement. Peace Council representative Nikolaï Mladenov expressed regret over the strikes and urged all parties to fulfill their obligations. Since October, at least 1,222 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. The Israeli military reported losing 5 soldiers and one contractor during the same period.

NETANYAHU REJECTS US-BACKED GAZA PEACE PLAN

On August 5, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel has not accepted the Gaza peace project proposed by Donald Trump’s team. Netanyahu stated in a video message that while the plan aims for the disarmament of Hamas and the demilitarization of Gaza, the current draft is not an Israeli project. He met with Trump’s Peace Council on Monday and received assurances that Israeli troops would only leave their positions, which cover 60% of the territory, after the complete disarmament of Hamas. Hamas had previously expressed acceptance of the deal, which includes a permanent end to military operations and a progressive Israeli withdrawal. Netanyahu faces significant pressure from far-right allies in his coalition government who demand he reject the agreement.

ISRAELI ARMY INVESTIGATES POSSIBLE FRIENDLY FIRE DEATH

On August 5, 2026, an internal military inquiry suggested that an Israeli reservist may have been killed by friendly fire during a clash in the West Bank. Captain Benayahu Mellett died in the village of Tel in late July during a confrontation between a group of 20 unauthorized settlers and local Palestinian residents. The army report stated it is impossible to determine if the fatal shot came from a Palestinian or an accidental discharge from Israeli forces. A second soldier, Commander Yuval Ezra, was killed after engaging a Palestinian at close range. Tel Mayor Walid Zidan accused the settlers of storming the village with the intent to kill and burn property. In response to the deaths, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the construction of new settlements, which are illegal under international law.

UGANDA AUTHORIZES TROOP DEPLOYMENT TO GAZA

On August 6, 2026, the Ugandan Parliament approved the deployment of a military contingent to the Gaza Strip as part of an International Stabilization Force. The force is an initiative of the Peace Council created by US President to manage post-war security alongside a new Palestinian police force. Ugandan army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba has expressed support for Israel. Moroccan, Kosovar, Albanian, and Kazakh forces are also committed to the mission, which includes securing humanitarian zones.

ISRAELI SETTLERS ATTACK WEST BANK VILLAGE

On August 6, 2026, residents of Khirbet al-Tuba reported that approximately 40 Israeli settlers attacked their village, injuring 5 people. Witnesses stated that residents were wounded when settlers threw stones and set fire to homes. The attack destroyed three houses and smashed ten solar panels, the community’s only source of electricity. The Israeli army confirmed the incident and condemned the attack by Israeli civilians but noted the suspects fled before troops arrived. Khirbet al-Tuba is located in the Massafer Yatta region where shepherds frequently face settler violence and military demolition orders. Although the army has opened an inquiry, human rights groups and residents criticized the lack of subsequent prosecutions. Settler attacks have become near-daily occurrences in the West Bank since October 2023.

ISRAELI SETTLER INDICTED FOR PALESTINIAN ACTIVIST’S DEATH

On August 6, 2026, the Israeli Justice Ministry announced the indictment of Yinon Eliya Levi for the 2025 killing of Palestinian activist Awdah Hathaleen. The 33-year-old settler from Ma’on faces charges of involuntary manslaughter through negligence, trespassing and property damage. Awdah Hathaleen, who helped produce the Oscar-nominated documentary No Other Land, was shot during a confrontation in Umm al-Khair in July 2025. Human rights organization B’Tselem noted this is the first such indictment since October 2023, while spokesperson Yair Dvir described it as an exception to a system of impunity. Lawyer Eitan Peleg expressed hope that the case would set a legal precedent. Yinon Eliya Levi had previously been sanctioned by the US, Canada, and the EU in 2024 for violent attacks.

GULF WAR

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 2

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: 25

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Marib (Yemen), Najran (Saudi Arabia), Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea.

PERPETRATORS: Houthi rebels.

VICTIMS: Yemeni civilians, foreign nationals (Saudis, Egyptians, Pakistanis, Indian).

TANKER FIRE LEAVES SHIP ENGINEER MISSING IN HORMUZ, INDIAN VESSEL SUNK

On August 4, 2026, British security firm Vanguard Tech reported that a cargo ship was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz. The Liberian-flagged vessel, Minoan Pioneer, was hit near its engine room around 02:00 while crossing the strategic waterway. An intense fire broke out near the living quarters, and a ship engineer was reported missing. The incident occurred 37 kilometers northeast of the Omani city of Al Khasab. Moreover, the Indian and Yemeni governments confirmed that a commercial vessel sank in the Red Sea following an attack. The Faize Noore Oliya was struck by a booby-trapped boat 13 miles from the Houthi-held port of Hodeida. Red Sea provincial coast guards rescued all 14 crew members, including 13 Indian nationals and one Yemeni. The internationally recognized Yemeni government attributed the assault to Houthi rebels who recently announced a maritime blockade of Saudi ports.

HOUTHIS TARGET SAUDI TANKERS

On August 5, 2026, Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree announced that the group attacked two Saudi tankers with ballistic missiles. The tanker Wafa was hit in the northern Red Sea off the port of Yanbu, while the Daisy was targeted in the Gulf of Aden. These vessels represent the eighth and ninth ships attacked since the rebels declared a blockade against the Saudi fleet in late July. The Houthi campaign threatens Saudi Arabia’s ability to export crude oil, especially since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the Saudi-led coalition has targeted Houthi military sites that threaten international navigation.

58 YEMENI SOLDIERS KILLED IN HOUTHI ATTACKS

On August 6, 2026, 58 government soldiers were killed in Houthi drone and missile strikes. An anonymous military official stated the attacks targeted a military camp in Marib province and additional sites in Hadramout near the Saudi border. More soldiers were injured in the assault, which Houthis officially claimed in a statement. This is the deadliest incident since the 2022 truce ended a conflict that began in 2014. Hostilities between the pro-Iranian rebels and the Saudi-backed government resumed last month following an Iranian plane’s unauthorized attempt to land in Sanaa. Earlier in July, another 16 loyalist soldiers were killed south of Hodeida. The ongoing war has already resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and a severe humanitarian crisis across Yemen.

HOUTHI STRIKES WOUND 11 CIVILIANS IN SAUDI ARABIA

On August 7, 2026, the Saudi-led coalition reported that 11 civilians were injured during Houthi strikes in the southern Najran region. Coalition spokesperson General Turki al-Maliki stated the victims included seven Saudis, two Egyptians, one Pakistani, and one Yemeni national. A 4-year-old child was among those wounded in the bombardment. This incident represents the heaviest civilian toll from a Houthi attack on the kingdom in several years. The coalition warned it would take all necessary deterrent measures to ensure civilian protection. Rebel spokesperson Yahya Saree confirmed that the group is prepared for further escalation as they attempt to block Saudi oil exports through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

2 CIVILIANS MURDERED IN HOUTHI BOMBING OF MARIB

On August 7, 2026, Yemeni Health Minister Qassem Buhaibeh announced that Houthi rebel shells killed two civilians in Marib. The minister stated on social media that the bombardment targeted residential neighborhoods and displacement camps in the central city. In addition to the fatalities, at least 14 other civilians were wounded according to a provisional assessment.

SAUDI ARABIA SIGNS DEFENSE PACT WITH PAKISTAN AND TURKEY

On August 7, 2026, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey concluded a mutual defense pact during a meeting in Mecca. Prince Mohammed ben Salmane, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signed the agreement, which indicates that an attack on one state is an attack on all three. An anonymous Saudi military source stated the pact was accelerated by recent regional escalations, including Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure. The deal was described as a shift away from security exclusively managed by the United States. The alliance is viewed as a counter to Iran’s strategic dominance over the Straits of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. Turkey and Pakistan aim to gain regional influence and attract Saudi investments through this partnership.

AFGHANISTAN–PAKISTAN

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 13

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: 26

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Swat District, Peshawar (Pakistan).

PERPETRATORS: Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

VICTIMS: Protestors, police officers.

14 AFGHAN MIGRANTS DIE IN NIMROZ

On August 1, 2026, provincial spokesperson Abdul Mutawakil Tawhidi confirmed that the bodies of 14 Afghans attempting to reach Iran were recovered from the desert in Nimroz province. The group of 19 people was stranded when their vehicle broke down in temperatures reaching 45 degrees Celsius. Five other victims were previously discovered on July 20. Hospital sources in Nimroz reported the remains were found under the sand on July 30 and were transferred by helicopter on August 1. Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani declared that authorities are continuing their efforts against human trafficking.

13 PEOPLE MURDERED IN SUICIDE BOMBING DURING PAKISTAN PROTEST

On August 2, 2026, police official Fida Hussain announced that a suicide bomber killed 13 people and wounded 22 others near a police station in the Swat district. The assailant detonated an explosive vest after being stopped at the main entrance of the building while a demonstration was taking place nearby. The fatalities included eight police officers. Although no group has claimed responsibility for this specific attack, the Tehreek i Taliban Pakistan is known to be active in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Simultaneously, local police reported a separate handmade bomb explosion in Peshawar that injured four police officers. The Tehreek i Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for this second Peshawar bombing. Tensions remain high as Pakistan accuses militants from Afghanistan of conducting these raids.

EASTERN EUROPE

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 71

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS WOUNDED: 167

LOOTING OR DESTRUCTION OF CIVILIAN PROPRIETIES: YES

LOCALITIES: Moscow, Kiev, Belgorod, Saratov, Udmurtia, Krasnodar, Crimea, Kryvyï Rig, Odessa, Kharkiv, Kherson, Sumy, Mykolaïv, Sevastopol, Leipzig, Lozova, Balaklia.

PERPETRATORS: Russian army, Ukrainian army.

VICTIMS: Civilians, journalists.

3 PEOPLE MURDERED IN MOSCOW CAFÉ BOMBING

On August 1, 2026, an improvised explosive device carried by an unidentified woman detonated inside a restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in Moscow, killing three people. The Anti-Terrorist Committee reported that the fatalities included a customer, the woman carrying the device, and a security guard who had denied her entry. Another 21 people were injured in the blast.

10 CIVILIANS MURDERED IN RUSSIAN BALLISTIC MISSILE STRIKES

On August 1, 2026, Russian ballistic missiles targeted Kiev and its surrounding region, killing at least 10 people. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and cited a shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles as a factor encouraging Russian aggression.

8 CIVILIANS KILLED BY UKRAINIAN STRIKES IN RUSSIA

On August 2, 2026, local Russian authorities reported that eight people were killed during Ukrainian drone and artillery attacks in several regions. In Udmurtia, a strike on a civilian vehicle killed three people including a child and injured two others. In the Belgorod border region, rockets hit a farm, killing three men and wounding three more. Governor Roman Bassargine of Saratov also confirmed two fatalities resulting from drone strikes in his territory.

14 PEOPLE MURDERED DURING MASSIVE EXCHANGE OF STRIKES

On August 3, 2026, authorities from Russia and Ukraine confirmed 14 deaths following mutual aerial bombardments. In the Krasnodar region, Governor Veniamine Kondratiev reported that a Ukrainian drone crashed on a crowded beach in Arkhipo-Ossipovka, killing seven people including three children and wounding 40. Another four fatalities occurred in Crimea according to Moscow-appointed official Sergueï Axionov. In central Ukraine, regional military administrator Oleksandre Ganja stated a Russian attack on a gas station near Kryvyï Rig killed three people including an 8-year-old child. Public energy group Naftogaz confirmed one employee was among the dead. Furthermore, Governor Oleg Kiper reported 13 injuries in the Odessa region following a strike on transport infrastructure.

8 MILLION BOOKS DESTROYED IN RUSSIAN DRONE STRIKE

On August 3, 2026, the Ranok publishing house announced that a Russian drone attack destroyed eight million books including school manuals. Ranok director Viktor Krouglov described the event as an assault on Ukrainian education and culture. The strike occurred on August 1 and targeted a logistics and distribution center in Kharkiv located near the Russian border. Ukrainians view such systematic targeting of cultural sites as an attempt to erase their national identity.

UKRAINIAN DRONE STRIKE TARGETS RUSSIAN E-COMMERCE WAREHOUSE

On August 3, 2026, Russian authorities reported a Ukrainian drone attack on a Wildberries logistics site in the Vladimir region. Governor Alexandre Avdeïev stated the strike occurred overnight in the Sobinski district and resulted in a fire and one injured young man. The company confirmed the incident and noted that all personnel were evacuated from the building. Since mid-July, approximately 20 Wildberries sites across Russia and annexed Crimea have been targeted.

RUSSIAN DRONE HUNTS CIVILIAN IN KHERSON STREET

On August 4, 2026, Ukrainian authorities released police footage showing a Russian FPV drone pursuing a civilian in Kherson. Regional governor Oleksandre Prokoudine identified the victim as a vegetable vendor named Iouri who was targeted while setting up his stall. The footage shows the man running around a vehicle to evade the drone which eventually detonated. Iouri survived with shrapnel wounds and a concussion. President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian soldiers of taking pleasure in mistreating civilians. Foreign Minister Andriï Sybiga called the event a systemic war crime. Kherson faces regular drone attacks from Russian forces positioned across the Dnieper river.

9 CIVILIANS KILLED DURING MUTUAL ATTACKS

On August 4, 2026, Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobiov announced that a Ukrainian drone attack killed five people. Another 10 individuals were injured during the morning strike which targeted an industrial zone in Novossiolki near Tchekhov. A warehouse fire erupted following the explosion. Additionally, Russian bombs in the Sumy region killed 2 children and an elderly person according to Governor Oleg Grygorov. An 89-year-old woman also died in a Mykolaïv strike.

SOLDIER MURDERS CIVILIANS AND FELLOW SOLDIERS IN CRIMEA

On August 4, 2026, Sevastopol Governor Mikhaïl Razvojaïev reported that a soldier shot and killed four people in the locality of Khmelnitskoïe. The assailant first opened fire on his fellow soldiers, killing one, before attacking and murdering three civilians. The civilian victims were identified as two men aged 71 and 59 and a 64-year-old woman. The gunman was arrested following the incident though his motives and nationality remain unspecified. This tragedy occurs as the annexed peninsula faces increasing Ukrainian strikes aimed at disrupting Russian military logistics. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of this multiple homicide.

EXPLOSIVE DRONE DISRUPTS STRATEGIC NATO AIRPORT IN GERMANY

On August 5, 2026, German authorities suspended traffic at Leipzig airport after discovering a drone carrying an explosive device. Investigators confirmed the explosive was neutralized after air traffic was halted for two hours during the night. The airport serves as a logistics hub for NATO and Antonov Airlines which transports military equipment to Ukraine. Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev attributed the incident to Russia. A second unidentified flying object reportedly struck a cargo plane which later landed safely in Hannover with minor damage.

525 CHILDREN EVACUATED FROM KRAMATORSK AMID RUSSIAN ADVANCE

On August 5, 2026, Donetsk regional Governor Vadym Filachkine ordered the mandatory evacuation of families with children from Kramatorsk. The decision involves 525 children and their family who must leave the city due to intensifying Russian attacks. Kramatorsk remains the last major city in the Donetsk region under Ukrainian control with Russian forces positioned less than 20 kilometers from its outskirts. Approximately 50,000 residents remained in the city prior to this order. Local authorities emphasized that the deteriorating security situation makes it unacceptable to leave children under constant threat.

17 CIVILIANS MURDERED IN RUSSIAN MISSILE ATTACKS ON KIEV

On August 5, 2026, Russian strikes involving 115 drones and 28 high-speed missiles killed at least 17 people in the Kiev region. The Ukrainian Air Force reported it could not intercept any of the ballistic missiles despite downing 98 drones. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that 44 people were injured and urged allies to provide more anti-ballistic munitions. 8 victims were found at a train station in a village 30 kilometers away from the capital according to local administrator Vitaly Bigun. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have targeted logistics centers storing military equipment.

OPPOSITION FIGURE NAVALNAYA URGES RUSSIANS TO VOTE AGAINST WAR

On August 6, 2026, opposition figure Julia Navalnaya called on citizens to support the anti-war Yabloko party in the upcoming September legislative elections. Navalnaya, the widow of Alexey Navalny stated in a video that these are the first elections held during a large-scale war and noted that many Russians oppose the conflict. Although the Yabloko party has lacked a parliamentary group in the Duma since 2003, it remains the only registered party publicly advocating for an end to the war in Ukraine. Navalnaya acknowledged that the elections would likely be rigged but argued they represent the only legal way to express dissent. She urged voters to set aside past differences and unite to counter Kremlin plans.

RUSSIA DENIES RECRUITING COLOMBIAN MERCENARIES

On August 6, 2026, the Russian Embassy in Colombia denied involvement in networks recruiting Colombian citizens to fight in Ukraine. This response follows an investigation by Noticias Caracol on August 3 which presented documents and testimonies suggesting a Moscow strategy to enlist retired Colombian military personnel. Colombian President Gustavo Petro estimated that at least 7,000 of his citizens are currently fighting in the conflict as mercenaries. Relatives of these recruits have reported instances of mistreatment in both Russia and Ukraine. In November, Russia sentenced two Colombians to 13 years in prison for fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. The United Nations reported in March that 10,000 Colombians have been recruited for various global conflicts often under inhumane conditions.

BALTIC START-UPS DEVELOP DRONE TECHNOLOGY TO COUNTER RUSSIA

Baltic companies announced new innovations aimed at strengthening regional defense against Russian hybrid threats. Rapolas Markevicius, founder of Pdkinematics, is developing precision guidance systems that allow drones to function without GPS signals. His technology is being supplied to Ukraine and European allies. Elvinas Kukys, CEO of Luna Robotics, highlighted that his company’s advanced imaging systems for FPV drones are being tested by NATO soldiers. These start-ups have attracted significant foreign investment as Lithuania now spends 5.3% of its GDP on defense.

6 PEOPLE MURDERED IN RUSSIAN STRIKE IN TRAIN STATION & BALAKLIA

On August 6, 2026, local authorities reported that Russian drones killed two men at the Lozova train station in the Kharkiv region. Simultaneously, a Russian attack on a bulk carrier in the Black Sea killed one person and caused a fire on the Guinea-Bissau flagged vessel which was carrying Ukrainian wheat. Odessa Governor Oleg Kiper confirmed the fatality. In retaliation, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukrainian drones struck oil refineries in Bashkiria and Yaroslavl located over 700 kilometers from the front. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed to have intercepted 605 drones across 20 regions. Military administrator Vitalii Karabanov announced that Russian bombardments killed three more people in the Kharkiv region. The strikes occurred overnight and targeted individual homes in the town of Balaklia. One woman died in the first house which subsequently caught fire while rescue teams worked to clear the debris. A second strike on another residence killed a man and a woman.

MYANMAR

AUNG SAN SUU KYI MEETS ICRC OFFICIAL

On August 3, 2026, the Burmese presidency announced that detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi met with an international representative for the first time since the coup of 2021. The bureau of President Min Aung Hlaing released photos on Telegram showing the 81-year-old discussing with Arnaud de Baecque, the representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Her sentence exceeds 30 years.

MALAYSIA REFUSES TO REPATRIATE REFUGEES FACING PERSECUTION

On August 5, 2026, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that Malaysia will not return 5,000 refugees to Myanmar if their lives are endangered. This statement follows Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s late July announcement that Myanmar had agreed to accept 5,000 members of the persecuted Rohingya minority. Human rights groups expressed concern over potential forced returns. Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail clarified that 4,000 detainees in immigration centers would undergo individual assessments in a centralized facility. The Rohingya Human Rights Organization in Malaysia has urged the government to consult with UN agencies and minority representatives before any repatriation.

MYANMAR REFUGEES OBTAIN LEGAL WORK STATUS IN THAILAND

On August 6, 2026, Myanmar refugees began receiving pink identity cards allowing them to work legally in Thailand after decades of exclusion. Phil Robertson from Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates called the distribution of these cards a historic step for one of the world’s oldest refugee populations. This policy shift coincides with a visit by Burmese leader Min Aung Hlaing to Bangkok to sign a labor cooperation agreement. While Thailand does not offer official asylum, the new cards grant refugees access to health services and freedom of movement.

VENEZUELA

PRESUMED CIVILIANS/NON-COMBATANTS DEAD: 1

PERPETRATORS: Venezuelan security forces.

VICTIM: Political prisoner.

VENEZUELAN POLITICAL PRISONER JOSÉ BREIJO DIES UNDER HOUSE ARREST

On August 6, 2026, political prisoner José Breijo died at the age of 71. He had been diagnosed with a double pulmonary edema while in prison. Breijo, convicted over terrorism charges, was part of a group of hundreds of political prisoners released to house arrest following the capture of Nicolas Maduro by the United States military in January.

INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE AND RELATIONS

WWII MASS GRAVES IN VOLHYNIA EXHUMED

On August 1, 2026, journalists Serhii Okunev and Katarzyna Skiba reported that archaeologists in western Ukraine began exhuming victims of World War II massacres, in a context of diplomatic dispute between Warsaw and Kiev. Polish Institute of National Memory vice-president Karol Polejowski and anthropologist Olga Mineiko identified the remains of over 50 people including many children in a sunflower field. The Polish government classifies the killings of 70,000 to 100,000 civilians by the Ukrainian Insurgent Army between 1943 and 1945 as genocide. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously described the events as a wartime tragedy. Relations deteriorated after Polish President Karol Nawrocki stripped Zelensky of a national distinction because of the naming of a military unit after the armed group. Experts are currently collecting DNA samples to identify the victims who were buried without personal effects.

5 UN EXPERTS URGE CANADA TO PROTECT THREATENED SIKH ACTIVIST

On August 3, 2026, five United Nations experts called on the Canadian government to increase security for Sikh militant Moninder Singh due to credible assassination threats. The experts expressed concern that Canadian authorities have not implemented new protective measures since issuing a warning in February. Moninder Singh stated that the threats illustrate the extent of the Indian state’s attempts to silence voices advocating for the independent state of Khalistan. This warning follows the 2023 murder of activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar near a temple in Vancouver which former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attributed to Indian agents. While Nijjar’s death caused a diplomatic crisis, relations improved under Prime Minister Mark Carney who decreased public accusations against New Delhi. Indian officials continue to deny any involvement in organized crime targeting overseas activists and label the Khalistan movement as a terrorist organization.

GUINEAN PRESIDENT PARDONS EX-DICTATOR CONVICTED OF CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY

On August 3, 2026, the FIDH, OGDH, and Avipa human rights organizations condemned the pardon of former dictator Dadis Camara by President Mamadi Doumbouya. The groups stated that the release of the primary individual responsible for the September 28, 2009 massacre undermines the integrity of the judicial process. Dadis Camara was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2024 for his role in the Conakry stadium killings where at least 156 people died and 109 women suffered sexual violence. Furthermore, the organizations denounced the acquittal of gendarmerie Colonel Bienvenu Lamah and the release of three other suspects due to procedural errors. The victims’ associations highlighted significant failures in the government’s compensation program for the thousands affected by the military crackdown.

RUSSIAN STORM-1516 TARGETS FRENCH CANDIDATE AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

On August 2026, French security services notified the potential candidate for the presidential elections Raphaël Glucksmann that he was the target of Russian destabilization operation. The eurodeputy stated that the Storm-1516 group managed by the Russian GRU used artificial intelligence to produce a fake video involving his partner, the media figure Léa Salamé, and journalist Edwy Plenel. The deepfake alleged that Léa Salamé attempted to bribe media outlets to support Glucksmann’s potential presidential candidacy. Raphaël Glucksmann has been a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin. Security sources confirmed that the same network previously targeted another candidate, Édouard Philippe, with false medical information. Opposition leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon called for a united front against foreign interference. French authorities are investigating the network of websites linked to the operation.

SYRIA AND IRAQ NEGOTIATE STRATEGIC PIPELINE REOPENING

On August 4, 2026, Syrian Petroleum Company CEO Youssef Qablawi announced that Syria and Iraq are negotiating the restoration of the Haditha-Banias pipeline. The strategic project aims to provide an alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, which has been locked by Iran since the start of its war with the United States. Work on the pipeline, which was disabled in 2003 during the American invasion of Iraq, is expected to take up to three years. A consortium including the American company Chevron will manage the project. Syrian authorities, who took control of northern fields like Rmeilan from Kurdish forces earlier this year, intend to increase national production to one million barrels per day by 2030.

11 BODIES RECOVERED IN KOSOVO WAR MASS GRAVES

On August 4, 2026, Kosovo authorities announced they have likely identified a third clandestine burial site linked to crimes committed during the independence war. The Government Commission for Missing Persons confirmed that search operations in the Zubin Potok region have already yielded 11 bodies from two separate graves. Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that these individuals were likely executed by Serbian forces during the spring of 1999. Forensic teams have sent the recovered remains for laboratory analysis to match DNA with families of the 1,600 people who remain unaccounted for since the conflict. Prosecutors indicated that the investigation has expanded due to new evidence and that multiple arrests have been made in the region. The 1998-1999 war resulted in approximately 13,000 deaths and remains a central issue in the stalled normalization talks between Pristina and Belgrade.

27 FORMER COLOMBIAN FARC REBELS INDICTED FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY

On August 5, 2026, the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in Colombia indicted 27 former FARC guerrillas for systematic human rights violations and sexual violence. Judge Julieta Lemaitre stated that the accused are responsible for massacres, homicides, and disappearances committed during the civil war. Among those cited is former commander Rodrigo Londoño who signed the 2016 peace accord with then-President Juan Manuel Santos. The tribunal concluded that a pattern of sexual abuse was established within the guerrilla ranks.