Category: International

Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged fire along Kashmir’s Line of Control following Wednesday’s escalation when India launched missile strikes on Pakistan, claiming to destroy nine sites. At least 43 deaths have been reported: 31 Pakistani civilians and 12 Indians. Pakistan’s PM vowed to “avenge” the casualties. US President Trump urged both sides to “stop,” while Iran is attempting to mediate between the nuclear-armed rivals.READ FULL

US President Trump revealed he has “potential” trade deals with India, South Korea, and Japan during a NewsNation town hall on Wednesday. Trump indicated he’s not rushing to finalize these agreements, stating that the US is “sitting on the catbird seat” and benefiting from his imposed tariffs. “They want us. We don’t need them,” the president said, suggesting America holds the advantage in these negotiations.READ FULL

Pakistan’s defense minister warned of potential war with India following a terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people, saying tensions could escalate within days. India has accused Pakistan of involvement, imposing diplomatic and water-sharing restrictions. Pakistan denies links and has retaliated by expelling diplomats and closing airspace to Indian carriers. Both nuclear powers have fought several wars over Kashmir since 1947.READ FULL

A missile attack on Ukraine’s capital early Thursday left two people dead and 54 injured, including six children requiring hospitalization, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko. Ukrainian authorities issued alerts as explosions were heard across Kyiv. Simultaneously, the eastern city of Kharkiv reported seven missile strikes followed by drone attacks. This marks Kyiv’s first missile attack since early April when three people were wounded.READ FULL

Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam that killed at least 26 tourists. In a Facebook message, Yunus offered condolences to India and reaffirmed Bangladesh’s stance against terrorism. The attack occurred Tuesday when armed men opened fire on tourists visiting Baisaran meadow near the resort town.READ FULL

President Prabowo Subianto criticized Western powers for inaction on Gaza during his Middle East tour. He proposed temporarily bringing 1,000 injured Palestinians and orphans to Indonesia for treatment, emphasizing this isn’t permanent relocation. Middle Eastern leaders joined Indonesia in rejecting any Palestinian displacement plans, unanimously supporting a two-state solution. Some critics worry the evacuation proposal could inadvertently support Israel’s “voluntary migration” agenda.READ FULL

Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Russia of “dragging” China into the war, claiming Ukraine has identified 155 Chinese nationals fighting for Russian forces. He shared that two Chinese citizens were recently captured in combat. China rejected these claims as “absolutely groundless,” urging its citizens to avoid conflict zones. Zelensky also mentioned Ukraine is prepared to purchase up to $50 billion in US military equipment.READ FULL

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar rebuked Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Yunus who called India’s Northeast “landlocked” and positioned Bangladesh as its “ocean access guardian” during a China visit. Jaishankar emphasized India’s 6,500km coastline and role in regional connectivity. Northeast Indian leaders condemned Yunus’s remarks, which came as Bangladesh signed nine agreements with China and secured a $2.1 billion package.READ FULL

China announced new military exercises in the Taiwan Strait Wednesday, aiming to test “blockade and control” capabilities, just a day after surrounding Taiwan with army, navy, air and rocket forces. The drills in this crucial shipping waterway have increased tensions with Taiwan, which deployed its own forces in response. Relations have deteriorated since President Lai Ching-te took office in May 2024, creating potential conflict between China and Taiwan’s key ally, the United States.READ FULL

India-Bangladesh tensions rise after Bangladesh interim leader Mohd Yunus called northeast Indian states “an extension of Chinese economy.” In response, Tripura politician Pradyot Manikya suggested India should take control of Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts. Assam’s Chief Minister called Yunus’ remarks “offensive.” Yunus had invited China to leverage Bangladesh’s sea ports, raising strategic concerns about the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor connecting India’s northeast.READ FULL

President Trump endorsed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s criticism of European nations, agreeing they are “freeloading” during a leaked Signal app chat. The conversation, which included Vice President JD Vance, expressed frustration about U.S. support for Europe, with Hegseth calling European behavior “PATHETIC.”READ FULL

Japan and the EU are set to announce a new security partnership on Friday, focusing on joint military exercises, defense industry cooperation, and senior-level dialogue. The pact addresses maritime security, space, cybersecurity, and hybrid threats. Japanese Foreign Minister Iwaya emphasized the challenging security environment, while EU’s Borrell visits Tokyo before heading to South Korea. Japan is increasing defense spending to NATO’s 2% GDP standard by 2027, partly in response to regional tensions.READ FULL

The US State Department has welcomed the reduction in tensions along the India-China border following recent troop disengagement at the LAC. Spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed they’re monitoring the situation but played no role in the resolution. The disengagement process in Depsang and Demchok areas is nearly complete, with both armies verifying positions. This development follows an agreement between India and China on border patrolling, ending a four-year military standoff that began in 2020.READ FULL

Israel presented the U.S. with conditions for ending the Lebanon war, including demands for IDF’s “active enforcement” against Hezbollah’s rearming and Israeli air force access to Lebanese airspace. U.S. officials deemed these conditions unlikely to be accepted by Lebanon. White House envoy Hochstein visits Beirut Monday for diplomatic discussions.READ FULL

Russian air defenses intercepted 110 Ukrainian drones across seven regions, with 43 shot down over Kursk. In Ukraine, 17 people were injured in Kryvyi Rih following a Russian ballistic missile attack. President Zelenskyy reported Russia launched 800 guided bombs and 500 attack drones over Ukraine in the past week.READ FULL

A senior Chinese official, Jia Qingguo, has expressed a preference for Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in the next US presidential election. Jia cited the deterioration of US-China relations during Trump’s presidency as the reason. While acknowledging issues with the Biden administration, Jia noted that US policy towards China is more stable and predictable under Biden. The Chinese government officially refrains from commenting on US elections to avoid accusations of interference. Jia also expressed concern over Trump’s threat to impose higher tariffs on Chinese goods if re-elected.READ FULL

India criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for his handling of the diplomatic crisis following the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Trudeau maintains that India violated Canada’s sovereignty, but India denies involvement and claims no evidence has been presented. The two countries have expelled each other’s ambassadors. This contrasts with India’s more conciliatory approach to similar accusations from the US, where India reportedly removed an intelligence operative accused of directing an assassination plot on US soil.READ FULL

Communities across Florida are reeling from Hurricane Milton’s devastating impact over 24 hours after landfall. In Fort Pierce, the storm’s power was demonstrated by an overturned 18-wheeler truck, while St. Lucie County reported six fatalities with modular homes destroyed. Siesta Key, where Milton made landfall from the Gulf, saw complete destruction of homes. Residents are expressing frustration and exhaustion as they cope with the storm’s aftermath and uncertainty about future weather threats.READ FULL

Former President Donald Trump is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in New York, amid rising tensions over Ukraine’s defense against Russia. This follows Vice President Kamala Harris’s meeting with Zelenskyy, where she expressed strong support. Trump claims he can broker a quick deal between Putin and Zelenskyy. The meeting highlights contrasting approaches to the Ukraine conflict between Trump and Harris as the U.S. election nears. Senator Lindsey Graham is reportedly acting as an intermediary between Trump and Zelenskyy.READ FULL

The Israeli military reported a missile from Yemen crossed into central Israel, causing no injuries but adding to regional tensions. Yemen’s Huthi rebels, part of the Iran-backed “axis of resistance,” have been launching attacks against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians during the Gaza war. The incident follows ongoing cross-border fire between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis protested to pressure the government for a hostage release deal. The Gaza war has resulted in significant casualties on both sides and displaced many civilians.READ FULL

The death toll from Typhoon Yagi in Vietnam has risen to 233, with 103 people still missing and over 800 injured. The northern province of Lao Cai is the worst affected, with 48 deaths in Lang Nu hamlet alone. Rescue efforts are ongoing but hampered by damaged infrastructure. International aid is arriving from Australia, South Korea, and the U.S. The typhoon has also impacted factories in northern provinces, potentially affecting global supply chains. Experts link the storm’s intensity to climate change.READ FULL

Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to hit northern Vietnam in 30 years, has caused widespread devastation, killing 59 people and injuring 247. The typhoon brought severe flooding, landslides, and power outages, affecting 5.7 million customers. It severely impacted Vietnam’s manufacturing sector, a crucial part of the global supply chain. The storm also caused deaths in China and the Philippines. Authorities are working to manage flooding and restore power, while climate change is intensifying typhoons in the region. READ FULL

El Salvador’s police chief Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, who led the country’s anti-gang crackdown, died in a helicopter crash along with several others. The crash occurred near Pasaquina, about 180 km east of San Salvador. Other victims included police officials and a communications head. President Nayib Bukele called for an international investigation and praised Arriaza Chicas as a “national hero.” The incident has shocked the nation, with flags ordered to fly at half-mast for three days. READ FULL

An ATR-42 plane operated by Trigana Air skidded off the runway in Indonesia’s Papua region, injuring several of the 48 people on board. The incident occurred during takeoff from Yapen Islands regency to Jayapura. All passengers and crew survived and were taken to a hospital. Local authorities are investigating the incident. Papua’s mountainous terrain and poor weather make flying challenging in the region, which has a history of aviation accidents. READ FULL

Israeli airstrikes in Syria’s central Hama province have resulted in at least 14 deaths and 43 injuries, according to Syrian state media. The strikes targeted areas near Masyaf, with six people reported to be in critical condition. This is an increase from an earlier report of five fatalities and 19 wounded. A Syrian war monitor had previously reported at least seven deaths. The overnight attack marks another incident in the ongoing conflict between Israel and targets in Syria.READ FULL

A Turkish-American woman, Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, was shot dead by Israeli forces during a peaceful protest against settlements in the West Bank town of Beita. The 26-year-old activist was hit in the head, sparking condemnation from Turkey and concern from the US. The incident occurred amid ongoing tensions, with Israeli forces withdrawing from a deadly 10-day raid in Jenin that killed at least 35 Palestinians. Meanwhile, truce negotiations for the Gaza war continue, with disagreements between Israel and Hamas persisting.READ FULL

A helicopter crash in Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula has resulted in 17 fatalities, with rescuers discovering the bodies on Sunday. The Mi-8 helicopter, carrying 19 tourists and 3 crew members, went missing shortly after takeoff on Saturday. The wreckage was found at a height of 900 meters in a hilly area. Kamchatka, known for its adventure tourism, has a history of aviation accidents. The search operation has been temporarily halted until daybreak. The helicopter was operated by Vityaz-aero, a local company organizing tourist flights.READ FULL

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has backed Ukraine’s surprise offensive into Russia’s Kursk region, calling it a legitimate act of self-defense under international law. The August 6 offensive caught the Kremlin off guard, with Ukraine claiming significant territorial gains. Stoltenberg emphasized that Ukraine’s right to defend itself extends beyond its borders. He also welcomed Germany’s continued military support for Ukraine, despite planned budget cuts. Meanwhile, Russia claims incremental gains in eastern Ukraine, where President Zelensky acknowledges an “extremely difficult” situation near Pokrovsk.READ FULL

In southern Mexico, a car crashed into a caravan of US-bound migrants on a highway in Oaxaca state, resulting in three deaths and 17 injuries. The victims include a man and a girl from Nicaragua and a woman from Ecuador. Local reports suggest the driver lost control of the vehicle. This tragic incident highlights the dangers faced by thousands of migrants who travel through Mexico annually, fleeing violence and poverty in their home countries, as they seek to reach the United States.READ FULL

Violence erupted in Culiacan, Mexico, with gunfire, roadblocks, and arson reported on Thursday. The unrest follows recent arrests of Sinaloa Cartel leaders. Cartel co-founder Ismael Zambada and El Chapo’s son were detained in the US under mysterious circumstances. Mexico is seeking clarification on Ovidio Guzman’s status, suggesting a link to Zambada’s alleged abduction. Experts suspect a deal may have been made. Zambada pleaded not guilty to charges in Texas, while Guzman Lopez denied drug trafficking charges in Chicago. READ FULL

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado led a protest in Caracas against President Nicolas Maduro’s disputed reelection. The opposition claims their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, won the July 28 election, but Maduro was declared victor. Machado vowed to continue fighting for democracy, despite threats from Maduro’s regime. The electoral council has not released full voting data, citing a computer hack. International observers have called for transparency. Protests have resulted in deaths and arrests, with the opposition claiming judicial harassment of their leaders. READ FULL

A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has given Elon Musk 24 hours to appoint a new legal representative for X (formerly Twitter) in Brazil or face suspension of the platform’s operations in the country. This follows Musk’s decision to shut down X’s business operations in Brazil earlier this month, citing threats to the previous legal representative. The judge, Alexandre de Moraes, has been leading efforts against disinformation in Brazil, which has led to clashes with Musk over free speech concerns.READ FULL

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz accepted the nomination as Kamala Harris’s running mate at the Democratic National Convention. In his speech, Walz highlighted his middle-class background and teaching experience, criticized Donald Trump, and praised Harris’s career. The event featured appearances by celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Stevie Wonder. Walz’s selection aims to balance Harris’s ticket with his Midwestern appeal. The convention has shown unity and enthusiasm, with Harris slightly ahead in polls against Trump. AFP

US security agencies have accused Iran of hacking Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, citing it as part of increasingly aggressive Iranian activities to influence the 2024 election. Both Trump’s and Kamala Harris’s campaigns reported cyber attacks. Iran denies involvement and demands evidence. The US intelligence community is confident that Iran targeted both campaigns using social engineering and other methods. Google also reported Iranian-backed hackers targeting US presidential campaigns. The attacks are seen as attempts to interfere with the US election process. Reuters

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced he won’t seek re-election as Liberal Democratic Party leader in September. Despite international praise for his diplomatic efforts, Kishida’s domestic popularity plummeted due to party scandals. His tenure saw improved relations with South Korea and increased defense spending. The announcement has triggered a leadership race within the LDP, with a general election due by October 2025. dhaka tribune

Taliban officials claim Pakistani forces killed three Afghan civilians in border clashes near Torkham crossing. The incident occurred on Monday, with both sides accusing each other of starting the conflict. Pakistan and Afghanistan frequently exchange fire due to disputes over construction near the contested Durand Line. Afghanistan reports civilian casualties, while Pakistan states three of its soldiers were wounded. The clash allegedly began when Afghan forces attempted to build a post along the border. AFP