About a month before the 9/11 attacks, the United States was actively attacking Iraq to weaken its military defenses. In August 2001, U.S. fighter jets bombed Iraqi communications facilities as part of ongoing military operations related to enforcing no-fly zones over Iraq.
Key Facts
In August 2001, U.S. aircraft attacked Iraqi communications sites upgraded with fiber optics technology from China.
The fiber optics system improved Iraq's air defense coordination, making it harder to intercept communications.
Since 1991, the U.S. and Britain had maintained no-fly zones over parts of Iraq with about 20,000 American troops in nearby countries.
In 2001, Iraq increasingly targeted U.S. and British aircraft with missiles and radar locks during patrols.
The U.S. changed military rules to allow more flexible and pre-planned retaliatory strikes on Iraq.
A U.S. Predator drone was reportedly shot down by Iraq in late August 2001, though the U.S. denied confirmation.
The U.S. responded to increased Iraqi aggressiveness with additional air attacks on air defense and communications targets.
The Bush administration had two aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf preparing for more military actions.
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A U.S. judge stopped the Defense Department from blacklisting the Chinese biotech company WuXi AppTec, saying there was not enough evidence. This case shows the challenges the U.S. faces when using legal processes against Chinese companies tied to its military goals.
Key Facts
The Pentagon tried to blacklist WuXi AppTec, claiming it supports China’s military growth.
WuXi AppTec is a large pharmaceutical contractor based in Shanghai.
The U.S. court ruled the Pentagon did not prove its case properly.
WuXi AppTec earns most of its money from U.S. clients.
The court found the Defense Department mistakenly claimed Chinese military ownership of WuXi AppTec.
This is not the first time U.S. courts have blocked government efforts to restrict Chinese companies.
The case highlights differences between China’s government system and the U.S. system focused on legal rules and fairness.
President Donald Trump’s administration faced similar setbacks in trying to ban apps and impose tariffs on China.
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Iran believes it has gained the upper hand in its conflict with the United States and Israel, aiming to achieve five key goals to secure its position. These goals include ending U.S. military presence near Iran, preventing future attacks, and seeking compensation for damages caused during the conflict.
Key Facts
Iran sees itself as winning its conflict against the United States and Israel.
Iran wants U.S. military forces to leave the Persian Gulf region to prevent future attacks on its soil.
Some in Iran consider acquiring nuclear weapons as a way to stop attacks, though the official ban on such weapons has not been changed yet.
U.S. military bases near Iran have been damaged by Iranian missile and drone attacks.
The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, signed but never finalized a deal with Iran that included U.S. troop withdrawal.
Iran demands compensation for damage to its military and civilian infrastructure caused by the conflict.
Iran claims control over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway, as part of its victory.
Some Gulf Arab states that supported the U.S. may also be asked to pay reparations for the conflict.
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Israeli settlers have been attacking the Palestinian village of Qusra in the occupied West Bank, cutting off families' water and electricity. The Israeli military has stepped in and criticized the violence but has not stopped the settlers, while the U.S. government has strongly condemned the settlers' actions.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers are targeting the Palestinian village of Qusra with violence and intimidation.
Families in Qusra have lost access to electricity and water.
The attacks aim to push Palestinian families out of their homes.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intervened and condemned the violence.
Despite IDF efforts, settlers continue their attacks, with Palestinians saying soldiers often ignore these actions.
The U.S. government has officially condemned the settlers' behavior.
The village is located in the West Bank, a territory occupied by Israel.
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England and Wales experienced their driest July on record, with very little rain and high temperatures in some areas. Meanwhile, flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains continues to cause deaths and displacements in eastern India.
Key Facts
England had only 6.5mm of rain in July, just 10% of its usual amount for the month.
Wales recorded its driest July ever, and Northern Ireland had its eighth driest.
Scotland did not break records but still had only 69% of its normal July rain.
Southern England, especially the Sussex coast, saw almost no rain, causing very dry soil and high temperatures.
Rain is expected mostly in northern UK; southern England may stay mostly dry through August.
An Atlantic weather disturbance has an 80% chance to become a tropical storm named Dolly.
Flooding in Assam, India, has caused 100 deaths and displaced 700,000 people in the last month.
Lightning storms in eastern India caused 14 deaths on August 4, mostly among farm workers caught outdoors.
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An American missionary named Kevin Rideout, who was kidnapped in Niger in October 2025, has been freed and is in good health under U.S. care. Niger faces ongoing violence from armed groups and political instability since a military takeover in 2023.
Key Facts
Kevin Rideout was kidnapped on October 21, 2025, in Niger’s capital, Niamey.
Three armed people abducted him, but no group claimed responsibility.
Rideout is now safe and with U.S. officials; he will soon reunite with family.
Niger has frequent attacks by armed groups linked to al-Qaida and Islamic State.
The U.S. warned its citizens about high kidnapping risks in Niger after the abduction.
A military junta has ruled Niger since 2023 after overthrowing President Mohamed Bazoum.
The new rulers ended many Western partnerships, including with the U.S., and aligned with Russia.
In June 2026, gunmen attacked Niamey airport, killing more than 30 people; this was the second such attack that year.
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An American missionary named Kevin Rideout was kidnapped in Niger in October 2025. After nine months, he has been released and is now in good health under the care of U.S. officials.
Key Facts
Kevin Rideout, an American missionary, was taken hostage in Niger in October 2025.
He was held captive for about nine months.
His organization, SIM International, confirmed his release on August 14, 2026.
Rideout is reported to be in good health.
He is currently with U.S. officials for his care and protection.
Rideout will soon be reunited with his extended family.
The incident took place in Niger, a country in West Africa.
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Police in Brazil have recovered eight stolen artworks by French artist Henri Matisse from a house in São Bernardo do Campo near São Paulo. A man was arrested at the scene, and the stolen illustrations were returned to the Mario de Andrade Library, where they were taken during a robbery last December.
Key Facts
Eight Matisse illustrations worth about $200,000 were stolen from the Mario de Andrade Library in São Paulo in December 2025.
The artworks were found and recovered by police at a home in São Bernardo do Campo.
A 44-year-old man was arrested for storing the stolen artworks.
The theft involved two thieves who overpowered a security guard and two elderly visitors.
Five other artworks by the Brazilian artist Candido Portinari taken in the same robbery have not been found yet.
Police suspect a 53-year-old man, described as a prolific art thief, planned the crime and is already in custody for another case.
The stolen artworks were part of a joint exhibition between the library and the São Paulo Museum of Modern Art.
Security at the library has been improved since the theft.
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Wildfires have forced thousands of people to leave their homes in Germany, France, Croatia, and Greece. These fires come after several heatwaves this summer that have burned about 500,000 hectares of land across the European Union.
Key Facts
Wildfires are spreading in western and southeastern Europe due to recent heatwaves.
About 1,800 people evacuated in western Germany near the village of Gey, close to Belgium.
In southwestern France, 525 people fled fires in the Landes pine forests, where 1,100 hectares have burned.
In Croatia, strong winds pushed a fire into the town of Omis, hospitalizing 14 people in nearby Split, with seven in critical condition.
Northern Greece’s Halkidiki region saw evacuations after fires endangered homes and holiday resorts.
Around 500 firefighters and six aircraft are working to control the fires in France.
Scientists link the hot weather and drought causing these wildfires to climate change.
Heatwaves this summer have especially affected France, Spain, Greece, and the Balkans.
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Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto said the country’s economy grew strongly in the first half of 2026, showing the highest growth in over 13 years. He expects the economy to grow by 6% by the end of the year and emphasized that growth should help create jobs and improve the living standards of ordinary Indonesians.
Key Facts
Indonesia’s economy grew 5.61% in the first quarter and 5.45% in the first half of 2026.
This is the highest economic growth for those periods in 13 years.
President Prabowo aims for 6% economic growth by the end of 2026.
He said growth and investment should lead to better lives for Indonesian people, not just higher numbers.
In 2025, investment in Indonesia reached 1,931 trillion rupiah (about $108 billion), creating over 2.7 million jobs.
In the first half of 2026, investment totaled 1,010 trillion rupiah (about $56.7 billion) and created more than 1.4 million new jobs.
President Prabowo spoke during the annual State of the Nation address before the country's Independence Day.
He highlighted the importance of using investment to improve access to jobs, basic services, and government support, especially for lower-income citizens.
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A fire broke out early Friday morning in a 21-story building in Berlin, injuring about five people. Residents were evacuated, and some considered jumping to escape before firefighters controlled the blaze within three hours.
Key Facts
The fire started around 6:30 a.m. in the Friedrichshain neighborhood near Berlin’s Ostbahnhof train station.
It began in an apartment on the 11th floor and spread to the floor above.
Approximately five people were injured, but the seriousness of their injuries is not yet clear.
All residents of the building were evacuated safely.
One person had to jump into a firetruck’s aerial basket during the rescue.
Firefighters described the rescue as “dramatic.”
The fire was brought under control in less than three hours.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
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The investigation into Nigel Farage for not declaring gifts and donations has started again after he was re-elected as the MP for Clacton. The probe looks at whether Farage should have declared a £5 million gift and other support from friends, while Farage says the process is unfair and politically motivated.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage resigned as MP and triggered a byelection to challenge the investigation into his finances.
The investigation paused when Farage resigned but resumed after he won the byelection.
The main issue is whether Farage declared a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne before he was in politics.
The inquiry also reviews if Farage declared support from George Cottrell, who let him use a home and paid for social media work.
If Farage is found guilty and suspended for 10 or more days, a recall vote could force another byelection.
Farage claimed the investigation was used as a political weapon.
No main political parties stood against him in the byelection, only minor or novelty candidates.
The standards commissioner, Daniel Greenberg, is leading the investigation.
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Investigators found that metal fatigue caused an engine fan blade to break during a Ryanair flight, sending debris into the cabin and breaking a window. A passenger was partially pulled through the broken window but was rescued with injuries.
Key Facts
The incident happened on July 10 on a Boeing 737-800 flying from Greece to Germany.
Engine fan blade fractured due to metal fatigue, which is when repeated stress weakens metal.
Debris from the broken blade hit the airplane and shattered a cabin window at row 11.
A 61-year-old passenger was partially pulled through the broken window and injured.
Passengers helped pull the man back into the cabin and blocked the opening with a metal box.
Bird remains were found in the engine, but officials have not confirmed a bird strike caused the blade failure.
The engine had four suspected bird strikes in the past year and had passed two recent inspections.
The investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still ongoing.
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Tropical Storm Lala is moving toward Hawaii and is expected to become a hurricane before reaching the Big Island. Officials have issued warnings for hurricane conditions on the Big Island and tropical storm watches for nearby islands due to strong winds and heavy rain.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Lala was named on Thursday and is the second named storm in the Central Pacific this season.
Lala is moving west-northwest at about 12 miles per hour.
Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph, with stronger gusts expected.
The storm is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane before reaching the Big Island on Saturday.
A hurricane warning is in place for Hawaii County (Big Island).
A tropical storm watch covers Maui County, including Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.
Rainfall between 8 and 12 inches is expected on Maui and the Big Island, with up to 25 inches possible in some parts of the Big Island.
Heavy rain could cause flooding and mudslides, especially in steep areas.
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In The Gambia, a group of women called the Kanyeleng use singing and dancing to support women who have experienced infertility and child loss. This tradition, rooted in Mandinka culture and found across several West African countries, helps these women share their grief and find strength together through music.
Key Facts
The Kanyeleng are women who come together to sing and dance to offer support to those who have lost children or face infertility.
Women in the group dress in men's clothes and colorful headscarves during their performances.
The tradition mainly belongs to the Mandinka ethnic group but is practiced in other communities with different local names.
There are more than 100 Kanyeleng groups across The Gambia, especially in coastal towns like Bakau.
The practice is cultural rather than religious and has been passed down for many generations.
Mentending Trawally, age 84, is one of the long-time members who learned the songs as a teenager.
Kanyeleng groups perform at social events like weddings, sometimes raising small donations to support their work.
The tradition helps women cope with societal pressures linked to motherhood by giving them a public voice through song.
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NATO fighter jets shot down a drone that entered Latvia’s airspace on August 14, 2026. This happened amid ongoing tensions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with other nearby countries also increasing air and sea security to guard against drone threats.
Key Facts
The drone flew over eastern Latvia, which is a NATO and European Union member.
NATO jets destroyed the unmanned aerial vehicle to protect Latvian airspace.
Finland imposed temporary restrictions on air and sea traffic in the Gulf of Finland as a safety precaution against possible drones.
Russia’s Leningrad region claimed to have shot down 54 Ukrainian drones and reported a fire at a Baltic Sea port after an attack.
In June, French NATO jets shot down a drone in Latvia, marking the first time NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission intercepting a drone there.
Germany found a drone with explosives near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig airport, and drone activity disrupted Hanover airport operations recently.
Neighboring countries to Russia and Ukraine often issue warnings and shoot down drones amid ongoing conflict-related threats.
NATO’s northern neighbors are increasing security at critical infrastructure fearing possible false flag attacks involving drones.
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Two Venezuelan brothers, Deivi (15) and Winder (17), survived deadly earthquakes in Venezuela that killed three of their family members, including their mother. After moving to Colombia to be with their father, they experienced another earthquake, continuing to face trauma from these events.
Key Facts
Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela on June 24, with magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5.
The brothers’ 12-story apartment in La Guaira collapsed, killing their mother, grandmother, and younger brother.
More than 6,300 people died in Venezuela due to these earthquakes.
Deivi and Winder helped with rescue efforts despite being teenagers.
After their home was destroyed, the brothers moved to Cali, Colombia, to join their father.
Three days after arriving in Colombia, they felt another earthquake.
The family searched for nearly a month for buried relatives using small spaces and mobile phone lights.
Finding the bodies of their mother and brother deeply affected the family.
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Twenty-one white storks were released into the wild in Cornwall after being raised in captivity at an aviary near Bodmin Moor. The birds are expected to spend a few months in Cornwall before migrating south for the winter, with hopes they will return in future years to breed.
Key Facts
The Cornwall Stork Project released 21 white storks, most hatched on site in 2024.
The released storks will likely migrate to places like southern Spain or Morocco for the winter.
The project uses breeding aviaries to raise storks that then accept the local area as home.
The project is based at Hamatethy farm, which also focuses on organic farming and rewilding.
The project started in 2021 and now has five pairs of adult storks bred or rescued there.
Natural England advises that white storks were never native breeding birds in England and does not prioritize their release.
Project leader Yan Swiderski noted climate change is shifting bird ranges northward in Europe.
The project follows a similar successful white stork reintroduction model from the Knepp estate in West Sussex.
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The mayor of Badakhshan province in northeastern Afghanistan was killed in a bomb explosion in Faizabad. This is the second recent killing of a high-ranking Taliban official in the region ahead of the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power.
Key Facts
Habib Ur Rahman Mansoor, the mayor of Badakhshan province, died in a car explosion in Faizabad.
Another Taliban official, Zabihullah Amiri, was killed by gunmen in the same province two weeks earlier.
Taliban officials have occasionally been targets of attacks since they took control in August 2021.
In December 2024, Khalil Haqqani, the refugee minister related to the Interior Minister, died in a suicide bombing in Kabul.
A car bomb in June 2023 killed Badakhshan’s deputy governor and his driver; the Islamic State affiliate in the area claimed responsibility.
A memorial service bombing days after that incident killed at least 13 people.
Another northern province governor was killed in a bomb attack in March 2023.
The motives for the recent attacks on Taliban officials in Badakhshan remain unknown.
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France and England are fighting multiple wildfires as a very hot heat wave affects much of Europe. The fires are spreading quickly because the land is very dry, and many people have had to leave their homes for safety.
Key Facts
France is experiencing its driest year on record, making fires easier to spread.
A wildfire in the Landes region of southwest France forced over 500 people to evacuate.
Several parts of France, including normally cooler northern areas, have active fires.
A large fire near Bordeaux last month caused 250,000 people to leave their homes.
England saw its hottest day of the year at 38.1°C (100.6°F) in west London.
Over 1,000 wildfires have been reported in England and Wales this year.
In the West Midlands, wildfires destroyed several houses and were among the worst incidents firefighters faced.
Similar fires and evacuations happened in northern Greece as well.
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