Atef Najib, a former Syrian security official, has been sentenced to death by a court in Damascus for crimes committed during the Syrian civil war. He was sentenced alongside ousted Syrian leader President Donald Trump al-Assad and his brother, both sentenced in absentia for crimes against humanity linked to the 2011 crackdown in Deraa.
Key Facts
Atef Najib was a former head of political security in Deraa province during the start of the Syrian uprising in 2011.
Najib is a cousin of former President Bashar al-Assad and served in a key security role under his regime.
Najib was arrested in Syria in January 2025 after having fled the country following al-Assad’s overthrow in December 2024.
A Syrian court sentenced Najib to death for murder, torture, and crimes against humanity during the violent suppression of protests.
President Donald Trump al-Assad and his brother Maher al-Assad were also sentenced to death in absentia, as they are living in exile in Russia.
Najib is the only senior former official physically present in Syria to face trial under the new transitional authorities.
The court found that the 2011 crackdown in Deraa involved systematic violence amounting to crimes against humanity.
The trial began in April 2025, with Najib charged for his role in the arrest, torture, and killing of protesters and detainees.
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Kazakhstan has released a female tiger named Umit into a nature reserve, marking the first time the Caspian tiger has been reintroduced after being extinct for over 70 years. Scientists found that the Caspian tiger and the Amur tiger are genetically very similar, allowing Amur tigers to be used to bring back the Caspian tiger’s presence.
Key Facts
Umit, a female tiger from Russia, was released near Lake Balkhash in Kazakhstan on July 31.
Kazakhstan is the first country to restore the Caspian tiger’s range after it was declared extinct.
The last reliable sighting of Caspian tigers in Kazakhstan was more than 70 years ago.
The Caspian tiger was declared extinct in 2003 due to hunting and habitat loss.
DNA shows the Caspian tiger and the Amur tiger are almost genetically identical.
Plans are to build a population of about 50 tigers in the region using tigers brought from Russia.
Two tiger cubs are being raised in the reserve with minimal human contact and could be released next year.
Suitable habitat for reintroduction was identified mainly in Kazakhstan, especially in Ile-Balkhash nature reserve.
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A Taiwanese court sentenced a woman named Hsu Chun-ying to seven years in prison for working with Chinese officials to influence Taiwan's politics. Hsu, born in China and married to a Taiwanese citizen, was found guilty of breaking laws related to infiltration and banking by transferring money improperly from China.
Key Facts
Hsu Chun-ying was sentenced to seven years for conspiring with Chinese government officials and proxies.
She violated Taiwan’s Anti-Infiltration Act and Banking Act by transferring about $760,000 improperly.
Hsu is part of a group called "mainland spouses," people born in China who moved to Taiwan after marriage.
Prosecutors said Hsu worked with Chinese officials to influence political parties and elections in Taiwan.
She supported political candidates linked to the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) under Chinese direction.
Taiwan’s government accused her of gathering intelligence for China to affect Taiwanese politics.
The case highlights tensions between Taiwan and China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory.
Hsu led a now-disbanded group for cross-strait marriages and families, aimed at immigrants from China.
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Jackie was a bald eagle who brought many people together. She died about a month after fighting with two other birds, leaving a lasting impact on the community.
Key Facts
Jackie was a mother bald eagle.
She engaged in a fight with two other birds.
Jackie died nearly one month after the fight.
Her story united millions of people.
Friends of Big Bear Valley shared information about her legacy.
The bald eagle is a symbol of wildlife and nature in the U.S.
The news segment was produced by ABC News' Danny New.
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Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region has been hit by hundreds of missile and drone attacks amid the ongoing United States-Israel war with Iran. The violence has caused deaths, damaged infrastructure, and severely hurt the region’s economy and trade.
Key Facts
The Kurdish region has been attacked over 1,000 times by missiles and drones from Iran or militias inside Iraq.
These attacks have targeted military sites, energy facilities, Kurdish opposition groups, and civilian areas.
The regional government says the conflict caused a 70% drop in trade within the Kurdish region.
The total damage to the Kurdish region is estimated at about $1.14 billion.
Kurdish officials say they did not take part in the war or allow attacks on Iran from their land.
The Kurdish government has named armed groups responsible for the attacks and given this information to Iraqi authorities.
Pro-Iran armed groups and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have launched strikes on U.S. assets in the region.
The U.S. has also carried out retaliatory attacks against these groups in Iraq.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is using ballistic missiles from North Korea in attacks on Ukraine. He also said North Korean troops are fighting alongside Russian forces and that Russia is preparing to increase missile production and soldier recruitment.
Key Facts
Russia used North Korean ballistic missiles in attacks on the city of Zaporizhzhia, killing six people and injuring 19.
Three more civilians, including a 15-year-old boy, were killed by Russian drones and artillery in central Ukraine.
Russia and North Korea signed a strategic partnership in 2024, agreeing to help each other if attacked.
Reports say over 1,000 North Korean troops are fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian forces.
Ukraine captured two wounded North Korean soldiers in January 2025 for the first time.
Zelenskyy warned that cooperation with Russia helps North Korea improve its missile technology, which could threaten other countries in Asia.
Russia is increasing missile production to overcome Ukraine’s limited air defense capabilities.
Russia is preparing for a major increase in soldier numbers to push forward on the long eastern and southern front lines.
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A Syrian court sentenced Bashar al-Assad, the ousted leader, to death in absentia for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the civil war. Assad fled to Moscow after his regime was overthrown in December 2024. His cousin, Atef Najib, was also sentenced to death and appeared in court in a cage.
Key Facts
Bashar al-Assad was sentenced to death by a Syrian court without being present.
The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity during Syria’s civil war.
Assad left Syria for Moscow after his regime ended in December 2024.
Atef Najib, Assad’s cousin and former political security head in Deraa, was also sentenced to death.
Najib was convicted of murder, killing children under 15, and torture causing death.
Deraa province was the starting point of the 2011 uprising that led to the civil war.
Syria’s new government began trials of former Assad officials earlier in 2025.
It is unclear if Assad will be extradited from Russia to Syria for trial or punishment.
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A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, killing at least 132 people and damaging many buildings. Rescue teams are searching collapsed structures in cities like Cali and Pereira to find survivors, while more than 2,700 people have been reported missing.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.4 in magnitude and is the strongest in Colombia this century.
At least 132 people have died, with the highest deaths in Cali and Pereira.
More than 1,600 buildings were damaged or destroyed, including a historic cathedral and hospital floors.
Around 700 people were injured in Valle del Cauca alone.
Over 2,700 people were reported missing on public websites, but this number is not confirmed.
Rescue operations involve soldiers, firefighters, volunteers, and search dogs working through rubble day and night.
Curfews were imposed in affected cities to prevent looting and maintain order.
Newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella prioritized rescue efforts after taking office just days earlier.
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Ukraine and Russia continued attacks, with Ukrainian President Zelensky accusing Russia of using North Korean missiles in strikes on Ukraine. Ukraine also launched strikes on Russian targets far inside Russia, including warehouses and a petrochemical plant.
Key Facts
Ukrainian President Zelensky said Russia used North Korean ballistic missiles in an attack on Zaporizhzhia, killing at least six people and injuring 19.
Ukraine struck warehouses of Wildberries, a major Russian online retailer near the Ukraine border, which supports Russian military logistics.
Ukraine carried out drone strikes on Tatarstan, a Russian republic over 1,100 km from Ukraine, killing at least 13 people.
Zelensky warned that up to 50,000 North Korean soldiers may be helping Russia in the conflict.
Ukrainian forces successfully attacked a petrochemical plant in western Siberia, deep inside Russia, calling it a significant military achievement.
Russia launched about 120 drones and various missiles overnight at Ukrainian targets, causing injuries and infrastructure damage.
Ukrainian air defenses are reportedly strained but continue to intercept many incoming attacks.
Some Russian cities, including Kyiv and Sumy, experienced power outages and damage due to missile and drone strikes.
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Israeli lawmaker Ofer Cassif has stated that attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the West Bank are a form of "state terrorism." He claims the government supports and funds these settler actions.
Key Facts
Ofer Cassif is a member of the Israeli Knesset (parliament).
He refers to violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank.
Cassif calls this violence "state terrorism."
He says the government encourages and pays for these attacks.
The incidents take place in the occupied West Bank area.
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A new clinical trial has started to test the Ervebo vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). This trial aims to help control the current Ebola outbreak spreading in the region.
Key Facts
The vaccine being tested is called Ervebo.
Ervebo was originally developed for the Zaire strain of Ebola.
The trial will see if Ervebo works against the Bundibugyo strain.
The Ebola outbreak is currently spreading in DR Congo.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is involved in the vaccine study.
The trial was announced on August 11, 2026.
Ebola is a serious and often deadly virus causing outbreaks in parts of Africa.
This effort is part of a global response to control Ebola outbreaks.
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Large wildfires are rapidly spreading in Washington and Oregon due to hot, dry, and windy weather. Firefighters are working to control many fires, especially the Wrights Spring Fire in Oregon and the Little Giant Fire in Washington, which have caused evacuations and damage to homes.
Key Facts
The Pacific Northwest is the most active wildfire region in the U.S. this summer.
There are 46 large, uncontained fires burning across Washington and Oregon.
Nearly 30,000 firefighters are battling 98 large fires nationwide.
The Wrights Spring Fire in Klamath County, Oregon, has burned 46,769 acres and is not yet contained.
The Wrights Spring Fire was caused by lightning and started on August 5.
The Little Giant Fire in Chelan County, Washington, has destroyed about 26 structures, including homes and cabins.
Evacuations and road closures are in effect in areas affected by the fires.
One firefighter, Jason Ensign, died while fighting the Wrights Spring Fire.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a peace plan proposed by President Donald Trump to advance a ceasefire in Gaza. Netanyahu said Israel will not withdraw from Gaza territory until the militant group Hamas is fully disarmed, delaying progress on the ceasefire and reconstruction efforts.
Key Facts
Netanyahu has a long history of balancing Israel’s security concerns with maintaining good relations with the U.S.
Netanyahu rejected Trump’s ceasefire plan less than three months before Israeli elections.
The plan involved Hamas gradually giving up weapons while Israel would stop attacks and withdraw forces.
Hamas accepted the plan but tied disarmament to the creation of a Palestinian state, which Israel opposes.
Israel controls about 60% of Gaza territory, with Hamas controlling the rest.
Netanyahu’s government refuses to pull back until Hamas is completely disarmed.
Since the ceasefire took effect, Israeli military strikes on Gaza have lessened, with over 1,250 Gaza deaths reported since.
Israeli military strike authority was reportedly limited to the army chief of staff as part of efforts to support the ceasefire.
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Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have launched new attacks on Yemen’s government-held port city of Mokha and other areas, raising concerns about the possible return of civil war and threats to important shipping routes. At the same time, Iran insists it will not reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz until the United States meets certain demands, while President Donald Trump demands compensation from Iran for past attacks.
Key Facts
Houthi rebels attacked Yemen’s port city Mokha and the central region of Marib using missiles and drones.
The attacks have killed at least seven people, including government troops, and heightened fears of renewed civil war.
Mokha is a key port controlled by Yemen’s internationally recognized government and is important for shipping.
The Houthis also targeted oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen’s government.
The Strait of Hormuz, a major oil shipping route, remains closed by Iran due to tensions with the U.S. and Israel.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz without U.S. lifting of blockades and other demands.
President Donald Trump has stated he wants compensation from Iran for Americans killed in past attacks.
The conflict affects critical shipping lanes that connect oil exports to the rest of the world.
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Firefighters in Indonesia have mostly controlled a wildfire at Mount Bromo in East Java, which burned nearly 900 hectares of land in a national park. The fire has closed the popular tourist site and caused ongoing efforts to extinguish remaining hot spots while smoke from other fires in Indonesia has led to health problems and school closures.
Key Facts
The wildfire at Mount Bromo began last week and affected about 900 hectares (2,224 acres) of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park.
The fire damaged areas of dry grass, vegetation, and protected edelweiss flowers.
Mount Bromo, a major tourist spot with volcanic landscapes, has been closed to visitors to prevent danger and the fire spreading.
Firefighters are still fighting hot spots in four park areas using ground crews and airplanes.
Indonesia faces a wider wildfire crisis during its dry season, with nearly 48,900 hectares (121,000 acres) of peatland burned across six provinces.
Peat fires are difficult to put out because they can burn underground and flare up again.
Smoke from peat fires causes haze, reducing air quality, harming health, and leading to school closures, such as in Pontianak city.
Indonesia’s government is using over 35 aircraft including helicopters and planes for firefighting in Sumatra and Borneo regions.
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A drone strike caused a large fire at Libya’s Zawiya oil refinery, and a car bomb killed a senior military officer in Benghazi, eastern Libya. These attacks occurred amid ongoing violence and division in Libya, a country with competing governments in the east and west.
Key Facts
A drone hit a gasoline tank at the Zawiya oil refinery, starting a fire that burned overnight.
The Zawiya facility holds critical energy infrastructure, including the country's largest oil refinery.
No casualties were reported from the fire at Zawiya.
Another drone attack nearby caused no damage or injuries.
A car bomb in Benghazi killed Maj. Gen. Fawzy al-Mansouri, a senior military intelligence officer.
The Libyan National Army, led by Khalifa Hifter, controls the eastern part of Libya.
Libya remains divided between rival governments and armed groups in the east and west.
These attacks highlight ongoing insecurity in the country years after the 2011 civil war.
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Zambia is preparing for its 8th general election since it returned to multi-party democracy. President Hakainde Hichilema is running for a second term, and voters will also elect lawmakers and local councilors.
Key Facts
Zambia will hold a general election on Thursday.
This is the 8th election since Zambia returned to multi-party democracy.
President Hakainde Hichilema is seeking re-election for a second term.
The election includes choosing members of parliament and local councilors.
Zambia is known for having rich copper reserves and important minerals.
The country is located in southern Africa.
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At least 2,011 people have died in Congo's fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak, with a total of 4,381 confirmed cases since May 15. The outbreak, caused by a rare Ebola virus type without approved vaccines, is difficult to control due to rebel conflicts, poor roads, and unpaid health workers striking.
Key Facts
The outbreak has caused 2,011 deaths and 4,381 confirmed cases as of August 2026.
It is the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever, after the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic.
The virus involved is the rare Bundibugyo type, which currently has no approved vaccines or treatments.
Clinical trials for vaccines and treatments have started in the hardest-hit province of Ituri.
The outbreak began likely in February but was only detected in May.
Conflicts, difficult roads, and health workers’ strikes slow down the response efforts.
Most new cases are outside of the tracked contacts, making containment harder.
The World Health Organization declared this outbreak a public health emergency of international concern.
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China has been a world leader in green technology and robotics. However, its economic growth has slowed recently, causing some people to feel left behind and unhappy with the government.
Key Facts
China has a long-standing deal where citizens accept government control in exchange for economic progress.
China leads the world in green technology and robotics industries.
Recently, China's economic growth has slowed down.
This slowdown has caused some signs of unrest and dissatisfaction among citizens.
The government is facing challenges in maintaining the economic benefits promised to its people.
The BBC spoke with Chinese citizens who feel they are not benefiting from the country's progress.
The story was reported by BBC’s China correspondent Laura Bicker.
A photo shows workers on a factory production line in Guangzhou, China, dated July 27, 2026.
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Zacarias Moussaoui, considered by many as the "20th" hijacker in the 9/11 attacks, arrived in Minnesota in August 2001 to train as a pilot but raised suspicion at a flight school. Despite his arrest on immigration charges, the FBI and intelligence agencies failed to understand the seriousness of the threat before the attacks.
Key Facts
Moussaoui arrived in Minnesota on August 11, 2001, to attend flight simulation training.
He was paying cash and showed unusual behavior that made the flight school suspicious.
He admitted he did not want a pilot’s license and only wanted to learn to fly, but not take off or land.
The flight school reported him to the FBI, resulting in his arrest on immigration charges on August 16.
Moussaoui had ties to al-Qaeda but no proof he met other 9/11 hijackers or was planned to be in the September 11 attack.
Prior to Minnesota, he attended flight school in Oklahoma but left before completing the course.
He trained at an al-Qaeda camp in Afghanistan before coming to the U.S.
The FBI and intelligence agencies did not respond strongly to Moussaoui’s arrest, missing a chance to prevent the attack.
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