A drone carrying explosives was found and made safe at Leipzig Airport in Germany. Another flying object hit a cargo plane, causing small damage, and airport operations were paused for two hours. Authorities suspect a connection to Russia and warn of a new threat to Germany.
Key Facts
A drone with an explosive device was discovered on the ground at Leipzig Airport.
The bomb was safely defused by authorities using a bomb-disposal robot.
A second flying object collided with a cargo plane, causing minor damage.
Air traffic at Leipzig Airport was stopped for two hours due to the incident.
German Interior Minister warned that this attack shows a new level of threat to the country.
Officials are investigating a possible link to Russia.
The incident happened amid ongoing tensions involving Russia and Ukraine.
No casualties were reported from the drone incident or cargo plane damage.
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North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast, according to South Korea's military. South Korea, the U.S., and Japan are monitoring the situation closely as North Korea continues its missile and nuclear weapons development.
Key Facts
North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile near Wonsan on its east coast.
The launch was detected around 5 p.m. local time (0900 GMT).
South Korea increased surveillance and is coordinating with the U.S. and Japan in response.
Japan’s Defense Ministry confirmed a possible missile launch but no impact near Japan.
North Korea has focused on expanding its nuclear and missile weapons since diplomacy with President Trump ended in 2019.
Kim Jong Un is working on new military goals, including nuclear-capable cruise missiles and submarines.
North Korea is developing intercontinental ballistic missiles that can launch from underwater.
The country has also strengthened ties with Russia and supplied weapons and troops to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
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At least 308 people abducted in northern Nigeria have been rescued, President Bola Tinubu announced. The group includes victims from Kwara and Niger states, and they were freed from a forest after spending months in captivity.
Key Facts
308 abducted people were rescued in a single operation in northern Nigeria.
Among those freed were 163 people taken from Woro community in Kwara state and 145 mostly from Niger state.
The rescued individuals were held captive for several months and are now receiving medical care.
The government described the rescue as the largest of its kind in Nigeria done in one day.
President Tinubu praised the security forces for their teamwork and bravery in conducting the rescue.
Abductions, especially of students, are common in Nigeria’s north and are often used by armed groups to demand ransom.
The armed groups, called bandits, are mostly ex-herders who turned to violence after land conflicts with farmers.
Nigeria also faces a long-lasting insurgency in the northeast region.
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Iran is close to finalizing an agreement with Oman about the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil and gas shipping. In southern Lebanon, two Israeli soldiers were killed amid tensions following a truce with Hezbollah, as negotiators from Israel and Lebanon met in Rome to discuss the ceasefire terms. Meanwhile, the war in Sudan threatens the ancient Meroe pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Facts
Iran's Foreign Ministry said talks with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz are in the final drafting stage.
The agreement may depend on the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iranian ports.
The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global oil and natural gas shipments, with about 20% of these passing through it before the war.
Two Israeli soldiers died and four were seriously wounded in an explosion in southern Lebanon.
This is the first Israeli military death since a truce with Hezbollah was made in June.
Israel conducted strikes in southern Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of violating the ceasefire.
Israeli and Lebanese negotiators are meeting in Rome to discuss the truce and possible Israeli withdrawal.
Sudan’s war has halted preservation efforts at the Meroe pyramids, risking damage to the ancient site dating from 800 B.C. to 350 A.D.
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The United States has asked the Philippines to extradite Apollo Quiboloy, a Filipino church leader accused of sex crimes and fraud, to face trial in the U.S. Quiboloy is currently detained in the Philippines on separate charges related to human trafficking and sexual abuse.
Key Facts
The U.S. made the extradition request in July through the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.
The request must be approved by two Philippine courts, which are handling Quiboloy’s current cases.
Philippine law requires suspects to finish local trials and sentences before extradition but allows temporary surrender for foreign trials in some cases.
Quiboloy leads the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, founded in 1985, with followers in the Philippines and abroad.
He was once a close spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Quiboloy has faced allegations of child sex trafficking, fraud, and human trafficking.
In 2024, Philippine courts ordered his arrest for refusing to attend hearings on these charges, leading to his going into hiding.
Duterte, who was also controversial, was arrested by the International Criminal Court and is detained in the Netherlands facing trial for alleged crimes against humanity.
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Russian forces are now about 20 kilometers away from the Ukrainian city of Kramatorsk. Recent Russian missile attacks on Kyiv and nearby areas killed 17 people and injured many, while Ukraine’s air defenses were unable to stop the missile strikes.
Key Facts
Russian troops are advancing close to Kramatorsk, a city in Ukraine.
Recent missile attacks by Russia targeted Kyiv and its surrounding region.
These attacks caused 17 deaths and many injuries.
Ukraine’s air defense systems failed to intercept the incoming missiles overnight.
President Volodymyr Zelensky urged international allies to send more air defense equipment.
The United Nations reported that July 2026 was the deadliest month for Ukrainian civilians since April 2022.
The situation highlights ongoing conflict and military pressure from Russia on Ukraine.
Other recent related events include drone attacks and explosive devices found in Europe linked to the conflict.
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The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is growing faster than health efforts can control it. Many health workers in the hardest-hit Ituri province are striking over pay, making it harder for people to get medical care.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo started in mid-May 2026 and is spreading quickly.
There are nearly 4,000 confirmed Ebola cases and over 1,800 deaths.
Ituri province is the center of the outbreak and faces additional challenges from conflict and remote locations.
Many frontline health workers in Ituri have gone on strike because of unpaid salaries and are demanding better wages.
The US government has provided over $512 million to fight the outbreak, including $242 million more recently.
This outbreak is the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded, after the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic.
The virus causing this outbreak has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Health organizations say the outbreak is spreading at an alarming and unprecedented rate.
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Police in the UK say several Ugandan boxers are unaccounted for after competing in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Ugandan officials say only two of the six boxing team members have returned home so far, but they stress it is too early to call them missing since their visas are still valid.
Key Facts
The Commonwealth Games took place in Glasgow, Scotland, with about 3,000 athletes from 74 countries.
Only two of the six Ugandan boxers have returned to Uganda after the event.
The missing boxers include the team captain, Nuhu Batte, two other men, and two women.
Ugandan Boxing Federation president Moses Muhangi said the athletes’ UK visas are still valid.
Muhangi said some boxers were expected to return later that week or over the weekend.
Police Scotland confirmed they received reports of missing athletes and are investigating.
UK officials, including Border Force and visa authorities, work closely with police to manage arrivals and departures.
A Pakistani boxer was also reported missing after the Games.
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Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipping. The agreement would give Iran control over ships entering the Gulf, while Oman would manage ships leaving. The deal depends on the US lifting its blockade of Iranian ports.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since the war began in February.
Iran wants more control over shipping through the strait, which carries about 20% of the world’s oil and gas.
Reports say Iran would control inbound ships, and Oman would manage outbound traffic.
Pakistan hopes the deal will restart talks between Iran and the US.
Iran says reopening the strait requires the US to end its blockade of Iranian ports.
President Donald Trump said talks are progressing and the strait will open soon.
Separate conflicts continue: Iran-backed Houthis attacked Saudi oil tankers in Yemen.
Violence has increased in southern Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah despite peace talks.
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Ukraine carried out attacks on two Russian oil refineries far from the battlefront, aiming to reduce Russia’s oil income used to fund the war. At the same time, Russia continued missile strikes on Ukrainian cities, resulting in deaths and injuries. NATO and the US are discussing ways to provide more air defense support to Ukraine.
Key Facts
Ukraine’s military struck two Russian oil refineries: Bashneft-Novoil in Bashkortostan and Slavneft-YANOS in the Yaroslavl region.
These refineries are located hundreds to over a thousand kilometers from the Ukraine border.
At least six people were killed and 36 injured in Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities, including Balakliia and Sumy.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pledged to urgently review air defense missile support for Ukraine.
US negotiators are planning to visit Kyiv to discuss licensing the production of Patriot missiles for Ukraine.
The UK expanded sanctions against Russia, targeting banks, companies, and shipping related to Russia’s war efforts.
The head of a Russian drone manufacturer, Vladimir Tkachuk, was critically injured in a car bomb explosion in Russia.
Several central and southeastern European countries are experiencing record-breaking heat waves and have placed cities on high alert.
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Two former Iranian female football players became Australian citizens after seeking protection in Australia due to facing backlash in Iran for not singing their national anthem during a soccer match. They expressed pride in starting new lives in Australia, while most of their teammates returned to Iran amid mixed reactions.
Key Facts
Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh were part of Iran’s women’s soccer team and refused to sing the national anthem at the Women’s Asian Cup in March.
They were called traitors in Iran and sought asylum in Australia along with five other team members.
Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh were granted Australian citizenship in a ceremony with Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke.
They now train with the Australian soccer club Brisbane Roar, which welcomes them warmly.
Five other team members who initially sought asylum later returned to Iran.
Iranian officials stated that the returning players were embraced by their country and did not give in to foreign pressure.
The situation of the rest of the team after their return to Iran is unclear.
President Donald Trump publicly supported the players seeking protection abroad.
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Sharif Ahmadzai, a 26-year-old Afghan boxer, is on trial in Athens for the killing of Elisabeth Ross, a 38-year-old Scottish aid worker. He faces charges including murder, robbery, and illegal weapons possession related to her death in July 2026.
Key Facts
Elisabeth Ross was found dead in a rundown building in Athens on July 18, 2026.
Sharif Ahmadzai is charged with homicide with intent, which means murder, as well as robbery and weapons offenses.
Ahmadzai is accused of stealing over €10,000 from Ross’s bank accounts using her cards.
Authorities say Ahmadzai admitted moving Ross’s body but denies killing her.
After Ross’s death, Ahmadzai allegedly sent messages from her phone pretending to be a jihadist saying he killed her because of her religion.
Ahmadzai’s wife, a US citizen, alerted police after suspecting his involvement when she found him missing and tracked his phone near Ross’s location.
Ross had been volunteering with a refugee support group in Athens and arrived in Greece about three weeks before her death.
Ahmadzai was first arrested for illegal possession of weapons before homicide charges were added.
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Astrophysicist Jonathan McDowell discusses the recent crash of a large SpaceX rocket part on the Moon. He says this event shows the need for an international system to manage space traffic and ensure safe and responsible use of space as human activity there grows.
Key Facts
A four-ton piece of a SpaceX rocket crashed on the Moon.
The crash did not pose any danger to Earth.
The incident highlights risks of unmanaged space debris and traffic.
More human activities are happening on and around the Moon now.
Current institutions are not enough to manage growing space traffic.
McDowell suggests creating an international space traffic control agency.
Such an agency would help protect astronauts, scientific installations, and future missions.
The discussion includes concerns about space sustainability and safety through global cooperation.
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An Indian court convicted Tarun Tejpal, a former editor of Tehelka magazine, of raping a colleague in a hotel in Goa in 2013. This decision reversed an earlier acquittal, and Tejpal denies the charges but can appeal the verdict.
Key Facts
Tarun Tejpal is the founder and former editor of the investigative news magazine Tehelka.
He was accused of raping a junior journalist in a hotel lift during an event in Goa in November 2013.
Tejpal spent seven months in jail before being granted bail by India’s Supreme Court.
In 2021, a Goa court acquitted him of rape and other charges, but the verdict was challenged by the Goa government.
The Bombay High Court convicted Tejpal on Thursday, overturning the earlier acquittal.
Tejpal will be sentenced later and can appeal in a higher court.
The case was important in India’s wider debate over sexual assault and women’s rights, especially after a major gang-rape case in 2012 sparked protests and law changes.
Tehelka magazine’s reputation was hurt by the case but it continues to operate under new leadership.
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South Korean police raided Starbucks Korea’s headquarters to investigate a marketing campaign that many people found offensive. The campaign, called “Tank Day,” referenced the 1980 Gwangju uprising, a tragic event in South Korea’s fight for democracy, causing public outrage and a police probe.
Key Facts
Starbucks Korea launched a campaign called “Tank Day” with stainless-steel tumblers named “SS Tank.”
The campaign referenced 18 May, the anniversary of the 1980 Gwangju uprising, where pro-democracy protesters were violently suppressed.
The slogan “Thwack it on the table!” reminded people of a controversial police phrase linked to a tortured student’s death in 1987.
Many South Koreans criticized the campaign for disrespecting their democracy movement’s history.
Shinsegae Group, majority owner of Starbucks Korea, quickly canceled the promotion and fired the Starbucks Korea chief executive.
Starbucks Korea closed all its stores on 22 June for mandatory history and social awareness training.
Police began investigating after complaints from relatives of Gwangju victims, involving a crackdown that killed about 200 people.
South Korea’s democracy movement gained strength in 1987, leading to constitutional reforms and direct presidential elections.
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Russian strikes in eastern Ukraine killed at least six people overnight, and Russian forces reported shooting down 605 Ukrainian drones over Russian territory and Crimea. Ukrainian officials said that fires and damage followed attacks on homes and infrastructure, while Ukraine claimed its military struck two oil refineries deep inside Russia.
Key Facts
Russian attacks killed six people in eastern Ukraine, including three in the Kharkiv region and three in the Sumy region.
At least 19 people were wounded in these strikes, with additional injuries reported in Dnipropetrovsk and Kherson regions.
A foreign wheat ship named Mera Queen was damaged by a Russian attack in Ukraine’s Black Sea area, causing a fire and killing one crew member.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence said it intercepted and destroyed 605 Ukrainian drones overnight.
Russian logistics sites linked to the e-commerce company Wildberries have been attacked multiple times since mid-July.
Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces struck two oil refineries inside Russia, though Russian officials have not confirmed this.
Russia has been increasing attacks on Ukraine’s Black Sea ports to disrupt trade and exports.
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Former Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib Al Hasan’s home was attacked with petrol bombs after he joined a virtual event where ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina spoke publicly for the first time since being removed from power in 2024. No one was hurt in the attack, which happened in Magura town, and Hasina said she plans to return to Bangladesh despite being sentenced to death in absentia.
Key Facts
Shakib Al Hasan’s home was damaged by petrol bombs and broken windows while it was empty.
The attack happened hours after Shakib joined a virtual event featuring Sheikh Hasina.
Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in 2024 and is currently living in New Delhi, India.
Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia for actions during a student uprising in 2024.
Hasina said she intends to return to Bangladesh even though she may face jail or death.
The Bangladesh government condemned Hasina’s public media appearance from India.
Bangladesh has asked India to extradite Hasina, but India says it is reviewing the request legally.
Shakib, a former Awami League lawmaker, has stayed outside Bangladesh since the government fell and faces investigations for serious crimes.
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The U.S. State Department warned Americans about travel disruptions in Guatemala due to increased activity from the Fuego volcano, which is releasing ash, rocks, and hot gases. At the same time, a strong typhoon named Dolphin is hitting Okinawa, Japan, causing warnings for dangerous weather and potential flooding.
Key Facts
The Fuego volcano in Guatemala is showing increased activity with ash, rocks, and hot gases being released.
The warning affects regions including Sacatepéquez, Escuintla, and Chimaltenango.
La Aurora International Airport in Guatemala City may have temporary disruptions from ash and wind.
Americans in Guatemala are advised to stay alert and prepare for travel delays.
Typhoon Dolphin is expected to impact Okinawa, Japan, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and possible flooding and landslides.
The U.S. Embassy in Japan advises people in affected areas to stay indoors and prepare by stocking up on supplies.
The typhoon's effects may continue through Sunday.
Both situations are under active monitoring as the natural events develop.
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A federal inquiry in Australia is examining how the rise of the One Nation party is linked to increased racism against First Nations people. Indigenous leaders and journalists testified about growing online hate, violence, and negative media coverage targeting Indigenous communities.
Key Facts
The inquiry is focused on racism, hate, and violence against First Nations people in Australia.
One Nation party’s growth is seen as encouraging racist speech and behavior.
Indigenous journalists reported a spike in online abuse after the failed Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023.
Online racial attacks are increasingly turning into real-world violence.
Racist slurs from the 1970s are reportedly being used again today.
Indigenous media figures called for more cultural training for journalists and better media accountability.
Some conservative media outlets are accused of spreading racist views without consequences.
The inquiry is hearing public evidence from Indigenous leaders, sports groups, and media professionals in Melbourne.
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An Australian politician, Mark Parton, admitted to sending a text message saying “my job is boring” during a parliamentary hearing, but denied sending it to a sex worker. The complaint was reviewed by the Legislative Assembly's commissioner for standards, who decided not to investigate further.
Key Facts
Mark Parton is the leader of the opposition in the Australian Capital Territory.
He sent a text stating, “fuck, my job is boring,” during a budget hearing.
The text was alleged to have been sent to a sex worker, which Parton denied.
The complaint was dismissed by the standards commissioner, who found no reason to investigate.
Parton said he is a “multi-tasker” and described his communication style as informal.
He refused to answer questions about any engagement with sex workers.
The incident happened during a hearing about developing Telstra Tower with input from the local Indigenous community.
Police have been notified as part of a harassment complaint investigation.
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