Armed conflicts and attacks
2026 Iran war
Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi says that ships entering the Strait of Hormuz must cooperate with the Iranian Navy. (The Guardian)
The Fars News Agency reports that Iran has allowed vessels from China to cross the Strait of Hormuz. (Roya News)
Russo-Ukrainian war
Russian forces launch overnight strikes in Kyiv, Ukraine, hitting among other targets, a residential building in eastern Darnytskyi district, killing 16 people and wounding 57 others, including several children. (Ukrainska Pravda) (BBC News) (AP) (NPR)
Somali Civil War, Constitutional crisis in Somalia
Controversies of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud
Heavy fighting erupts in Baidoa between Somali federal government forces and troops loyal to former South West State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, following disputes over regional elections and the end of president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's term tomorrow. Multiple sources confirm two senior Somali military officers from the 60th Division have been killed in a roadside ambush. (Garowe Online) (Shabelle Media)
Yemeni civil war
The internationally-recognized Yemeni government and the rival Supreme Political Council, which includes the Houthis, sign a deal in Amman, Jordan, following 14 weeks of negotiations to release over 1,600 detainees in the largest prisoner swap in the civil war's history since 2014. (AP) (Reuters)
Arts and culture
2026 FIFA World Cup
It is announced that South Korean boy band BTS, American singer Madonna and Colombian singer Shakira will headline the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States, on July 19, 2026. (Reuters)