Tuesday

August 18, 2026

Armed conflicts and attacks

2026 Iran war

2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reports that a cargo vessel has come under attack off the Omani coast in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one dead. (Al Jazeera)

United Arab Emirates in the 2026 Iran war

The United Arab Emirates's defence ministry detects two missiles fired from Iran towards the country, including one that fell outside territorial waters and another that fell within it. (Gulf News) (Khaleej Times) (Emirates 24/7)

Russo-Ukrainian war

Attacks in Russia during the Russo-Ukrainian war, Russia–United Kingdom relations

British prime minister Andy Burnham confirms that the United Kingdom will continue to militarily support Ukraine after Russia warned the UK will face "consequences" for allowing Ukraine to use British-made drones to strike targets deep inside Russian territory. (BBC News)

Russian attacks on civilians in the Russo-Ukrainian war

A Russian ballistic missile strike kills ten civilians and injures eight others in Pechenihy, Kharkiv Oblast. Several homes are completely destroyed. (AP)

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant crisis

A drone strike hits a bus stop near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar, killing one plant worker and injuring several others. (Reuters)

Sudanese civil war

Blue Nile campaign

The Sudan Doctors Network reports that recent attacks in Geissan of Sudan's Blue Nile region has displaced over 5,000 people to Damazin. (Sudan Horizon)

Darfur campaign

The Rapid Support Forces launches a major crackdown in Nyala, South Darfur, its largest security and military mobilization since seizing the city in 2023. (Sudan Tribune)

Nigerian bandit conflict

At least 24 bandits are killed by a force of Nigerian Army, State Security Service, and vigilante groups during a foiled kidnapping attempt in Bakori, Katsina State, Nigeria. (Daily Post)

Fourteen kidnapping victims are rescued by the Nigerian Army in Sabuwa, Katsina State. (The Punch)

Mexican drug war

Five gunmen are killed by members of the Mexican Army after an encounter in Los Palillos locality, Los Reyes, Michoacán. (Latinus in Spanish)

Business and economy

Economic impact of the 2026 Iran war

Iran–United Arab Emirates relations

The United Arab Emirates suspends commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran after Iran launched two ballistic missiles at the country. (Time)