President Bola Tinubu has approved Nigeria's largest military expansion, including 28,000 new soldiers and four additional army divisions. This move aims to address widespread insecurity caused by militant Islamists, separatists, and kidnapping gangs across the nation.
Hamas has elected Khalil al-Hayya as its new leader, succeeding Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli military. Hayya, a hardline faction representative and chief negotiator, is expected to continue Sinwar's political line, having survived an Israeli airstrike in Qatar.
Lebanese pop star Fadel Shaker was granted bail on Wednesday after paying 500 million Lebanese pounds ($5,500). He was jailed for months while being retried on charges including belonging to an armed group and money laundering, stemming from his alleged involvement in 2013 Sidon clashes.
Nigeria's military announced senior terrorist surrenders in the northeast, following sustained pressure. While numbers indicate success in driving defections, mass reintegration of former fighters poses socioeconomic and moral risks, potentially neglecting victims and fueling community resentment.
Israel, Lebanon, and the US signed a trilateral framework to end conflict. PM Netanyahu stated Israel will stay in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is disarmed, while Lebanon's LAF gradually assumes control. The US pledged reconstruction support.
Hezbollah has rejected a US-Israel-Lebanon framework calling for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups in Lebanon, warning that attempts to enforce it could lead to civil war. The group stated it would not give up its weapons and that Lebanese authorities could not enforce the agreement without sparking conflict.
Iran condemned a joint US-Gulf Cooperation Council statement from a June 25 meeting in Bahrain, calling it "interventionist, irresponsible and provocative." Tehran rejected the communique's claims on its nuclear program, missile capabilities, regional allies, and the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the US and its allies of pressuring Iran.
Israeli forces kill 2, wound 2 in southern Lebanon, violating a fragile US-brokered ceasefire, prompting Hezbollah to denounce the 'treacherous attack' and threatening retaliation.
Colombians are voting in a presidential runoff election that could dramatically alter the country's approach to its armed conflict. The far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, who favors military confrontation, is leading polls against Iván Cepeda, the architect of President Petro's "total peace" plan.
A disarmament ceremony in Colombia's jungles saw rebels turn in weapons, but its future is uncertain depending on the presidential runoff election. Far-right candidate Abelardo De La Espriella, promising military offensives, is predicted to defeat left-wing senator Iván Cepeda, who advocates peace negotiations.
The White House stated that a US troop buildup near Iran is not indicative of new decisions, while reports suggest a military operation against Iran was launched on February 28. Iran categorizes countries based on Strait of Hormuz use, and Pakistan is facilitating US-Iran talks. Tensions rise with accusations of ingratitude towards Italy and potential charges for ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Colombians vote Sunday in a presidential runoff that could dramatically shift the country's approach to its armed conflict. Far-right lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella, vowing military confrontation, faces leftwing senator Iván Cepeda, who supports "total peace" negotiations.
Afghanistan's defense ministry announced air strikes on Pakistani territory targeting armed groups and "hostile intelligence circles," allegedly linked to ISIS-K. Pakistan's Information Ministry has rejected the report, escalating tensions between the neighbors.
An Israeli air strike on a Hezbollah command center in Beirut's southern suburb killed at least three and injured 15. US President Trump warned the attack could derail a peace deal with Iran, stating it "should not have happened" and urged an end to attacks by all parties.
Mauritania's Richat Structure, the 'Eye of Africa,' is drawing tourists again after security concerns deterred visitors. The government is promoting the destination, with numbers rising, offering income to locals like Fatima Cheikh Mohammad Bouya.
Mali's military government has banned the sale and use of heavy motorcycles (125cc and above) outside major urban areas and established "military interest zones" inaccessible to civilians to reduce attacks by armed groups. The measures aim to counter militants who use motorcycles for attacks and rapid retreats in the Sahel region.
Israeli strikes killed at least nine people in southern Lebanon, including two paramedics, while Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel, testing a partial ceasefire. Diplomatic talks are underway in Washington to shore up the deal.
PM Modi expressed concerns to Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing about armed groups near the India-Myanmar border and the conflict's impact on Indian communities. Discussions also covered connectivity projects and the repatriation of Indians from cyber scam compounds.
The WHO reports a 30-50% death rate in the DRC Ebola outbreak, with 10 confirmed and 223 suspected deaths. Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus appeals for a ceasefire in the conflict-ridden region to aid relief efforts.
Israeli PM Netanyahu ordered intensified military strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon to "crush" the group, despite a recent ceasefire. The announcement led to an exodus from Beirut's southern suburbs and followed daily strikes, including the use of incendiary phosphorus munitions.
Armed assailants simultaneously attacked the palace of the Emir of Yashikera and a police station in Kwara State, Nigeria, kidnapping at least 10 people and setting fire to a portion of the palace. The police are conducting search operations in surrounding forests.
The DPR department for documenting Ukraine's war crimes reported that Ukrainian armed groups conducted eight shelling attacks on the Donetsk People's Republic in the past 24 hours, resulting in one civilian wounded and damage to two residential buildings, an infrastructure site, and cars.
The use of weaponized drones by armed groups in Colombia has surged, with a 445% increase in effective attacks in 2025. These drones, often modified commercial models, are used for both attacks and surveillance, posing significant risks to civilians and contributing to internal displacement. Experts warn this trend reflects a global rise in drone warfare.
Armed groups' blockade on Mali's capital, Bamako, is preventing Muslims from celebrating Eid al-Adha with their families. Transport disruptions, fuel shortages, and rising costs of livestock are impacting the holiday, while activists threaten retaliatory actions against Mauritanian interests.
