Aletho News

ΑΛΗΘΩΣ

Current News and Analysis

Netanyahu will reject US demands for withdrawal from Lebanon, Gaza, Syria if asked: Report

The Cradle | July 28, 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told cabinet ministers that Washington wants Israeli soldiers to pull back from positions in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza, and that he does not intend to comply with US demands, Channel 13 reported on 27 July.

The report, which cites unnamed security sources familiar with the matter, states that US officials want the Israeli army to carry out a “series of withdrawals” across the three fronts.

Channel 13 does not state whether Washington is seeking full or partial pullbacks; however, Netanyahu told the ministers that he “intends to stand on my own two feet and resist.”

“I will strongly oppose this and tell them no,” he reportedly said. … continue

Israeli army razes three Palestinian homes, agricultural structures in West Bank

Palestinian Information Center – July 28, 2026

Israeli occupation forces demolished two Palestinian homes in the village of Deir Razih, southwest of al-Khalil in the West Bank, on Tuesday.

According to local sources, bulldozers escorted by Israeli forces carried out demolitions targeting the homes of Riyad Amro and the home of Ayman Amro in the village.

The Israeli army did not allow the owners to remove their belongings and furniture from the houses before demolishing them.

Palestinian homeowners in the village of Deir Razih and the western area of Dura town face increasing demolitions and stop‑work orders, a policy aimed at displacing them from their areas to clear the way for settlement expansion.

In Salfit, Israeli forces demolished an agricultural room and fences, and seized a mobile home in the village of al‑Maliha east of Bethlehem. … Full article

Palestinian killed, others wounded in Israeli attacks in Gaza

Palestinian Information Center – July 28, 2026

GAZA – A Palestinian civilian was martyred and several others were injured in fresh Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, amid ongoing ceasefire violations in different areas.

According to media sources, a citizen was killed and others were injured in an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in the west of Gaza City in the afternoon.

Earlier, four citizens were wounded by Israeli gunfire in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, south of Gaza.

Nine other people sustained injuries in an Israeli strike in the Souk al-Balata area of an-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Meanwhile, widespread military activity, including demolitions, shooting incidents, artillery shelling, and airstrikes, was reported across Gaza today.

Ukrainian Drone Strikes Passenger Bus in Russia’s Belgorod Region, 19 Injured – Governor

Sputnik – 28.07.2026

BELGOROD – A drone of the Ukrainian armed forces struck a passenger bus in the city of Shebekino in Russia’s Belgorod Region, injuring 19 people, acting Governor Alexander Shuvaev said on Tuesday.

“This morning, a Ukrainian drone struck a civilian bus in Shebekino… Nineteen civilians were injured. Eighteen of them were quickly taken to the Shebekino Central District Hospital,” Shuvaev wrote in social media.

Six of the injured are in serious condition, Shuvaev said, adding that after receiving medical assistance, the wounded will be transferred to medical facilities in Belgorod.

Satellite imagery shows big fire at Aramco’s Abqaiq after drone strike

Al Mayadeen | July 28, 2026

Drones struck Saudi Aramco’s Abqaiq crude-processing facility and the adjacent East-West Pumping Station, as Yemen intensifies pressure on Riyadh’s energy infrastructure in response to Saudi Arabia’s aggression and siege.

NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) recorded multiple active fire hotspots at the site, satellite evidence pointing to significant damage at one of Saudi Arabia’s most critical oil installations.

Abqaiq stabilizes the bulk of Saudi crude ahead of export and processes an estimated 5 to 7 percent of global oil supply, making it a central node in the kingdom’s energy infrastructure.

The OSINT account Egypt’s Intel Observer, citing Sentinel-2 satellite imagery, reported burn scars across four of Abqaiq’s six crude-processing spheroids, with two appearing destroyed and firefighting foam visible on one. However, the assessment remains preliminary and unverified.

Saudi Aramco has reportedly suspended all operations and triggered emergency flaring across multiple production sites.

Abqaiq was previously targeted in the September 2019 drone and missile attack, which briefly knocked out roughly 5 percent of global oil supply and sent Brent crude prices surging 20 percent.

With Yanbu port infrastructure on the western end of the East-West Pipeline being reportedly damaged alongside Abqaiq in the east, Saudi Arabia’s Hormuz-bypass export route has now been effectively severed. … Full article

Iraqi intelligence forces smash sabotage teams affiliated with Ukraine

Press TV – July 28, 2026

Iraqi intelligence forces have identified and dismantled several sabotage cells responsible for a series of bombings across the country, which were planning further terrorist acts with backing and sponsorship from Ukraine.

Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Aboudi stated late on Monday that the intelligence apparatus, through a series of operations nationwide, had detected and neutralized multiple teams affiliated with the intelligence services of Ukraine.

“We have disbanded a number of groups that carried out attacks inside Iraqi territory, and targeted several state facilities. During interrogations, they confessed to affiliation with Ukraine,” Aboudi said.

He, however, did not provide any information about the Iraqi installations purportedly targeted by the sabotage teams.

The senior Iraqi security officials also did not specify whether the Ukraine-linked groups had conducted operations beyond Iraq’s borders. … Full article

Russia warns Ukraine expanding ‘terrorist activities’ beyond Europe

Press TV – July 28, 2026

The Kremlin has warned that Ukraine is expanding the scope of its “terrorist activities” beyond Europe, citing Kiev’s recent involvement in destabilizing Iraq, attacks on strategic infrastructure in Germany and Kazakhstan, and the attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Caspian Sea.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the reported involvement of Ukrainian-linked groups in Iraq demonstrated that “the geography of the Kiev regime’s terrorist activities is expanding,” warning that such actions pose a growing threat beyond Europe. … continue

Kremlin demands Ukrainian threat be ‘definitively destroyed’ after Caspian Sea strike on Iranian vessel

The Cradle | July 28, 2026

… The Caspian Sea has emerged as a critical trade corridor between Iran and Russia, insulated from US pressure by geography and by treaty.

As the US and Israel tighten pressure on Iran from the south, analysts argue that Tehran’s strategic depth has been shifting northward to the Caspian, which links Iran and Russia directly without passing through any state answerable to US pressure.

Overland routes run through governments either aligned with Washington or unwilling to absorb the cost of secondary sanctions. The Caspian has no such gatekeeper, allowing Iran and Russia to trade directly without external influence, and links Russia to West Asia, India, and markets beyond. – Full article

No Hormuz passage for those taking payouts from Iran’s frozen assets: Top military command

Press TV – July 28, 2026

Iran has warned countries and international companies that receiving any compensation payment from Iran’s assets frozen abroad will mean they will be completely cut off from transit in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced on Tuesday that it views a recent announcement by US President Donald Trump about compensating countries and entities for damage inflicted on their ships in the Persian Gulf from Iran’s frozen assets as “illegal”.

The command, which is in charge of coordinating Iranian armed forces during war and crisis times, said ship owners will face consequences if they receive such compensation. … Full article

Is the Department of War Covering Up the True Extent of US Casualties?

By Larry C. Johnson | SONAR21 | July 28, 2026 

Last Wednesday all the signs were pointing to a desperate action by the Trump administration to launch a ground operation inside Iran ostensibly to seize enriched nuclear material from an Iranian nuclear research facility. The report from the Wall Street Journal noted that US special ops forces were once again being deployed to the region to carry out a raid on a Hardened Deeply Buried Target (aka HDBT). But it also revealed something both disturbing and alarming: the deployment of 150 medics… continue

Third of Americans Support US Conflict With Iran – Poll

Sputnik – 28.07.2026

Only one in three US citizens approve of the military campaign against Iran, which is the lowest number since the conflict’s early stage, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed.

At the same time, 69% of the respondents believe US President Donald ‌Trump has failed to clearly explain US goals in the conflict.

The poll was conducted Friday through Sunday among 1,246 US adults with the margin of error of 3 percentage points.

On July 8, Trump declared that the ceasefire reached with Iran on the night of June 18 was no longer in effect. Since July 8, the US military has carried out several attacks on Iran. US Central Command claimed that this was in response to Iran’s actions against commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran responded with strikes on US bases in the Middle East and accused Washington of violating the ceasefire agreement.

US use of Italian military bases in the conflict with Iran shows lack of autonomy

Press TV – July 28, 2026

The debate over US forces using Italian military bases in the ongoing US-Israeli aggression against Iran has rekindled in Italy.

Earlier this week, three opposition lawmakers, Francesco Silvestri, Alessandra Maiorino, and Arnaldo Lomuti, formally demanded the government provide clarification regarding the departure towards West Asia of 12 F-16 fighter jets, at least 2 US tankers, and a number of Triton drones, used for maritime intelligence and surveillance, from Italian bases.

The three members of the lower house questioned Italy’s support of the Epstein coalition under bilateral treaties with the US.

Press TV spoke with Arnaldo Lomuti on the matter. … continue

The synthesis of regional conflicts into WWIII has begun

By Tim Kirby | Strategic Culture Foundation | July 28, 2026

… In the broader picture as time goes on the war in Ukraine and to an extent the one in Iran smells more-and-more like the vile streets of London and is even perhaps the last round of the ‘Great Game’ taking place in the 21st century. No one has been more enthusiastic for using Ukraine as one big suicide drone against Russia than the ever-rotating nosferatu that loom at 10 Downing Street. It was Boris Johnson who put the final nail in the coffin of millions of lives by destroying any sort of peace agreement back in 2022. But we should not forget that the birthplace of Zionism, the blood enemy of Iran, was the British Empire. … Read full article

Is Peter Mandelson a Russian or a Zionist asset?

By David Miller | Al Mayadeen | July 27, 2026

There appears to be some uncertainty in the British intelligence services about what is wrong with Peter Mandelson.

On the one hand, a former MI6 officer with undisclosed, but possibly continuing connections to the agency, claims that Peter Mandelson may actually have been a long-term Russian agent or asset.

On the other hand, the secret briefing materials produced by MI6 as part of the process of vetting Mandelson for the job of British Ambassador to the US, the most significant red flags were his connections to Israel or Zionist assets.

Is MI6 uncertain, or internally split? Or is there a distinction between the materials they produce secretly to advise government, and materials which are “leaked” by former officers to the Daily Telegraph for propaganda purposes? You can see where I am going with this. So, let’s jump right in. … continue

Palestinian woman loses fetus after Israeli forces delay ambulance at West Bank checkpoint

Press TV – July 27, 2026

A Palestinian woman, who was six months pregnant, lost her fetus after Israeli forces delayed the ambulance carrying her at a military checkpoint in the occupied West Bank, as restrictions on Palestinian movement reached levels not seen in decades.

Bashar al-Qaryouti, an ambulance officer from the town of Qaryut, told the official Palestinian news agency WAFA on Monday that the Israeli forces blocked the ambulance at the Awarta military checkpoint, located south of Nablus, after shutting its gates.

Qaryouti reported that the ambulance team was held for more than 30 minutes and subjected the pregnant woman, who was suffering from severe bleeding, to a search despite her critical condition.

He added that Israeli soldiers ordered the crew to switch off the ambulance’s engine, causing its onboard medical support equipment to stop operating.

The ambulance was finally permitted to proceed to the hospital, where the doctors succeeded in saving the woman’s life but could not preserve her fetus, according to Qaryouti. … Full article

Israel Demolishes Ten Homes, Two Structures in West Bank

IMEMC | July 27, 2026

Israeli occupation forces demolished ten Palestinian homes and two structures on Monday across the occupied West Bank, including several neighborhoods in occupied Jerusalem, in a series of large‑scale demolition operations targeting residential buildings, agricultural facilities, and commercial properties. … continue

Israeli occupation forces raid UNRWA training center near East al-Quds, detain staff

Press TV – July 27, 2026

Israeli occupation forces have raided the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) training center in the Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied East al-Quds, and detained teaching and administrative staff inside the facility.

In a statement released on Monday, the al-Quds Governorate reported that Israeli troops stormed the center, fired tear gas canisters into the compound, and confined the teaching and administrative staff in one of the building’s halls. Israeli soldiers also climbed onto the roof of the camp’s local committee building during the operation.

The raid followed an overnight military offensive in the Qalandia refugee camp from Sunday into Monday, in which Israeli occupation forces raided several neighborhoods and fired stun grenades and tear gas canisters, sparking fires.

This latest assault comes roughly six weeks after the governorate warned of an Israeli plan to demolish the UNRWA training center. On June 11, it stated that Israeli authorities were advancing plans to construct a new complex on land belonging to the center. … Full article

Israeli forces arrest son of Jerusalem governor after assault

Palestinian Information Center – July 27, 2026

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM – Israeli forces arrested Qusai Ghaith, the son of Jerusalem Governor and Fatah Central Committee member Adnan Ghaith, on Monday evening after raiding the town of Silwan, south of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

According to Palestinian sources, Israeli forces stormed the town, severely assaulted Qusai Ghaith, and then transferred him to a detention and interrogation center in Occupied Jerusalem.

The sources added that Jerusalem Governor Adnan Ghaith and his family have been subjected to ongoing measures by the Israeli authorities, including repeated arrests and harassment.

The restrictions imposed on the governor include bans on attending meetings, meeting with Palestinian officials, traveling, and leaving occupied Jerusalem.

Israeli Strikes Kill Three as Rescue Teams Recover 99 in Gaza

IMEMC | July 27, 2026

Israeli occupation aircraft carried out multiple attacks across the Gaza Strip on Monday, killing three Palestinians and injuring several others, while rescue teams recovered the remains of ninety‑nine victims from beneath the rubble of a home previously bombed in Gaza City.

A Palestinian man was killed, and three others were injured, in an Israeli airstrike targeting the Jabalia al‑Balad area in northern Gaza.

Local sources said Mahmoud Taroush was killed when Israeli aircraft struck him as he rode his motorcycle, joining his wife, children, and parents who were killed nearly a year ago in an assassination attempt he had survived.

In a separate attack, another Palestinian man was killed, and several others were wounded, when Israeli forces targeted a group of residents, south of Deir al‑Balah in central Gaza.

The al‑Aqsa Hospital in Deir al‑Balah confirmed that the victim was Ahmad Hisham al‑Louh, a resident of the city.

A third Palestinian, Mohammad Esleem, 38, died of wounds sustained earlier on Monday when an Israeli reconnaissance drone targeted him near the al‑Qarara area south of Deir al‑Balah.

In addition, five Palestinians, including three fishermen, were injured on Monday morning by Israeli drone fire in Gaza City, and Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Eyewitnesses said the fishermen were wounded when an Israeli drone dropped explosive charges toward them as they returned to the port after finishing their work at sea. … Full article

Netanyahu flight to US again crosses ICC member states’ airspace

MEMO | July 27, 2026

The aircraft carrying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the US on Monday again crossed the airspace of European countries that are parties to the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite the court’s arrest warrant against him, Anadolu reports.

According to Flightradar data, the aircraft passed through the airspace of Greece, Italy and France, all ICC member states, on its way to Washington.

The route closely resembled those used during Netanyahu’s previous visits to the US on Dec. 28 and Feb. 10. … Full article

German arms exports to Israel surge sharply amid Gaza genocide

Press TV – July 27, 2026

The German government has confirmed that it dramatically escalated its military material support for the occupying Israeli regime, approving a surge in arms export licenses that includes the delivery of a highly classified, nuclear-capable submarine.

Germany approved nearly $913 million in arms export licenses to Israel during the first five months of 2026, exceeding the total value approved over the previous 20 months combined, according to a government response to a parliamentary inquiry.

The figures were disclosed in a written reply by the Federal Foreign Office to a question from the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The response stated that almost all of the approvals were granted in April and May.

The increase marks a sharp rise in German arms export approvals to Israel, despite repeated statements by Berlin expressing concern over the humanitarian consequences of Israel’s genocidal war in the besieged Gaza Strip.

More than 60% of the total value of the approved export licenses is allocated to a single, unnamed “major maritime project,” according to the government.

Defense analysts said the project is likely to involve a submarine built by German shipbuilder TKMS. The most probable candidate is the INS Drakon, a Dolphin II-class submarine capable of carrying nuclear weapons. … continue

Israeli Air Force Faces Growing Supply Challenges Amid Multi-Front War: Commander

Al-Manar | July 27, 2026

The Israeli Air Force faces significant logistical challenges during the war, including shortages of spare parts, foreign supply restrictions, and continued dependence on the United States to maintain aircraft readiness, Israeli Army Radio reported, citing an outgoing senior Israeli Air Force officer.

Brigadier General “Sh,” outgoing head of the Air Force’s Equipment Division, said several European countries that are parties to the Rome Statute informed ‘Israel’ they would not supply aircraft components, including critical parts such as antennas and electronic boards.

The officer told Israeli Army Radio that procurement processes had become increasingly difficult, with some deals delayed for extended periods or failing to materialize altogether. He said some countries and companies directly refused to provide spare parts, while others cited reasons including limited stock, delivery delays, contractor issues, or warehouse incidents.

“Sh” warned that the shortages had at one point threatened to ground aircraft, saying the Israeli military was forced to seek alternative solutions, including reverse engineering, finding substitute suppliers, and applying political and economic pressure on companies and governments. … Full article

IOF expand incursions into Syria’s Quneitra, Daraa, raid homes

Al Mayadeen | July 27, 2026

Israeli occupation forces raided the village of Taranja in the northern Quneitra countryside and the villages of al-Aridah and Maariyah in western Daraa countryside, while ransacking residents’ homes.

Local sources reported that a patrol belonging to the Israeli occupation forces raided Taranja, located in the northern Quneitra countryside, where it searched several residents’ homes.

Meanwhile, local sources in Daraa province said Israeli occupation forces raided the villages of al-Aridah and Maariyah in the Yarmouk Basin area in western Daraa countryside.

The sources added that the Israeli occupation forces reopened roads in the two villages after residents had blocked them with stones and began searching homes in the area.
Similar incursions

On Sunday, Syrian local sources reported that Israeli occupation forces had advanced into the villages of Maariyah and al-Aridah in the Yarmouk Basin area in western Daraa countryside, while dropping warning leaflets urging residents not to block roads or obstruct the movements of the advancing forces.

Moreover, Israeli occupation forces detained a Syrian youth during their incursion into the village of al-Samdaniyah al-Gharbiyah in the central Quneitra countryside, al-Ikhbariyah channel reported. … Full article

Israel attacks Nabatieh region in southern Lebanon, continuing ceasefire violations

Al-Manar | July 27, 2026

The Israeli enemy continued on Monday its violations and attacks in South Lebanon, carrying out more bombings that destroy civilians structures in several areas and towns.

In this regard, the occupation forces carried out explosions in the area which lies between the two towns of Al-Tiri and Haddatha.

The enemy troops also burned houses in the town of Beit Yahoun.

The Zionist artillery targeted the outskirts of Shebaa town in addition to Ali Al-Taher area where the enemy gliders dropped explosive devices, according to Al-Manar reporter.

The Israeli drones intensively roamed the skies of Beirut and Dahieh, the reporter added.

Massie says the US has been ‘significantly weakened’ by war on Iran

Al Mayadeen | July 27, 2026

United States Representative Thomas Massie said the United States has been “significantly weakened by the war with Iran,” arguing in an X post that the campaign depleted missile-defense systems, drained oil reserves, sacrificed US troops, pushed up consumer prices, increased debt, and sidelined domestic needs “all for Israel.”

The Kentucky Republican’s remarks added fresh political pressure to an already widening debate in Washington over the price of the war on Iran, the scope of US involvement, and the degree to which the White House has tied American military power to “Israel’s” regional agenda. That debate has sharpened as more lawmakers question the administration’s war powers and the long-term cost of the campaign. … continue

Zelensky: North Korea, Iran and China Backing Russia’s War in Ukraine

By Kyle Anzalone | The Libertarian Institute | July 27, 2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia is receiving significant military support from North Korea, Iran, and China.

“I think three moments on which we have to focus. First, North Korea will send to Russia 30,000 soldiers. The second point Iranians will send missiles to Russia,” Zelensky said in an interview with Sky News on Sunday. “Then what is the really big problem: China began to work with Russia, and they work on satellites and on technologies to be more precise.”… continue

Iran turns back six vessels attempting unauthorized Hormuz route

Al Mayadeen | July 27, 2026

Iranian state television reported on Monday that one vessel attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz through an unauthorized route was involved in an accident, while other vessels were turned back toward the Gulf.

Citing a source, Iranian television said six vessels attempted early on Monday, “at the urging of the US military”, to cross through an illegal southern route in the Strait of Hormuz.

The source said one of the vessels involved in the attempt was involved in an accident, while the others were returned to the Gulf “in light of Iran’s firm management”.

The source stressed that the designated navigation route through the Strait of Hormuz is the only valid passage, while other routes are not navigable and do not lead to any destination.

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed following US attacks on civilian areas and infrastructure in Iran, according to Tehran, which responded by targeting US military bases and strategic centers in the region.

Iran has maintained that it is responsible for managing navigation through the strategic waterway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said determining navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz falls under arrangements made by Tehran in accordance with Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding, which states that “Iran will make the necessary arrangements to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within one month”. … Full article

Army spokesman: Yemeni forces target oil depots, pipelines deep inside Saudi Arabia

Press TV – July 27, 2026

The Yemeni armed forces have carried out a string of operations against strategic energy facilities deep inside Saudi Arabia, striking oil depots and pipelines in reprisal for the Riyadh regime’s ongoing military aggression and blockade against their homeland.

“By the grace of God, a number of sensitive sites and installations related to the supply and transport of crude oil from eastern Saudi Arabia to [the port city of] Yanbu were targeted by several drones in response to the Saudi enemy’s drone incursions into Yemeni airspace,” Army spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree announced in a statement on Monday.

He, however, did not provide any information about the extent of damage.

Satellite images show thick plumes of black smoke and raging fire at the Abqaiq oil facility in southern Saudi Arabia. The installation had come under attack by kamikaze drones and missiles hours earlier.

The Abqaiq oil processing plant, operated by the state-owned petroleum and natural gas company Saudi Aramco, reportedly bypasses the Strait of Hormuz and delivers oil to the Red Sea at the Yanbu terminal.

The facility houses the world’s largest oil processing and crude stabilization facility, and supplies approximately 5 percent of the world’s oil. … Full article

Saudi oil loading volumes drop 40 percent at Red Sea port amid Yemeni blockade

The Cradle | July 27, 2026

Saudi crude oil loading volumes at the Red Sea port of Yanbu have plummeted by 40 percent in the past several days, with the kingdom using an Egyptian pipeline to avoid the recently imposed Yemeni blockade, according to data released by analytics platform Vortexa on 26 July.

The fall in loading volumes is a result of the Ansarallah-backed Yemeni Armed Forces’ (YAF) retaliatory operations and maritime blockade against Riyadh, which has been besieging and attacking the Arab world’s poorest nation for nearly 12 years.

The blockade is causing very significant losses, according to maritime data intelligence firm Windward.

“Saudi Arabia has established a working alternative export route via the SUMED pipeline and Cape of Good Hope,” Windward wrote in a report on Sunday, citing Vortexa’s data.

According to the report, this is “adding approximately $9 per barrel to transport cost.” … continue

US Can’t Come to Saudi Arabia’s Rescue in Bab el-Mandeb Without Risking Overstretch – Expert

By Ekaterina Blinova – Sputnik – 27.07.2026

Tensions in the Gulf are spilling over into the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, putting additional pressure on Saudi Arabia, but the US is unlikely to open a second front, Ankara-based security analyst Dr. Hasan Selim Ozertem tells Sputnik. … continue

How Kuwait and Bahrain miscalculated by becoming launchpads for US strikes on Iran

By Mohammad Molaei | Press TV | July 27, 2026

On the afternoon of February 28, as the first dark clouds of joint Israeli-American military aggression gathered over Iran, a sports hall in the small southern city of Lamerd – a place that had once echoed with the squeak of sneakers and the thrill of competition – was transformed into a scene of unspeakable carnage. … continue

Kuwait Ratifies Landmark Defense Agreement with Pakistan

Sputnik – 27.07.2026

Kuwait has officially ratified a broad defense cooperation pact with Pakistan that was signed in June 2023. The ratification follows high-level military contacts between the two countries. … continue

France planning third attack on former colony – African leader

RT | July 27, 2026

French intelligence services are preparing a third attack on Niger’s main airport after two assaults on the facility this year, the West African nation’s transitional leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has said.

Tchiani made the allegation in an interview on state-owned RTN on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of the transitional authorities taking power following the ouster of French-aligned President Mohamed Bazoum. France condemned the July 2023 coup, refused to recognize the new authorities, and demanded Bazoum’s reinstatement.

“The June 18 attack was not the last because we are already tracking [them], since the objective has not been achieved. French intelligence is currently working to attempt a third attack,” Tchiani said.

Gunmen launched an assault on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niger’s capital Niamey on June 18, killing 13 people, including 11 security personnel and two civilians, according to the Sahel state’s Defense Ministry. At least 22 assailants were neutralized and about 20 suspects arrested. Al-Qaeda-linked Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attack. … continue

Latvia toughens anti-Russian measures

By Lucas Leiroz | July 27, 2026

The Baltic states continue to toughen their Russophobic policies, taking actions aimed at completely erasing Russian culture. Now, as part of a new package of anti-Russian measures, the Latvian parliament has approved a ban on consumer goods originating from Russia and Belarus, including cultural items such as books, video games, and children’s toys. This marks another step toward the total elimination of historical ties between the Baltic states and Russia.

Parliament made the decision on July 23. Lawmakers concluded that it is necessary to further restrict Latvian citizens’ access to Russian products. Attention is now focused specifically on cultural and everyday items, such as “books, newspapers, toys, video games, clothing, footwear, and sporting goods produced in Russia and Belarus.” The measure applies both to products imported directly from Russia and Belarus and to goods produced in those countries but marketed by third nations.

Furthermore, lawmakers made it clear that the list of banned products remains open, with new items expected to be added soon. … continue

86 Civilians Slaughtered in 10-Day Torrent of Ukrainian Attacks on Russia – Russian MFA

Sputnik – 27.07.2026

Between July 15 and 24, Ukrainian attacks on Russian soil killed 86 civilians, including six children, and wounded 409 others, among them 12 kids, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has reported.

On July 24, a missile strike targeting an enterprise in the Kirov region killed five people and injured 26, according to preliminary data.

On July 18 and 20, Ukrainian drone attacks on passenger buses in the Belgorod region killed a child and four women, while injuring 27 others, including a 17-year-old teenager.

Zelensky attacked Caspian Sea cargo ship at Israel’s behest – Iran

RT | July 27, 2026

Iran has claimed that Ukraine attacked one of its commercial vessels in the Caspian Sea at Israel’s behest.

Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky stated earlier that the vessel struck on Saturday was transporting military cargo. Iran, which has denied involvement in the fighting between Russia and Ukraine, said the attack killed one sailor.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated his country’s position during separate calls with the EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

“Zelenskyy has attacked an Iranian commercial vessel, killing a sailor. A blatant UN Charter violation done at Israel’s behest to drag Europe into its war,” Araghchi wrote on X on Sunday.

“In calls with EU High Rep Kallas and FM Lavrov, [I] made clear that what the freeloader in Kyiv did CANNOT GO UNANSWERED,” he added.

During his conversation with Lavrov, Araghchi said Iran “will resolutely defend its security and national interests,” according to Press TV. … continue

Netanyahu Says War Will End When Iranian Government ‘Toppled or Sufficiently Weakened’

By Kyle Anzalone | The Libertarian Institute | July 26, 2026

President Trump at the Israel Museum. Jerusalem May 23, 2017 President Trump at the Israel Museum. Jerusalem May 23, 2017

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he expects the war against Iran to continue until there is regime change in Iran or it is weakened to the point that Tehran must bend to US and Israeli demands.

On Sunday, Netanyahu was asked by Maria Bartiromo when the conflict in the Middle East will end. “I think when this regime is either toppled or it’s sufficiently weakened that it knows it has to end its nuclear program and has to change its course.”

After the start of the war, Netanyahu and President Donald Trump listed regime change in Tehran along with other ambitious goals, including eliminating Iran’s nuclear and missile programs. … Full article

Suspension of attacks on Iran not enough, war must end: Russia

Press TV – July 26, 2026

A senior Russian foreign ministry official has called for a permanent end to the US war of aggression against Iran, saying that Washington’s plans to expand attacks must be cancelled for good.

Mikhail Ulyanov, who serves as Russia’s Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, said on Sunday that the United States has to accept that it has failed to reach its objectives by launching a military aggression against Iran.

“To suspend plans to expand strikes on Iran is not enough. Those plans must be cancelled. It is high time to recognise that this conflict has no military solution,” Ulyanov said in a post on his X account.

The comments came after reports emerged that the US has run short of military stockpiles, causing it to suspend plans for a large-scale aggression against Iran.

The reports published in the US media have pointed to pressure on stockpiles of Patriot interceptors and other defensive weapons that the US needs to fend off extensive Iranian missile and drone attacks on its military bases in the West Asia region.

That comes as US President Donald Trump has continuously threatened Iran with an escalation in attacks. … continue

Greenland’s Ice Sheet Was Supposed To Be Rapidly Melting Away. It Hasn’t Been.

By Kenneth Richard | No Tricks Zone | July 23, 2026

Greenland is halfway through its current (2025-2026) melt season. So far it’s not looking good for the alarmist narrative.

For perspective, there is more ice and snow on Greenland today than for nearly any other period in the last 10,000 years. … Full article

Wrong, Wisconsin Examiner and Investigative Post, Canadian Wildfire Smoke Is Not Proof of Climate Change

By Anthony Watts | ClimateRealism | July 24, 2026

The Wisconsin Examiner in “Wildfire smoke blankets Wisconsin; advocates stress need to confront climate change” and the Investigative Post in “Why smoke is getting in your eyes,” both claim the current wildfires in Canada and the smoke they are sending to the United States are due to climate change. These claims are false, and the articles misleading. While smoke from wildfires is real and the potential health impacts merit attention, there is no evidence that this particular wildfire season is due to climate change or that climate change is making wildfires worse. Instead, the articles ignore both the historical record and the broad scientific evidence, relying instead on advocacy-group talking points to make a connection between wildfires, drifting smoke, and climate change.

The Wisconsin Examiner’s article is especially revealing. After describing the smoke and its health impacts, it quickly pivots to quotes from environmental advocacy organizations such as Clean Wisconsin and Midwest Environmental Advocates, both of which insist that climate change is making wildfires more frequent or severe.

“Increasingly smoky skies underscore the importance of a rapid transition to clean energy rather than building more polluting fossil fuel infrastructure that further contributes to climate change,” Dr. Paul Matthewson, science program director for Clean Wisconsin, said in a statement.

“The wildfire smoke blanketing Wisconsin is a reminder that climate change is not a distant threat,” said Peg Shaeffer, spokesperson for Midwest Environmental Advocates.

These claims are presented as though they describe established fact, grounded in real-world data. They don’t. Indeed, its is misdirection since wildfires and the smoke they produce have nothing whatsoever to due with emissions from power plants or automobiles.

The smoke blanketing parts of the Midwest originated from lightning-caused fires in northern Minnesota and Canada. Smoke travels wherever the wind takes it. That is a feature of prevailing meteorological conditions, not evidence that greenhouse gases caused the fires in the first place.

The media has increasingly adopted a simple formula: wildfire equals climate change. Unfortunately, for their claims, nature is far more complicated. … continue

Yet Another Embarrassment From The National Academy Of Pseudoscience

By Francis Menton | Manhattan Contrarian | July 23, 2026

In my own professional life, I was not a scientist, and therefore I never much paid attention to the kinds of rewards and honors that practicing scientists pass out to each other. But at some point I became aware that there was something called the National Academy of Sciences, and that among scientists it was considered a big deal to get selected to become a member. This membership is one of those things that you cannot apply for; rather, one day you get “tapped” by some committee of super-elite gurus who invite you to come learn the secret handshake. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about membership:

Membership of the National Academy of Sciences is an award granted to scientists that the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of the United States judges to have made “distinguished and continuing achievements in original research”. Membership is a mark of excellence in science and one of the highest honors that a scientist can receive.

(At some point in the 2010s, the NAS got somehow consolidated with comparable “academies” of engineering and medicine, to become a combined organization going by the name of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, or NASEM. This post only concerns the Science part of the combined entity, although I have no reason to think that the other parts are any better.)

There are only around 2000+ members of the NAS, out of a universe of some 2 million + people who do some kind of scientifically-related research. So only about one in a thousand gets in. Needless to say, these people must be really, really smart.

Well, as far as I can tell, they are all morons. Also, corrupt morons. … continue

Doctors Are Dangerous

An Essay on the First Leading Cause of Death

Lies are Unbekoming | July 24, 2026

… The doctor is not the third leading cause of death. The doctor is the first. … Read full article

US, British intelligence behind Ukraine’s military leadership purge: Ex-Ukrainian PM

Press TV – July 26, 2026

Former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov says the recent changes in Ukraine’s military command and the campaign to reinstate former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fyodorov were orchestrated by US and British intelligence services rather than driven by domestic protests.

Azarov made the remarks on Sunday, saying Western intelligence agencies, acting under the broader political direction of Washington and London, were behind the replacement of Commander-in-Chief Alexander Syrsky and efforts to restore Fyodorov as defense minister.

“One should not think that it was the ‘Cardboard Maidan’ that pushed Zelensky to do something,” Azarov told TASS.

He said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s decisions were inspired primarily by his foreign “curators,” adding that British and American intelligence services “work in a very coordinated manner.”

According to Azarov, strategic decisions concerning Ukraine are shaped in Washington, and intelligence agencies carry out their implementation.

Both the US and Britain continue to play the leading role in directing political and military developments in Ukraine, he argued. … Full article

UK keeps Venezuela’s gold frozen despite earthquake catastrophe

Al Mayadeen | July 26, 2026

The United Kingdom continues to deny Venezuela access to approximately 31 tonnes of its own gold, worth around $4 billion, even as the South American nation struggles to recover from twin earthquakes that killed more than 5,000 people and caused tens of billions of dollars in damage.

According to an explainer published by CNN, the gold remains inaccessible because the British government continues to refuse to recognize the Venezuelan authorities requesting its release.

The bullion remains locked inside the Bank of England’s heavily guarded underground vaults, years after British authorities prevented Caracas from retrieving the reserves amid a politically driven dispute over which Venezuelan administration London was prepared to recognize.

The humanitarian catastrophe has failed to move British authorities toward releasing the Venezuelan property.
London places recognition policy above immediate survival, recovery needs

Instead, billions of dollars that could finance homes, hospitals, infrastructure, emergency assistance, and employment remain immobilized in London, while thousands of Venezuelans mourn their relatives or remain displaced by the June 24 disaster. … Full article

The spark in Tell: How a village resistance disrupted Israel’s West Bank strategy

By Ramzy Baroud | MEMO | July 25, 2026

During a military raid on the small town of Tell, southwest of Nablus, a moment of direct defiance shattered the illusion of total Palestinian submission.

Faced with relentless military incursions, land confiscation, and settler harassment and violence, local villagers and farmers refused to retreat.

In the confrontation that followed, a single Palestinian disarmed an Israeli soldier and opened fire on the invading forces near the illegal Havat Gilad settlement outpost, killing two soldiers and wounding three others.

What followed was the predictable, unyielding fury of the occupation: Israeli forces and state-backed armed settlers immediately launched a series of raids across Tell and neighboring communities, killing four Palestinians, setting fire to homes, and converting residential buildings into field interrogation centers.

In a swift collective punishment campaign, Israeli occupation troops detained over 70 Palestinians—including more than 40 in Tell alone—while expanding military incursions into Jenin, Tubas, Tulkarm, Ramallah, Hebron (Al-Khalil), Bethlehem, and Jericho.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz promptly ordered a “wide-scale military operation,” while UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese unequivocally condemned the combined army-settler assaults as “pogroms against defenseless civilians,” reiterating calls for an immediate arms embargo and trade sanctions against Israel.

Yet to understand the spark in Tell, one must understand the explosive pressure cooker that the occupied West Bank has become. … continue

Jewish settlers rampage through West Bank, burning two mosques and several vehicles

Palestinian Information Center – July 26, 2026

Extremist Jewish settlers escalated their terrorist attacks in the occupied West Bank early Sunday, burning two mosques, torching vehicles, assaulting residents, and even blocking an ambulance.

According to media sources, a horde of settlers stormed the town of Qusra, south of Nablus, and set fire to the al‑Rahma Mosque after scrawling racist Hebrew graffiti on its walls, burning large parts of the building.

In southern Tulkarem, settlers set fire to the mosque of Kur, south of Tulkarem, and wrote racist slogans and threats on its walls.

The settlers also attacked the Ein Samia quarry south of al-Mughayir village, east of Ramallah, where they set fire to several heavy-duty vehicles and assaulted workers and guards, injuring some of them.

Another group of settlers raided Beitillu village near Ramallah, torching a number of cars belonging to local residents.

In a separate incident, settlers attempted to set fire to a house in the town of Beit Furik in eastern Nablus after writing racist graffiti on walls. A local guard committee reportedly confronted them and forced them to leave.

Settlers also intercepted an ambulance transporting a patient near the illegal Karnei Shomron settlement east of Qalqilya, forcing it to turn back. Others pelted Palestinian vehicles with stones near the illegal Mitzpe Jericho settlement southwest of Jericho.

Rights group details harrowing treatment of Palestinian women at Damon

Al Mayadeen – July 26, 2026

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office reported that the Israeli Prison Service’s suppression unit carried out a brutal crackdown against Palestinian female detainees at Damon Prison on Friday.

The Office said female detainees at Damon Prison were forced to lie face down for nearly an hour with their hands bound and eyes blindfolded during the raid, adding that “their screams and cries for help echoed throughout the prison wing after they were subjected to tear gas, physical assault, and beatings.”

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Media Office stated that prison authorities subsequently placed several female detainees in solitary confinement following the crackdown, amid insults and abusive language directed at them during the assault.

The Office also pointed to the spread of allergies and skin rashes among female detainees at Damon Prison due to extreme heat and poor detention conditions.

The 94 female detainees held at Damon Prison have, in recent months, been subjected to repeated crackdowns marked by physical and psychological abuse, as well as degrading treatment and rights violations, amid increasingly harsh detention conditions. … Full article

Two Palestinians killed, others injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza

Palestinian Information Center – July 26, 2026

Two Palestinian citizens were martyred and others were injured in fresh Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, while another citizen succumbed to injuries sustained in an earlier strike.

According to media sources, two officers were assassinated and seven people were wounded when Israeli aircraft fired three missiles at a vehicle in the al-Birka area of Deir al-Balah in central Gaza.

The interior ministry in Gaza identified the two martyrs as Wael al-Laddawi, director of the internal security service in the central governorate, and his escort, Ramez Abu Zureiq.

For their part, medical sources announced that a citizen, identified as Suleiman Sahmoud, died of injuries sustained yesterday in an Israeli strike near Street 5 in Khan Yunis.

A little girl was also wounded by Israeli gunfire near the Jabalia Martyrs Healthcare Center in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, widespread military activity, including demolitions, shooting incidents, artillery shelling, and airstrikes, was reported across Gaza today.

Netanyahu: Israeli Army Hasn’t Withdrawn from Any Inch of “Yellow Zone” in South Lebanon

Al-Manar | July 26, 2026

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said that, contrary to what is being circulated by mass media, the occupation forces have not withdrawn from the original “yellow zone” in Lebanon by even a millimeter.

The “yellow zone” is a term used by the enemy authorities and refers to the area controlled by the Zionist occupation forces in South Lebanon.

Netanyahu added, “Regarding the two pilot zones: in one of them, we didn’t have a single soldier, so we didn’t withdraw from a place where we were never present.”

“In the second zone, north of the Litani River, we were not present in most of it at all, and in the remaining part, we temporarily controlled territory outside the original yellow line. Therefore, we are maintaining the original security zone and have not moved out from it.”

Continued Israeli aggression obstructs LAF deployment: Lebanese Army

Al Mayadeen | July 26, 2026

Israeli attacks are obstructing the completion of Lebanese Army deployment in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Army said Sunday.

“The Lebanese Army confirmed that the continued Israeli assaults are hindering the completion of the deployment of its units in southern Lebanon according to existing understandings,” the military said in a statement, adding that “these violations prevent the implementation of the agreed-upon commitments.”

The army further noted in its statement that the ongoing Israeli attacks are preventing residents from returning to their villages and towns and are impeding the establishment of stability in the southern regions. It reiterated its commitment to carrying out its duties in accordance with the applicable understandings.
Israeli forces sustain aggression on southern Lebanon

Israeli forces continued their attacks on towns in southern Lebanon. On Saturday, they burned and detonated a number of houses in the Saf al-Hawa area of Bint Jbeil and on the road leading to the town of Ainatha, as part of a policy of destruction targeting villages and towns along the front-line edge.

In the Tyre district, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported that Israeli forces carried out a new detonation in the town of Majdal Zoun, coinciding with patrol operations using automatic weapons near a Lebanese Army position between the towns of Majdal Zoun and Mansouri. … Full article

Israeli forces launch artillery shells at agricultural lands in Syria’s Quneitra

Press TV – July 26, 2026

Israeli occupation forces have carried out military offensives in the countryside of Syria’s southwestern province of Quneitra near the occupied strategic Golan Heights, launching artillery shells at agricultural lands in the region.

The local al-Ikhbariyah Syria television news channel reported that the forces hit areas close to the village of Tarnajah on Sunday, but did not provide any details about possible casualties and the extent of damage caused.

According to the broadcaster, Israeli troops also moved forward before sunrise towards the villages of Maariya and al-Ardah located in the Yarmouk Basin region of western Dara’a.

The report said the military force, made up of three vehicles and a bulldozer, moved into the area, opened a road, and set up a checkpoint within the village of al-Ardah.

The developments come as visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is anticipated to visit the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the occupied Golan Heights to help oversee adherence to the ceasefire agreement between Syria’s HTS regime and Israel. … Full article

Sharaa Dismisses Military Intervention in Lebanon: Syria Looks for Security Agreement with ‘Israel’

Al-Manar | July 26, 2026

The Syrian interim President Ahmad Al-Sharaa dismissed any military intervention in Lebanon, highlighting contacts with the Lebanese government to discuss solutions that will help bring Lebanon to safety.

In a televised interview, Al-Sharaa said, “The Lebanese solution may not be military; anarchy in Lebanon will affect Syria.”

We are afraid of the expansion of the war zone in the region and seek a security agreement with ‘Israel’, he said.

The security agreement with ‘Israel’ will not include concession of right to occupied Golan Heights, Al-Sharaa added.

Syria’s relations with Iraq are witnessing a steady progress, Al-Sharaa said.

India’s reluctance to confront US over Chabahar attacks exposes contradictions in its Iran policy: Journalist

Press TV – July 26, 2026

India’s continued reluctance to openly challenge Washington despite the recent US attacks on Iran, including the strategic coastal city of Chabahar, has exposed the contradictions at the heart of New Delhi’s foreign policy, says an Indian journalist and foreign policy analyst.

Speaking to the Press TV website, Sanjay Kapoor, founder and editor of Hardnews magazine and president of the Editors Guild of India, said India’s approach towards Chabahar has never been independent of US policy on Iran, noting that New Delhi has consistently calibrated its engagement with the strategic Iranian port around Washington’s broader regional strategy.

“India decided to take up the Chabahar project only after then US President Barack Obama had signed the JCPOA and there was a global attempt to normalise ties with Iran,” Kapoor said.

He noted that India, like many other countries, had also severed its energy relationship with Iran after Washington instructed New Delhi to stop purchasing Iranian oil, underscoring India’s willingness to accommodate American concerns over the Islamic Republic.

“India also cut energy ties with Iran after the US told New Delhi to stop buying Persian oil. In other words, India has been mindful of US concerns on Iran,” he stated.

Kapoor said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in New Delhi has simultaneously cultivated close strategic relations with Israel, a policy that has further aligned India’s foreign policy with that of Washington. … continue

Yemeni Armed Forces shoot down Saudi-operated Bayraktar drone

Al Mayadeen | July 26, 2026

The Yemeni armed forces announced on Sunday that their air defenses shot down a Turkish-made “Bayraktar Akinci” armed reconnaissance drone, which they said belongs to “the Saudi enemy,” while it was conducting “hostile operations” in the airspace of Al-Jawf province.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF), stated that the drone was downed using appropriate weaponry, affirming that the YAF “will confront any attempt to breach the country’s sovereignty.”

Saree added that the forces possess “the capabilities and means” enabling them to face any threats, stressing their continued defense of Yemeni airspace and sovereignty. … Full article