The Equation of Chaos: Cognitive Warfare and Economic Suffocation

Cognitive warfare is not an epiphenomenon, but the main driver of a strategy designed to fracture the soul of the nation

Author: Raúl Antonio Capote | informacion@granmai.cu

July 13, 2026 12:07:04

The cognitive warfare strategy against Cuba involves designing specific narratives for the housewife in Havana, the young tourism worker in Varadero, or the engineer in Holguín. Photo: Image taken from Razones de Cuba

Washington, at full throttle, seeks to synchronize the attempted energy collapse with disinformation and the sowing of doubt, in an unprecedented scenario of multidimensional pressure.

In the literature of strategic intelligence, there is an old concept that, in the digital age, has reached a terrifying level of sophistication: generating confusion to sow doubt in people. Today, this strategy has become the central axis of U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba. It is not just one of the classic tools of ideological confrontation, but a dissonant symphony in which material suffocation and the erosion of perception play in unison.

A detailed map of this new cartography of conflict allows us to appreciate how cognitive warfare is not an epiphenomenon, but the main driver of a strategy designed to fracture the nation's soul. It's not just the usual blatant lies; it's a perverse mechanism of subtle poisoning, seeking to sow suspicion about everything and everyone.

That particle of uncertainty, endlessly repeated in digital ecosystems, erodes trust in institutions and in the narrative of resistance. Information overload, the creation of parallel realities, and the use of bots that replicate messages with slight variations all pursue a single goal: to make citizens stop believing in their own perceptions.

In recent months, the qualitative leap has been the massive use of Generative Artificial Intelligence. Furthermore, Washington has perfected the technique of hyperrealistic deepfakes and audience micro-segmentation. It's no longer about broadcasting a single message for the entire island, but about designing specific narratives for the housewife in Havana, the young tourism worker in Varadero, or the engineer in Holguín. 

Tools like advanced language models allow for the generation of thousands of versions of the same hoax, tailored to the vocabulary, pain, and frustration of each demographic group. Artificial intelligence synthesizes voices, clones the faces of leaders in compromising contexts, and, most dangerously, simulates WhatsApp conversations between "ordinary citizens" discussing power outages and shortages with a prefabricated tone of defeat. But the crown jewel of this cognitive strategy is the use of predictive AI to anticipate discontent. Algorithms process sentiment on social media and closed forums, detecting peaks of emotional exhaustion.

It is in these moments of extreme vulnerability, as the energy blockade strikes with prolonged power outages and fuel shortages paralyze transportation, that amplification campaigns are activated. Then, the AI ​​transforms the situation into an unbearable psychological ordeal, multiplying the perception of chaos.

We are witnessing a diabolical equation: while the population is suffocated by the lack of electricity and food, in order to provoke discontent, the digital space is simultaneously flooded with messages that blame the Cuban government exclusively for this scarcity, omitting the external origin of the suffering.

These are the weapons of a narrative designed to incite collective despair. AI does the work; when a neighborhood goes dark, cell phones (if they have battery and data) are flooded with fabricated messages about "incompetent management" and "official privileges," without ever mentioning the declared economic war.

The ultimate goal is not just economic collapse per se, but social unrest. The White House aims to replicate the script used in other regions and unsuccessfully attempted in Cuba in the past, but with far more sophisticated technology. The idea is to synchronize the moment of peak material hardship with an unstoppable digital offensive that overwhelms the state's capacity to respond, creating the image of an ungovernable nation in the eyes of the world.

However, human intelligence has one advantage over artificial intelligence: historical awareness. Faced with this hyper-technological disinformation machine, a cultural counteroffensive is needed to reclaim the value of verified information, data journalism, and, above all, empathy.

A cognitive war is won in the streets, in neighborhood dialogues, in the trust built face-to-face, where AI cannot yet reach. The challenge for Cuba is titanic: to withstand the pressure of a suffocating blockade and, at the same time, defuse the cyber cluster bombs that explode in citizens' pockets.

Therefore, the response cannot be merely institutional; it must be social. It is about building an ethical shield against doubt and understanding that, in this new war, every informed citizen is a soldier of truth. Washington has unleashed all its weapons.

The question that hangs in the air—and that time and history will answer—is whether the tenacity of the Cuban people, forged in more than six decades of resistance, will be able to overcome this perverse alliance between material suffocation and the digital mirage.

Refining Domestic Crude Oil: A Path of Great Effort that Continues to Yield Results

The processing of 20,000 tons of domestic crude oil in the Santiago de Cuba refinery demonstrates the resilience of Cubans and their boundless will to find solutions in the face of the most complex adversities

Author: Luis Alberto Portuondo | internet@granma.cu

June 11, 2026 11:06:36

To process the national crude, it has been necessary to study, innovate, and experiment, the director of the Hermanos Díaz refinery affirmed. Photo: Archive

SANTIAGO DE CUBA.— In 2024, Granma had already investigated the processing of heavy crude oil, which our country imported, using a solvent that brought it to 16 degrees API—created by a team of specialists at the Hermanos Díaz Oil Refinery—to convert it into medium crude and, once distilled, obtain the derivatives.

"That technological feat allowed our company to leave behind the period between 2016 and 2021, marked by losses, meager production, and the regrettable exodus of engineers, technicians, and service personnel," acknowledged engineer Irene Barbado Lucio, general director of this branch of the Cuban Petroleum Union (Cupet).

But in 2026, "the situation became extremely complex due to the energy blockade imposed by the Trump administration, preventing the oil we once purchased abroad from flowing through our facilities," the director lamented.

"Once again, the option was to become self-sufficient through our own efforts, as advised by the Commander-in-Chief in his concept of Revolution. He was the one who promoted the expansion and modernization of our plant in the 1980s, but I want to emphasize that it was designed to process light crude," specified Víctor Manuel Díaz Despaigne, director of the refining area.

THE BEGINNING OF THE TRANSFORMATIONS

When refining of imported heavy crude began, the Hermanos Díaz refinery—one of the country's four refineries—processed "naphtha, gasoline, fuel for drilling wells, fuel oil for thermoelectric power plants and distributed generation, as well as for asphalt production and the nickel industry," explained its CEO.

This was the result of the efforts of more than 700 workers, because the technological upgrades were numerous. Thanks to this collective ingenuity and the powerful movement of innovators and efficiency experts, profits were generated and distributed, and the emigration of skilled personnel to other Cupet companies and to centers in both the state and private sectors was prevented.

According to Barbado Lucio, "it was a complex process, involving much study and experimentation, in which our maintenance team—responsible, as its name indicates, for ensuring the operation of the industry—and Cupet's Refining Directorate also played a fundamental role."

"If at the end of the last decade we had resigned ourselves to the technological limitations that, obviously, made refining heavy crude impossible, the fate of this important industry would have been very uncertain. That is why, united, we overcame what seemed invincible," he affirmed.

With some seven decades of operation, work is underway at this site to improve infrastructure, production processes, and working conditions. In this regard, progress has been made on the flow measurement project to guarantee traceability of the processing, prevent fuel losses, and consequently strengthen fire suppression systems, lightning rods, and spill containment measures (which minimize environmental impacts in Santiago Bay).

ANOTHER TURNING POINT

Through coercion and blackmail, the U.S. government "dictated to our suppliers that they should no longer sell us crude oil. But the greatest risk was that the country would run out of naphtha, essential for continuing extraction in our oil wells," emphasized the member of the Party's Central Committee.

"If we were able to convert imported heavy crude into medium crude, given the urgency, we decided to do the same with domestic crude," stated the director of the refining area.

After intensive studies and adjustments, "we conducted an initial run of domestic crude in March; we obtained naphtha, diesel, and fuel oil, and, above all, the exploitation of our oil fields did not stop," the director pointed out.

Although these initial results were encouraging, the need for further adjustments to the plant also became apparent, given the viscosity and aggressiveness of Cuban oil due to its high sulfur and acidity levels.

That is why, in this initial stage, crude oil from the western region is being refined, as it "has better characteristics, flows better, and has lower viscosity," commented engineer Irenaldo Pérez Cardoso, deputy director of Cupet.

These actions were carried out in parallel with those developed by the Petroleum Research Center, based on thermoconversion, which were announced by the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, along with members of the National Innovation Council.

According to the president, "we broke a precedent, a taboo that existed in the country, that national crude oil could not be used for other purposes, and we had practically condemned it to be used directly in a group of thermoelectric plants."

FOR GREATER AND BETTER RESULTS

Since the country has only received one Russian tanker in the last six months, Cupet continued working with domestic crude and processed 20,000 tons. Once again, the Hermanos Díaz team took on this colossal challenge, which happily "yielded results superior to the first run of this pilot phase, with the production of solvent naphtha destined for wells and fuel oil," said Irene Barbado Lucio.

Because the diesel obtained from domestic crude does not meet all the standards for commercialization, it was necessary to blend it with a higher-quality fuel to make it usable. The May run met the objectives; the extra-heavy fuel oil is even being used at the Antonio Maceo Thermoelectric Power Plant, with positive results, and its use in the nickel industry is being evaluated.

Even though the processed amount does not cover the country's demand, it represents a technological advancement for making more efficient use of endogenous energy resources. "Therefore, we reiterate that, given the high sulfur content, acidity, and viscosity of Cuban crude, specialists were required to perform calculations and adjustments to optimize and facilitate the refining process," stated Yanet Revé Luna, senior specialist in the Technology Department.

Thus, the crude oil washing systems were rehabilitated, "and the dosage of a new product called Vapen 220 pe was established. This product serves as a neutralizer at the top of the atmospheric distillation tower for the corrosive acids that form during the fractionation process," the specialist affirmed.

Taking into account the characteristics of Cuban oil, a line was constructed to collect the polluting gases released at the top of the vacuum distillation tower. These gases are then burned in the furnaces, thereby contributing to environmental protection and the health of the workers.

Since it was very difficult for the fuel to flow through the ten-inch diameter lines to reach the suction and processing unit, "we made an interconnection with a 20-inch line," Revé Luna noted.

And in complete accordance with the need to take a little bit away from the problems each day, this team—with many of its members working long hours and in complete anonymity—continues to apply science and innovation so that petroleum products—no longer imported, because they are denied to us—are present, to the extent possible, in the country's main activities.

Sahel Alliance Reviews Legal Framework for Unified Military Force

By Al Mayadeen English

12 Jul 2026 23:17

Defense ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger reviewed the legal framework for the Sahel Alliance's unified military force during talks in Ouagadougou.

Defense ministers from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger met in Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou, to discuss the legal framework governing the unified military force of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), in a move aimed at advancing plans for a joint army among the three countries.

The meeting brought together Burkina Faso's Minister of State for Defense and Veterans Affairs, Celestin Simpore, Niger's Minister of National Defense, Salifou Mody, and Mali's Minister Delegate for Defense, Omar Diarra.

The ministers reviewed a draft legal statute that will govern the operations of the confederation's unified force and establish the legal basis for its future military activities.

Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Simpore said Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger were entering a new phase in structuring their military cooperation, saying that the proposed statute is the legal foundation for the unified force.

He said the framework would enable the force to conduct joint operations across the territory of the Confederation of Sahel States against armed groups.

Simpore said that the unified force is the foundation of the "real army" the three countries are working to build together, adding that efforts are underway to strengthen its personnel, equipment, and operational capabilities to improve the effectiveness of joint military operations.

He added that the force's capabilities would be expanded progressively with the goal of establishing a fully integrated, rapidly deployable joint army capable of operating anywhere within the confederation.

Military cooperation expands across the Sahel

The meeting comes days after Russia and the three Sahel states announced plans to deepen their military partnership amid an increase in attacks by armed groups across the region.

Military cooperation and counterterrorism remain central pillars of the Confederation of Sahel States, whose members continue to face attacks by armed groups operating across vast and porous border regions.

Officials said the legal framework is intended to define the rules governing troop deployments, operational jurisdiction, command structures, and coordination mechanisms, allowing the alliance to transform ad hoc joint operations into a more structured collective defense system.

The three countries aim to use the unified force to overcome the operational limitations imposed by national borders, enabling a coordinated response to armed groups that operate across frontier areas where security oversight remains limited.

Saudi Arabia Trains Over 5,000 Somalian Troops for Army Integration

By Al Mayadeen English

12 Jul 2026 23:36

Saudi Arabia is supporting a program to train over 5,000 Somali soldiers as Mogadishu seeks to rebuild its armed forces and strengthen security.

A high-level Saudi military delegation visited two training camps in the town of Guri Ceel in Somalia's Galguduud region, where forces affiliated with the Somali federal government are undergoing training as part of a Saudi-backed program to prepare new military units for integration into the Somali National Army.

The visit comes within the framework of growing defense cooperation between Mogadishu and Riyadh, with the program, as per reports, aimed at strengthening the capabilities and readiness of newly formed Somali military units.

According to media reports, the training program includes 5,107 soldiers at the two camps, including around 2,000 young recruits from the Puntland state, while the remaining trainees were recruited from various regions across Somalia.

The training is expected to last nine months, during which recruits will receive instruction in basic military skills, operational procedures, and combat training before joining the Somali Army.

Foreign trainers involved in program

Reports said the trainers participating in the program are foreign personnel from Romania, Ukraine, South Africa, and Colombia.

The Somali government has not yet released official details regarding the selection process for the trainers or the nature of the training being conducted at the two camps.

The Saudi delegation's visit comes months after Somalia and Saudi Arabia signed a defense and military cooperation agreement in Riyadh on February 9, 2026, aimed at strengthening defense ties, military training, and coordination between the two countries.

The agreement was signed by Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi and his Saudi counterpart, Khalid bin Salman.

Somalia seeks to rebuild armed forces

The Somali government has been working to rebuild its armed forces and enhance their ability to assume security responsibilities amid ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab and the gradual transfer of security duties from African Union forces to Somali security institutions.

The initiative also reflects Saudi Arabia's efforts to expand its security and defense presence in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa, a strategically important region linking the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean and witnessing increasing regional and international competition.

Somaliland Jails Musician Without Trial Over al-Quds Song

By Al Mayadeen English

11 Jul 2026 14:18

The musician's detention has prompted condemnation from the opposition and renewed concerns over freedom of expression.

Security forces in the breakaway region of Somaliland have detained young musician Khalid Mohamud Abdillahi, widely known as Khalid Kamil, after he recorded a song about occupied al-Quds, Hiiraan Online reported, citing his family.

Kamil has been held without trial for the past two weeks, his brother, Abdimajid Mohamud Abdillahi, said Thursday.

Abdimajid said intelligence officers arrested the musician at his home in Hargeisa before transferring him to the Criminal Investigation Department. He said Kamil was later moved to the central prison.

“They arrested Khalid at his home,” Abdimajid said. “The intelligence accused him of singing a song about Jerusalem that he had not yet released.”

Family questions basis for arrest

Abdimajid said authorities informed the family that Kamil was being detained because of the song but maintained that its content was unrelated to Somaliland.

“The security services told us that Khalid was being held for a song, but since the song was not about Somaliland, but about Jerusalem, we saw that someone was pushing or behind the arrest,” Abdimajid stressed.

Opposition party condemns detention

Somaliland’s opposition KAAH party denounced the arrest on Thursday, describing it as an infringement on fundamental freedoms and part of a broader campaign to suppress criticism of the breakaway government’s policy toward "Israel".

“The arrest of artists, journalists and citizens for expressing their views and creativity undermines the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the constitution,” the party said.

KAAH urged the government to release Kamil immediately and halt intimidation targeting artists and members of the creative community.

The party added that democratic governance should be grounded in respect for the rule of law and freedom of expression rather than arrests and repression.

Previous arrests linked to 'Israel' recognition debate

Somaliland has previously detained religious leaders, traditional elders, journalists, and youth activists who opposed the prospect of Israeli recognition of Somaliland. Several of those detained were later released without trial.

The song, which has not been officially released but has circulated on social media, praises occupied al-Quds and highlights the city's religious importance.

According to Kamil’s brother, the lyrics include lines stating that al-Quds “has been stolen” and criticizing those who remain silent about this crime.

Arrest follows opening of 'Somaliland mission' in al-Quds

The detention comes after Somaliland opened a diplomatic mission in occupied al-Quds in June, six months after "Israel" reportedly recognized Somaliland as an "independent state".

The mission, located in a technology hub in the western part of occupied al-Quds, was inaugurated during an official visit by the regional president of the breakaway region of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi, to "Israel".

During the visit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there was a “deep spiritual connection” between the two sides.

Somalia’s federal government, which regards Somaliland as part of its territory, condemned the engagement with "Israel" and said any contact with the separatist administration violated Somalia’s sovereignty.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not secured broad international recognition. Somalia continues to maintain that Somaliland remains part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Macron, Ramaphosa Hold Talks to Deepen France-South Africa Ties

By Al Mayadeen English

12 Jul 2026 21:15

Emmanuel Macron and Cyril Ramaphosa hold talks in Paris on trade, security, climate, and strengthening France-South Africa relations.

French President Emmanuel Macron received South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Élysée Palace in Paris as part of an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and coordinating positions on a range of international issues.

French media sources said the meeting reflected a "strong convergence of views" between the two leaders on global affairs, particularly issues related to peace, food security, climate change, and challenges stemming from regional and international crises.

The discussions focused on expanding political, economic, and strategic cooperation between France and South Africa, with particular emphasis on trade, investment, energy, and critical minerals, sectors both governments consider priorities for the next phase of their partnership.

Leaders discuss regional security and global challenges

Macron and Ramaphosa also addressed regional security issues across Africa, including ongoing conflicts in parts of the continent, as well as broader international matters on which Paris and Pretoria are seeking closer coordination.

Ramaphosa's visit comes as both countries seek to reinforce their long-standing partnership, while France works to strengthen its engagement with key African partners beyond its traditional sphere of influence on the continent.

According to the French presidency, the visit is part of efforts to deepen cooperation with South Africa, whose growing role as a leading African power, G20 member, and partner on international governance, development, and security has become increasingly significant.

Visit follows recent diplomatic tensions

The visit also comes weeks after limited diplomatic tensions emerged when South Africa was not included among the countries invited to the G7 summit in Evian, making the Paris meeting an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of bilateral relations.

On Sunday, Ramaphosa is also scheduled to visit the South African National Memorial at Delville Wood in northern France to mark the 110th anniversary of the Battle of Delville Wood during World War I, where South African troops fought on the Western Front and suffered heavy losses.

Libya's Rival Rebel Chiefs Meet to Discuss Unification of Armed Forces

Libya

Top military leaders from Libya’s rival armies met in Sirte on Sunday to discuss ongoing efforts to reunify the military.

Eastern forces Chief of Staff Khaled Haftar and his western counterpart Salah al-Din al-Namroush met alongside representatives of the UN Support Mission in Libya.

Without providing details, a statement issued by the eastern forces said the meeting was "constructive."

The north African country plunged into chaos after the Pentagon-NATO-CIA engineered ouster of longtime Pan-Africanist statesman and leader Moammar Gadhafi in 2011.

It’s since been run by two governments: Abdulhamid Dbeibah's internationally recognised Government of National ‌Unity in the west, and Khalifa Haftar’s rival Government of National Stability in the east.

Talks to reunify the country reportedly began late last year, when both Libyan sides asked Pakistan to mediate. The US, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey are all said to support the process.

A proposed reunification plan would create a 36-month transitional power-sharing setup, with Dbeibah as prime minister and Haftar’s son Saddam leading a presidential council.

The plan also gives Haftar’s faction budget authority due to its control of the country’s major oilfields and infrastructure.

EU Bans Purchase and Import of Sudanese Gold in Bid to Curb War Economy

Sudan

The European Union is banning the purchase, import and transfer of Sudanese gold in a bid to curb sources of financing for the country’s devastating conflict.

The measure announced by the European Council on Monday also bans the sale, supply, transfer and export of mercury and cyanide to Sudan, chemicals used to mine the precious metal.

The decision includes targeted exemptions, such as goods intended for humanitarian purposes, public health emergencies and disaster response.

Gold has become a major source of revenue in sustaining the war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.

Since fighting broke out in 2023, tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions have been displaced, triggering what the United Nations has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

Airstrikes Kill 26 al-Shabaab Rebels in Southern Somalia

Source: Xinhua| 2026-07-13 21:17:00|Editor: huaxia

MOGADISHU, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The Somali National Army, supported by international partners, killed 26 al-Shabaab militants in a series of airstrikes targeting three locations in the Middle Shabelle region of southern Somalia.

In a statement issued Sunday, the defense ministry said that the operation also destroyed an armored vehicle and a fuel tanker used by the militants to launch attacks in Cadow Jilib, Geyfo, and Qordheere locations.

"These operations form part of the ongoing efforts of the Somali National Armed Forces to pursue al-Shabaab leaders and militants and degrade the group's ability to organize and carry out terrorist attacks," the ministry added. 

UN Urges Immediate Aid as Somalia Faces Severe Drought

Source: Xinhua| 2026-07-13 21:39:00|Editor: huaxia

MOGADISHU, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations (UN) relief agency has appealed for urgent assistance for hundreds of thousands of Somalis, particularly in the northern regions, who face escalating hardship amid severe drought conditions.

In its latest humanitarian report released on Sunday, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that cumulative crises, including severe drought, flooding, dwindling aid, and protracted conflict, have systematically undermined the resilience of millions of Somali households.

The OCHA estimated that severe drought conditions have affected roughly 250,000 people, with coastal and remote communities hit the hardest.

"Authorities are appealing for urgent assistance, warning that hundreds of thousands of people are facing increasing hardship, including more than 570,000 people who require water assistance and 1.5 million that require food assistance," the OCHA said.

The OCHA said the Somalia Humanitarian Fund has stepped up support to the famine-risk Buurhakaba district in the Bay region, providing 4.7 million U.S. dollars, including a recent two-million-dollar reserve allocation.

The UN agency said that malnutrition is rising, with over 400,730 children experiencing acute malnutrition, including 97,150 severe and 303,580 moderate cases.

"Reproductive health services and emergency obstetric care remain severely limited, particularly for nomadic communities. Drought has also disrupted education, with more than 820 schools reportedly closed," the OCHA added.

Africa CDC Urges Stronger Protection Measures for Ebola Responders

Source: Xinhua| 2026-07-12 20:51:45|Editor: huaxia

ADDIS ABABA, July 12 (Xinhua) -- The confirmed infection of a U.S. humanitarian worker supporting the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has added critical urgency to the protection of health responders, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said.

The Africa CDC said in a press statement issued Saturday that health workers, humanitarian personnel, volunteers and operational staff are "sustaining the response under intense pressure," identifying cases, caring for patients and protecting affected communities in order to contain transmission.

It said relevant authorities and the response team have launched an epidemiological investigation, contact tracing and exposure risk assessments concerning the U.S. humanitarian worker, while highlighting that the exact circumstances of the exposure remain under investigation. The confirmed case has been supporting the outbreak response in Bunia, the capital of eastern DRC's Ituri Province and the epicenter of the outbreak.

At least 112 healthcare workers have been infected with the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, while some 35 have lost their lives in the DRC, according to the latest data from the African Union's specialized public health agency.

"Reliable protective equipment, strong infection prevention systems, continuous training, psychosocial support and safe working conditions are essential for every person delivering this response," the statement quoted Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya as saying.

The agency urged all organizations operating in affected areas to strengthen occupational safety measures, report suspected exposures and symptoms promptly, and provide continuous support to their personnel.

Last month, France reported an imported Bundibugyo Ebola case involving a health worker who had supported the response in the DRC.

Chinese Medical Team Provides Free Healthcare Services in Tanzania's Zanzibar

Source: Xinhua| 

2026-07-12 22:00:30|Editor: huaxia

A member of the 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar conducts an ultrasound examination for a local resident during a free medical outreach in Zanzibar, Tanzania, July 11, 2026. The 35th Chinese medical team in Tanzania's Zanzibar conducted a free medical outreach on Saturday, delivering healthcare services and health education to local residents. (The 35th Chinese medical team in Zanzibar/Handout via Xinhua)

DAR ES SALAAM, July 12 (Xinhua) -- The 35th Chinese medical team in Tanzania's Zanzibar conducted a free medical outreach on Saturday, delivering healthcare services and health education to local residents.

The medical team also distributed bilingual health education materials in English and Kiswahili and conducted sessions on infectious disease prevention and the home-based management of chronic conditions, tailored to the island's tropical climate.

Dua Musa, an official from the Zanzibar Ministry of Health, said the outreach improved access to professional healthcare for residents who otherwise would have had to travel long distances for treatment.

The event was carried out as part of China's "100 Medical Teams in 1,000 Villages" program, said Bao Zengtao, leader of the medical team, noting that the team provided consultations to around 200 people across a wide range of specialties, ensuring comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of common illnesses affecting the local population. ■

Xi to Attend Opening Ceremony of 2026 World AI Conference, Deliver Keynote Speech

Source: Xinhua

Editor: huaxia2026-07-13 19:19:45

BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance will be held in Shanghai from July 17 to 20. Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony and deliver a keynote speech, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson announced on Monday.

In response to a related query, Lin Jian said President Xi will systemically elaborate on China's policies, position, visions and propositions on AI development and governance when he addresses the opening ceremony of the conference themed "Intelligent Partners, Co-create the Future."

China has invited government officials and people across industries, universities and research institutes around the world, as well as heads of international organizations to share the moment together in China, Lin added.

Noting that AI technological innovation is undergoing broad-based breakthroughs and demonstrating unprecedented dynamism, Lin said that such progress brings both opportunities and challenges to the international community, making AI governance a profound topic of our times.

In recent years, in the field of AI, China has been acting on the four global initiatives and the Global AI Governance Initiative put forward by President Xi, said Lin, noting China is committed to providing international public goods, advocating AI for good and for all with real actions, and helping the Global South strengthen capacity-building, which are highly commended by the international community.

"Through this conference, China looks forward to building a platform for various parties to enhance mutual trust, pool consensus, and deepen cooperation so as to promote the sound, safe and orderly development of AI, and make this conference a milestone in the history of AI development," Lin said.

Three Killed in Moscow Region as Russian Air Defenses Shoot Down 342 Drones in Past Night

Ukrainian UAVs were intercepted over 15 Russian regions

© Alexander Polegenko/TASS

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Over the past night, air defenses intercepted and destroyed 342 Ukrainian drones over Russian regions, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported.

Three people were killed and three others were injured as a drone crashed in the settlement of Pionersky in Istra outside Moscow. In Solnechnogorsk, two people were injured after a drone hit an apartment building.

TASS has collected key details about the impact.

Scope

- Between 8:00 p.m. Moscow time (5:00 p.m. GMT) on July 12 and 8:00 a.m. Moscow time (5:00 a.m. GMT) on July 13, alert air defense capabilities intercepted and eliminated 342 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles over Russian regions, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported.

- Namely, drones were downed over the Belgorod, Bryansk, Kaluga, Krasnodar, Kursk, Lipetsk, Moscow, Oryol, Rostov, Ryazan, Tula, Vladimir, and Volgograd Regions, as well as the republics of Crimea and Adygea, the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, the ministry specified.

- Air defenses shot down 50 UAVs flying toward Moscow, the mayor of the Russian capital, Sergey Sobyanin, wrote on Max channel.

- According to him, since 8:30 p.m. Moscow time (5:30 p.m. GMT) on July 12, more than 350 enemy drones have targeted the Moscow Region.

- Air defenses and electronic warfare systems jammed and repelled 81 drone attacks over the Moscow Region, Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyov wrote on Max channel.

- Namely, drones were downed over the Odintsovo, Naro-Fominsk, Ruza, Ramenskoye, Mozhaisk, Volokolamsk, Chekhov, Ozery, Istra, Podolsk, Stupino, Domodedovo, Solnechnogorsk, and Kolomna municipalities.

- Overnight, air defenses destroyed four drones in a Maikop suburb in Adygea, the head of the Russian North Caucasus Republic, Murat Kumpilov, reported via Telegram.

- Another three Ukrainian drones were shot down in the skies over the Tula Region, Governor Dmitry Milyayev reported on Max channel.

- Earlier, he said the Russian Defense Ministry’s units had destroyed six Ukrainian drones.

Moscow Region affected

- Three people were killed and three others were injured as a drone crashed in the settlement of Pionersky in Istra outside Moscow, Moscow Region Governor Andrey Vorobyov said on his channel on Max.

- Later, he said two people were injured after a drone hit an apartment building in Solnechnogorsk.

- A wall and windows in the building were damaged.

- Also, two private homes in the village of Babkino in the Istra municipality sustained damage.

- In Mozhaisk, the window sill and glass panes of two windows in an apartment building were damaged, with no injuries reported.

- Prosecutors said the Moscow Region came under attack using fixed-wing UAVs on Sunday night.

- Emergency services are working at the scenes.

- The Main Investigation Department of the Russian Investigative Committee (IC) opened a criminal case into the terrorist attack, IC Spokeswoman Svetlana Petrenko said.

- A legal assessment will be given to actions by the commanders of Ukrainian units implicated in these terrorist attacks, she stressed.

- Five houses were destroyed and five cars were damaged as a result of criminal actions by Ukrainian armed formations in Pionersky in the Istra municipality, Petrenko specified.

- A search for an elderly woman who may have been trapped under the rubble is currently underway.

Impact on other regions

- A blaze occurred on the premises of an industrial site in the homestead of Vyazniki in the Stavropol Region, Governor Vladimir Vladimirov reported via Max.

- Firefighting squads and other emergency services are working at the scene.

- According to operational data, no one has been injured.

- As many as 39 people were evacuated as a drone crashed in Vladimir, damaging glass panes at an apartment in a residential building there, Governor Alexander Avdeyev wrote on Max channel.

- A blaze caused by falling drone debris was reported at a plant in the Temryuk District of the Krasnodar Region. No injuries have been reported, the southern Russian region’s operational headquarters reported on Max channel.

- Fragments of a drone fell on the premises of a private home in the settlement of Ilyich; glass panes and a wall were damaged, and an outbuilding caught fire as a result. The fire was promptly extinguished.

- Fragments of a UAV damaged a hangar with equipment on the premises of a business in the Belorechensk District, with no injuries reported.

Russian Air Defenses Destroy Over 180,000 UAVs in Ukraine Operation — Top Brass

Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 926 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and 12 smart bombs over the past 24 hours

© Alexander Reka/TASS

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Russian air defense forces have destroyed over 180,000 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) since the start of the special military operation in Ukraine, according to the latest report released by Russia’s Defense Ministry.

"Overall, the following targets have been destroyed since the start of the special military operation: 673 aircraft, 284 helicopters, 180,451 unmanned aerial vehicles, 665 surface-to-air missile systems, 30,143 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 1,757 multiple rocket launchers, 35,747 field artillery guns and mortars and 66,376 special military motor vehicles," the ministry said in a statement.

Kiev loses 1,415 troops along engagement line in past day - latest figures

The Ukrainian army lost roughly 1,415 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past 24 hours, according to the latest data on the special military operation in Ukraine released by Russia’s Defense Ministry.

The latest figures show that the Ukrainian army lost over 200 troops and four armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup North, more than 220 troops and four armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup West and roughly 175 troops and three armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup South.

During the last 24-hour period, the Ukrainian army also lost over 340 troops and an armored combat vehicle in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup Center, more than 385 troops and three armored combat vehicles in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup East and roughly 95 troops and three jamming stations in the responsibility area of the Battlegroup Dnepr, the latest figures show.

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts over 200 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 200 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup North units improved their tactical position and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of a mechanized brigade of the Ukrainian army and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Stetskovka and Volnaya Sloboda in the Sumy Region," the ministry said.

In the Kharkov direction, Battlegroup North units inflicted losses on formations of a mechanized brigade, a motorized infantry brigade of the Ukrainian army, a territorial defense brigade and a border guard detachment of Ukraine’s Border Guard Service in areas near the settlements of Vesyoloye, Zakharovka, Bely Kolodez and Vodyanoye in the Kharkov Region, the ministry reported.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 200 personnel, four armored combat vehicles, nine motor vehicles and three field artillery guns in those frontline areas over the past 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicts over 220 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 220 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed four enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup West units gained better lines and positions and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of two mechanized brigades, an assault brigade of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Maleyevka, Blagodatovka, Monachinovka and Staroverovka in the Kharkov Region, Svyatogorsk and Shchurovo in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

Overall, the Ukrainian army lost more than 220 troops, four armored combat vehicles, 17 motor vehicles, a US-made 155mm Paladin self-propelled artillery system and an electronic warfare station in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup West over the past 24 hours, the ministry said.

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicts 175 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted roughly 175 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup South units improved their tactical position and inflicted losses on formations of three mechanized brigades, an airmobile brigade, a mountain assault brigade, an air assault brigade of the Ukrainian army and a territorial defense brigade in areas near the settlements of Nikolayevka, Nikolaipolye, Kramatorsk, Kondratovka, Druzhkovka, Izhevka and Orekhovatka in the Donetsk People’s Republic," the ministry said.

Overall, the Ukrainian army lost an estimated 175 personnel, three armored combat vehicles, 23 motor vehicles and two field artillery guns in the responsibility area of Russia’s Battlegroup South over the past 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts over 340 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicted more than 340 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Center units improved their tactical position and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of three mechanized brigades, an assault brigade of the Ukrainian army, two marine infantry brigades and two National Guard brigades in areas near the settlements of Rubezhnoye, Maryevka, Zolotoi Kolodez and Gruzskoye in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Gavrilovka, Ivanovka and Chuguyevo in the Dnepropetrovsk Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 340 personnel, an armored combat vehicle, seven motor vehicles and an electronic warfare station in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicts over 385 casualties on Ukrainian army in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted more than 385 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy armored combat vehicles in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup East units continued advancing deep into the enemy’s defenses and inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of two assault brigades, a jaeger brigade, an air assault brigade, two assault regiments of the Ukrainian army and two marine infantry brigades in areas near the settlements of Kolomiytsy and Vasilkovka in the Dnepropetrovsk Region, Barvinovka, Mirovka, Blagodatnoye, Lyubitskoye, Novosoloshino and Shirokoye in the Zaporozhye Region," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army lost more than 385 personnel, three armored combat vehicles, nine motor vehicles and a Grad multiple rocket launcher in that frontline area over the past 24 hours, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr eliminates 95 Ukrainian troops in past day

Russia’s Battlegroup Dnepr eliminated roughly 95 Ukrainian troops and destroyed three enemy jamming stations in its area of responsibility over the past day, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup Dnepr units inflicted losses on formations of two mechanized brigades, a mountain assault brigade of the Ukrainian army and a marine infantry brigade in areas near the settlements of Yurkovka and Grigorovka in the Zaporozhye Region, Novoaleksandrovka and Ingulets in the Kherson Region," the ministry said.

"Up to 95 Ukrainian military personnel, 12 motor vehicles and three electronic warfare stations were destroyed," the ministry said.

Russian forces strike Ukrainian long-range UAV assembly sites over past day

Russian forces struck Ukrainian long-range UAV storage and assembly sites and enemy deployment areas over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported.

"Operational/tactical aircraft, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, missile troops and artillery of the Russian groups of forces struck fuel and energy and transport infrastructure used by the Ukrainian army, sites for the storage and workshops for the assembly of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles, fuel and lubricants and ammunition depots, and also temporary deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations and foreign mercenaries in 142 locations," the ministry said.

Russian air defenses intercept 926 Ukrainian UAVs, 12 smart bombs over past day

Russian air defense forces intercepted and destroyed 926 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles and 12 smart bombs over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported.

"Air defense capabilities shot down 12 guided aerial bombs and 926 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles," the ministry said.

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet destroys Ukrainian naval drone over past day

Russia’s Black Sea Fleet destroyed a Ukrainian naval drone in Black Sea waters over the past 24 hours, the ministry reported.

"The Black Sea Fleet’s forces destroyed an uncrewed surface vessel of the Ukrainian army," the ministry said.

Modernizing Russia’s Armed Forces, Fuel Situation — Putin’s Remarks

The Russophobic factions within the so-called collective West are fighting Russia, but the country is forging ahead with remarkable progress, the Russian leader said

© Sergey Guneyev/POOL/TASS

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. Russia's strength lies in its ability to overcome difficulties, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a forum titled "Everything for Victory!" held by the People’s Front.

He emphasized that Russia is modernizing its armed forces and achieving new results in the defense industry.

Although Ukraine’s actions create certain problems with oil derivatives in Russia, but the situation will gradually improve.

TASS has compiled the key statements made by the head of state.

On People’s Front work

The People’s Front has done great work in the fifteen years since it was founded: "Fifteen years ago, this was not a forced decision. The People’s Front - and today we are celebrating its 15th anniversary - has fully justified itself. Completely."

People’s Front activists have been at the forefront of tackling the country’s challenges: "For 15 years, you have always - not just during the special military operation, which is really important - <…> for all 15 years, you have always been at the forefront of the challenges the country is addressing. And you have managed to find those areas, where we need to focus our attention to help those who need it."

The People’s Front is working on a most crucial thing - building a stronger Russia: "What can be more important than all this for preserving, expanding, and strengthening Russia? Nothing. And that is exactly what you are doing."

Feedback, president’s instructions

Feedback from citizens is essential for any level of government in the country: "After all, for the entire country, for all of Russia this feedback from people is extremely important. For any level of government and for the country."

The president’s instructions, which the People’s Front is working on, don't come "out of thin air," they are formulated based on citizens’ inquiries received via the national hotline: "And these instructions, they are not pulled out of thin air, out of nowhere, they come from people, from their problems, from what they are facing and what they are trying to overcome in life. These instructions come from that. And what are you actually working on? You are working to help people directly."

Importance of upbringing

Helping children learn how to navigate the world and build and maintain relationships with others is crucial: "What could be more important than a child’s soul, what could be more important than shaping their views on life, their relationship with society and people, what could be more important than the relationship of the younger generation with their parents, their grandparents, them respecting the sacrifices they make for them, for their future children, for their grandchildren?"

Russia’s future

The Russophobic factions within the so-called collective West are fighting Russia, but the country is forging ahead with remarkable progress: "Many ask how it is that the entire Russophobic, so-called aggressive part of the collective West is fighting us, yet we are steadily developing our economy, strengthening our finances, modernizing our armed forces, achieving new milestones in the defense industry, and moving forward."

Russia is succeeding partly thanks to the work of the People’s Front, which unites much of the country: "This is happening partly thanks to your efforts, you have united more than 20 million people, Russian citizens, and raised almost 70 billion rubles for the special military operation’s objectives, not from the state, but from citizens voluntarily, from those who have placed their trust in you."

Russia will inevitably win as its soldiers "are moving forward": "That is why, we will inevitably win."

Russia is enhancing its armed forces and achieving new results in the defense industry: "We are modernizing the Armed Forces, achieving new results in the defense industrial sector and are moving forward."

Russia’s strength

Russia’s strength comes from its ability to overcome hardship, to fight on courageously: "Our strength lies in the fact that we always overcome all difficulties and all fears. And this makes us stronger."

Thanks to that, the country will keep moving only forward: "And that is precisely why we undoubtedly always move forward and will continue to do so."

Fear is normal when performing a heroic deed, but Russians don't cower when things get tough: "When people accomplish such feats, when people fight at the front, when people achieve amazing results in the rear, often at peril to their lives, of course, it can be scary, but that is a normal reaction of a normal person. Our strength lies in the fact that we always overcome all difficulties and fears."

Situation with oil products in Russia

Although certain problems with the supply of oil derivatives have emerged in Russia as a result of actions of the Ukrainian armed forces, the situation will gradually improve: "As far as the energy sector is concerned, the basis for the energy industry in Russia is solid and durable. Yes, they managed to create certain problems for us in terms of oil products. But I think the situation will gradually improve."

The effort to create a logistical network for Russian regions, including Crimea, which will be hard for the enemy to attack, is now under way: "This applies to Crimea, too. Right now, we are creating a system of supplies and deliveries, which the enemy will find very hard to reach."

Almost 350 Children Killed in Ukrainian Attacks Since 2014, Russian Commissioner Reports

Maria Lvova-Belova noted that children who arrived in EU countries as refugees are often being bullied by local students and teachers

Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova Alena Bzhakhova/TASS

© Alena Bzhakhova/TASS

MOSCOW, July 13. /TASS/. A total of 346 children have been killed and 1,606 wounded in Ukrainian attacks since 2014, Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova said.

In her words, children who arrived in EU countries as refugees are often being bullied by local students and teachers.

TASS has compiled the key statements made by the ombudsperson.

Children wounded by Ukrainian military

"Every day, we receive reports about killed and wounded children, who find themselves under artillery fire or are wounded by drones."

Since 2014, a total of 346 children have been killed and 1,606 wounded in Ukrainian attacks: "According to the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office data, a total of 346 minors have been killed, and 1,606 wounded in the armed conflict since 2014. I have visited children admitted to hospitals with blast and fragmentation wounds, and all of them suffered as a result of Ukraine’s attacks."

Over 700 children wounded by the Ukrainian armed forces have received financial assistance: "Due to ongoing shelling attacks and the growing number of casualties, Russian President Vladimir Putin supported the initiative to introduce one-time payments to children wounded as a result of Ukraine’s aggression. So far, over 700 children have already received it."

Children’s rights violated in Europe

Ukrainian citizens often complain about children’s rights being violated in European countries: "We are also receiving complaints from Ukrainian citizens about children's rights violations in European countries, including about minors who were not returned to parents after being admitted to social welfare facilities."

There is nothing Russia can do "but to forward this information to our colleagues from international organizations."

Children who arrive in European Union countries as refugees are often being bullied by local students and teachers: "Other reports of violations committed against refugee children who arrived in the European Union from Ukraine are also alarming. In particular, I’m referring to information that they are being bullied by local children, often while teachers choose to turn a blind eye."

The commissioner’s office faced serious difficulties while helping children, brought to Europe when their social care centers were evacuated from Ukraine, reunite with their families: "There are minors whose parents are trying to bring them back but cannot. However, it is obvious that bringing these children home will be impossible without assistance from European authorities."

The office is currently working on a dozen such cases: five children are living in Germany, five - in Poland, one - in the Netherlands, and one - in Switzerland.

International commission, Council of Europe refuse to get in touch

An independent international commission to investigate violations in Ukraine, as well as the Council of Europe’s envoy, have not contacted Russia to inform it about children who need help: "The so-called Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has failed to send me any request or provide any list of children in need of assistance. The same applies to the Council of Europe’s special envoy, appointed to the post in February 2025."

Russian-Chinese Exercise Joint Sea - 2026 Concludes in Qingdao

The closing ceremony was held at the Qingdao Naval Base of the People's Liberation Army

© Andrey Popov/TASS

QINGDAO, July 13. /TASS/. The Russian-Chinese naval exercise, Joint Sea 2026, has successfully concluded in the port of Qingdao, located in eastern China, according to the Pacific Fleet’s press service. The closing ceremony was held at the Qingdao Naval Base of the People's Liberation Army, where exercise commanders Rear Admiral Sergey Sinko and Rear Admiral Qiu Wensheng addressed commanding officers from both navies and members of the joint command staff.

In his remarks, Rear Admiral Sinko highlighted the valuable experience gained during the exercises, noting that it will be instrumental in the daily operations of both navies and will significantly contribute to bolstering mutual trust and enhancing Russian-Chinese cooperation.

"Throughout the exercise, the crews and staff of both countries effectively addressed key aspects of joint force management, communication, and coordination," Sinko stated. He further emphasized that each phase of the joint operations served as an opportunity to exchange professional expertise in areas such as joint maneuvering, air and anti-submarine defense, search and rescue missions, countering unmanned systems, and other maritime capabilities.

"We are committed to further developing our joint exercises and elevating their scope and complexity through increased participation," Sinko affirmed.

Joint Sea 2026 was conducted in the Yellow Sea from July 6 to 13. The Russian fleet featured the cruiser Varyag, the corvette Rezky, the diesel-electric submarine Ufa, and the rescue vessel Igor Belousov. The Chinese fleet included the destroyers Anshan and Kaifeng, the frigate Wuhu, a Yuan-class diesel-electric submarine, the general supply transport Kekesilihu, and the rescue vessel Yanchenghu.

IRGC Missiles Hit US Bases in Region, MQ-9 Facilities in Jordan

By Al Mayadeen English

The IRGC destroys a US command and control center and MQ-9 drone hangars at Jordan's Prince Hassan Air Base in a ballistic missile strike.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) said its Aerospace Command targeted US military infrastructure at Jordan's Prince Hassan Airbase, destroying the facility's command and control center and MQ-9 drone hangars with ballistic missiles.

In a statement issued Sunday morning, the IRGC said the operation came in a first-stage response to US attacks on Iranian coastal bases and communication towers following a confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz.

The statement said the United States had attempted to test Iran's resolve by encouraging several vessels to navigate illegally through the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz, which Tehran met with a "decisive response" from the IRGC Navy.

The IRGC said Washington conducted strikes "against several coastal bases and communication towers" after failing to achieve its objectives in the strategic waterway.

"Any further aggression by the treacherous American regime will be met with even stronger responses," the statement said.

Iran's strikes target US bases

According to the IRGC, the first phase of its retaliatory operation targeted key US military infrastructure at Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan. The force said several ballistic missiles struck the base, destroying the command and control center as well as facilities housing MQ-9 drones.

Meanwhile, Iran's Army (Artesh) announced that it had launched a wave of drone strikes targeting US military positions in Kuwait and Bahrain. According to the statement, Patriot air defense systems, ammunition depots, radar installations, and communications facilities were among the targets.

In another wave of drone strikes, the Iranian Army said it targeted the US military's communications system and radar site in Bahrain, holding the US and "Israel" responsible for "the consequences of these actions and the resulting instability in the region."

The Artesh warned that any further US aggression would be met with a stronger military response.

The drone operations coincided with additional strikes announced by the IRGC, which said it had disabled a second vessel in the Strait of Hormuz after it violated Iranian navigation instructions.

The IRGC also announced the second phase of its retaliatory operation against the US-operated al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, adding that ballistic missile strikes destroyed the base's fighter aircraft maintenance center and command and control center.

Explosions reported across the region

Earlier, Tasnim News Agency reported that Jordan had activated its air defense systems amid the escalating regional confrontation.

The reported Iranian operation followed a series of military developments across the region.

Iranian news agencies cited reports of explosions near US-linked military facilities in several Gulf states, including Kuwait and Bahrain.

Fars News Agency reported explosions in Kuwait and Bahrain, while Bahrain's Interior Ministry announced the activation of sirens across the country.

In the United Arab Emirates, the Ministry of Defense said sounds heard in several areas were caused by air defense systems engaging missile and drone threats.

Qatar's Interior Ministry raised the security threat level and urged residents to remain in homes and safe locations amid reports of explosions.

Fars News Agency also reported initial reports of explosions in Qatar and the UAE, including renewed blasts in the UAE.

Strait of Hormuz violations fuel wider escalation

The escalation follows the IRGC Navy's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed until further notice, citing foreign interference and violations of authorized navigation routes.

The IRGC Navy said one vessel was fired upon as a warning after ignoring repeated instructions, switching off its tracking systems, and endangering maritime security. Fars News Agency's defense correspondent later reported that the vessel was targeted with an anti-ship cruise missile after failing to comply with Iranian navigation instructions.

Iran has repeatedly stated that it is determined to defend the maritime regime governing the strategic waterway and has called on vessels to follow authorized routes and navigation procedures.

Tehran has also maintained that management of the Strait of Hormuz falls under the responsibility of Iran and Oman as the two coastal states.

US announces new strikes on Iran

The developments came after US Central Command announced what it described as "a new round of strikes" against Iran.

CENTCOM said the strikes were launched in response to an attack on the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The US command said the vessel sustained damage from an onboard fire and engine room impact, preventing it from continuing its voyage, and reported that a civilian crew member was missing.

US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said on X: "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."

IRGC Navy Announces Closure of Strait of Hormuz After Violations

By Al Mayadeen English

The IRGC Navy announces the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after firing warning shots at a violating vessel.

Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz has been closed until further notice, citing foreign interference and repeated violations of approved navigation routes through the strategic waterway.

In a statement, the IRGC Navy said several vessels had attempted to deviate from designated shipping lanes despite repeated warnings, saying the ships were encouraged by foreign actors to disregard Iranian instructions.

The force said one vessel that switched off its tracking systems and ignored repeated warnings was initially fired upon as a warning before being brought to a halt.

ccording to the statement, no ships will be permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz until "US intervention" in the region comes to an end.

The IRGC also warned that any new military action against Iran under the pretext of the maritime incident would be met with a "strong response," including strikes on additional enemy bases in the region.

It further placed responsibility for the consequences of the developments on the "American-Zionist enemy" and countries hosting military bases used against Iran.

IRGC says cruise missile struck violating vessel

In a follow-up development, Fars News Agency's defense correspondent reported that the IRGC Navy targeted the vessel with an anti-ship cruise missile after it continued to ignore Iranian warnings.

According to the report, the vessel was struck after failing to comply with Iranian instructions governing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The reported missile strike followed the IRGC Navy's earlier announcement closing the strategic waterway.

Tehran rejects foreign role in Hormuz management

The latest developments come as Iranian officials rejected reports suggesting that outside powers could influence the future management of the Strait of Hormuz.

A source familiar with the matter told Tasnim News Agency that any decisions concerning the strategic waterway would be made exclusively by Iran and Oman as the two coastal states.

The source dismissed reports published by Axios as inaccurate, saying future arrangements for the strait would be determined through dialogue between Tehran and Muscat in accordance with Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Iran also stressed that Qatar's role remains limited to mediation and facilitating discussions between regional parties, adding that Doha has no authority over decisions related to the administration of the Strait of Hormuz.

Maritime tensions deepen amid diplomatic efforts

The announcement comes after maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed dramatically following renewed US aggression on Iran, which violated the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Recent vessel-tracking data indicated that commercial traffic had increasingly shifted toward an Iran-approved route near the northern side of the waterway, while several ships reportedly transited the strait with their transponders switched off in unauthorized routes.

The maritime escalation has unfolded alongside renewed diplomatic activity. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman for talks centered on the Strait of Hormuz and broader regional developments, while Qatar has continued mediation efforts between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian officials have pointed to the United States' violations of multiple articles of the memorandum by resuming military attacks and reimposing sanctions, insisting that implementation of the agreement can only proceed through "mutual compliance."

Israeli Attacks Ravage al-Mansouri, Kfar Remman in South Lebanon

By Al Mayadeen English

11 Jul 2026 18:13

The Israeli occupation launches airstrikes and attacks across southern Lebanon, including Tyre and Nabatieh, amid continued ceasefire violations.

The Israeli occupation carried out a series of attacks across southern Lebanon on Saturday, launching airstrikes on towns in the Tyre and Nabatieh Districts, while continuing demolitions and arson crimes across the south. 

Several airstrikes targeted the town of al-Mansouri in the Tyre District, southern Lebanon. Earlier, two people were injured after occupation forces dropped four stun grenades in the same town. The Israeli occupation also carried out a drone strike targeting the town of Majdal Zoun in the Tyre District.

The occupation further targeted the town of Kfar Tibnit in Nabatieh with a drone strike, while carrying out a detonation between the towns of Arnoun and Kfar Tibnit earlier in the day.

Several incendiary balloons were dropped on the outskirts of Kfar Remman in Nabatieh District, and demolitions were carried out on buildings in the town of Houla in Marjayoun District.

Bint Jbeil and Khiam under relentless aggression

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent reported that the Israeli occupation forces continued their attacks on the city of Bint Jbeil, where they carried out detonations and bulldozing operations.

The occupation also set fire to the town of Khiam while conducting a wide-scale combing assault in the area.

The latest attacks come amid continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire that has been in place since April 17, as well as following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States in Switzerland that calls for a halt to fighting on all fronts, particularly in Lebanon.

Amnesty urges war crimes probe into deadly Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Meanwhile, Amnesty International has called for war crimes investigations into three Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon that led to the martyrdom of 24 civilians, including 12 children, saying the attacks displayed a "callous disregard for civilian lives" and may constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law.

In a report released on Tuesday, the human rights organization concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe the attacks violated the laws of war, citing evidence that the Israeli occupation either failed to distinguish between civilians and alleged military objectives, directly targeted civilians or civilian objects, or neglected to take all feasible precautions to minimize civilian harm. 

The attacks, carried out on March 6, 12, and 13, targeted homes in the al-Thakana neighborhood of Tyre district, Irkay village in Saida district, and the Rahbat neighborhood of Nabatiyeh district. In addition to the 24 people martyred, at least 18 others were injured.

Israeli Forces Raid Quneitra Countryside, Set Up Temporary Checkpoint

By Al Mayadeen English

11 Jul 2026 19:29

Israeli forces carried out new incursions in Syria’s Quneitra countryside, setting up checkpoints and searching homes before withdrawing.

Israeli occupation forces carried out new incursions into the southern Syrian countryside of Quneitra on Saturday, establishing a temporary checkpoint, conducting searches, and inspecting civilian property before withdrawing from the area, according to Syrian state media.

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported that a force comprising three Israeli military vehicles advanced into the vicinity of al-Samdaniyah in Quneitra countryside, where troops set up a temporary checkpoint at the eastern al-Samdaniyah junction and searched passersby before leaving the area.

Israeli forces conduct overnight raids in southern Quneitra

In a separate incursion, SANA said another Israeli force consisting of more than 15 military vehicles entered the village of al-Asha in southern Quneitra during the night.

The force reportedly searched a residential home and a livestock feed warehouse before withdrawing from the village. No casualties or arrests were reported.

The latest incursions come amid continued Israeli aggression in southern Syria following the collapse of the Syrian government's control over parts of the border region.

Ahmad al-Sharaa calls for withdrawal

Earlier, Syrian transitional President Ahmad al-Sharaa called on the Israeli occupation to withdraw from the areas it has occupied in southern Syria and return to the terms of the 1974 Disengagement Agreement.

Al-Sharaa warned that the continued violations threaten regional security and stability, urging adherence to the longstanding ceasefire framework governing the separation of forces in the area.

'Israel' bombs Quneitra, Daraa

Israeli occupation forces carried out artillery strikes on areas in southern Quneitra and western Daraa countryside in southwestern Syria overnight, according to local sources.

Local reports said several artillery shells were fired by the Israeli military, targeting areas between the towns of Kodna and Breiqa in southern Quneitra, as well as the vicinity of the village of Jamlah in western Daraa.

No immediate information was available regarding human or material losses resulting from the strikes.

Ongoing escalation in Syrian territory

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that the Israeli regime has carried out 38 attacks on Syrian territory since the beginning of 2026.

According to SOHR, these include two airstrikes and 37 ground-based attacks, which have resulted in the destruction or damage of around 13 sites, including weapons and ammunition depots, military positions, headquarters, and vehicles.

The Observatory also stated that five people have been killed in these attacks, with airstrikes targeting areas along the Syrian-Lebanese border and rural Damascus, while ground attacks have focused mainly on Daraa and Quneitra provinces.

The latest strikes come amid repeated and escalating violations of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by "Israel".

Algeria to Return Envoy to Mali as Diplomatic Ties Thaw

By Al Mayadeen English

11 Jul 2026 06:42

Algeria and Mali are restoring diplomatic ties after more than a year of tensions, with ambassadors returning to their posts and both countries reopening their airspace.

Algeria announced on Friday that it will return its ambassador to Mali, signaling an improvement in relations after more than a year of diplomatic tensions triggered by a drone incident along the two countries' shared border.

The Algerian Foreign Ministry said Kamel Retieb, who had served as ambassador to Mali before being recalled in April 2025, will resume his diplomatic duties in Bamako.

The move comes after a prolonged dispute that erupted when Algeria shot down a Malian drone in April 2025, claiming it had entered Algerian airspace. Mali denied the allegation, prompting both countries to recall their ambassadors and close their respective airspace to one another.

Algeria and Mali reopen airspace

In parallel announcements, Algeria and Mali confirmed they had agreed to reopen their airspace, marking another step toward normalizing bilateral relations.

Mali said its ambassador would also return to Algiers and announced that its airspace would reopen to all civilian and military aircraft traveling to or from Algeria.

Algeria's Defense Ministry said the decision took effect on Friday and applies to all flights between Mali and international destinations transiting through Algerian airspace.

Relations between the neighboring countries have deteriorated in recent years amid broader regional security challenges. Mali has faced an ongoing security crisis since 2012, with armed groups and militants operating across large parts of the country.

In 2025, Mali's military-led government announced it was ending the 2015 peace agreement with Tuareg armed groups, which had been brokered by Algeria, accusing Algiers of adopting a hostile stance.

Who Will Finance Rwanda's First Small Nuclear Reactor?

Emmelie Callewaert/Wikipedia

Nuclear reactors in operation releasing hot steam as a side product (file photo).

8 July 2026

The New Times (Kigali)

By Alice Umutesi

Rwanda's ambition to build its first small modular reactor (SMR) is moving closer to reality, but one major question remains unanswered: who will pay for it?

The government expects the country's first SMR to become operational in the early 2030s as it seeks to diversify electricity generation and meet rising energy demand.

Officials at the Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB) say securing financing is one of several critical milestones that must be achieved before construction can begin.

Other key steps include completing feasibility studies, selecting a site, conducting environmental assessments, strengthening the regulatory framework, developing skilled personnel, and finalising financing arrangements.

Rwanda is currently evaluating different financing options through studies being conducted with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) to identify the most suitable funding model.

In May, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed that Rwanda had advanced to Phase 2 of its nuclear power programme, a stage focused on preparing for contracting and construction.

Unlike conventional nuclear plants, SMRs generate up to 300 megawatts of electricity per unit--about one-third the capacity of traditional reactors. Because they are factory-built and assembled on-site, they require lower upfront investment, have shorter construction timelines and can be deployed incrementally as electricity demand grows.

The IAEA says SMRs can also be installed in locations unsuitable for large nuclear plants, operate on smaller electricity grids and supply power to remote areas with limited transmission infrastructure.

Financing challenge

Despite their smaller size, SMRs still require substantial upfront capital.

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), financing remains one of the biggest hurdles for nuclear projects worldwide because of their high capital costs, lengthy construction periods and investment risks.

The agency notes that governments typically play a central role in financing nuclear projects through direct investment, sovereign loans or guarantees that reduce risks for private investors.

The IEA also highlights the importance of predictable revenue streams, with countries often relying on long-term power purchase agreements or regulated pricing models to provide certainty for investors.

While SMRs may attract greater private-sector participation because of their smaller scale and shorter delivery timelines, government backing is still considered essential, particularly during the early stages.

Exploring financing options

Lassina Zerbo, Chairperson of RAEB, said discussions on financing nuclear energy in Africa are gaining momentum, with development finance institutions becoming increasingly receptive to supporting such projects.

According to Zerbo, institutions such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), which previously showed little interest in financing nuclear energy, are beginning to reconsider their position.

"After that, we heard that the World Bank rightfully has changed its stand on financing nuclear energy, and all of a sudden all the development banks have started to think about it," he said.

Zerbo argued that Africa should take a leading role in shaping global discussions on nuclear financing, given the continent's growing energy needs and abundant natural resources.

On possible financing mechanisms, he said a blended approach could offer the greatest flexibility.

"We have a blended financing mechanism. Whether you talk about private-public partnerships or export credits, there are different options," he said.

He also pointed to the potential use of certified critical mineral reserves as part of innovative financing models.

Under such an approach, countries could explore tokenisation, whereby part of the verified value of mineral reserves is converted into financial instruments to help fund strategic infrastructure projects, including nuclear energy.

However, Zerbo stressed that the challenge extends beyond raising capital.

"The issue is not only about securing funding, but creating mechanisms that allow financing to be effectively mobilised," he said.

He also called for greater involvement of national and regional financial institutions, noting that financing is needed across the entire nuclear programme--not just for construction.

"You could finance human capacity, pre-feasibility studies, feasibility studies, design and implementation. You can even finance the value chain in a country to bring it to a standard that will let programme implementation go smoothly."

No final model yet

Rwanda has yet to announce whether it will finance its first reactor through public borrowing, a public-private partnership, export credit or another model.

The country has, however, signed cooperation agreements with several international partners to advance its nuclear programme.

These include Russia's state nuclear corporation, Rosatom, and US-based Holtec International. Under its agreement with Holtec, the company will support site studies, financing mobilisation and planning for the safe deployment of nuclear power technologies.

Neither partnership has publicly disclosed how construction of Rwanda's first reactor will ultimately be financed.

How other countries funded nuclear projects

Countries pursuing nuclear energy have adopted different financing models depending on their financial capacity, strategic partnerships and energy priorities.

Egypt's El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant, being developed by Russia's Rosatom, is financed through a Russian state loan covering 85 percent of construction costs.

South Africa, meanwhile, has relied on state ownership, with Eskom owning and operating Koeberg Nuclear Power Station--the only operational nuclear power plant on the African continent.

Ghana, like Rwanda, is still in the preparatory phase of its nuclear programme, focusing on strengthening institutions, regulatory frameworks and technical capacity before making a final investment decision.

Read the original article on New Times.