Russia launched a major overnight wave of missile and drone strikes on Ukraine’s capital Kyiv, killing at least 20 people and injuring around 100, Ukrainian officials said. The attacks, involving ballistic and cruise missiles alongside combat drones, caused widespread damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure, while rescue operations continued in several districts of the city.
Iran’s Acting Defense Minister Majid Ibn al-Ridha has said that the country’s missile and drone programs are a “red line” of national security and will not be open to any negotiations. He added that Iran will continue to strengthen its defense capabilities using domestic resources and technology.
Israeli Energy and Infrastructure Minister Eli Cohen has said that Israel’s control over Gaza will continue to expand until it reaches full control of the territory. He stated that military operations are being intensified and claimed that Israel already controls around 70% of Gaza, with plans to extend this further.
Pakistan’s military (ISPR) has confirmed that four drones sent from Afghanistan into Balochistan on 30 June were detected and shot down by its air defence systems. The statement warned that any further cross-border aggression would be met with a strong and decisive response.
The Afghan Taliban have claimed cross-border air operations in Pakistan, saying strikes targeted alleged ISIS positions in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistani authorities reported drone incidents and said several drones were intercepted and shot down, while investigations into ground damage and injuries are ongoing.
Iraq has given Iran-backed armed groups until the end of September to disarm, as Baghdad faces growing U.S. pressure ahead of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's expected visit to Washington. The move follows recent attacks on U.S. interests by Iran-aligned factions in Iraq.
The United States and Iran have reportedly agreed to halt further military attacks and resume technical-level negotiations following a new exchange of strikes. The move is expected to ease tensions and help safeguard commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan says its security forces carried out a ground operation and cross-border strikes targeting suspected militant hideouts along the Afghan border, killing 29 militants. The operation followed a wave of recent militant attacks, including the assault on the Rangers headquarters in Karachi.
An Israeli army captain was killed during clashes with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, just two days after Israel and Lebanon signed an agreement to end hostilities. The incident underscores the fragile security situation along the border despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
