Nine people were killed on Saturday in a gun and grenade attack on a courthouse in Zahedan, the capital of Iran's southeastern Sistan-Baluchistan province. The assault, which injured more than a dozen others, targeted a courthouse building. The dead included six civilians—including a mother and child—and three assailants, according to the state news agency IRNA. The attackers, disguised as visitors, threw a grenade into the building before engaging in clashes with security forces.

The semiofficial Tasnim news agency and Jaish al-Adl (Army of Justice) itself claimed responsibility for the attack. Jaish al-Adl, a Sunni militant group composed mainly of ethnic Baloch members, has carried out numerous attacks in the region, demanding greater rights and autonomy for Iran's Baloch minority. The group's statement urged civilians to evacuate the area. The Iranian judiciary labeled the incident a "terrorist attack."

Sistan-Baluchistan province, home to Iran's Baloch minority, frequently sees clashes between security forces and armed groups. The province is one of Iran's least developed regions, and the Baloch population has long complained of economic marginalization and political exclusion.

A Saturday attack on a courthouse in Zahedan, Iran, resulted in the deaths of at least five civilians and injuries to 13 others. A mother and child were among the victims. Gunmen, reportedly disguised as visitors, threw a hand grenade into the building before engaging in a firefight. Three attackers were also killed.

Jaish al-Adl, a Baloch armed group operating from Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the attack via a Telegram statement. The group urged civilians to evacuate the area. HAALVSH, a Baloch human rights group, reported judiciary staff and security personnel among the casualties. The incident occurred in Sistan-Baluchestan province, a region with a history of conflict between Iranian security forces and armed groups advocating for greater rights and autonomy for the Baloch minority.

The attack is the latest in a series of clashes between Iranian security forces and armed groups in the province. The area is known for its recurring violence and drug trafficking activity.

Impact Statement: The attack highlights ongoing tensions and conflict in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan province, impacting regional stability and security.

Kerala, India, has reported a concerning increase in Nipah virus (NiV) infections in 2025, with four cases—including two deaths—all within a 50km radius. This marks the tenth instance of NiV spillover (animal-to-human transmission) in the state since 2018. While authorities maintain a high alert, with 675 people under surveillance, nodal officer Thekkumkara Surendran Anish emphasizes that these are single cases, not an outbreak, largely due to an improved surveillance system. However, the concentration of cases within a small area suggests a high presence of infected bats in the region. The exact spillover mechanism remains unclear, although contaminated fruit remains a suspected route. A new paper suggests airborne transmission as a possibility.

Despite the increased detection rate, Kerala has successfully contained the virus through tracing and testing, along with early antiviral treatment, keeping the total number of cases to 37 across ten spillover events. The state has invested in improved infrastructure, including four labs capable of conducting RT-PCR tests. While there is currently no specific treatment for NiV, broad-spectrum antivirals like Ribavirin and Remdesivir have shown promise. A NiV vaccine is under development.

Impact Statement: The continued emergence of Nipah virus cases in Kerala highlights the ongoing threat of zoonotic diseases and the need for robust surveillance and early intervention strategies. The concentration of recent cases underscores the importance of investigating potential environmental factors contributing to the virus's spread.

Following deadly clashes targeting minority groups in Syria, including Druze and Alawites, the Kurdish population—approximately 2.5 million—has declared disarmament a "red line." Farhad Shami, spokesperson for the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stated on Thursday that those betting on Kurdish capitulation would be proven wrong. A planned meeting in Paris to discuss the implementation of a peace deal between Syrian Kurds and the interim government, led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, has been postponed. Key sticking points include integrating Kurdish forces into the Syrian national army and determining control over the Kurdish region, including border crossings, oil fields, and prisons holding thousands of Islamic State fighters.

A Syrian government source stated that using the violence against minorities to justify refusing integration is a manipulation of public opinion, adding that genuine dialogue cannot occur under threat of weapons or foreign backing. Turkey, a strong supporter of al-Sharaa, has requested support from Damascus to strengthen Syrian defenses and seeks a defense agreement that could include establishing Turkish military bases in Kurdish areas. Turkey views the Syrian Kurds as affiliated with the PKK, a designated terrorist organization, and wants them to disarm or integrate into the Syrian army. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned against exploiting tensions to pursue autonomy, stating that any attempt to divide Syria would be considered a threat to Turkey's national security.

A Beirut-based Middle East professor, Mohamed Noureddine, emphasized that unless the Syrian government establishes inclusive dialogue and equal treatment for all citizens, there will be no stability. Natasha Hall, a foreign policy expert, noted the potential for Israel to take advantage of any perceived threat to the Kurds from Turkish support for Damascus, given existing relationships between Israel and Kurdish groups. Hall also highlighted the need for US involvement in security sector reform, army unification, and the handover of US-backed prisons and camps holding Islamic State fighters. She stated that alignment between the Kurds and Damascus, with strong security agreements and rights guarantees, could alleviate concerns from Turkey and Israel.

Impact Statement: The future of Syria's Kurds hinges on the outcome of negotiations between Kurdish groups, the Syrian interim government, and regional powers like Turkey, Israel, and the US. The situation's instability has significant implications for regional security and the fight against terrorism.

At least 652 children died from malnutrition in Katsina State, Nigeria, during the first six months of 2025, according to Doctors Without Borders (MSF). MSF attributes the deaths to funding cuts from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. By June 2025, nearly 70,000 malnourished children received care from MSF teams in Katsina, with almost 10,000 hospitalized in serious condition. The number of children with severe malnutrition increased by approximately 208 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

Insecurity and violence in northern Nigeria, including banditry and displacement, exacerbate malnutrition. Disease outbreaks due to low vaccine coverage and limited access to healthcare further contribute to the crisis. The World Food Programme (WFP) announced it will suspend food and nutrition aid for 1.3 million people in northeastern Nigeria by the end of July due to funding shortfalls, potentially impacting 300,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition and leaving 700,000 displaced people without survival means. Nigeria has allocated 200 billion naira ($130 million) to offset reduced funding from the US.

Impact Statement: The drastic increase in child malnutrition deaths and the suspension of WFP aid highlight a severe humanitarian crisis in Nigeria, exacerbated by funding cuts and insecurity.

Severe malnutrition rates among children under five in Gaza have tripled in the past two weeks, according to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). A quarter of young children and pregnant/breastfeeding women screened at MSF clinics were malnourished last week, with the number needing care quadrupling since May. MSF blames Israel's "policy of starvation," a claim echoed by over 100 aid groups criticizing Israel's blockade of aid. The crisis has led to daily deaths and growing international condemnation.

Meanwhile, the detention of at least 28 Gazan doctors by Israeli authorities, including senior consultants, continues, with some held for over 400 days without charge. Recently, the head of Abu Youssef al-Najjar hospital and two WHO workers were detained. European nations remain divided on recognizing a Palestinian state, with some, like France, intending to do so, while others, including Britain, Germany, and Italy, remain hesitant or opposed to immediate recognition. A projectile was fired from Gaza towards Israel on Saturday, causing no injuries. Four Palestinian-Americans killed in the West Bank face obstacles to justice, and uncertainty clouds ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas after both countries recalled their negotiating teams.

Impact Statement: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening rapidly, causing widespread suffering and prompting a significant international debate about the appropriate response, including the recognition of a Palestinian state and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Fighting between Cambodian and Thai troops along their shared border has resulted in numerous casualties and widespread displacement. A Cambodian soldier interviewed by Al Jazeera described injuries sustained from Thai artillery fire near the Ta Moan Thom temple on Friday. Another soldier reported injuries near the Ta Krabei temple. Cambodia claims to have regained control of these and six other contested sites following clashes that began Thursday. The conflict has caused at least 30 civilian deaths on both sides, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their homes in both countries. Civilian infrastructure has also been damaged in the fighting. Displaced Cambodians report shortages of food and limited government support. Both governments have accused the other of initiating hostilities and targeting civilian areas, escalating tensions significantly. The conflict is a renewed flare-up of a long-running border dispute between the two nations.

Impact Statement: The escalating conflict between Cambodia and Thailand poses a significant humanitarian crisis with widespread displacement and civilian casualties. The exchange of accusations and the potential for a prolonged conflict raise serious regional stability concerns.

England and Spain will face off in the European Championship final, a matchup born from a burgeoning rivalry between the two football powerhouses. Their recent encounters have been closely contested, showcasing the fine margins that separate the teams. England’s success in the 2022 Euros, attributed to increased investment and a strong support system, contrasts with Spain's consistent strength built on a deep-rooted footballing identity and player development. Recent results include a 2-1 Spain victory on 2025-06-03 and a 1-0 win for England on 2025-02-26. Spain previously defeated England 1-0 in the 2023 World Cup final.

England's approach emphasizes meticulous detail, creating a supportive environment for its players, even including a dedicated barista and dog. Conversely, Spain's success stems from its youth development and tactical approach, exemplified by players like Aitana Bonmatí, whose tactical awareness is considered elite. The final match will test England's ability to counteract Spain’s strengths, particularly in the face of key defensive absences for England. The match will be played at St Jakob-Park in Basel on Sunday.

Impact Statement: The final will determine the European Champion and further solidify the growing rivalry between England and Spain in women's football.

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple who have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, have been imprisoned since February without charge. Their youngest son, Jonathan, reports their health is rapidly deteriorating. 80-year-old Peter has experienced convulsions, and 75-year-old Barbie suffers from malnourishment and cyanosis. The UN has intervened, warning of their potential death in "degrading conditions" if they don't receive immediate hospital treatment.

Despite a visit from British Foreign Office officials, there's no confirmed release plan. The couple ran training and education programs in Afghanistan and chose to remain after the Taliban takeover in 2021, despite the risks. They've been held in underground cells, including a period of six weeks without sunlight. Contact with the family ceased over a month ago. The family requests help, emphasizing the couple's innocence and unjust imprisonment.

The family's efforts to secure their release are hampered by the couple's refusal to leave without Joya, an Afghan interpreter also initially imprisoned with them. While Peter has consistently downplayed the severity of their situation, Barbie has provided a more honest account of their harsh conditions.

Impact Statement: The case highlights the precarious situation of foreigners in Afghanistan under Taliban rule and the challenges faced by families seeking the release of unjustly imprisoned loved ones.

US Vice President JD Vance's planned family holiday in the Cotswolds region of England next month has prompted protests from groups opposed to his political stances. The Stop Trump Coalition has declared Vance as unwelcome in the UK as former President Donald Trump, vowing to stage a demonstration. This follows previous protests against Vance and his family in Vermont and California. The Cotswolds, a popular destination for wealthy Americans seeking refuge from US politics, has seen a significant increase in tourism in recent years, leading some residents to express concerns about overtourism.

While some locals welcome the economic benefits of tourism, others are struggling with increased traffic and overcrowding. One resident, Ken Greenway, highlighted the strain on local infrastructure, while a visitor from Los Angeles, Laurelyn Karagianis, expressed disappointment that US politics had overshadowed her dream Cotswolds trip. Long-term resident Lesley Webb cited overtourism as a reason for her relocation. Recent reports suggest the Vance family may instead stay closer to Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, potentially as guests of a wealthy British acquaintance with connections to senior political figures.

Impact Statement: The planned visit highlights the international reach of US political divisions and the impact of overtourism on popular destinations.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provides treatment and support to Ukrainians affected by the conflict. The author, a political cartoonist, visited rehabilitation centers in Cherkasy and mental health clinics in Vinnytsia in May, sketching the experiences of patients. Their drawings capture the intangible aspects of trauma and hope, illustrating the war's impact on individuals' bodies and minds. The author spoke with several individuals, including soldiers, civilians, and their families, each recounting harrowing experiences and the long road to recovery.

Accounts detail the physical and psychological scars of war, from amputation and paralysis to sleeplessness and nightmares. One soldier recounts a near-death experience and how his memories are shaped by bodycam footage. Civilians describe losing their homes and loved ones, highlighting the ongoing displacement and emotional toll. The stories also reveal resilience and the importance of family, with survivors finding strength in their loved ones and shared experiences.

Impact Statement: The article offers a poignant human perspective on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the long-term physical and psychological consequences for those affected and highlighting the work of organizations like MSF.

Fatima Kandeel, 43, and her sons, Hassan, 24, and Hussein, 20, returned to their Dahiyeh, Beirut apartment in March after their home was destroyed in an October Israeli air strike. Despite the ongoing tensions and the visible scars of war, Fatima is determined to stay, emphasizing the kindness of her neighbors and her deep connection to the community. Her sons salvaged furniture and cherished possessions from the rubble, symbolizing their resilience. Hussein, however, is more open to leaving due to ongoing emotional struggles and concerns about sectarian discrimination and high rental costs elsewhere.

Fatima's sister, Iman, 55, and her family share a different perspective. They fled Dahiyeh multiple times during the conflict, seeking refuge in Kayfoun, Tripoli, and even Baghdad, experiencing discrimination and fear along the way. Although they wish to remain in Lebanon, Iman prioritizes her children's safety and actively searches for a safer home outside Dahiyeh, facing challenges like discriminatory rental practices. Her son Hassan highlights the difficulty in finding affordable housing and the family's reluctance to leave Lebanon despite the hardships.

Impact Statement: The experiences of these two families highlight the complex challenges faced by residents of Dahiyeh, Beirut, in the aftermath of conflict, including displacement, discrimination, and the struggle to rebuild lives amid ongoing political and security instability.

Twenty-eight doctors from Gaza, including eight senior consultants, are being held in Israeli prisons, according to Healthcare Workers Watch (HWW). Twenty-one have been detained for over 400 days, with none formally charged. The detentions follow the October 2023 war between Hamas and Israel, with the World Health Organization (WHO) reporting over 300 healthcare worker arrests, and HWW reporting over 400. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claim some medical staff are involved in Hamas terror activity, but provide no evidence. Reports of torture and abuse of detainees have been verified by the UN and multiple human rights organizations. Two doctors, Dr Iyad al-Rantisi and Dr Adnan al-Bursh, have died in Israeli custody, with their bodies unrecovered.

Overwhelmed Gaza hospitals struggle to function due to staff shortages and increasing hunger amongst medical personnel. The situation has been condemned by the WHO and the UN, who call for the immediate release of all detained healthcare workers. The detention of Dr Marwan al-Hams, head of Abu Youssef al-Najjar hospital, outside an ICRC facility, further exemplifies the crisis. The IDF statement claims that their interest is not in medical staff per se, but their potential involvement in Hamas's activities.

Impact Statement: The ongoing detention of healthcare workers severely impacts Gaza's already fragile healthcare system, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

At least 32 people have been killed in renewed border clashes between Cambodia and Thailand, prompting fears of a wider conflict. Cambodian officials reported 12 additional deaths on Saturday (seven civilians and five soldiers), bringing Cambodia's total to 23 deaths. Thailand reported 13 civilian and six soldier deaths. The Cambodian Ministry of National Defence spokesperson, Maly Socheata, also reported at least 50 injured Cambodian civilians and more than 20 injured soldiers. Thailand reported 29 injured soldiers and 30 injured civilians. Over 20,000 Cambodians and more than 138,000 Thais have been evacuated from border regions. Thailand declared martial law in eight border districts. The conflict, centered around a disputed border section, reignited after a landmine incident. Both countries accuse each other of initiating attacks, including the use of rockets and, in Thailand's case, an F-16 fighter jet. Cambodia accuses Thailand of using cluster munitions. Thailand's acting prime minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, suggested Cambodia may be guilty of war crimes. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting, urging both sides to de-escalate.

Impact Statement: The escalating violence and large-scale evacuations pose a significant humanitarian crisis and threaten regional stability. The use of heavy weaponry and accusations of war crimes raise serious international concerns.

Sir Keir Starmer announced the UK will participate in airdropping aid into Gaza following Israel's agreement to allow foreign countries to deliver supplies. This comes after over 220 UK MPs signed a letter urging the government to recognize a Palestinian state. While acknowledging the airdrop method's inefficiencies, Starmer stated the UK is "urgently accelerating efforts" to evacuate children needing critical medical care to the UK. The UK has experience with airdropping aid into Gaza, previously collaborating with Jordan and conducting RAF missions.

France's commitment to recognizing Palestinian statehood within months has added pressure to the UK government. US President Donald Trump downplayed the French announcement. Sir Keir Starmer emphasized that recognizing Palestinian statehood must be part of a wider plan for a two-state solution. The UN criticized Israel's move as a distraction from inaction, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation with widespread malnutrition. Two children have already been brought to the UK for private medical treatment since the outbreak of war.

Impact Statement: The UK's involvement in Gaza aid airdrops signifies its response to the humanitarian crisis, while the ongoing debate over Palestinian statehood recognition reflects evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.

This is a daily update providing a snapshot of global events as of Saturday, July 26th. No specific events or details are provided in the source text. Therefore, a comprehensive summary cannot be given.

Impact Statement: No specific impact can be assessed due to the lack of information in the provided source.

A BBC Russian investigation has revealed that at least 245 Russian soldiers aged 18 have been killed in Ukraine since April 2023. This contradicts Vladimir Putin's repeated assurances that 18-year-olds would not be sent to fight. New rules implemented in April 2023 allow teenagers to bypass conscription and join the regular army as contract soldiers, incentivized by cash bonuses and patriotic propaganda. The investigation identified Alexander Petlinsky and Vitaly Ivanov as two such soldiers who died in combat shortly after enlisting. Petlinsky's aunt and Ivanov's mother shared their grief and accounts of their sons' decisions.

The BBC investigation also found that at least 2,812 Russian men aged 18-20 have been killed in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion began. The data is based on open-source information, and the actual number of casualties is likely higher. The Russian education system now includes military training, with teachers required to hold classes about the "special military operation" and military recruiters attending careers lessons.

Impact Statement: The findings highlight the human cost of the war in Ukraine and cast doubt on the Russian government's claims regarding the deployment of young soldiers.