Suicide Bombing
At least 13 soldiers were killed in a suicide attack on Security Forces (SFs) Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU) while 14 terrorists were killed during subsequent clearance and sanitation operation in Khadi Khel area of Mir Ali tehsil (revenue unit) in North Waziristan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa around 7.45 am on the morning of June 28, reports Dawn. At least 24 persons including 14 civilians including women and children, sustained injuries when an explosive-laden vehicle targeted the Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle belonging to the BDU, adds The Khorasan Diary. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) called the attack a “cowardly act” planned by the “terrorist state of India” and carried out by its proxy Fitna al Khwarij — the military’s term for Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Following the attack, SFs launched a sanitisation operation. After an intense exchange of fire, 14 militants were killed.
On June 28, a suicide attacker on a motorcycle targeted a security convoy, leaving six Security Forces (SFs) personnel injured near the Pak-Afghan border in the Saidgai area of Ghulam Khan tehsil (revenue unit) in North Waziristan District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, reports Dawn.
Bombing /IEDs
At least five people, including an assistant commissioner were killed while 11 others injured as a Government vehicle was targeted with bomb explosion on Nawagai Road in Sadiqabad area of Khar tehsil (revenue unit) in Bajaur District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on July 2, reports Dawn. Bajaur District Police Officer (DPO) Waqas Rafique said that five people, including two Policemen and a civilian, were killed in the explosion targeting the vehicle. The deceased include Nawagai Assistant Commissioner (AC) Faisal Ismail, Tehsildar Abdul Wakil, Subedar Noor Hakim, and Police constable Rashid, according to the DPO. Initially, both the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) claimed responsibility of the attack. The TTP claimed that the group detonated a mine targeting the vehicle, while Islamic State’s Amaq News Agency said that ISKP detonated a motorcycle bomb. However, the TTP later retracted the claim, stating that it was issued by TTP media team due to lack of communications with terrorists from the area. The outfit distanced itself from the attack.
Three terrorists were killed in a powerful explosion on July 3 while preparing an improvised explosive device (IED) in Kot Kandiyan village of Kulachi tehsil (revenue unit) of Dera Ismail Khan District on July 3, reports Dawn. According to Police, the blast occurred as the terrorists were in the process of assembling an IED, resulting in their on the spot death. Initial investigation suggested that the terrorists were planning a terrorist activity when the explosives accidentally went off.
Three Policemen were injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast targeting a highway Police patrolling vehicle in Rabbi area of Nasirabad District in Balochistan on July 7, reports Dawn. Senior Superintendent of Police Khadim Husain said that the incident took place when the highway Police team was patrolling the area as per routine.
Targetted Killings
On June 28, a Police constable, identified as Shahenshah, was shot dead when unidentified assailants on motorcycle opened fire while he was on his way to duty near Shah Ji Abad graveyard in the Shahpur area of Peshawar District, reports Dawn.
On June 28, a suicide attacker on a motorcycle targeted a security convoy, leaving six Security Forces (SFs) personnel injured near the Pak-Afghan border in the Saidgai area of Ghulam Khan tehsil (revenue unit) in North Waziristan District, reports Dawn. According to the local sources, three of them were critically wounded and shifted to Bannu.
The bullet-riddled bodies of three unidentified persons were discovered lying in the Narhan stream in Duki District of Balochistan on June 28, reports Dawn. Levies officials stated that multiple bullet wounds were visible on all three bodies.
Awami National Party (ANP) politician Maulana Khan Zeb and a Policeman were shot dead while three other civilians sustained injuries on July 9 by unidentified assailants in Shindai Mor area of Khar tehsil (revenue unit) in Bajaur District, reports Dawn.
Miscellaneous
Security Forces (SFs) on June 29 killed two terrorists and apprehended two others during an operation in Duki District of Balochistan, reports Dawn. The statement, issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said that SFs conducted an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the area upon the suspected presence of terrorists when security forces “effectively engaged the Indian-sponsored terrorists’ location, and after an intense fire exchange, two Indian-sponsored terrorists were sent to hell, while two terrorists were apprehended,” the ISPR said.
Security Forces (SFs) neutralised a major terrorist attack in the night of June 29, killing two terrorists – the suicide bomber and his hander – during an intelligence-based operation (IBO) Urmar Payan neighbourhood of Shamshatoo area on the outskirts of Peshawar, reports The News. The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) said the IBO was conducted in the Shamshatoo area, which was once home to one of the largest Afghan refugee camps. According to the CTD, the two terrorists were planning a largescale attack on a sensitive target in the city. Officials said that an operational team had been tracking their movements for weeks.
Two terrorists were shot dead after an exchange or fire with Police and Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) personnel in Domel tehsil (revenue unit) of Bannu District, on July 1, reports Dawn. Police and CTD conducted a joint operation in Domel tehsil of Bannu, leading to an exchange of fire from both sides for over 20 minutes, a statement by Regional Police Officer Sajjad Khan said.
Two terrorists, identified as Hafeez-ur-Rehman and Wajid Gul, were killed during an operation carried out by Security Forces (SFs) in the Teri Mangal area of Kurram District on July 1, reports The Express Tribune. Both were wanted in connection with the shooting of schoolteachers and had bounties of PKR five million each on their heads, according to security officials. Security official said the two terrorists were part of a group responsible for the killing of five teachers in Teri Mangal in 2023.
Security Forces (SFs) neutralised two terrorists while another three terrorists were injured after an attack on Government offices in Mastung town that killed a teenager and injured seven others on July 1, reports Dawn. “Two terrorists were killed while another three were injured in an intense fire exchange between the security forces and the terrorists,” Balochistan ‘spokesperson’ Shahid Rind said in a statement.
At least 30 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists were killed as they attempted to infiltrate through the Pak-Afghan border in Hassan Khel tehsil (revenue unit) of North Waziristan District on July 3, reports Dawn. A statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) read that “movement of a large group of khwarij, belonging to Indian proxy Fitna al Khawarij, who were trying to infiltrate through Pakistan-Afghanistan border, was detected by the security forces in general area Hassan Khel, North Waziristan district”. “All 30 Indian-sponsored khawarij were sent to hell” as a result of the military’s “prices and skillful engagement” after the Security Forces (SFs) foiled their attempt to infiltrate the border.
Police arrested two most-wanted terrorists, identified as Bilal from Nawar Khel and Asif Nawaz from Kathere Khel, in Lakki Marwat District during a late-night operation on July 3, reports Dawn. Both were involved in numerous serious crimes, including acts of terrorism, murder, and attacks on law enforcement personnel.
The Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 5 killed five Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists and successfully thwarted a terror plot in the Qayyum Bore area of Basti Jadewali in Taunsa Sharif District of Punjab, reports Dawn. According to a CTD spokesperson, the operation was launched following “credible intelligence reports” about the presence of alleged armed terrorists in the area.
Three terrorists belonging to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Tipu Gul group were killed in a joint operation by the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) and the Police in the Bathani Neh area near Harama Tala village in Lakki Marwat District on July 5, reports Dawn.
A member of the peace militia was killed and three others were injured after unidentified terrorists attacked a jirga (tribal assembly) in Bannu District on July 5, reports Dawn. The Sardi Khel community had organised a jirga in the Mandi Khel area, which was attacked by militants who attempted to take away the jirga leader, Malak Eid Nawaz Sardi Khel, resulting in a clash with the jirga participants. The armed men opened fire at the participants, killing one member, identified as Bahadar Jan, and injuring three other people, including a Police constable.
Pakistan
Bangladesh Pakistan China hold talks for a new regional block
Bangladesh was part of the recent meeting with Pakistan to create a new regional bloc to replace South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), which was held in Kunming, China, on June 19, according to a report in The Express Tribune of Pakistan, reports indiatoday.in on June 30. Pakistan and China are working to create a new regional bloc to replace SAARC, in which India would be a prominent member; talks on the regional bloc between Islamabad (Pakistan) and Beijing (China) are at an advanced level.
BLF abducts and executes 12 Punjabi passengers in Balochistan
At least 12 people, hailing from Punjab, were killed after being abducted from passenger bus travelling from Quetta to Lahore, on the national highway between Loralai and Musakhel near the Sarha Dakai area of Zhob District of Balochistan on July 11, reports The News. Baloch insurgents intercepted the buses, checked the identity cards of the passengers, and selectively offloaded those belonging to Punjab before killing them. Assistant Commissioner Zhob, Naveed Alam, said the attackers opened fire on the abducted passengers after taking them away from the vehicles. Nine bodies were identified who belongs to Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lodhran, Khanewal, Attock, Dera Ghazi Khan Districts of Punjab, adds The Khorasan Diary. Those shot dead included two brothers who were on their way to attend the funeral of their father. Gwaharam Media associated with the Baloch Liberation Front (BLF) claimed the killings of 12 Individuals accusing them of being State operatives. The BLF labelled its recent spate of attacks as ‘Operation Baam’ which it has termed to be a ‘political operation’.
Balochistan has witnessed a spate of attacks targeting those hailing from Punjab. In two separate incidents in April 2024, nine people were killed after being forced off a bus near Noshki, while two labourers from Punjab were shot in Kech.
Pakistan rejects US pressure on recognizing Israel, says ambassador
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh categorically stated that there is no pressure from the US for Pakistan to recognize Israel. Speaking at an event in Dallas, Texas on July 12, the ambassador emphasized that Pakistan’s stance on Israel remains unwavering and is deeply rooted in the vision of the country’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “There is absolutely no pressure from the US regarding the recognition of Israel,” Sheikh firmly reiterated.Ambassador Sheikh’s comments come amid growing international speculation surrounding US efforts to expand the Abraham Accords, a deal aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Arab nations. While there have been reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia may consider joining the pact, unresolved issues continue to slow progress. Despite this, Sheikh’s statement reflects Pakistan’s steadfast foreign policy, which has consistently supported Palestinian rights and opposed any formal recognition of Israel.
The ambassador also addressed the evolving nature of Pakistan-US relations, noting that both countries are working toward strengthening cooperation. He highlighted areas such as trade, energy, and technology, where bilateral relations are improving. Sheikh pointed out that the growing ties reflect mutual interests in addressing global challenges and fostering economic growth.
In addition to diplomatic matters, Sheikh discussed Pakistan’s abundant electricity resources, emphasizing the country’s potential to support modern industries like cryptocurrency mining. As the global digital economy expands, Pakistan is looking to capitalize on its energy reserves to attract foreign investments in cryptocurrency ventures and related technologies. The country’s proactive approach is expected to position it as a key player in the emerging digital sector.
Pakistan’s government has already initiated the drafting of a comprehensive regulatory framework for digital and virtual assets, which is expected to attract international investors and facilitate the development of a secure, regulated environment for digital currencies. With these new developments, Pakistan aims to tap into the growing digital market, offering substantial opportunities for innovation and investment.
As the relationship between the US and Pakistan continues to evolve, both countries appear committed to building a future focused on economic collaboration and mutual benefit.
US stresses stronger economic ties with Pakistan, highlights mineral sector opportunities
The United States has once again emphasized the importance of strengthening economic cooperation with Pakistan, with a special focus on the country’s emerging critical minerals sector.
Mary Bishoping, the Trump administration’s point person for South and Central Asia, made these remarks during her address at the annual Pakistan Mango Festival, held at the University of the District of Columbia on July 13. She said American companies are taking note of Pakistan’s reform agenda and economic potential.
She highlighted that both countries are committed to expanding cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest. “We look forward to boosting trade opportunities, especially in Pakistan’s growing mineral industry,” she said, adding that such ventures would benefit both American and Pakistani businesses.
Bishoping also welcomed Islamabad’s efforts to implement reforms aimed at supporting private sector-led economic growth. She pointed out that American firms are drawn to predictable and fair investment and regulatory environments, and that supporting such conditions benefits both nations.
Despite storm warnings and heavy rain, the event attracted a wide range of attendees including U.S. officials, lawmakers, business leaders, think tank experts, journalists, and even some quiet supporters of PTI. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Sheikh, kicked off the festival with humor, linking mangoes and the monsoon season.
The festival showcased several popular Pakistani mango varieties such as Chaunsa, Sindhri, Langra, and Anwar Ratol, along with mango-themed desserts and gift boxes. Bishoping concluded by acknowledging the strong security ties between the two countries and stressed continued cooperation in counterterrorism, including the joint fight against threats like ISIS.
Afghanistan Internal Dynamics
Clashes break out over Taliban crackdown on Shia mourning sites in Herat Province
On June 30, clashes broke out in the 13th District of Jebrael area of Herat city in Herat Province after Taliban forces attempted to dismantle Muharram mourning tents, prompting resistance from mourners, reports afintl.com. Taliban security personnel began removing tents they claimed had been erected outside designated areas. The action triggered objections from participants in the mourning ceremonies, followed by gunfire at the scene. The incident reportedly followed orders from Taliban authorities to remove tents not located near mosques. Prior to the start of Muharram, meetings were held between Shia religious scholars and Taliban officials to designate specific areas for mourning rituals.
Taliban flag raised in Moscow as Russia grants formal recognition
On July 3, Russia said that it had accepted the credentials of the Taliban’s newly appointed Ambassador to Moscow, Gul Hassan Hassan, becoming the first country to formally recognize the Taliban administration since its return to power in Afghanistan nearly four years ago, reports amu.tv. Taliban flag was hoisted at Afghanistan’s Embassy compound instead of the former Republic government’s flag. “We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
ICC moves against Taliban: Warrants issued for human rights violations
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Afghan Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Chief Justice Abdul Hakim Haqqani, citing crimes against humanity related to gender-based persecution of women.
According to foreign media reports, the ICC took the step following investigations into forced measures and systemic oppression imposed on women under Taliban rule. The court found credible evidence indicating that both leaders were involved in actions that amount to gender-based crimes against humanity.
An ICC judge stated in the ruling that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe the Taliban leaders committed serious violations of human rights by enforcing policies that severely restrict women’s freedom, education, employment, and public participation.
The arrest warrants mark a significant move by the international legal community against the Taliban’s repressive treatment of Afghan women since the group returned to power in 2021. The ICC’s action also underscores growing international pressure on the Taliban regime for its human rights record.
This is one of the most high-profile legal actions taken against Taliban leadership on an international level, setting a precedent for further accountability regarding their governance and treatment of marginalized groups.
Bangladesh Internal Dynamics
People will not accept any election without PR system, states JeI secretary general Mia Golam Parwar
On June 30, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) secretary general Mia Golam Parwar stated that people will not accept any election without the proportional representation (PR) system, reports prothomalo.com. Further, he stated that before election, a level playing field must be ensured and the Awami League must be judged.
KCNA ‘commander’ among two people killed in Bandarban District
On July 3, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that a ‘commander’ (identity not yet specified) of the Kuki-Chin National Army (KCNA), an armed wing of the KukiChin National Front (KCNF), also known as the Bawm Party, was among the two people killed during a military operation in the distant hills of Ruma Upazila (Sub-District) in Bandarban District, reports bdnews24.com. Three submachine guns, a rifle, and other weapons and ammunition were recovered during the operation.
Two KCNF cadres, including a ‘commander’ killed in an operation in Bandarban District
On July 3, two cadres of the KukiChin National Army (KCNA), including a ‘commander’, identified as Puting alias Doli and one other (identity not yet specified) were killed during an operation by Army personnel in the remote forested areas between Mualpi Para and Pali Prangsa Para under Ward 7 of Paindu Union, near the source of the Taingdang (stream) jhiri at the foot of the Naitong hill in Ruma Upazila (Sub-District) of Bandarban District, according to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR), reports thedailystar.net. According to ISPR release,Puting held the post of a “major”.
At least 36 Bangladeshi nationals arrested in Malaysia who sent money to IS terror group, claims Malaysian Police Chief Khalid Ismail
On July 4, Malaysian Police Chief Khalid Ismail claimed that 36 Bangladeshi nationals arrested in several operations since April, in Malaysia on charges of involvement in terrorism, were sending money to the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria and Bangladesh, reports thedailystar.net. The network recruited members by targeting other Bangladeshi workers, and used social media and online messaging platforms to spread radical and extremist ideologies, Khalid stated, citing police intelligence. Among those detained, five have been charged with being part of a terrorist organisation, while 15 will be deported. Another 16 remain in police custody pending further investigation, with further arrests expected.
International conspiracy is underway to rehabilitate Awami League, states JeI Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar
On July 10, Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar claimed that an international conspiracy is underway to rehabilitate Awami League (AL), stating that new narratives are being crafted to create space for AL in elections, reports dhakatribune.com. Parwar said,
“Various rhetorics are being introduced to open international doors in Bangladesh with the intention of rehabilitating the Awami League. This conspiracy is being carried out by using the people of this country and certain political parties.”
India Internal Dynamics
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refuses to sign SCO joint statement over terrorism concerns
On June 26, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh refused to sign the joint statement of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), due to its failure to address India’s concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, reports Hindustan Times. The meeting was held from June 25 to 26 in Qingdao, China, where Rajnath Singh raised his concerns regarding cross-border terrorism, citing the Pahalgam attack and conflict with Pakistan. However, Rajnath Singh refused to endorse the joint statement as it did not explicitly address India’s concerns.
SFs recovers cache of explosives in Jharkhand
Security Forces (SFs) seized a cache of explosives, including 500 electronic detonators, from a Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) dump set up in the Gobargota Forest area near Raijama village in Seraikela-Kharswan District of Jharkhand on June 29, reports The Print. On receiving intelligence input, SFs comprising Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) 60 battalion, Special Assault Team (SAT) and District Armed Forces (DAFs) launched a massive search operation in Gobargota Forest and its vicinity, a statement issued by Superintendent of Police (SP) Mukesh Kumar Lunayat said. In the course of the operation, SFs stumbled upon a dump set up by Maoists and seized the explosives, which were meant to hinder anti-Naxal operations as well as to target the personnel involved in them, the statement said. The SFs also seized twelve Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) of three kilograms each, 19 numbers of IEDs of one kilogram each, 19 pieces of cane bombs (IED) of half a kilogram each, and nine bundles of commercial codex wire. The Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS) immediately destroyed all the explosives.
435 Maoists, including 48 women, killed in 18 months of anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, says Official data
Over the past 18 months, Security Forces (SFs) have achieved significant success in anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh, neutralising 435 Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) cadres, including a record 48 women operatives, officials said on June 28, reports The New Indian Express. According to the official data, women now account for approximately 10 per cent of the total Maoists killed between 2024 and June 20, 2025, the highest number of female Naxal casualties recorded in any such period since 2001. The sharp increase in neutralisation of Maoist operatives (198) in 2025 alone marks a significant blow to Left Wing Extremism (LWE) in the region. A senior security official stated, “The CPI (Maoist), a banned organisation under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), has for years strategically coerced, misled and forcibly inducted women and young girls into its ranks. These recruits were subjected to emotional, social and psychological manipulation, depriving them of the opportunity to make informed decisions about their lives.” He added that once inducted, women were rarely empowered or promoted within the Maoist hierarchy. “Instead, they were exploited as foot soldiers and human shields during encounters, while senior male leaders stayed protected.” The data also highlights a growing disillusionment within Maoist ranks. In the same 18-month period, 1,457 operatives surrendered, and 1,469 were arrested. Officials attribute this shift to sustained security pressure and the government’s rehabilitation and infrastructure development efforts in affected regions.
SFs unearth huge Maoist consignment of 18,000 detonators in Jharkhand
Security Forces (SFs) unearthed a huge consignment of Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) explosives comprising 18,000 detonators in a forest area near Hussipi village in Tonto Police Station area in West Singhbhum District in Jharkhand on July 1, reports Daily Excelsior. The explosives were concealed in the forest with an intention to target personnel engaged in anti-Naxal operations, the Police said in a statement. The explosives were defused on the spot by the Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS).
West Bengal Governor warns of Maoist infiltration in Kolkata colleges
Amid the Centre’s intensified crackdown on Communist Party of India-Maoist (CPI-Maoist) activities across central and southern India, during which over 200 members, including top leaders and foot soldiers, were neutralised this year alone, West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose has sounded an alarm over the alleged infiltration of ultra-left activists into Kolkata’s academic institutions, reports newsarenaindia.com. In a letter addressed to West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Governor expressed concern that Maoist sympathisers and members of their frontal organisations are actively attempting to influence young students, particularly in the wake of recent crimes like the gang rape incident at a South Kolkata law college. Governor Bose warned that these groups are targeting fresh minds, aiming to win their trust and gradually draw them into the fold of the banned Maoist movement.
| Monthly Fatalities The following casualties, related to ongoing insurgencies and acts of terrorism occurred during the period June 23, 2025 to July 11, 2025: | ||||
| Civilian | Indian Security Personnel | Militant | Total | |
| Arunachal Pardesh | 00 | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| Chhattisgarh | 01 | 00 | 04 | 05 |
| Odisha | 00 | 00 | 02 | 02 |
| Manipur | 02 | 00 | 04 | 06 |
| Total | 03 | 00 | 12 | 14 |
International
Iran tells UN to end ‘double standards’ before nuclear talks can resume
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has urged the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog to stop applying “double standards” if it wants Tehran to resume cooperation on its nuclear programme state media reported on Thursday, July 3.
Last week, President Pezeshkian signed a law suspending all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), prompting the agency to withdraw its last inspectors from Iran. Tensions have surged since the U.S. and Israel bombed Iranian nuclear facilities in June, accusing Iran of secretly working on a nuclear weapon — a charge Tehran strongly denies.
Speaking to European Council President Antonio Costa, Pezeshkian stressed that future cooperation with the IAEA would depend on the agency correcting its biased approach. “The continuation of Iran’s cooperation depends on the agency abandoning its double standards,” he said during a phone call.
Moreover, Pezeshkian warned that any future attacks on Iran would face a “more decisive and regrettable response.” Tehran has accused the IAEA of failing to condemn the strikes by the U.S. and Israel, claiming the agency’s critical report on Iran gave justification for the attacks.
The June bombing triggered a 12-day conflict, during which Iran launched missiles and drones at Israeli targets. The IAEA has since lost access to Iranian nuclear facilities, despite calls from IAEA chief Rafael Grossi to resume inspections.
President Pezeshkian also criticized the IAEA’s credibility, saying its lack of neutrality raises questions about its role. “Unfair reporting undermines the trust and standing of the IAEA,” he said, reinforcing Iran’s stance that its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes.
US refutes India’s claim, asserts role in Pakistan-India ceasefire
The United States has rejected India’s denial of American involvement in brokering the ceasefire between Pakistan and India, calling it misleading and inaccurate. During a media briefing on July 08, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated clearly that the US did play a role in ending the four-day conflict between the two neighbors in May. She stressed that ignoring this fact is merely an “opinion,” not reality.
Tammy Bruce added that US Vice President JD Vance was directly involved in the negotiations and that his efforts should be recognized. She emphasized that multiple US officials contributed to the peace efforts, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both Rubio and Vance worked closely with regional leaders to prevent further escalation and help restore peace across the border.
President Donald Trump has also repeatedly claimed that his administration played a key part in brokering the ceasefire. According to Bruce, President Trump’s involvement helped make the diplomatic process more effective and transparent. The US believes that its mediation prevented a much larger conflict between two nuclear-armed nations.
On the other hand, Indian officials continue to reject these claims. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have consistently denied any US role in the peace process. They argue that the ceasefire was a result of direct military-to-military communication and not foreign intervention.
Despite India’s rejection, the United States remains firm on its position. Officials insist that modern diplomacy is well-documented and that the truth cannot be hidden behind political statements. As tensions ease between Pakistan and India, Washington continues to seek acknowledgment for its peacemaking efforts in the region.
Red sea on edge as Houthis attack ships after vessel sinking
Tensions escalated in the Red Sea after Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched a fresh attack on a Liberian-flagged cargo ship, just a day after sinking another vessel. The latest assault on the Greek-owned Eternity C left two crew members injured and two missing, raising fears of renewed threats to global shipping routes.
According to the EU’s anti-piracy mission Operation Atalanta and private firm Ambrey, the Eternity C was hit by bomb-laden drones and small boat fire while heading toward the Suez Canal. Security guards onboard returned fire, but the attack still caused serious damage. The vessel carried 21 Filipinos and one Russian crew member, along with three security personnel.
The attack followed the Houthis’ claim of sinking the Magic Seas on Sunday on July 06. That vessel was also targeted with drones, missiles, and gunfire, forcing all 22 crew members to abandon ship. The UAE confirmed rescuing the sailors and transporting them to safety.
As regional conflicts remain unresolved and diplomatic tensions run high, analysts warn that further Houthi aggression may provoke additional strikes from Israel, risking a broader escalation in the Middle East’s already fragile maritime security.
Russia launches deadly drone and missile attacks on Western Ukraine, two killed
In a devastating series of aerial strikes, Russia targeted western Ukraine with hundreds of drones and missiles on July 12, killing at least two people and injuring 20. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy reported that the assault involved 597 drones and 26 missiles, which caused widespread damage in cities from Kharkiv in the northeast to Chernivtsi on the Romanian border in the west. The attack marks the fourth major assault in Ukraine this month.
The Ukrainian air force successfully intercepted 25 missiles and 319 Shahed drones, while electronic warfare systems jammed 258 additional drones. Despite these defenses, the strikes left significant destruction in their wake, particularly in the western cities of Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernivtsi. Zelenskiy used the opportunity to renew his call for tougher sanctions against Russia and more advanced air defense systems for Ukraine. “This war can only be stopped through strength,” he stated, urging immediate action from Ukraine’s partners.
The attack is part of a broader trend, with Russia increasing its use of drones and missiles in recent weeks. The United Nations reported that June saw the highest number of civilian casualties in Ukraine in three years, with 232 deaths and over 1,300 injuries. As the war intensifies, Zelenskiy’s government continues to press for international support to bolster Ukraine’s defenses and prevent further loss of life.
The ongoing attacks underline the escalating threat to Ukraine’s cities and civilian infrastructure, with western regions increasingly under siege. As tensions rise, the international community is urged to take more decisive action to help curb the devastation.
Turkish president hails the start of disarmament by Kurdish separatists
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed start of a disarmament process by militant Kurdish separatists as the end of a “painful chapter” in Türkiye’s troubled history.
Erdogan told a meeting of his ruling AKP party in Ankara that the more than 40-year-old “scourge of terrorism” for which the Kurdistan Workers’ Party – or PKK – was responsible is on its way to ending.
Erdogan’s remarks came a day after male and female members of the PKK in northern Iraq cast rifles and machine guns into a large cauldron where they were set on fire. The symbolic move was seen as the first step toward a promised disarmament as part of a peace process aimed at ending four decades of hostilities.
The move came after PKK leader Abdullah Ocalan, who has been imprisoned on an island near Istanbul since 1999, urged his group in February to convene a congress and formally disband and disarm. In May the PKK announced that it would do so.
In a statement issued on Friday, the PKK said the fighters who were laying down their weapons, saying that they had disarmed “as a gesture of goodwill and a commitment to the practical success” of the peace process. Erdogan insisted that there had been no bargaining with the PKK. “The terror-free Türkiye project is not the result of negotiations, bargaining or transactions.” Turkish officials have not disclosed if any concessions have been given to the PKK in exchange for laying down their arms.
The Turkish president also said that a parliamentary commission would be established to oversee the peace process.
Iran announces shift in Nuclear cooperation with UN watchdog
Iran has announced that its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will now take a “new form,” signaling a shift in its approach amid ongoing tensions over its nuclear program. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Saturday, July 13 that although cooperation with the IAEA had not stopped, it would be reassessed, and future engagements would depend on safety and security concerns. This move comes after a period of escalating tensions, including a 12-day conflict with Israel that resulted in missile strikes on Iran’s military and nuclear sites.
Araghchi clarified that requests for IAEA access to Iran’s nuclear sites would now be considered on a case-by-case basis. The review process would involve Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, with special attention given to ensuring the safety and security of the country’s facilities. The shift in policy comes after a series of airstrikes by Israel and the U.S., which targeted key Iranian nuclear sites, including Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz. These attacks, Iran claims, were partly enabled by intelligence provided to Israel by the IAEA, a claim the UN nuclear watchdog has denied.
The announcement follows Iran’s formal suspension of cooperation with the IAEA in early July, a decision that came after Israeli bombings on June 16. These attacks occurred just before a planned meeting between Iran and the U.S. to revive stalled nuclear talks. Tehran has repeatedly denied allegations that it is attempting to develop nuclear weapons, though tensions surrounding its nuclear program have remained a critical issue in international relations.
In response to these developments, Araghchi emphasized that any future talks with the IAEA would focus solely on Iran’s nuclear activities, with the goal of rebuilding trust and securing sanctions relief. He stressed that issues unrelated to Iran’s nuclear program would not be part of the discussions, reaffirming Tehran’s position that its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes must be respected.
| Current Threat Levels : | ||
| City/Region | Threat Level | |
| Islamabad | Level 2 | ** |
| Karachi | Level 2 | ** |
| Lahore | Level 2 | ** |
| Punjab | Level 2 | ** |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Level 3 | *** |
| Peshawar | Level 2 | ** |
| Quetta | Level 2 | ** |
| Upper Balochistan | Level 3 | *** |
| Lower Balochistan | Level 2 | ** |
| Upper/ Rural Singh | Level 2 | ** |
| Gilgit and Northern areas | Level 3 | *** |
| Tribal Areas, Close to Afghan border | Level 3 | *** |
| Index to Threat Level Perceptions | |
Threat Level 1 No threat to foreigners although there may be isolated incidents involving petty crime. No security precautions are required. | * |
Threat Level 2 No specific threat to foreigners, however because of the overall general law & order situation, some security precautions are advised, especially if traveling. | ** |
Threat Level 3 Indicates that law and order situation is cause for concern and travel should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Foreigners should rehearse plans for evacuation. | *** |
Threat Level 4 Indicates complete breakdown of civil administration and law and order leading to possible anarchy. All foreigners to remain indoors and confined to their own city. Families and staff not required to be evacuated retaining only a skeleton staff. | **** |
Threat Level 5 Indicates complete breakdown of law and order, enemy action/hostilities, invasion/ occupation by enemy. | ***** |
