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Dutch and German Intelligence Accuse Russia of Expanding Chemical Attacks

Dutch and German intelligence agencies say Russia is systematically using banned chemical agents in Ukraine, including chloropicrin and CS gas deployed by drones into trenches. The goal is to force Ukrainian soldiers into the open, where they are targeted by gunfire. Officials say thousands of incidents have been documented, marking a large-scale program in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. (Read More)​

​​Israeli Forces Arrest Suspected Quds Force-Linked Operatives in Syria

Israeli forces arrested members of an alleged Iranian-backed terrorist cell in southern Syria during a July 2 operation near the Israeli border. The IDF said the suspects were tied to Iranian units and were captured with weapons and grenades, following intelligence gathered from prior interrogations. (Read More)​

Israeli Airstrike Kills One of Gaza’s Last Heart Specialists

Dr. Marwan al-Sultan, one of Gaza’s last cardiologists, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on his apartment in Gaza City, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry. The strike also killed his wife, sister, daughter, and son-in-law, as Israel claimed it was targeting a key Hamas figure. Healthcare groups called his death a major blow to Gaza’s medical sector. (Read More)​

First Confirmed Bomber Drone Launch From Naval Drone Hits Radar in Crimea

Ukraine used a naval drone boat to launch a heavy bomber drone that destroyed a Russian Nebo-M radar system in occupied Crimea, according to the Ministry of Defense. The strike, carried out overnight on July 1–2, hit three key radar components and marked a major blow to Russian air defense. The operation reflects Ukraine’s evolving use of unmanned surface vessels as mobile drone launch platforms for precision strikes. (Read More)​

US Vendors Tussle Over Norway’s Maritime-surveillance Drone Business | Defense News

Norway is weighing U.S.-made MQ-9B SeaGuardian and MQ-4C Triton drones for Arctic maritime surveillance. Part of its 2025–2036 defense plan, the drones will support P-8A aircraft from Andøya Air Station. The project is in early stages, with Northrop Grumman pushing the Triton’s high-altitude edge over General Atomics’ lower-flying SeaGuardian. (Read More)​

Belarus’ Special Forces Train With New Gyroplanes | Defence Blog

Belarusian special forces are now training with the Yastreb gyroplane, a lightweight aircraft developed with China for reconnaissance, supply drops, and low-altitude missions in rugged terrain. With a 200 km/h top speed and six-hour endurance, it's being integrated for border and rescue operations. (Read More)​​

Russia Becomes First Country to Recognize Taliban Government

Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government, becoming the first country to do so since the group seized power in 2021. The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed the decision by accepting a Taliban ambassador and emphasized future cooperation in trade, energy, and regional security. The move follows Russia’s removal of the Taliban’s terrorist designation. (Read More)​​

Navy Special Warfare Sailor Dies During Parachute Training in California

Special Warfare Boat Operator 2nd Class Noah Tobin was killed during a parachute training exercise in Porterville, California, on July 2, the Navy confirmed. Tobin was assigned to Special Boat Team 20 and was attending the Naval Parachute Course when his parachute reportedly failed to deploy properly. Naval Special Warfare Command has suspended training at the site and launched an investigation into the incident. (Read More)​

British Tourist Among Two Women Killed by Elephant While on Safari in Zambian National Park | Independent

Two female tourists, a 68-year-old British woman and a 67-year-old New Zealander, were killed by a charging elephant during a walking safari in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. The elephant, which had a calf, attacked despite warning shots from guides, and both women died at the scene. (Read More)​