Russian warship visits Cuba
On July 27, three Russian warships, including the patrol ship Neustrahimiy, the training ship Smolniy and the oil tanker Yelnya, docked at Havana port ( Cuba ) on their second friendly visit in the past two months. This visit was described by the Cuban government as a historic national practice.
Ships of the Baltic Fleet will stay until July 30. Previously, in June, a Russian nuclear submarine and frigate also arrived in Havana. Although US-Russia tensions have increased, the US said Russian naval activities do not pose a direct threat.
Israel bombs targets in Lebanon
Early on the morning of July 28, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted air strikes on many targets in Lebanon. The attacks targeted Hezbollah weapons depots and infrastructure in Chabriha, Borj El Chmali, Beqaa, Kfarkela, Rab El Thalathine, Khiam and Tayr Harfa.
The airstrike took place after a rocket struck the village of Majdal Shams, killing 12 people, mostly children. Israel accused Hezbollah of being behind the attack, but the group denied it. Israel's Foreign Minister warned of the risk of "a full-scale war" with Hezbollah.
Israel announced the destruction of a senior commander of Hezbollah
On July 30, the Israeli army announced that it had killed Fuad Shukr, a senior commander of Hezbollah, in an airstrike on Beirut. This attack was in retaliation for a cross-border rocket attack on July 27 that killed 12 young Israeli men, for which Israel said Hezbollah was responsible.
Hezbollah denied involvement in the missile attack. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant confirmed that Shukr, an important assistant to Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, was killed. The airstrike left 3 people dead and 74 injured.
The leader of Hamas was assassinated in Tehran
On July 31, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and an Iranian bodyguard were assassinated at Haniyeh's residence in Tehran, Iran, according to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Hamas accused Israel of carrying out this raid.
Ismail Haniyeh, one of the most senior leaders of Hamas, arrived in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran's newly elected president. Israel previously announced it would assassinate Haniyeh after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. More than 39,360 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began.
The mastermind of the 9/11 terrorist attack pleaded guilty after 23 years
Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, mastermind of the September 11 terrorist attacks, and two accomplices agreed to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty, the Pentagon confirmed on July 31. Mohammed, Walid bin Attash and Mustafa al-Hawsawi will receive life sentences.
This agreement helps close a years-long case in the US. Chief prosecutor Aaron Rugh said the three defendants pleaded guilty to all charges, including killing 2,976 people in the indictment. The three defendants are currently being held at the Guantanamo Bay military base and will be able to plead guilty in court as early as next week.
Russia and America exchange largest prisoners since the Cold War
Russia and the US conducted the largest prisoner exchange since the Cold War on August 1 at Ankara airport, Turkey. A total of 26 prisoners, including 2 children, were exchanged.
The White House confirmed that 16 prisoners were released back to Europe and the US, including reporter Evan Gershkovich. Russia received back 8 prisoners from the US, Norway, Germany, Poland and Slovenia. This deal, over 18 months in the making, involved prisoner Vadim Krasikov. President Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin both confirmed the event.
