Tuesday, August 18, 2026

2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reports that a cargo vessel has come under attack off the Omani coast in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one dead.

United Arab Emirates in the 2026 Iran war

The United Arab Emirates's defence ministry detects two missiles fired from Iran towards the country, including one that fell outside territorial waters and another that fell within it.

Attacks in Russia during the Russo-Ukrainian war

British prime minister Andy Burnham confirms that the United Kingdom will continue to militarily support Ukraine after Russia warned the UK will face "consequences" for allowing Ukraine to use British-made drones to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.

Russian attacks on civilians in the Russo-Ukrainian war

A Russian ballistic missile strike kills ten civilians and injures eight others in Pechenihy, Kharkiv Oblast. Several homes are completely destroyed.

Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant crisis

A drone strike hits a bus stop near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Enerhodar, killing one plant worker and injuring several others.

Blue Nile campaign

The Sudan Doctors Network reports that recent attacks in Geissan of Sudan's Blue Nile region has displaced over 5,000 people to Damazin.

Darfur campaign

The Rapid Support Forces launches a major crackdown in Nyala, South Darfur, its largest security and military mobilization since seizing the city in 2023.

Nigerian bandit conflict

At least 24 bandits are killed by a force of Nigerian Army, State Security Service, and vigilante groups during a foiled kidnapping attempt in Bakori, Katsina State, Nigeria.

Nigerian bandit conflict

Fourteen kidnapping victims are rescued by the Nigerian Army in Sabuwa, Katsina State.

Mexican drug war

Five gunmen are killed by members of the Mexican Army after an encounter in Los Palillos locality, Los Reyes, Michoacán.

United States and the International Criminal Court

The United States imposes sanctions on International Criminal Court (ICC) president Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye over their alleged involvement in proceedings against officials from countries that do not recognize ICC jurisdiction.

2026 Zambian general election

Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema is declared the winner by the electoral commission, re-electing him to a second term.

2026 Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting

A student is killed while nine other people are injured in a mass shooting at a junior secondary school building of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City, Philippines. The perpetrator, also a student, later kills himself.

Imprisonment of Imran Khan

Pakistan's Supreme Court orders imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan transferred from the central jail in Rawalpindi, Punjab, to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for medical examinations following a petition by his lawyers concerning his health.

Justice

Singapore begins requiring major Internet messaging platforms to restrict unsolicited contacts and social media services to verify advertisers and block suspected scam advertisements under new anti-scam rules, with penalties of up to S$1 million (US$780,000) for non-compliance.

2026 Zamboye mine collapse

At least 100 people are killed when a gold mine collapses in Zamboye, Baboua, Central African Republic, at the border with Cameroon.

Disasters

At least eight people are killed and more than 20 others are injured after a vehicle rams into a truck in Madhya Pradesh, India.

Disasters

Five people are killed and 17 others sustain injuries after a parapet wall collapses due to excessive rainfall during a college entrance celebration in Changning County, Sichuan, China.

Disasters

Four people are killed and 16 others are injured when a passenger bus crashes due to a brake failure in Kirehe District, Eastern Province, Rwanda.

Disasters

Three people are killed after an explosion at a thermal power plant in Baniyas, Syria.

Disasters

A second Mw 4.7 earthquake strikes the province of Granada, in Spain. Damage and injures are reported in Granada and the surrounding area, while the Alhambra is evacuated.

Iran–United Arab Emirates relations

The United Arab Emirates suspends commercial exchanges, and financial transactions with Iran after Iran launched two ballistic missiles at the country.

Health

The UK Health Security Agency confirms that an outbreak of salmonella in the UK has left one person dead and hundreds more ill. The outbreak is believed to be linked to imported eggs.