The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has intensified its armed campaign against Pakistani security forces, claiming 22 attacks across Balochistan in eight days and alleging 26 personnel were killed. The separatist group said its struggle would continue until “independence of Balochistan.” Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch claimed the organisation has around one lakh active members, uses guerrilla warfare and street-fighting tactics, and obtains weapons by capturing Pakistani soldiers and seizing arms. Violence has risen sharply, with the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies recording 254 terrorist attacks and 1,026 casualties in Balochistan in 2025. The BLA also claimed extensive territorial control and continued attacks in 2026, while Pakistani forces launched counter-offensives. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump threatened military action against Oman after Iran announced an agreement with Muscat on a plan for ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz. Trump told Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst that if Oman interfered with Washington’s efforts against Iran, the US would “bomb the s**t out of them.” The warning came as a 60-day memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran expired without a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict. Trump said he was not in a rush to reach a deal and reiterated that the US naval blockade was increasing economic pressure on Tehran. The threat puts Oman in a difficult position as it balances mediation efforts with Washington and talks with Tehran. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if it interferes with Washington’s blockade of Iranian ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Fox News journalist Trey Yingst, Trump said, “If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the shit out of them.” He also called on Iran to “put up the white flag of surrender” and said he was not in a hurry to end the conflict. The comments came as Oman and Iran discussed a plan to reopen the key shipping route. Iran said the sides had reached an understanding on a transit route through the strait. (PC: X)

At least 6 people were killed and 4 injured in overnight Ukrainian missile strikes on Russia’s Belgorod region, acting governor Alexander Shuvaev said on Monday. A 14-year-old child was among the injured. A separate Ukrainian drone strike in Russia’s Astrakhan region killed a woman, according to local officials. Ukraine also reported 2 deaths in Russian drone strikes on the Sumy region. The latest attacks followed what Russian officials described as Ukraine’s largest-scale attack this year, involving hundreds of drones. Russia has also intensified strikes across Ukraine, with recent attacks killing civilians and damaging homes, ports and energy facilities as the war continues. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump has said the US will “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump also criticised Seoul for declining to join the US in efforts over Iran’s nuclear programme. South Korea said it was reviewing his comments, while its military had earlier confirmed the annual drills would proceed as scheduled. About 18,000 South Korean troops are expected to participate in the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, with around 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea. Experts warned that reducing the drills could weaken alliance coordination and deterrence against North Korea. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump joked that White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt “likes her children more than she likes Trump” as she prepares to leave her post at the end of August. Trump praised Leavitt’s work and said she would be difficult to replace. During a Fox News interview, correspondent Alexis McAdams asked Trump about Leavitt’s replacement. Trump suggested McAdams herself could take the job, saying he had always liked her. Leavitt is leaving to spend more time with her 2 young children. Trump has supported her decision and said she could remain an outside adviser after leaving the White House. (PC: India Today)

An 18-year-old student in Belgium discovered a hidden gold hoard worth an estimated €9 million while digging a trench for a sewage system at a former brewery site. The student, identified as Kobe, found gold coins, nuggets and numbered bullion bars hidden inside a bricked-up cellar wall beneath a historic villa. The discovery was immediately reported to police, and the gold was moved to a secure facility in Brussels. Authorities are investigating its ownership and whether it could be linked to criminal activity. Under Belgian law, potential owners have at least 5 years to come forward and claim the treasure. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Jared Kushner arrived in Israel after holding rare talks with Hamas on implementing the US-backed Gaza peace plan. Kushner is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. The talks reportedly focused on Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal and humanitarian efforts. Israel has rejected Trump's 15-point plan, insisting that Hamas must be fully disarmed before any withdrawal. Hamas has urged mediators and the Board of Peace to press Israel to approve the roadmap. The development comes as regional countries push for progress on Trump's plan and an end to the Gaza conflict. (PC: BBC)

US President Donald Trump has welcomed the recently signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan, calling it a major step towards regional security and greater defence self-reliance. In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump said he was “very happy” that the three countries had “recently, and finally” signed the pact. Under the agreement, an armed attack against any one of the three nations will be regarded as an attack against all three. Trump said the deal showed how the Middle East was coming together and would enable countries to defend themselves more meaningfully. He described the agreement as a “BIG, BOLD, IMPORTANT FIRST STEP” towards stronger regional defence cooperation.

At least seven people were killed in Russia after Ukraine launched its largest attack there this year, Russian officials said. Around 822 drones were used, with 600 reportedly targeting Moscow. Five people died in the Rostov region. Two others were killed in Belgorod and the Moscow region. A Wildberries warehouse near Moscow was also hit, injuring three people. Meanwhile, Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least seven people and injured more than 39. Kyiv was also targeted overnight. Ukraine said Russia launched more than 1,550 drones, 1,560 guided bombs and 62 missiles across 13 regions this week. (PC: Reuters)