**Summary:** The United States Department of State has announced new sanctions targeting the Cuban Ministry of Tourism and several other state-affiliated organizations. This action follows previous measures taken against Cuban leadership earlier this summer.

**Key points:**
- Sanctions were imposed on the Ministry of Tourism, paramilitary units including special forces and territorial defense units, and various import-export companies.
- The U.S. previously sanctioned Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel and other government officials in June 2026.
- The move represents a continued tightening of U.S. economic and political pressure on the Cuban regime.

**Why it matters:** The expansion of sanctions against key economic and security sectors reflects the ongoing diplomatic and political friction between the United States and Cuba.

interfax.ru - Под санкции США попало Минтуризма Кубы

cubanet.org - Estados Unidos sanciona al MINTUR y otras nueve entidades del régimen cubano

United States Expands Sanctions Against Cuban Government Entities

**Summary:** Russian forces launched a missile attack on Odesa on the morning of July 13, 2026, causing damage to the city's transport infrastructure. Local authorities are currently assessing the impact of the strikes.

**Key points:**
- Head of the Odesa Military Administration Serhiy Lysak confirmed the hits on transport facilities.
- Air raid alerts were active in the city throughout the night preceding the attack.
- The strike follows warnings from the Ukrainian Air Force regarding missiles in the Black Sea heading toward Odesa and Chornomorsk.

**Why it matters:** The attack highlights the ongoing targeting of critical transport infrastructure in Ukrainian port cities, impacting logistics and regional security.

pravda.com.ua - РФ атакувала Одесу: є влучання по транспортній інфраструктурі

tsn.ua - Зрання РФ накрила ракетами обласний центр - є "прильоти", горить автостоянка

Russian Missile Attack Hits Transport Infrastructure in Odesa

**Summary:** A massive fire broke out at the Na Ladprao pub in northern Bangkok, resulting in at least 27 deaths and 63 injuries. The blaze, which occurred around midnight, is currently under investigation by local authorities.

**Key points:**
- Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reported that victims were found near the restrooms at the back of the venue, which lacked fire escapes.
- A performing musician stated that smoke emerged from a circuit breaker near the stage, followed by an explosion and a power outage.
- Firefighters required approximately 30 minutes to bring the blaze under control.
- The incident occurred in the Chatuchak district, a popular area for both locals and tourists.

**Why it matters:** This tragedy is one of the deadliest fire incidents in Bangkok in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding fire safety standards in public entertainment venues.

cnn.com - Bangkok : Fire breaks out at a pub killing at least 27 people

sudouest.fr - Thaïlande : au moins 27 morts dans l’incendie d’un bar à Bangkok

faz.net - Feuer in Pub in Bangkok: Viele Tote und Verletzte

manilatimes.net - Fire breaks out at a pub in Bangkok, killing at least 27 people

internazionale.it - Bangkok pub fire kills at least 27 people, officials say - Internazionale

aljazeera.com - Fire engulfs popular Bangkok pub, killing 27 people and injuring 63

Fire at Bangkok Pub Kills at Least 27 People

**Summary:** The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile and drone strikes against U.S. military installations in Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain in retaliation for recent U.S. military actions.

**Key points:**
- The strikes targeted the Prince Hassan air base in Jordan, Al-Udeid air base in Qatar, and various military assets in Kuwait and Bahrain.
- Iranian officials stated the attacks were a response to U.S. military operations against Iranian coastal bases and telecommunications infrastructure.
- The escalation follows the collapse of a memorandum of understanding intended to regulate a ceasefire and address the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
- U.S. President Donald Trump announced the termination of the previous agreement and indicated that negotiations with Iran would continue.

**Why it matters:** The direct military confrontation between Iran and U.S. forces across multiple regional bases signals a significant breakdown in diplomatic efforts and a major escalation in the conflict.

latercera.com - Irán ataca bases estadounidenses en Omán, Jordania y Qatar en medio de tensión creciente con EE.UU.

adndigital.com.py - El régimen iraní lanzó misiles balísticos y drones contra Jordania, Kuwait, Bahréin y Qatar tras los bombardeos de EEUU

elcomercio.pe - Irán reivindica ataques con misiles y drones contra Jordania, Qatar, Kuwait y Bahréin

Iran Launches Missile and Drone Strikes Against U.S. Bases in Middle East

**Summary:** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a major cabinet reshuffle, including the departure of Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, as part of a strategic shift in the country's foreign and domestic policy.

**Key points:**
- President Zelenskyy plans to assign specific experienced individuals to lead key foreign policy areas, including relations with the USA, the European Union, and neighboring countries.
- The government transition aims to address new challenges such as winter preparedness, the transformation of state-owned companies, and the strengthening of frontline regions.
- Four potential candidates are reportedly being considered for the prime minister position, including Naftogaz head Serhii Koretskyi and Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
- Changes are also expected within the leadership of Ukraine's law enforcement agencies.

**Why it matters:** The reshuffle signals a significant pivot in Ukraine's political and diplomatic strategy to better align with international partners and address urgent domestic security and economic challenges.

Українська правда - На посаду нового прем’єра розглядають чотирьох кандидатів

newsfeed.zeit.de - Julija Swyrydenko: Selenskyj kündigt Austausch von Regierungschefin und Kabinett an

rss.unian.net - Зеленский анонсировал кадровые изменения в Кабмине: Свириденко пойдет на новую должность

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Announces Government Reshuffle

**Summary:** Typhoon Bavi has weakened into a tropical cyclone after making landfall in China and passing near Taiwan, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds to multiple regions. Authorities have begun lifting warnings as the storm moves inland.

**Key points:**
- The storm made landfall in Zhejiang, China, on July 11 and moved inland, causing heavy rainfall across several provinces.
- Taiwan's Central Weather Administration reported record-breaking rainfall in Miaoli, exceeding 770 millimeters during the storm's passage.
- Transportation services, including the Danjiang Bridge in Taiwan, have resumed operations following safety inspections.
- The typhoon maintained strong intensity for six days, noted for its unusually large wind radius.

**Why it matters:** The storm caused significant infrastructure disruption and extreme weather conditions across East Asia, necessitating large-scale emergency responses and safety monitoring.

udn.com - 巴威颱風遠離 ！ 淡江大橋恢復通車 花蓮萬里溪橋仍封閉

ettoday.net - 巴威雨量 「 苗栗下破770毫米 」 氣象署 ： 少見暴風圈較大颱風

yangtse.com - 台风 巴威 深入内陆 江南东北等多地将遭强降雨

Typhoon Bavi Weakens After Landfall in China and Taiwan

**Summary:** The death toll from the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24 has risen to 4,333, according to National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez. Over 19,000 people remain in temporary camps as recovery and search efforts continue.

**Key points:**
- The magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 earthquakes caused significant destruction in Caracas and La Guaira, with over 180 buildings collapsing.
- The government has allocated 40 plots of land in La Guaira to construct new housing for the estimated 25,000 families in need.
- Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has requested that Britain's King Charles III release Venezuelan gold reserves held by the Bank of England to support recovery efforts.
- Approximately 315 victims remain unidentified, and the United Nations has estimated that 50,000 people are still missing.

**Why it matters:** The disaster has created a massive humanitarian crisis, leaving thousands homeless and requiring significant international and domestic resources for long-term reconstruction.

inquirer.net - Venezuela earthquakes death toll climbs past 4,300

leral.net - Venezuela : le bilan du double séisme grimpe à plus de 4 300 morts

Venezuela Earthquake Death Toll Surpasses 4,300

**Summary:** Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have closed the Strait of Hormuz to all vessel traffic until further notice, citing unauthorized navigation and American intervention in the region.

**Key points:**
- The IRGC fired warning shots at a vessel that reportedly ignored instructions to use an approved shipping corridor.
- A U.S. official confirmed to journalist Barak Ravid that a missile hit and damaged a commercial ship attempting to transit the strait.
- Oman has proposed a plan for fee-free passage on the southern route, though Iran has not yet accepted the offer.
- The closure threatens global energy markets, as approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas trade passes through the waterway.

**Why it matters:** The closure of one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints significantly escalates tensions between the U.S. and Iran, threatening global energy security and international shipping.

newsfeed.zeit.de - Warnschüsse abgegeben: Irans Revolutionsgarden: Straße von Hormus geschlossen

inquirer.net - Iran Guards say closing Strait of Hormuz 'until further notice'

faz.net - Liveblog Irankrieg: Iran schließt Straße von Hormus

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Close Strait of Hormuz Following Maritime Incident