Year: 2026

The U.S. and Saudi militaries conducted airstrikes on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq, targeting “terrorist logistics and weapons sites” following alleged attacks on American forces. The Popular Mobilisation Forces reported at least 20 fatalities. CENTCOM linked the strikes to over 30 drone threats aimed at U.S. interests.

Hammersmith Bridge, closed to motor vehicles since 2019 due to structural issues, may remain off-limits for an extended period. Barnes and Hammersmith Electric Light Transit proposes “lightweight autonomous electric pods” to enhance local transport, pending further development and safety assessments.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Spain is seeing progress in combating ongoing wildfires, although he warned of continued challenges due to soaring temperatures. The government reports nearly 100,000 individuals affected, with over 63,000 evacuated. Fire crews are prioritising merged fire fronts in the Madrid region.

The DSEND suit, designed for enhanced mobility for US Navy divers, will be showcased at the Pentagon later this week. This advanced design reflects ongoing developments in diving technology aimed at improving operational effectiveness under challenging conditions.

A fatal attack during Berlin’s Pride parade has prompted renewed scrutiny of EU intelligence-sharing on suspected extremists. The suspect, Abdul Ballout, previously known to authorities, travelled outside the Schengen Area and returned undetected, raising concerns about the effectiveness of current cross-border security measures.

Senators gathered at the U.S. Capitol to pay tribute to Lindsey Graham, remembered as a “towering figure” by Majority Leader John Thune. The ceremony preceded Graham’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral, where President Trump and international leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are set to attend.