8 May 2026
Iran Ceasefire
The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly, Iraq’s Deputy Minister of Oil, claiming that he funnelled oil into networks benefiting Iran and the Iran-backed militia Asa’ib Ahl Al-Haq. He is being accused of moving millions of dollars’ worth of Iraqi oil per day from Iraq’s Qayarah oil field to export terminals, where Iranian crude would then be blended and then sold as Iraqi oil. This is part of the “Economic Fury” campaign.
Iran has created an agency to collect tolls from tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The US claims that it intercepted attacks on three US Navy vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The US responded by attacking the originating positions of those attacks.
The UAE stated that its air defence intercepted two ballistic missiles and three drones launched from Iran.
It is believed that the US will receive a response from Iran today regarding the newly proposed peace memo.
Ukraine-Russia War
The unilateral ceasefire declared by Putin now came into effect, with hundreds of drone strikes conducted by both sides. Russia is claiming that over 1,000 violations have occurred by Ukraine. Ukraine claims that Russia is continuing their attacks.
The National Guard’s 1st Azov Corps released drone footage of reconnaissance and strike drones in Mariupol. Claiming that the Azov Corps is now patrolling their hometown. This would mean their drones are operating more than 160km behind the front line.
Sudan
The leader of the RSF, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, told a group of soldiers that the RSF is willing to fight for the next forty years. This comes after the Sudanese government claims that Ethiopia and the UAE were behind a drone attack on the capital’s airport. The UAE denies arming the RSF, and Ethiopia denies hosting the RSF and UAE forces on its territory.
North Korea
North Korea has purportedly developed a self-propelled howitzer capable of a range exceeding 60 kilometres. This would put Seoul in danger from the border. South Korea’s K-9 self-propelled howitzer has a range of 40 kilometres.
Mali
Twin attacks carried out in central Mali, in the villages of Korikori and Gomossogou, have killed at least 35 people. There were also reports that the villages were looted and some properties were set ablaze. It is believed that JNIM was responsible.
Chad
Following recent attacks, the Chadian government announced a 20-day state of emergency in the violence-hit Lake Chad region. This comes after Boko Haram killed at least 26 army personnel, including two senior generals, in ambushes this week.
Democratic Republic of Congo
Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) reportedly killed at least 15 people in the town of Biakato, in Ituri, including at least one child and three women. At least 21 other people died in other attacks in villages on the border between Ituri and North Kivu provinces.
Social Media Wires
Footage from the Azov Corps
Turkey is developing a missile that spoofs air defences
Featured Photo: “Chadian Eland Mk 7” – Wikimedia Commons, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.