29 July 2026
Iran War
Iran targeted a US air base and Central Command in Jordan. Jordan has frequently downplayed the US presence in the country. The IRGC says that it launched several ballistic missiles in response to US actions in Iran.
The US and Saudi Arabia conducted airstrikes against Iranian-backed Iraqi militias. This is after Saudi Arabia intercepted another wave of drones from Iraq. It is believed targets were hit in the northern Nineveh province and the southern Basra province. According to CENTCOM, they targeted multiple logistics and weapon centres after over 30 drones were launched over the past 72 hours toward Saudi Arabia.
The Houthi rebels claimed that they shot down a Saudi reconnaissance drone over Sadaa. The Houthi rebels also claimed a fourth attack on a Saudi-linked tanker in the Red Sea by launching multiple ballistic missiles at it. It was confirmed that the NCC GHAZAL was struck by anti-ship missiles.
There are reports that Iran will receive its first shipments of Chinese-made man-portable air defence systems, or MANPADS, in the coming weeks. It is believed that up to 400 MANPADS and a subsequent inventory of QW-12 and FN-16 missiles were purchased. This would significantly increase Iran’s air defence capabilities after months of fighting. The Chinese Foreign Minister stated that “The relevant reports are completely groundless. China has consistently played a role in promoting peace and ending the conflict.”
AI Task Force
The US and the UAE announced an agreement to establish the first bilateral AI task force. According to CENTCOM, the task force will focus on integrating AI applications to support intelligence gathering, protect critical infrastructure, and monitor the regional security environment. The task force will be named Task Force Talon Synapse. The UAE hosts a considerable number of data centres.
Gaza
A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for further talks on the implementation of the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire. The delegation drafted new language on two of the most sensitive areas: the group’s weapons and the status of Hamas government employees in Gaza. The agreement has been amended several times, but no full agreement has been reached so far.
Lebanon
UN peacekeepers found ammonium nitrate explosives in southern Lebanon. Four tons of the explosives were found in a Lebanese border village which was under Israeli occupation.
Lebanon is tightening the control of its ports, which will dry up Hezbollah funding sources. The government is conducting a broad campaign to control its seaports, the airport and border crossings. The aim is to restrict Hezbollah’s logistical infrastructure by disrupting smuggling through the Syrian border, Beirut airport and the Port of Beirut.
Ukraine-Russia War
Ukraine attacked an oil refinery and a Wildberries logistical warehouse in the Ryazan region in central Russia. DefenceReport published an article this week on why Ukraine is attacking Wildberries facilities.
Russia’s Federal Security Service, the FSB, charged the founder of the Telegram messaging app with aiding terrorist activities. There is an international warrant for his arrest. The FSB claims that Telegram’s management failed to remove channels, chats, and bots used to organize and carry out sabotage attacks inside Russia.
Libya
The internationally recognized government ordered the army to regain control of a gas plant after protesters forced entry. The army is tasked with retaking the Mellitah gas complex and reopening the gas pipelines and gas supply to the country’s power plants. Protesters have been angered by frequent and prolonged power cuts. The protesters shut off gas valves supplying power plants, risking a general collapse of the Libyan power grid.
Mali
Senegal’s president is in Mali for an official visit and to carry out discussions with the head of Mali’s military junta. It is believed that the two will discuss the security situation, military cooperation, and freight transport. Mali receives fuel from tanker trucks originating from the port of Dakar in Senegal. JNIM has imposed a series of embargoes on fuel and other commercial goods entering the capital and other areas in Mali.
China-US
The US has banned the import of Chinese humanoid robots, citing the threat of surveillance, intelligence gathering and remote control. The ban also includes the import of power inverters, which enable renewable energy and batteries to connect to power grids. The restrictions apply only to robot and inverter models that have not yet been released. China is the largest producer of humanoid robots and inverters.
South Korea
The South Korean defence ministry issued a public notice of a draft bill on nuclear-powered submarines. The legislation is designed to create the legal basis for the Jang Bogo N project, as the country aims to build at least three 8,000-ton conventionally armed, nuclear-propelled attack submarines by the mid-2030s.
Social Media Wires
Footage of one of the strikes in Iraq
Strike in Basra
Featured Photo: “Refuelling F-35s” –Senior Airman Brooklyn Golightly, CENTCOM, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking-news report that incorporates 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 and cropping.