Sunday 3 May 2026

2026 Mali offensives

Mountaga Tall, an opposition figure and lawyer critical of the Malian military junta, is kidnapped in Bamako overnight.

Crime & Justice

Five Ethiopian migrants were killed last week in a series of xenophobic attacks in Johannesburg, South Africa, three of whom were shot dead inside a McDonald's restaurant.

Sudanese civil war (2023–present)

Two drone strikes launched by the Rapid Support Forces significantly damage several facilities of the Kenana Sugar Company plant south of Rabak, White Nile State, Sudan.

Islamic State insurgency in Puntland

Puntland regional officials say that they have recaptured the Miraale area following clashes with ISIS members.

Disasters

The United States Africa Command reports that two American soldiers have been reported missing while on a hike near Tan-Tan, Morocco, after taking part in the annual African Lion military exercises.

MV Hondius hantavirus outbreak

Three people are killed in a hantavirus outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius off the coast of West Africa.

Disasters

At least three people are killed and 38 others are injured when a monster truck crashes into a crowd at an exhibition event in Popayán, Cauca Department, Colombia.

Mass shootings in the United States

Eighteen people are wounded in a mass shooting at Arcadia Lake, Oklahoma.

Catatumbo campaign

Gunmen on a motorcycle open fire outside a commercial establishment in Cúcuta, North Santander, Colombia, killing four people.

Mass media in Afghanistan

On World Press Freedom Day, Afghan journalists launch the Kabul Times News media outlet in exile in France amidst media restrictions in Afghanistan.

Disasters

Eight people are killed after a speeding car plows into a group of bystanders who had gathered to assist two people injured in a motorcycle collision earlier in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Trafficking of Chinese nationals to scam centers abroad

Sri Lankan police arrest 37 Chinese nationals in Colombo suspected of operating an online fraud center and seize electronic devices and SIM cards during the operation.

Politics

A French leftist polician Jean-Luc Mélenchon to stand in 2027 French presidential election.

Business

The Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade will restrict supplies of popular computers starting 27 May 2026.

2026 Strait of Hormuz campaign

The U.S. Central Command confirms that the operation, Project Freedom, will start tomorrow to help secure transit in the strait.

2026 Iran war ceasefire

Iranian ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri-Moghadam says that talks mediated by Pakistan remains firm. However, he also criticizes the United States for “unpredictable and aggressive behaviour” towards peace in the Middle East, and states that talks between Iran and the U.S. would resume if the latter changes its behavior.

2026 Strait of Hormuz campaign

United States president Donald Trump announces that the U.S. Navy will start guiding neutral ships through the Strait of Hormuz tomorrow.

2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis

A bulk freighter reports being attacked by multiple small craft outside the strait, off Bandar Sirik, Iran.

2026 Iran war fuel crisis

JPMorgan Chase analysts estimate that oil inventories in OECD countries will begin running out between May 9 and May 30.