U.S. Secretary of StateAntony Blinken says that United Nations reports of civilian deaths in Afghanistan are "deeply, deeply troubling" as the Taliban gains vital border crossings and territory. The armed group has said that, if they return to power, they will treat civilians well and will not allow Afghanistan to be used as a base for international terrorism. (Reuters)
Armenia reports that three of its soldiers were killed in clashes with Azerbaijani forces in the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Armenia says that Azerbaijan "is deliberately escalating the situation as its forces remain illegally on Armenia's sovereign territory" while Azerbaijan rejects the accusation and blames Armenian forces for opening fire first towards Azerbaijani forces in the district of Kelbajar. (DW)
Business and economy
Argentina announces that they will pay $250 million to the Paris Club and $350 million to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to avoid default. Economy minister Martín Guzmán asks both entities to restructure the debts in order to make payment viable. The IMF has expressed its willingness for the payment after months of negotiations on a $45 billion debt acquired by the previous administration. (Ámbito Financiero)
Mount Sinabung in the North Sumatra region of Indonesia begins billowing ash up to 4,500 metres (14,800 ft) into the air. Though not yet erupting, authorities warn of lava flows and an evacuation order is put in place for those living within 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) of the volcano. (Associated Press)
Malaysia reports a record 17,405 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 1.06 million. (New Straits Times)
South Korea reports a record 1,896 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 193,427. (The Korea Herald)
Thailand reports a record 16,533 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, thereby bringing the nationwide total of confirmed cases to 543,361. (CNA)
The French government announces that beginning on August 9, the parliament-approved "Health Pass" will be compulsory for people who want to visit a café, gym, bar or other public place, as well as travel on an airplane or by inter-city rail. However, the legislation needs to be validated by the Constitutional Council on August 5. (Connexion France)
The number of people who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in Germany reaches 41.1 million, which is nearly half the country's population. (MedicalXpress)
Turkey reports 22,291 new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, which is the first the time the country has reported more than 20,000 cases since early May. (Reuters)
Lawmakers in Ghana propose a bill that would criminalize displays of same-sex affection and the promotion of LGBTQ+ rights with up to ten years in prison. In May, 21 LGBTQ+ activists were arrested under charges of promoting an LGBTQ+ agenda and unlawful assembly. Human rights organizations and local LGBTQ+ groups condemn the proposed bill. (Washington Post)
U.S. PresidentJoe Biden meets with Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya at the White House. Biden reiterates his support for the Belarusian opposition activists for "[their] quest for democracy and universal human rights" as Tsikhanouskaya thanks Biden and says that "Belarus will be a success story". (DW)
Tunisian PresidentKais Saied sacks Mohamed al-Dahach as head of the national television network and installs a temporary replacement, following an incident in the afternoon when al-Dahach forbade a group of journalists and human rights advocates from appearing on a show allegedly on orders from the military. (Reuters)