In the August 2025 edition
United States: several attacks, including a shooting, the motive of which remains unclear, in Manhattan, New York 28 July, leaving 4 people dead, as well as the gunman, who was neutralised. 11 people injured in a knife attack in a supermarket in Traverse City, Michigan. More than 120 dead and 172 people missing in major flooding in Texas.
Russia: earthquake measuring 8.8 struck off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula (Far-East) 30 July. Numerous tsunami warnings and evacuations orders (up to 2 million people in Japan) issued across the Pacific, from island nations to the coasts of Asia, North and South America. Reports of injured, power cuts and flooding especially in Severo-Kurilsk. Eruption at the Klyuchevskoy volcano (Kamchatka Peninsula). Around forty people missing after a small passenger plane crashed near Tynda (Far-East). Ongoing cross-border strikes within the framework of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, leaving several people dead and resulting in Russian air traffic disruption, including in Moscow.
Syria: violent inter-communal clashes between Druze fighters and Sunni Bedouin tribal fighters in Suweida, resulting in casualty figures of 940 dead, including more than 260 civilians, as well as the displacement of around 87,000 people since 13 July. The government forces have been accused of abuses. Israel, claiming to be protecting the Druze community, carried out strikes, which hit the centre of Damascus 16 July, and border tension was reported before a ceasefire was announced between Israel and Syria, under the aegis of the US 18 July. Situation remains volatile.
Thailand/Cambodia: deterioration in diplomatic relations following a landmine incident 22 July. Swift escalation into border clashes from 24 July, leaving at least 43 dead and displacing over 330,000 people (border closures affecting flights). Bangkok and Phnom Penh accused each other of violating the fragile ceasefire reached in Malaysia 28 July. The situation remains highly unpredictable.