Jul 29, 2026, 06:30 PM UTC

Rescue operations are continuing across Kumamoto Prefecture following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that hit Japan's southern island of Kyushu. Casualty figures vary between reports as search teams clear debris, with media reporting between 14 and 18 fatalities and dozens injured. Emergency crews are currently searching a shopping centre where an explosion occurred, leaving roughly 20 workers missing.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described the rescue efforts as "a race against time" and pledged to deploy all available resources to locate survivors. Seismologists noted that the disaster stems from complex tectonic activity where four lithospheric plates intersect.

In a separate geological event, China's seismological agency reported two moderate earthquakes with magnitudes of 5.7 and 5.8 striking the northwestern province of Qinghai.

Sources: Beta, HRT Vijesti

Iran is expected to receive an initial delivery of up to 400 Chinese-made man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS) in the coming weeks, according to media reports citing sources familiar with the matter.

The procurement, valued between $60 million and $70 million, represents an effort by Tehran to fortify its short-range air defense network amid ongoing conflict and regional tensions involving the United States and Israel. The reported shipment aims to help rebuild Iranian defensive infrastructure following recent military encounters.

Neither Beijing nor Tehran has officially commented on or confirmed the reported arms transaction.

Sources: Defence Turk

International crude prices surged toward $91 per barrel on Wednesday as market investors reacted to escalating hostilities across the Persian Gulf alongside a significant decline in United States oil inventories. London Brent crude traded near the $91 threshold during afternoon sessions, driven by heightened concerns over regional energy supply stability.

Analysts attribute the sharp price rise to the dual impact of renewed geopolitical instability near major shipping lanes and tighter US crude stocks. The market shift reflects growing anxiety among global traders regarding potential supply disruptions if regional conflicts continue to escalate. Market participants remain focused on official inventory reports and security developments across the Gulf region.

Sources: HRT Vijesti.

Political analyst Tatyana Stanovaya of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace has highlighted growing domestic political turmoil in Russia, characterizing recent developments as creating the deepest internal rift in years surrounding President Vladimir Putin's leadership.

According to the analysis published by Carnegie, shifting dynamics among Russia's political elite and oligarchs suggest growing strain on Putin's domestic authority. Factions within the country's elite are reportedly seeking concessions from the president, reflecting emerging friction within Kremlin power structures. While Putin retains substantial central control, analysts observe that the rift represents one of the most significant domestic political challenges to his leadership in recent years.

Sources: Iltalehti

Authorities in Croatia's Split-Dalmatia County reported two major law enforcement actions on Wednesday. In Split, the County State Attorney's Office indicted a minor on terrorism charges after the youth allegedly sent threatening emails claiming explosives would be used, causing public fear across the region.

Separately, police on the island of Vis arrested a 35-year-old man in connection with a physical assault on Mayor Hrvoje Mratinić in the city center earlier Wednesday morning. Law enforcement officials have opened investigations into both cases.

Sources: HRT Vijesti