Sep 13, 2026, 11:00 PM UTC

US military forces destroyed five Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels near Larak Island, claiming the action prevented mine-laying in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian military sources rejected the mine-laying claims as "pure fantasy" and stated the clash was unrelated to naval mines.

In response, Tehran launched 20 missiles at US bases in Jordan and claimed hits on six maritime vessels, including three tankers and a US aircraft carrier. A fire aboard one affected tanker was reportedly contained.

US President Donald Trump insisted the strategic waterway remains open and described Iranian forces as facing major difficulties. However, American intelligence assessments warned that the Revolutionary Guard feels emboldened and could further escalate the conflict.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.

Russian forces launched extensive overnight aerial attacks using drones and cruise missiles across Ukrainian regions including Kyiv, Odesa, and Chernihiv, leaving at least 13 dead and 40 injured, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The assault follows a strike on a Kryvyi Rih commercial center that killed 15 people and injured over 130, drawing condemnation from European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.

In response, Ukrainian forces targeted a major Lukoil refinery inside Russia. Meanwhile, Moscow stated that efforts are underway regarding a potential prisoner exchange. On the diplomatic front, the United Kingdom and France approved local production of Scalp cruise missiles in Ukraine, while Italy reiterated it will not deploy troops or join upcoming multinational military exercises. President Zelensky urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to intervene to help end the conflict.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica.

German law enforcement has linked a foiled August explosive drone attack at Leipzig/Halle Airport directly to Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU. Investigative documents name a Russian operative as the primary logistician behind the failed operation, which targeted Ukrainian transport aircraft.

The incident forms part of a broader pattern of state-sponsored hybrid warfare across Germany. Regional police agencies are currently investigating over 100 cases of suspected foreign interference, including unauthorized drone overflights near military sites, railway sabotage, and disinformation campaigns. Domestic intelligence officials have also warned that Russian operatives may have hidden covert weapons stockpiles within the country to enable future destabilization activities aimed at dividing German society and disrupting democratic infrastructure.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Standard, FAZ, ORF, Tagesschau

Eastern German states are introducing targeted educational initiatives and debating cultural policy amidst growing concerns over far-right influences ahead of regional elections. In Thuringia, the education ministry partnered with the University of Jena to deploy "constitutional coaches" to assist schools with democracy education and counter anti-democratic behavior. Simultaneously, the federal commissioner for victims of the communist SED regime, Evelyn Zupke, advocated for mandatory school visits to East German memorial sites, citing gaps in students' historical knowledge.

These educational measures coincide with heightened political friction over cultural funding. In Saxony-Anhalt, proposals by the Alternative for Germany (AfD) to defund projects classified as "anti-German" have raised alarms among arts institutions, memorial sites, and historical organizations. The debate reflects broader tensions surrounding East German identity and political rhetoric leading up to state elections.

Sources: Correctiv, Der Spiegel, DW, FAZ, Tagesschau.

Czech social services recorded more than 10,000 cases of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation last year, marking a 20-year high. Experts warn that official figures represent only "the tip of the iceberg," attributing the surge either to heightened societal distress or increased public awareness. State authorities removed 3,616 children from their homes, an increase of 300 from the previous year, amid calls for clearer guidelines and preventive support.

Concurrently, the government is expanding early childhood care and reforming primary education. A seven-billion-crown allocation from the National Recovery Plan funded over 300 new preschool groups to support working parents, though critics cite a lack of defined quality standards. To address high primary school deferral rates, the Ministry of Education announced that deferrals will be limited strictly to serious medical grounds starting next year, noting "half of them were unnecessary."

Sources: Český rozhlas Plus, Deník N, Hospodářské noviny, iROZHLAS, Seznam Zprávy.