North Korea rejects South’s outreach, citing US ties
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissed South Korea’s latest diplomatic efforts, saying its continued alignment with the US leaves no room for talks.
In Pyongyang’s first comments on President Lee Jae Myung’s government, she said North Korea has “no interest” in engagement, regardless of Seoul’s proposals. Despite steps by Lee’s administration to ease tensions, Pyongyang appears focused on its growing ties with Russia, according to Firstpost.
Syria to hold parliamentary elections in september
Syria will hold parliamentary elections between September 15 and 20, according to Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, head of the country’s election committee.
These will be the first elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, following a rapid rebel offensive in December, according to Al Jazeera.
Of the 210 seats in the People’s Assembly, one-third will be appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the remaining will be elected through provincial electoral colleges, officials said.
Houthis threaten all Israel-linked ships
Yemen’s Houthi group has warned it will target all vessels linked to Israel, regardless of destination or nationality, in retaliation for Israel’s blockade of Gaza, according to Xinhua.
A Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sarea, urged companies to stop dealing with Israeli ports and called on the international community to pressure Israel to end its campaign in Gaza.
The group has attacked several ships since late 2023, claiming the actions are in support of Palestinians, Xinhua reported.
Putin oversees naval drills, cites navy’s key role in security
President Vladimir Putin marked Russia’s Navy Day by overseeing large-scale military exercises, “July Storm,” highlighting the navy’s vital role in defending national sovereignty.
The drills, involving over 150 vessels, 120 aircraft, and 15,000 personnel, are being held across multiple regions, including the Pacific and Arctic. Putin said the exercises draw on lessons from the Ukraine conflict and aim to boost combat readiness, according to Xinhua.
He also announced plans to upgrade five Marine brigades into divisions to strengthen naval capabilities.
Due to security concerns, the traditional St. Petersburg naval parade was canceled, Xinhua reported.
