Nigerian Air Force Kills 26 Terrorists in Borno Strikes as Ukraine Drone Attacks Raise Russian Civilian Toll
Multiple armed conflicts escalated across several countries this weekend, with Nigerian forces killing more than 30 militants and suspected secessionists in separate operations, Ukrainian drone strikes causing a sharp rise in Russian civilian casualties, a UN expert urging an international protection force for Gaza and the West Bank, and dozens of coordinated attacks wounding three in southern Thailand.
Nigerian Forces Strike Terrorist Enclaves
The Nigerian Air Force intensified operations in the North-West and conducted strikes in Borno State, killing more than 26 terrorists while vowing to deny extremists freedom of action. [1] The Service strengthened its air presence in Sokoto State to support ongoing joint security operations in the zone under Operation Fansan Yamman. [1] The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, stated that the objective is clear: to sustain the pressure on criminal elements, deny them freedom of action and create the conditions for surface forces to dominate the operational environment. [1] He added that the NAF will continue to employ air power intelligently, professionally and decisively, in synergy with sister Services and other security agencies, while maintaining the highest regard for the safety of civilians. [1] The initiative reflects the Service's determination to sustain pressure on hostile elements, enhance aerial surveillance and maintain the capacity for rapid response to emerging threats, while providing effective air support to ground forces operating within the Joint Operations Area. [1]
Gun Battle in Anambra Leaves Seven Dead
A joint security operation in Anambra State killed six suspected secessionists but also resulted in one security operative killed and another injured by an explosive device. [4] The clearance operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area involved operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu; Department of State Services; 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha; Nigerian Navy personnel from Ogbaru; and Agunachamba operatives from the community. [4] Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives trekked for about four hours through difficult terrain and dense palm forest before reaching an identified camp. [4] The suspects opened fire upon sighting the security personnel, leading to a prolonged exchange of gunfire. [4] At the end of the encounter, six suspected members of the armed group were neutralised, while others fled the area, with some reportedly sustaining gunshot injuries. [4] The operatives recovered two pump-action guns and charms from the camps, and the identified camps and structures were subsequently dismantled. [4] The operation recorded the death of one security operative and injury to another when an explosive device suspected to have been planted in the area detonated. [4] The injured operative is currently receiving medical attention in a hospital. [4]
Ukraine Expands Drone Campaign Into Russia
Ukrainian long-range drone attacks on Russian oil, gas and logistics targets have increased, with 79 Russian civilians reported killed in July alone, viewed by Kyiv as collateral damage while Russia continues deliberate strikes on Ukrainian civilians. [3] Since July, Kyiv has broadened its long-range drone campaign beyond conventional military targets, intensifying strikes on Russia’s oil and gas industry and hitting the vast warehouses of Wildberries. [3] Ukrainian authorities are increasingly seeing Russian civilian casualties as a price they are prepared to pay for taking the war deeper into enemy territory. [3] In 2025, Ukrainian attacks inside Russia killed 253 civilians, according to the United Nations. [3] This year, in the month of July alone, Russian authorities reported that 79 civilians were killed and 601 injured. [3] Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Wildberries is a legitimate target because it has been used by the aggressor to ensure the supply of sanctioned components for the production of drones and navigation equipment. [3] Maryana Bezuhla, a Ukrainian lawmaker, stated that Russia’s logistics system is used to wage the war of aggression against Ukraine and that Russia has been targeting Ukrainian civilians all the years of the war. [3] There is no indication that Ukraine is deliberately targeting civilians even as Russia continues to hit apartment buildings, hospitals, schools and other civilian infrastructure with ballistic missiles and drones. [3] Jaroslava Barbieri of Chatham House noted that any civilian casualties resulting from Ukrainian attacks are collateral damage and that no Ukrainian strikes have deliberately targeted civilian districts. [3] She added that Russia has been systematically targeting Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure and civilian districts with the deliberate intent to cause civilian casualties. [3]
UN Expert Demands Protection Force for Palestinian Territories
UN rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for an urgent international protection force in Gaza and the West Bank and for states to implement the International Court of Justice ruling. [2] She described the deployment as absolutely urgent. [2]
Insurgents Launch Dozens of Attacks in Southern Thailand
51 coordinated arson and incendiary attacks in Thailand’s restive southern provinces damaged government offices, vehicles and a convenience store, wounding at least three people. [5] Multiple local government offices and several vehicles were damaged or destroyed in the 51 attacks, according to the military’s Internal Security Operations Command. [5] Firefighters worked to extinguish burning tires left in the middle of a road and flames inside a 7-Eleven convenience store, while police officers stopped motorists for security checks. [5]
Broader Context of Rising Global Conflict
The incidents occurred as contemporaneous escalations in different theaters. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] Nigerian operations combined precision air strikes with ground raids, Ukrainian forces adjusted targeting to include economic and logistics sites, a UN expert highlighted the need for protection mechanisms in Palestinian territories, and coordinated arson incidents struck southern Thailand. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
What to watch next: Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on Russian targets are expected to continue amid concerns from UN and Western officials about civilian risks, while Nigerian forces plan to sustain pressure on hostile elements through optimised air power and joint operations.
