Militants from the al-Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) launched coordinated assaults across western and central Mali, striking military, administrative and economic sites and storming the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes. During the attack three Indian factory workers and a Chinese national present at the facility were kidnapped by the assailants. The Government of India has condemned the kidnapping as a deplorable act of violence, calling on Malian authorities to secure the safe and swift release of its citizens; the Indian embassy in Bamako is in close contact with local security agencies and the families of the victims. While no group has formally claimed responsibility for the kidnappings themselves, JNIM has taken credit for the broader wave of attacks carried out that day across several towns in Mali. The three Indians are confirmed as employees of Diamond Cement Mali SA and the Chinese national’s employer has not been publicly specified. Observers warn that kidnappings of foreign workers have become a recurring tactic for jihadist groups in the Sahel, used to generate ransom revenue and exert political pressure, underscoring the ongoing security risks faced by expatriates in the region. (uniindia.com, 2 July 2025 & timesofindia.indiatimes.com, 3 July 2025 & hindustantimes.com, 3 July 2025)

Thai police discovered a fourth suspected improvised explosive device (IED) embedded in concrete near a popular sunset viewing spot at Promthep Cape in Phuket province. The device was found following targeted searches prompted by intelligence, after three other devices were unearthed from the sand at Patong Beach. Authorities believe the IEDs were deliberately concealed in the concrete structure to avoid detection and may have been placed with the intent to cause harm or disruption at a location that attracts large numbers of tourists. The bomb squad was deployed and safely removed the device, and a wider investigation was launched to determine who was responsible and whether the incident is linked to broader security threats. While no explosions occurred and no injuries were reported, the discovery has raised concerns over public safety in one of Thailand’s most visited areas. Security has been heightened across the region as police work to ensure there are no additional devices and to reassure both locals and international visitors.

Police found and dismantled a second improvised explosive device (IED) attached to an abandoned motorcycle near Phuket International Airport. Although airport operations were not disrupted, security was significantly heightened." International Airport. Airport operations were not disrupted, though security was significantly increased. 

An improvised explosive device (IED) was discovered in a car traveling toward Phuket during a routine security checkpoint inspection in Phang Nga province. The vehicle, a black Honda City carrying two men from Pattani province, was stopped near the city hall of Muang Phang Nga district. Upon inspection, officers found the hidden device in the back seat consisting of a digital timer, printed circuit, gunpowder, and other components. Bomb disposal experts successfully defused the device without incident. The two occupants were detained, and their confessions later led authorities to uncover additional explosives in key tourist areas of Phuket.

Following the Iranian attack on U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base near Doha, Qatar, which U.S. President Donald Trump stated was weak and coordinated, he announced a "complete and total" cease-fire between Iran and Israel, declaring that it would begin approximately six hours after his statement. The proposed cease-fire was to unfold in two phases: Iran would halt its operations first for twelve hours, followed by Israel, leading to a full cessation of hostilities after twenty-four hours. However, the announcement was met with confusion and ongoing violence. Shortly before the cease-fire was scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi later stated that there had been no formal agreement and suggested that Iran would only stop firing if Israel ended its “illegal aggression” by 4 a.m., a condition that appeared vague and was not clearly coordinated with the cease-fire timeline. Trump stated that the agreement had been brokered with the help of Qatar’s prime minister, who had talked with both the Iranian leadership and Israeli officials. Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains unstable and could deteriorate rapidly. 

At approximately 7:40 p.m. local time, Iran launched a missile strike named “Message of Victory,” firing 14 missiles at the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base—the largest American military installation in the Middle East—located near Doha. Thirteen of the missiles were intercepted, while one landed in an open field. There were no reports of damage or casualties. The attack followed earlier U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Air-raid sirens were also triggered in Bahrain and Kuwait. In anticipation, Qatar closed its airspace, the U.S. evacuated aircraft from Al-Udeid, and the UAE adopted similar precautions. Despite the escalation, U.S. and Israeli officials believe Iran aimed to project strength without provoking a wider conflict, with analysts suggesting the attack was coordinated to avoid casualties and significant damage. The barrage followed Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military sites and regime facilities, including Evin Prison, which drew international criticism. France condemned the strike on the prison as disproportionate, while China warned of growing regional instability. Global calls for restraint and dialogue persist amid a fragile and volatile standoff.

At around 2:30 a.m. local time, the United States carried out coordinated airstrikes on three of Iran’s most fortified nuclear facilities—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan—marking a major escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The operation involved U.S. B-2 stealth bombers dropping Massive Ordnance Penetrators on underground enrichment facilities at Fordow and Natanz, while Tomahawk cruise missiles launched from American submarines targeted the Isfahan site. President Donald Trump declared the mission a success, stating that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure had been “completely and totally obliterated,” and warned of further action unless Tehran agreed to peace.

Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed the strikes, reporting damage but claiming there had been no radiological leaks. Iranian officials condemned the attack as an act of aggression and reiterated their intent to continue the nuclear program. This U.S. intervention followed a series of Israeli air raids and represented the first direct American military strike on Iranian territory in this conflict. The move drew mixed international reactions, with U.S. allies beginning to evacuate their nationals from the region and the United Nations warning of severe legal and humanitarian consequences. Within the United States, the strikes sparked heated debate, with some lawmakers praising the show of force while others questioned the legality of the action, noting it was carried out without prior congressional approval. As of now, the risk of broader regional escalation remains high, with global attention focused on Tehran’s next move.