US launches strikes on Iran, intercepts missiles and drones in Strait of Hormuz
via GhanaWeb2 min read
The US military has conducted "self-defense" strikes on Iran, shooting down ballistic missiles and drones aimed at ships and Gulf countries. US Central Command Centcom stated that strikes on Qeshm Island were a response to attempted attacks by Iran across the Middle East. Centcom also reported striking and disabling an unladen oil tanker sailing towards Iran as part of a naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps IRGC claimed to have attacked US bases and helicopters in a regional country using missiles and drones, which Iranian state media reported was a response to a US strike on a communications tower south of Qeshm Island. Centcom further noted that Iran fired two missiles at Kuwait, which fell short, and three at Bahrain, which were intercepted. The strike on Qeshm Island targeted an Iranian military ground control station, and the US military also shot down three attack drones launched by Iran towards "civilian mariners." The IRGC warned that "disrupting the security of the Strait of Hormuz will carry a heavy price for the aggressive US military." The US military began enforcing its blockade of vessels entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13, disabling six commercial vessels and redirecting 122 others. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before Congress that US negotiators have not offered Iran sanctions relief in exchange for re-opening the strait, stating that any sanctions relief is condition-based and tied to Iran's nucl
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadPresident John Dramani Mahama has urged former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to voluntarily return to Ghana as the government pursues legal processes for his extradition. Speaking in the Volta Region on July 17, 2026, President Mahama referenced Ofori-Atta's past statement about not abandoning his 'children' Ghanaians and called on him to face the issues. He questioned why a public official who believes they acted properly would flee the country. President Mahama emphasized that any extradition must adhere to international legal standards and respect individual rights. He confirmed that the Attorney General鈥檚 Department has initiated the process by filing an application and providing additional requested documents, with a US court ultimately deciding on the extradition request.
Must ReadAlhaji Nasir Mohammed Ibrahim, the Ashanti Regional Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation NADMO, has expressed alarm over 23 deaths from drowning in abandoned illegal mining galamsey pits between January and June 2026. The fatalities, comprising 12 adults and 11 children, occurred across 19 districts in the Ashanti Region. NADMO recovered 19 bodies, with four victims still missing. Alhaji Ibrahim noted that illegal mining continues in 23 districts, increasing accident risks, especially during the rainy season. He urged miners, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies MMDAs, and other stakeholders to collaborate with NADMO to establish, train, and equip rescue divers and emergency swimmers. The Director also highlighted the public health benefits of ongoing drainage desilting and clean-up exercises, which reduce disease spread and promote cleaner communities by improving stormwater flow and raising sanitation awareness. He mentioned that NADMO headquarters, along with NGOs and faith-based organizations like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Qatar Foundation, and Stanbic Bank Ghana, are supporting disaster victims in other parts of the country. Alhaji Ibrahim appealed for similar support for the Ashanti Region to enhance disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery efforts, emphasizing that sustained collaboration among various entities is crucial for reducing disaster risks and protecting lives and property.
The Western Regional Directorate of the Ghana Health Service GHS held an engagement in Takoradi to equip key stakeholders with knowledge and skills for cholera prevention. Supported by the West Africa Health Organisation, this initiative is part of GHS's post-flooding cholera preparedness and response activities, aiming to strengthen community awareness and promote preventive measures. Representatives from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, food vendors association, Protoa Transport Union, media practitioners, and officials from the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan and Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assemblies attended. The goal was to empower participants to educate the public on cholera prevention, early detection, prompt reporting, and appropriate response measures. Dr. Serwah Amoah, Chief Nursing Officer at the Ministry of Health, stated that the engagement is an intervention to train influential individuals on cholera preventive mechanisms for community sensitization. She emphasized the importance of adhering to GHS cholera preventive protocols, such as regular hand washing with soap under running water and maintaining clean surroundings, and urged individuals experiencing symptoms like vomiting and severe diarrhea to visit a health facility. Dr. Amoah also called on media practitioners to use their platforms to sensitize the public on prevention guidelines. Participants committed to sharing their acquired knowledge within their communities to help prevent cholera outbre