U.S. National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien condemned the involvement of foreign forces in Libya, arguing that their actions threaten stability and commerce. Several foreign countries back opposing sides in Libya’s civil war, and the United States has accused Russia of using mercenaries to establish a foothold in the region (Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty).

A set of explosions rocked Beirut, devastating a country already staggering under the weight of an economic crisis, mass protests, and a rising coronavirus caseload. The blasts, which Prime Minister Hassan Diab attributed to exploding agricultural fertilizer, killed at least one hundred people, injured more than four thousand, and left up to three hundred thousand homeless (Al Jazeera). They also damaged half of Beirut, including a silo at the city’s port that helped supply grain to the food-insecure country (Deutsche Welle). Cash-strapped Lebanon appealed for international help, and several countries have pledged aid (BBC). The blast has raised fears of looming regional instability (Bloomberg).

An air assault on a Syrian base used by Iran and its allies killed at least fifteen militants, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (Times of Israel). Israel confirmed separate attacks in Syria yesterday and has been linked to previous strikes on Iranian bases in the country (Wall Street Journal).

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo spoke with Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar about intra-Afghan peace talks, and the two agreed the Afghan government should release the remaining Taliban fighters in its custody, according to a Taliban spokesperson. The Afghan government is convening a meeting to decide whether to release four hundred Taliban prisoners accused of serious crimes (TOLO).

Indian authorities imposed new restrictions on the Kashmir Valley over concerns about the coronavirus and the possibility of protests ahead of the one-year anniversary tomorrow of India revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s autonomy (Deutsche Welle).

Several unnamed countries believe North Korea has engineered miniaturized nuclear devices for the warheads of its ballistic missiles, according to a report submitted to the UN Security Council (Reuters).

Security forces arrested the alleged leader of the Santa Rosa de Lima Cartel, Jose Antonio Yepez Ortiz, and five other people in an operation that also freed a kidnapped businesswoman. The detention of Yepez Ortiz, whose violent criminal network stole gasoline from the state oil company, is expected to help restore peace in Guanajuato, Mexico’s most violent state (Wall Street Journal).

Foreign Minister Nassif Hitti submitted a letter of resignation, warning that “Lebanon today is sliding towards becoming a failed state,” for lack of government reform. In a letter made public today, Hitti criticized Hezbollah, a supporter of Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s government, and called for Lebanon to strengthen its ties with the broader Arab community (Al Jazeera).

Five soldiers were killed and another five injured in twin attacks blamed on militants in central Mali. The country’s eight-year struggle against Islamist militants has spurred calls for President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita to resign (Agence France-Presse).

Israel’s army said it struck four people who allegedly tried to plant explosives near the country’s border with Syria (Haaretz). Israeli warplanes also reportedly hit Hamas facilities in the Gaza Strip after Palestinians launched a rocket into Israel from the territory (Times of Israel).