Situation Reports

The Iraqi government has suspended three soldiers for their involvement in the deaths of two protesters who participated in a recent anti-government demonstration, Rudaw reported July 31.

Mexico's GDP contracted 18.9 percent in the second quarter of 2020 compared to the second quarter of 2019, equivalent to a 53.1 percent contraction at an annualized rate, the National Statistics Institute announced July 30.

Hong Kong authorities disqualified 12 opposition candidates from Legislative Council elections scheduled for Sept. 6, four of whom currently hold office, the South China Morning Post reported July 30.

Germany's GDP contracted by 10.1 percent in the second quarter of 2020, marking the sharpest decline since Germany began compiling quarterly GDP data in 1970, Reuters reported July 30.

Parts of the coastal city of Danang in southern Vietnam have been put into lockdown as the country reported its first COVID-19 cases in more than three months, Bloomberg reported July 27. 

Belarusian security forces arrested 33 mercenaries allegedly belonging to the Russian private military company Wagner the evening of July 28, The Moscow Times reported July 29.

The U.S. military has announced it plans to withdraw 11,900 troops from Germany, Reuters reported July 29.

Leaders from Mali's opposition coalition rejected proposals from the Economic Community of West African States aimed at resolving the country's ongoing political crisis that included the formation of a unity government and resignation of at least 31 members of parliament, Reuters reported July 28.

Moody's Investors Service downgraded Lebanon's credit rating to the lowest grade, from C to Ca, Bloomberg reported July 27.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid announced the group was observing a three-day ceasefire for Eid al Adha beginning July 31, Tolo News reported July 28.