July 16, 2014 (Wednesday)
Armed conflicts and attacks
- 2014 insurgency in Donbass:
- The US widens sanctions against Russia, targeting major banks and energy companies, Russian defense industry, and individuals it said were responsible for the continuing support of separatists battling government forces in eastern Ukraine. (The New York Times) (U.S. Department of Treasury)
- The Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel, criticises Russia for failing to meet commitments to end the violence in Ukraine, and said Russia might face further EU sanctions. (BBC News)
- War in North-West Pakistan:
- A drone strike kills at least 20 people in North Waziristan near the border with Afghanistan. (Pakistan Express Tribune)
- Pakistan Air Force air strikes kill at least 35 militants fleeing from North Waziristan. (PTI via Business Standard)
- Operation Protective Edge:
- Israeli shelling kills four children playing in a port next to Al-Deira hotel in Gaza, base to many journalists. (The Guardian)
- A ceasefire violation by Pakistan; forces on Indo-Pak border ends with one BSF soldier killed. (Patrika Group)[permanent dead link]
Business and economy
- Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority grants allowance to restart two nuclear plants, the first such a move in the country after the Fukushima disaster. (BBC News)
Disasters
- 2014 Pacific typhoon season:
- Typhoon Rammasun (Glenda) hits the Philippines island of Luzon causing extensive damage and at least ten deaths. (CNN) (Reuters via NBC)
Politics and elections
- The European Parliament approves four new European commissioners: Jyrki Katainen as Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs and the Euro, Ferdinando Nelli Feroci as Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, Martine Reicherts as Commissioner for Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship, and Jacek Dominik as Commissioner for Financial Programming and Budget. (European Parliament)
- Bashar Assad is sworn in to serve his third term as President of Syria. (AP via Washington Post)
- Russia and Cuba agree on reopening the biggest soviet era espionage base outside of Russia. (Business Insider)