A Taliban spokesman says that the group has recalled its negotiators with the government in response to the latter's refusal to release Taliban prisoners. The Taliban also announces it could increase violence against government forces. In response, the government asks the Taliban not to "sabotage the process". (Reuters)
Disasters and accidents
A major blackout is reported in western and southern Libya, according to the General Electricity Company of Libya, which says its control teams are trying to figure out the reason behind the power outage. (Libya Observer)
A riot breaks out at Qubbah prison in Tripoli, Lebanon, with reports of a "number of injuries". In a separate incident, Lebanese security forces thwart a mass escape attempt at a prison in Beqaa Governorate, which relatives of inmates say is linked to fears of COVID-19. (Al Jazeera)
The Department of Health and Social Care reports 854 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, bringing the UK's death toll to 6,159 and 55,242 confirmed cases. (The Guardian)
France reports 1,417 more deaths from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the country to date, raising the country's death toll to 10,238. (Sky News)
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo reports 731 more deaths in the state from COVID-19, the highest daily death toll in the state to date, bringing the state's death toll to 5,489 and 138,836 infections. (BBC News)
Former President of EcuadorRafael Correa is found guilty on corruption charges and sentenced to eight years in prison. Correa is also banned from participating in politics until 2045. (Reuters)
Acting Secretary of the NavyThomas Modly resigns amid controversy surrounding his comments regarding Captain Brett Crozier, former commanding officer of the aircraft carrierUSS Theodore Roosevelt. Modly had referred to Crozier, whom he relieved of command on 3 April, as "too naïve or too stupid" to be in command following the leak of a letter the captain had sent pleading for help with the COVID-19 outbreak on his ship. (CNN)
Donald Trump signs an executive order encouraging Americans to resist international restrictions on mining celestial objects, should the situation arise. (The Guardian)