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US Afghanistan exit

The United States has formally begun withdrawing its remaining troops from Afghanistan. American helicopters were seen flying over Kabul and nearby Bagram airbase  as Washington geared up the pullout process. US officials also confirmed the troop withdrawal, saying May 1st is just a continuation. American forces were scheduled to leave by that date under a deal signed between the Taliban and the administration of former US President Donald Trump. The Taliban accuse Washington of violating the agreement. However, incumbent President Joe Biden has promised to end what he called the forever war. He has declared all troops will be out of Afghanistan by September. The US invaded Afghanistan in 2001 with its so-called war on terror slogan. But despite two decades of its presence, the US failed to quell violence and ensure security in the war-torn country.

Bahrain suppression

The UN human rights office says it is disturbed by Bahraini police’s use of force against a peaceful sit-in in the kingdom’s main prison. A spokesperson of the organization called the violent repression in the notorious Jau prison unnecessary and misappropriate. She called on the Bahraini government to immediately launch a thorough and effective investigation into the incident. Prisoners started their sit-in on April 5, after the death of a political prisoner who was reportedly denied timely access to essential healthcare. Activists say security forces used heavy handed tactic against prisoners, beating and injuring them. The Bahraini regime faces criticism over the situation of its prisons amid the coronavirus crisis. The appalling prison situation has also sparked protests among the families of the detainees.

India coronavirus crisis

India has set yet another global record in its daily coronavirus cases, registering more than 400-thousand infections as hospitals are running out of beds, oxygen and vaccines. The federal health ministry also reported a record 35-hundred plus fatalities in the past 24 hours bringing the country’s total death toll to over 211-thousand. The Asian nation has seen an alarming rise in cases and deaths since mid-April. Its total caseload now stands at over 19-million, second only to the United States. On Saturday, the country expanded its vaccination drive to all adults despite many states reporting to be running out of stocks. Until now, only "frontline" workers like medical staff, people over 45 and those with existing illnesses have been inoculated. Hospitals and healthcare facilities have been overwhelmed with patients.

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