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Syria announces end of military operation against al-Assad loyalists

Syria’s government has ended a security operation in the country’s western coastal region, home to loyalists of former leader Bashar al-Assad, the Ministry of Defence in Damascus reported.

Spokesperson Hassan Abdul Ghani made the announcement on Monday, saying in a statement on X that security threats had been neutralised in Latakia and Tartous provinces. Thousands, including many civilians, are reported to have been killed in days of deadly violence that prompted international concern.

“Having achieved]the neutralisation of the security threats] we announce the end of the military operation”, Ghani said. “We were able … to absorb the attacks of the remnants of the toppled regime and its officers” and push them from “vital” locations.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Monday that nearly 1, 500 people had been killed in the violence since Thursday.

The majority, the war monitor reported, were civilians killed by security forces and allied groups in the heartland of the Alawite minority, to which deposed President Bashar al-Assad belongs. Al Jazeera has not verified the report.

Syria’s interim leader President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) pledged on Sunday to hunt down the perpetrators of the violent clashes and said he would hold to account anyone who overstepped the new rulers ‘ authority.

Al-Sharaa’s office also said it was forming an independent committee to investigate the clashes and killings carried out by both sides.

Abdul Ghani added on Monday that the security forces would cooperate with the investigation committee, offering full access to uncover the circumstances of the events, verify the facts and ensure justice for the wronged.

“We were able to absorb the attacks from the remnants of the former regime and its officers. We shattered their element of surprise and managed to push them away from vital centres, securing most of the main roads”, he said.

Rising instability

“We are paving the way for life to return to normal and for the consolidation of security and stability”, Abdul Ghani said, adding that plans were in place to continue combating the remnants of the former government and eliminate any future threats.

However, following relative calm in the weeks following al-Assad’s fall in December, instability and violence are starting to grow in Syria.

Security forces reported that they had repelled an attack on a security checkpoint in the capital, Damascus, overnight.

Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar, reporting from the capital, said two attackers, who were trying to target a government building, were arrested. Other gunmen managed to escape, the security forces told him.

“It’s still not clear if they are also part of the remnants of the old regime, or a separate group who wanted to attack”, Serdar&nbsp, said.

“It has been an intense week here in the heart of Damascus”.

The fighting on the Mediterranean coast began last week when pro-Assad forces coordinated deadly attacks on the new government’s security forces.

The ambush spiralled into revenge killings as thousands of armed supporters of Syria’s new leadership flocked to coastal areas.

Estimates suggest about 1, 000 civilians were killed amid indiscriminate attacks, including reports of brutal murders.

The government then sent reinforcements to Latakia and Tartous in order to regain control.

‘ 100 percent misleading ‘

Iran, a long-term al-Assad ally, denied on Monday any involvement in the violence.

Media reports including from the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV channel have suggested that Iran and allied groups in the region were behind the violence.

Al-Sharaa had blamed the violence on “attempts by the remnants of the toppled regime and foreign parties behind them to create renewed sedition and pull our country into civil war”.

Regional media had then followed up by pointing the finger at Tehran.

However, a spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the accusation and condemned attacks on minorities in Syria.

“This accusation is completely ridiculous and rejected, and we think that pointing the finger of accusation at Iran and Iran’s friends is wrongly addressed, a deviant trend, and a hundred percent misleading”, Esmaeil Baghaei said.

“There is no justification for the attacks on parts of the Alawite, Christian, Druze and other minorities, which have truly wounded the emotions and conscience of both the countries of the region and internationally”, he added.

Tehran helped to prop up al-Assad during the country’s long civil war and provided him with military advisers.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Tehran has remained “an observer” of the situation in Syria since the takeover by HTS.

‘Modify NIN Only On Official Self-Service Portal’, NIMC Warns Nigerians

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has advised Nigerians to modify their National Identification Number (NIN) details only through its official self-service portal.

In a statement signed by Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, on Monday, said the caution note was to ensure data security and integrity.

The agency reassured Nigerians that its self-service portal is secure, reliable, and provides users with the convenience of updating their information from anywhere.

The commission emphasised that NIN modifications should only be done on SelfserviceModification. nimc. gov. ng, warning the public against using unauthorised websites.

It noted “The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) wishes to state that in order to ensure the security and integrity of your National Identification Number (NIN) data, modifications can only be done on the official NIMC self-service portal: Selfservicemodification. nimc. gov. ng”.

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It cautioned Nigerians against attempting to modify their NIN data on third-party platforms, stressing that such actions could expose personal information to fraudsters.

“Do not attempt to modify your NIN data on any unauthorized websites, as this may compromise your personal information and put you at risk of identity theft”, the statement read.

Highlighting the benefits of the new portal, NIMC noted that the platform ensures data integrity while allowing Nigerians to modify their details without visiting an enrollment center.

MOTD should show fewer highlights – BBC chairman

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Match of the Day should show fewer Premier League highlights and more analysis, says BBC chairman Samir Shah.

The BBC has a deal to show highlights of top-flight matches until the end of the 2028-29 season, with Match of the Day broadcast on Saturday evenings and MOTD2 on Sunday evenings.

Shah told the Sunday Times that many fans had watched Premier League goals and action before Match of the Day is broadcast.

Shah said the show “should not be built around highlights”.

He added: “It should be built around analysis and examination of the match to give viewers a deeper insight”.

The chair of the BBC is appointed by the government.

Match of the Day celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024.

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PDP Crisis: Supreme Court Reserves Judgment In Anyanwu’s Suit 

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has reserved judgment in the appeal filed by the embattled Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Samuel Anyanwu, challenging his sack from office.

Anyanwu, in the appeal, is seeking to set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Enugu, which upheld the Federal High Court judgment that removed him as the Secretary of the party.

In a ten-ground appeal filed through his counsel, Ken Njemanze (SAN), Anyanwu prayed the apex court to allow the appeal and overturn the decision of the lower court.

Listed as respondents in the appeal, marked SC/CV/82/2025, are Aniagu Emmanuel, PDP, Iliya Damagun (National Chairman), and Ali Odefa (National Vice Chairman, Southeast Zone, PDP) as first to fourth respondents, respectively.

In the appeal, Anyanwu challenged the decision of the Court of Appeal, Enugu Division, delivered on December 20, 2024, that affirmed the judgment of the High Court, which removed him from office as the PDP National Secretary and recognised Sunday Udey-Okoye.

Dissatisfied with the majority decision of the Court of Appeal, Anyanwu approached the Supreme Court to set aside the appellate court’s judgment.

Rivers

Anyanwu argued that the appellate court erred in law when it upheld the trial court’s jurisdiction over a matter dealing with the internal affairs of the PDP.

He contended that issues related to party leadership and membership are non-justiciable and fall outside the jurisdiction of any court.

Additionally, the appellant criticized the lower court for failing to rule on whether the plaintiff had complied with the mandatory internal dispute resolution mechanisms stipulated in the PDP constitution before filing the suit.

Anyanwu also faulted the court’s decision for holding that the plaintiff had the locus standi to institute the case, asserting that such issues are fundamental to the court’s jurisdiction to adjudicate the case.

The appellant further contended that the lower court erred in interpreting Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022, arguing that he neither resigned nor was he removed from his position as National Secretary.

READ ALSO: Court Adjourns Natasha’s Suit Against Senate To March 25

He emphasised that the PDP constitution outlines specific procedures for vacating executive offices, which include removal or resignation.

A file photo of Sunday Udeh-Okoye

He also argued that Article 47 of the PDP constitution provides for a four-year single term for party officers, and there was no basis for the concurrent findings of the lower courts that deemed him to have vacated his office.

At the resumed hearing of the appeal, all parties in the suit adopted their processes, except for PDP and Damagun, who did not file any processes.

The respondents unanimously urged the court to dismiss the appellant’s appeal.

PDP flag. X/@officialKolaO

Specifically, citing Ali Modu Sheriff vs PDP, senior counsel Erokoro urged the apex court to depart from its earlier decision, which holds that political party issues are internal and no court has jurisdiction to entertain such matters.

He further stated that Anyanwu had resigned, and the trial court had already made a pronouncement on that.

He said, “The lower court says he has resigned because the constitution says you must resign if you are going to conduct an election”.

The apex court, however, questioned, “Does the court have the power to decide who should hold an office”?

On his part, Njemanze insisted that the lower courts did not have jurisdiction to entertain the suit, as it is an issue that borders on the internal affairs of the party.

Njemanze said, “My Lords, I have identified all the processes filed by the appellant. I adopt all these processes and, with the greatest respect, urge my Lords to allow this appeal.

” There are procedures for this sort of thing. My Lords, in all your judgments in the past year, you have consistently maintained that issues of leadership in political parties are not justifiable. The lower court and the trial court have no jurisdiction over the issue. “

Upon Njemanze’s submission, the five member panel of the Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Uwani Musa Abba-Aji, proceeded to reserve the case for judgment.

She said”, Judgment is reserved to a date that will be communicated to the parties. “

Meanwhile, earlier, the apex court struck out Anyanwu’s motion for a stay of execution.

Erokoro had called the attention of the court to the motion.

At first, the apex Court held that the motion for the stay of execution could not be taken.

Erokoro, however, explained that” the stay of execution application is pending. It should be withdrawn so that it can be struck out. “

Upon his submission, Njemanze proceeded to apply for the motion to be withdrawn.

He said”, I apply to withdraw the application for a stay of execution filed on the 5th day of February 2025. “

Erokoro and the other respondents did not object to the withdrawal.

The apex court proceeded to strike it out.

‘England had Italy on the ropes but didn’t recreate French demolition job’

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In his BBC Sport column, World Cup winner Matt Dawson reflects on England’s thumping Six Nations victory over Italy, and assesses the final-day title race.

This England team haven’t had much practice of being in the position of dominance they had over Italy.

They scored 47 points with seven very good tries and showed some great attacking ‘ intent’, a word they used a lot in the post-match interviews.

The victory will be a good experience for the players, and for 60 minutes they can be very pleased with themselves.

But some of them may be reflecting on the last 20 and know they could have done a bit more.

I found myself getting frustrated when I was commentating. I don’t know whether that is because my expectations of this England side are so high because of the talent in the squad, but we didn’t do it for longer periods of time.

We scored a brilliant first try and then had a lapse of concentration and Italy score back. We score another try and then they hit back again.

It felt like England always had Italy at arm’s length and it wasn’t ‘ are England going to win this? ‘ It was by how many?

But then my expectation was of more accuracy and discipline in how England were going to play. Dotted in amongst all of that there were some brilliant moments.

I think there was more cohesion in a backline, which included five Northampton Saints players. I loved the first five minutes where Ollie Lawrence and Elliot Daly synced into the Saints way really well.

Daly set the tone at full-back and you could feel the way they were trying to play and Italy were not going to survive.

The changes they had to make because of Lawrence’s injury took the wind our their sails a bit. They regrouped at half-time and had a good 10 minutes to put the game away, but then they just sort of, shut up shop.

Twickenham felt a bit flat and I think that was reflected in how England played in the last 20 minutes. I remember Ollie Chessum making a break from a line-out and then we slow it down and go to the box kick.

Four phases of that intensity and England stroll in somewhere for another try, like they did in the first half and like the top teams do. It was a feeling of, we have done enough to win the game, let’s lock it up and not give anything away.

They had an Italy side on the ropes, lacking in motivation after their pumping by France, before giving the likes of Juan Ignacio Brex, Tommaso Menoncello and some proud Italian players a bit of life to not make it difficult, but a bit awkward.

England had an opportunity to grab them by the scruff of the neck and make it all about them.

You can see what that type of total dominance against Italy did for France in their build-up to facing Ireland. What it fixed for France by having on an absolute demolition mode in Rome was going to a tough away game in Dublin full of confidence.

If England had absolutely demolished Italy, you are then potentially going to Wales with a slightly different mindset.

It was a good win, but you could dissect what England were trying to do into 20-25 minutes of the second half at Allianz Stadium. It is just a very subtle difference, but I still truly believe this England squad have the personnel to win trophies and to be able to do that they have tor recognise scenarios of dominance.

The likes of Ellis Genge might whinge and moan about former pros not understanding what it takes, but unfortunately they do because they have been successful in the past and won trophies.

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Smith the beneficiary of Lawrence injury

Selfishly, for Marcus Smith, the Lawrence injury couldn’t have worked out any better for him because he got to play most of the game.

When you get dropped from the side, it’s a tough week. To have started the campaign at fly-half and then be dropped out of the team, it was understandable because of how other people had played but it happens in sport sometimes.

He bounced back well and caused Italy problems but I would caveat that with, whether he is at 10 or full-back, he needs to show a bit more control over the game at international level.

He can still be electric and beat people one on one but maybe for 5% of his game, he just needs to back off, take stock and really focus on getting the team in the right position and get the balance a bit better along the line. I saw him go for a high ball and I think he knocked it on or Italy caught it and he was frustrated with himself.

Two rucks later he is in trying to jackal for the ball as a full-back because he is annoyed he hasn’t caught that kick. I love that enthusiasm but as a 10 or 15 your team needs you on your feet in your position.

It’s just a tiny tweak to his game that will put him back in that side, no question.

It’s to play with more control but still with a few spikes of that enthusiasm of beating people like he did for his try, which you never want to quash.

The ‘ ferocious ‘ Cardiff factor

England are certainly building momentum at Allianz Stadium and have not lost at home in the Six Nations since their record defeat by France in 2023.

But those England players who have played in Cardiff will know there is an enormous home factor there as well, and particularly when England are in town.

It is notoriously a tricky place for England to play rugby.

It was probably my favourite venue to play at outside of Twickenham because you are challenged to the max and it is incredibly intimidating, but also rewarding when you play well.

Wales have proven they can score tries and cause problems. In a neutral venue I’m saying England are winning by 10-15 points, but at the Principality, it makes it a one score game either way.

The players who have played there before will be advising those that haven’t as to what to expect but you can times that by 10 because next Saturday is going to be ferocious.

It is fantastic for the Six Nations that three teams are still be in the title race, but realistically, for France to lose at home to Scotland after that performance against Ireland, seems like such an impossibility.

This tournament is so unique and France showed up to Twickenham and coughed up a few opportunities, so you never know.

But I’ve not seen them play like that for a couple of years.

They all tapped into their inner super human powers and it all came together, even with the loss of Antoine Dupont.

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