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After the fall of Assad's regime in Syria, U.S. President Joe Biden announced that the United States is committed to locating and bringing back Austin Tice, a freelance journalist who disappeared 12 years ago while covering Syria's Civil War. Biden emphasized that officials still need to determine Tice's exact whereabouts following his disappearance in August 2012, at a checkpoint in a contested area west of Damascus. Watch in for more details!

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Australian police said Monday they are hunting for three suspects for an arson attack on a Melbourne&nbsp;synagogue, designating it a terrorist act.

Mask-wearing attackers set the Adass Israel&nbsp;Synagogue&nbsp;ablaze&nbsp;before dawn on Friday, police said, gutting much of the building.

Some congregants were inside the single-storey building at the time, but no serious injuries were reported.

The fire sparked international condemnation, including from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Police have "three suspects in that matter, who we are pursuing", Victorian police chief commissioner Shane Patton told a news conference.

Investigations over the weekend had made "significant progress", Patton said, declining to provide further details of the operation.

Officials from the federal and state police, as well as Australia's intelligence agency, met on Monday and concluded that the fire was "likely a terrorist incident", the police chief said.

"Based on that, I am very confident that we now have had an attack, a terrorist attack on that&nbsp;synagogue," he said.

Counter-terrorism police have joined the probe.

Under Australian law, a terrorist act is one that causes death, injury, or serious property damage to advance a political, religious, or ideological cause and is aimed at intimidating the public or a government.

The official designation unlocks help from other federal agencies for the investigation, said Australian National University terrorism researcher Michael Zekulin.

"Basically you get additional resources that you might not otherwise get," he told AFP.

<h2>'Heinous act'</h2>

There is no information to suggest further attacks are likely, and Australia's terror threat assessment will remain at its current level of "probable", said Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has denounced the&nbsp;synagogue&nbsp;attack as an "outrage", announced the creation of a federal police taskforce targeting anti-Semitism.

"Anti-Semitism is a&nbsp;major threat, and anti-Semitism has&nbsp;been on the rise," Albanese told a news&nbsp;conference, citing the&nbsp;synagogue&nbsp;blaze and recent vandalism.

The taskforce will be made up of federal police to be deployed across the country as needed, officials said.

They will focus on threats, violence, and hatred towards the Jewish community and parliamentarians.

The war in Gaza has sparked protests from supporters of Israel and Palestinians in cities around Australia, as in much of the world.

Netanyahu attacked the Australian government's stance in the run-up to the fire.

"This heinous act cannot be separated from the anti-Israel sentiment emanating from the Australian Labor government," he said after the attack.

"Anti-Israel sentiment is anti-Semitism."

Australia voted last week for a United Nations General Assembly resolution that demanded the end of Israel's "unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory".

New Zealand, Britain, and Canada were among 157 countries that voted for the resolution, with eight against.

Australian Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus rejected Netanyahu's accusation.

"He's absolutely wrong. I respectfully disagree with Mr Netanyahu," Dreyfus told national broadcaster ABC on Monday.

"Australia remains a close friend of Israel, as we have been since the Labor government recognised the State of Israel when it was created by the United Nations. Now that remains the position."

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Australian police said Monday they are hunting for three suspects for an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, designating it a terrorist act. Mask-wearing attackers set the Adass Israel Synagogue ablaze before dawn on Friday, police said, gutting much of the building.

Australian police said Monday they are hunting for three suspects for an arson attack on a Melbourne synagogue, designating it a terrorist act. Mask-wearing attackers set the Adass Israel Synagogue ablaze before dawn on Friday, police said, gutting much of the building. Some congregants were inside the single-storey building at the time, but no serious injuries were reported. The fire sparked international condemnation, including from Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Police have "three suspects in that matter, who we are pursuing", Victorian police chief commissioner Shane Patton told a news conference. Investigations over the weekend had made "significant progress", Patton said, declining to provide further details of the operation. Officials from the federal and state police, as well as Australia's intelligence agency, met on Monday and concluded that the fire was "likely a terrorist incident", the police chief said. "Based on that, I am very confident that we now have had an attack, a terrorist attack on that synagogue," he said. Counter-terrorism police have joined the probe. Under Australian law, a terrorist act is one that causes death, injury, or serious property damage to advance a political, religious, or ideological cause and is aimed at intimidating the public or a government. The official designation unlocks help from other federal agencies for the investigation, said Australian National University terrorism researcher Michael Zekulin. "Basically you get additional resources that you might not otherwise get," he told AFP. 'Heinous act' There is no information to suggest further attacks are likely, and Australia's terror threat assessment will remain at its current level of "probable", said Mike Burgess, director-general of the Australian Security and Intelligence Organisation. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who has denounced the synagogue attack as an "outrage", announced the creation of a federal police taskforce targeting anti-Semitism. "Anti-Semitism is a major threat, and anti-Semitism has been on the rise," Albanese told a news conference, citing the synagogue blaze and recent vandalism. The taskforce will be made up of federal police to be deployed across the country as needed, officials said. They will focus on threats, violence, and hatred towards the Jewish community and parliamentarians. The war in Gaza has sparked protests from supporters of Israel and Palestinians in cities around Australia, as in much of the world. Netanyahu attacked the Australian government's stance in the run-up to the fire. "This heinous act cannot be separated from the anti-Israel sentiment emanating from the Australian Labor government," he said after the attack. "Anti-Israel sentiment is anti-Semitism." Australia voted last week for a United Nations General Assembly resolution that demanded the end of Israel's "unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory". New Zealand, Britain, and Canada were among 157 countries that voted for the resolution, with eight against. Australian Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus rejected Netanyahu's accusation. "He's absolutely wrong. I respectfully disagree with Mr Netanyahu," Dreyfus told national broadcaster ABC on Monday. "Australia remains a close friend of Israel, as we have been since the Labor government recognised the State of Israel when it was created by the United Nations. Now that remains the position." Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Australia synagogue arson: Cops hunting for three suspects, term incident a 'terrorist act'

Ahmed Al-Shara the leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham addressed a cheering crowd at the iconic Umayyad mosque in Damascus after the fall of Bashar Al Assad in Syria. Watch in for more details!

Syrian Civil War: Assad Flees As Rebels Declare Syria 'Liberated

President Joe Biden said that the United States and its allies are working to stabilise Syria after the Assad regime's collapse. President-elect Donald Trump remarked that the US should refrain from military action in Syria.

Biden says US, Allies Working to Stabilise Syria

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be taking the witness stand on Tuesday (Dec. 10) for the first time in his trial on corruption allegations, a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be taking the witness stand on Tuesday (Dec. 10) for the first time in his trial on corruption allegations, a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday said. Prime Minister Netanyahu is on trial for accusations of fraud, breach of trust, and accepting bribes in three separate affairs. He has denied wrongdoing. This will be the first time that an Israeli PM has taken the stand as a criminal defendant. What to know about the corruption trial against Benjamin Netanyahu? > The corruption trial against Benjamin Netanyahu began in 2020. Also read | Israeli Minister Barkat sees significant increase in commercial ties with India > The trial involves three separate cases in which prosecutors said that Netanyahu exchanged regulatory favours with media titans for favourable press coverage and advanced the personal interests of a billionaire Hollywood producer in exchange for lavish gifts. > The Associated Press report said that prosecutors have called roughly 140 witnesses to the stand — fewer than the 300 initially expected to testify. > The witnesses include some of Netanyahu’s closest former confidants who turned against him. > Lawyers have submitted thousands of items of evidence -- recordings, police documents, text messages. > Like other witnesses, Netanyahu will testify three days a week, for hours at a time, and his testimony is expected to last weeks. The timing The timing of Netanyahu's trial comes as the prime minister waged a war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip since October last year and faces an international arrest warrant for war crimes charges. The Associated Press report said that the corruption trial will take up a chunk of Netanyahu’s time at a crucial point for Israel. A verdict in the case isn’t expected until 2026—at least—and then Netanyahu can choose to appeal to the Supreme Court. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu to take witness stand on Dec 10 in his corruption trial

Syrian rebel forces have entered Damascus amid reports that President Bashar al-Assad has fled the country by plane for an unknown destination after 13 years of civil war. Watch for more details!

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A fire at a fuel depot run by Italian energy company Eni near Florence on Monday killed two people and left three missing, a local official said.

"Sadly two people lost their lives, nine people are injured and three people are missing" after the fire at the Calenzano plant, a spokeswoman for the Florence prefecture told AFP.

In a statement, Eni said the fire had been confined to the loading shelter area and had not reached any fuel tanks.

Eugenio Giani, president of the central Tuscany region that includes Calenzano, confirmed the fire was contained&nbsp;and added that experts were now assessing potential pollution, including on nearby waterways.

People within five kilometres (three miles) of the plant have been told to stay home and close their doors and windows.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-plane-wobbles-scarily-while-landing-at-heathrow-airport-amid-storm-darragh-782621">Watch: Plane wobbles scarily while landing at Heathrow airport amid Storm Darragh</a>

Giani posted a video online showing a huge plume of black smoke emerging from an area of the plant, which is linked to the nearby Livorno refinery.

"The fire was quickly contained and the column of smoke rose significantly due to the difference in temperature between the smoke and the atmosphere," he said later.

In a statement, Eni said: "This morning a fire broke out at the fuel depot in Calenzano and that firefighters are working to put out the flames which are confined to the loading shelter area and do not affect the tanks in any way."

Investigations were underway into the cause of fire, it added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

A fire at a fuel depot run by Italian energy company Eni near Florence on Monday killed two people and left three missing, a local official said. "Sadly two people lost their lives, nine people are injured and three people are missing" after the fire at the Calenzano plant, a spokeswoman for the Florence prefecture told AFP.

A fire at a fuel depot run by Italian energy company Eni near Florence on Monday killed two people and left three missing, a local official said. "Sadly two people lost their lives, nine people are injured and three people are missing" after the fire at the Calenzano plant, a spokeswoman for the Florence prefecture told AFP. In a statement, Eni said the fire had been confined to the loading shelter area and had not reached any fuel tanks. Eugenio Giani, president of the central Tuscany region that includes Calenzano, confirmed the fire was contained and added that experts were now assessing potential pollution, including on nearby waterways. People within five kilometres (three miles) of the plant have been told to stay home and close their doors and windows. Also read | Watch: Plane wobbles scarily while landing at Heathrow airport amid Storm Darragh Giani posted a video online showing a huge plume of black smoke emerging from an area of the plant, which is linked to the nearby Livorno refinery. "The fire was quickly contained and the column of smoke rose significantly due to the difference in temperature between the smoke and the atmosphere," he said later. In a statement, Eni said: "This morning a fire broke out at the fuel depot in Calenzano and that firefighters are working to put out the flames which are confined to the loading shelter area and do not affect the tanks in any way." Investigations were underway into the cause of fire, it added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Two dead, three missing as fire breaks out at Italian fuel depot

At least 110 people were killed over the weekend in Haiti's Cite Soleil slum when a gang leader targeted elderly people he suspected of causing his child's illness through witchcraft, the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) said on Sunday.

All the victims were aged over 60, the rights group said.

Wharf Jeremie gang leader Monel "Mikano" Felix ordered the massacre after his child became sick, RNDDH said, saying that he sought advice from a Voodoo priest who accused elderly people in the area of harming the child through witchcraft.

Gang members killed at least 60 people on Friday and 50 on Saturday using machetes and knives, it said.

Cite Soleil, a densely populated slum by the port of the capital Port-au-Prince, is among the poorest and most violent areas of Haiti.

Tight gang control, including the restriction of mobile phone use, has limited residents' ability to share information about the massacre.

Felix, who heads the Wharf Jeremie gang, was in 2022 banned from entering neighboring Dominican Republic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whats-next-for-syria-following-bashar-al-assads-ouster-782657">What's next for Syria following Bashar al-Assad's ouster?</a>

Felix's child died on Saturday afternoon, RNDDH said.

The United Nations in October estimated that Felix's gang numbered some 300 people and also operated around nearby Fort Dimanche and La Saline.

La Saline was in November 2018 the site of the massacre of at least 71 civilians, while hundreds of homes were set on fire.

Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, the face of the Viv Ansanm alliance of gangs across Port-au-Prince, has been sanctioned by the United Nations on charges of planning the La Saline massacre while he was still a police officer, among other crimes.

In October, at least 115 people were massacred in Pont-Sonde, a town in Haiti's breadbasket Artibonite region, in what the Gran Grif gang said was retaliation for residents working with a self-defense group hindering their road toll operations.

The government, wracked by political infighting, has struggled to contain armed gangs' growing power in and around the capital.

Haitian authorities had in 2022 requested international security support for local police, but the mission - based on voluntary contributions - that the United Nations approved in 2023 has only partially deployed and is severely under-resourced.

Haitian leaders have since called for the mission to be converted into a U.N. peacekeeping force to ensure it is better supplied, but the plan stalled amid opposition from China and Russia in the Security Council.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

At least 110 people were killed over the weekend in Haiti's Cite Soleil slum when a gang leader targeted elderly people he suspected of causing his child's illness through witchcraft, the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) said on Sunday.

At least 110 people were killed over the weekend in Haiti's Cite Soleil slum when a gang leader targeted elderly people he suspected of causing his child's illness through witchcraft, the National Human Rights Defense Network (RNDDH) said on Sunday. All the victims were aged over 60, the rights group said. Wharf Jeremie gang leader Monel "Mikano" Felix ordered the massacre after his child became sick, RNDDH said, saying that he sought advice from a Voodoo priest who accused elderly people in the area of harming the child through witchcraft. Gang members killed at least 60 people on Friday and 50 on Saturday using machetes and knives, it said. Cite Soleil, a densely populated slum by the port of the capital Port-au-Prince, is among the poorest and most violent areas of Haiti. Tight gang control, including the restriction of mobile phone use, has limited residents' ability to share information about the massacre. Felix, who heads the Wharf Jeremie gang, was in 2022 banned from entering neighboring Dominican Republic. Also read | What's next for Syria following Bashar al-Assad's ouster? Felix's child died on Saturday afternoon, RNDDH said. The United Nations in October estimated that Felix's gang numbered some 300 people and also operated around nearby Fort Dimanche and La Saline. La Saline was in November 2018 the site of the massacre of at least 71 civilians, while hundreds of homes were set on fire. Jimmy "Barbecue" Cherizier, the face of the Viv Ansanm alliance of gangs across Port-au-Prince, has been sanctioned by the United Nations on charges of planning the La Saline massacre while he was still a police officer, among other crimes. In October, at least 115 people were massacred in Pont-Sonde, a town in Haiti's breadbasket Artibonite region, in what the Gran Grif gang said was retaliation for residents working with a self-defense group hindering their road toll operations. The government, wracked by political infighting, has struggled to contain armed gangs' growing power in and around the capital. Haitian authorities had in 2022 requested international security support for local police, but the mission - based on voluntary contributions - that the United Nations approved in 2023 has only partially deployed and is severely under-resourced. Haitian leaders have since called for the mission to be converted into a U.N. peacekeeping force to ensure it is better supplied, but the plan stalled amid opposition from China and Russia in the Security Council. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Massacre ordered by gang leader in Haiti claimed over 100 lives, says rights group

Japan's bankruptcy filings this year are set to surpass 10,000 and hit the highest since 2013, private-sector data by Tokyo Shoko Research (TSR) showed on Monday. Watch for more details!

Economic Recovery in Japan at Risk as Bankruptcy Filings Surge

Saudi Arabia is cutting oil prices for Asian buyers by a margin more than expected due to a weak market outlook, according to a Bloomberg report. Watch to know more.

Saudi Arabia Cuts Oil Prices For Asia

US President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday (Dec 8) announced that his personal lawyer Alina Habba will serve as counselor to the president during his second term in the White House.

Trump took to his Truth Social handle and wrote in a post saying, "I am pleased to announce that Alina Habba will join my White House Team as Counselor to the President. Alina has been a tireless advocate for Justice, a fierce Defender of the Rule of Law, and an invaluable Advisor to my Campaign and Transition Team. She has been unwavering in her loyalty, and unmatched in her resolve - standing with me through numerous “trials,” battles, and countless days in Court."&nbsp;

"Few understand the Weaponization of the “Injustice” System better than Alina, who has fought relentlessly against the full force of Lawfare with courage and an unshakable commitment to Justice. As a first-generation American of Middle Eastern Heritage, she has become a role model for women in Law and Politics, most recently being named Chaldean Woman of the Year," he added.

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&nbsp;

Habba generated buzz after a heated exchange with US District Judge Lewis Kaplan in court. This occurred during a civil lawsuit filed by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll against Trump over sexual assault in the 1990s.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-vows-to-make-it-easier-to-come-to-us-deport-families-with-illegal-members-782540">Trump vows to deport families with 'illegal' members, but make legal migration easier</a>

He also announced his pick for the Director of Policy Planning, stating that Michael Anton will take over the position at the State Department.

“Michael has served me loyally and effectively at the National Security Council in my First Term,” Trump posted. “He has an extensive background in Government, the private sector, and academia.”

He highlighted that Anton had served the last eight years “explaining what an America First foreign policy truly means.”

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday (Dec 8) announced that his personal lawyer Alina Habba will serve as counselor to the president during his second term in the White House.

US President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday (Dec 8) announced that his personal lawyer Alina Habba will serve as counselor to the president during his second term in the White House. Trump took to his Truth Social handle and wrote in a post saying, "I am pleased to announce that Alina Habba will join my White House Team as Counselor to the President. Alina has been a tireless advocate for Justice, a fierce Defender of the Rule of Law, and an invaluable Advisor to my Campaign and Transition Team. She has been unwavering in her loyalty, and unmatched in her resolve - standing with me through numerous “trials,” battles, and countless days in Court." "Few understand the Weaponization of the “Injustice” System better than Alina, who has fought relentlessly against the full force of Lawfare with courage and an unshakable commitment to Justice. As a first-generation American of Middle Eastern Heritage, she has become a role model for women in Law and Politics, most recently being named Chaldean Woman of the Year," he added. × Habba generated buzz after a heated exchange with US District Judge Lewis Kaplan in court. This occurred during a civil lawsuit filed by advice columnist E. Jean Carroll against Trump over sexual assault in the 1990s. Also read: Trump vows to deport families with 'illegal' members, but make legal migration easier He also announced his pick for the Director of Policy Planning, stating that Michael Anton will take over the position at the State Department. “Michael has served me loyally and effectively at the National Security Council in my First Term,” Trump posted. “He has an extensive background in Government, the private sector, and academia.” He highlighted that Anton had served the last eight years “explaining what an America First foreign policy truly means.” (With inputs from agencies)

Trump announces Alina Habba to serve as counselor to president in second term

When the rebel groups stormed the capital city of Damascus on December 8, one of the first things they did was free the prisoners from the Sednaya prison.&nbsp;

However, now that the regime of President Bashar al-Assad has been toppled and Damascus has been seized, reports have emerged about the inaccessibility of subterranean cells that belong to the so-called “human slaughterhouse”.&nbsp;

Syrian Civil Defence forces, the White Helmets, expressed their fears of people being trapped inside these subterranean cells and said that five specialised emergency teams have been deployed at the Sednaya Prison to investigate the hidden cells.

The organisation said that the operation can be challenging and may cause delays.&nbsp;

“The White Helmets has deployed 5 specialised emergency teams to Sednaya Prison to investigate hidden underground cells, reportedly holding detainees according to survivors,” wrote The White Helmets on X.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-toppling-of-assad-us-airstrikes-isis-camps-hidden-in-syria-782556">US conducts airstrikes on ISIS camps in Syria as Biden calls end of Assad regime an 'act of justice'</a>

“The teams consist of search and rescue units, wall-breaching specialists, iron door-opening crews, trained dog units, and medical responders. These teams are well-trained and equipped to manage such complex operations,” stated the civil body.&nbsp;

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The White Helmets has deployed 5 specialized emergency teams to Sednaya Prison to investigate hidden underground cells, reportedly holding detainees according to survivors. The teams consist of search and rescue units, wall-breaching specialists, iron door-opening crews, trained…
— The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SyriaCivilDef/status/1865886847999910310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
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As per the authorities, two teams have already started their rescue operation, and soon others will be stationed.

“Two teams arrived about an hour ago and have already begun their mission, accompanied by a guide familiar with the prison’s layout. The remaining teams are expected to arrive gradually, delayed by challenging security conditions on the roads and severe traffic congestion,” said the body.

<h2>Prisoners freed from jail as Assad regime falls</h2>

Videos of rebels breaking the doors of the prison and freeing the inmates were shared and circulated on social media.

In the footage, thousands were seen leaving the prison as people screamed on the streets.

Watch:&nbsp;Assad's Ouster A Ray Of Hope For Gaza Hostages?

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Meanwhile, the BBC reported that the Damascus Countryside Governorate took to social media to appeal to former soldiers and prison workers to share codes of electronic underground doors so that those locked inside them can be freed.

They said that they failed to open the doors to free “more than 100,000 detainees who can be seen on CCTV monitors”.&nbsp;

Efforts are also being made to knock out a lower wall using a type of post by the volunteers, as per Al Jazeera.

HTS, meanwhile, claimed that more than 3,500 detainees have been freed by them from the Homs Military Prison.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

When the rebel groups stormed the capital city of Damascus on December 8, one of the first things they did was free the prisoners from the Sednaya prison. However, now that the regime of President Bashar al-Assad has been toppled and Damascus has been seized, reports have emerged about the inaccessibility of subterranean cells that belong to the so-called “human slaughterhouse”.

When the rebel groups stormed the capital city of Damascus on December 8, one of the first things they did was free the prisoners from the Sednaya prison. However, now that the regime of President Bashar al-Assad has been toppled and Damascus has been seized, reports have emerged about the inaccessibility of subterranean cells that belong to the so-called “human slaughterhouse”. Syrian Civil Defence forces, the White Helmets, expressed their fears of people being trapped inside these subterranean cells and said that five specialised emergency teams have been deployed at the Sednaya Prison to investigate the hidden cells. The organisation said that the operation can be challenging and may cause delays. “The White Helmets has deployed 5 specialised emergency teams to Sednaya Prison to investigate hidden underground cells, reportedly holding detainees according to survivors,” wrote The White Helmets on X. Also Read: US conducts airstrikes on ISIS camps in Syria as Biden calls end of Assad regime an 'act of justice' “The teams consist of search and rescue units, wall-breaching specialists, iron door-opening crews, trained dog units, and medical responders. These teams are well-trained and equipped to manage such complex operations,” stated the civil body. The White Helmets has deployed 5 specialized emergency teams to Sednaya Prison to investigate hidden underground cells, reportedly holding detainees according to survivors. The teams consist of search and rescue units, wall-breaching specialists, iron door-opening crews, trained… — The White Helmets (@SyriaCivilDef) December 8, 2024 × As per the authorities, two teams have already started their rescue operation, and soon others will be stationed. “Two teams arrived about an hour ago and have already begun their mission, accompanied by a guide familiar with the prison’s layout. The remaining teams are expected to arrive gradually, delayed by challenging security conditions on the roads and severe traffic congestion,” said the body. Prisoners freed from jail as Assad regime falls Videos of rebels breaking the doors of the prison and freeing the inmates were shared and circulated on social media. In the footage, thousands were seen leaving the prison as people screamed on the streets. Watch: Assad's Ouster A Ray Of Hope For Gaza Hostages? Meanwhile, the BBC reported that the Damascus Countryside Governorate took to social media to appeal to former soldiers and prison workers to share codes of electronic underground doors so that those locked inside them can be freed. They said that they failed to open the doors to free “more than 100,000 detainees who can be seen on CCTV monitors”. Efforts are also being made to knock out a lower wall using a type of post by the volunteers, as per Al Jazeera. HTS, meanwhile, claimed that more than 3,500 detainees have been freed by them from the Homs Military Prison. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Are people trapped in hidden underground cells of notorious Syrian prison? White Helmets investigates

Taiwan's military has set up an emergency response centre and raised its alert level. This comes in response to rising pressure and military threats from China Taiwan’s defence ministry said that China has set up seven zones of reserved airspace. It also said that China has dispatched naval fleets and coast guard boats to waters around the island. Watch in for more details!

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Ghana’s former president, John Dramani Mahama, has achieved a historic comeback by securing victory in the presidential election. Voters appeared to express dissatisfaction with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its handling of the country’s economic challenges. The NPP candidate, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, conceded defeat on Sunday following the weekend's election. The results underscore widespread frustration with soaring living costs and economic instability. Watch to know more!

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The husband of former home secretary Suella Braverman has left the Conservative Party to join Reform UK. Mr Braverman is set to become a senior campaigner for Nigel Farage’s party.

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Taiwan said that on Monday, it launched "combat readiness drills" after detecting Chinese naval and coast guard vessels operating near the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific Ocean. Watch for more details!

Taiwan Launches Combat Readiness Drills Near Its Territorial Waters

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the family members of hostages held in Gaza that the regime change in Syria could help advance a deal. Watch for more details!

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Dan Ashworth has departed from his role as Manchester United’s sporting director after just five months at the club.

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Considered by many as a terrorist, Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has emerged as the new face of the country after toppling Bashar al-Assad&nbsp;who fled to Russia.&nbsp;

Golani, once a key jihadist figure, lately started using his real name Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, including in an official communique issued on Thursday (Dec 5).

The step was taken to bolster the legitimacy of Golani as well as his Islamist militant group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).&nbsp;

In the last few days, Golani emerged as the face of the rebel factions and announced that the Syrian capital, Damascus has been captured in a move which changed the history of the country.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-the-syrian-rebels-who-overthrew-bashar-al-assads-24-year-old-regime-782421">Who are the Syrian rebels who overthrew Bashar-al Assad's 24-year-old regime in two weeks?</a>

His transformation is not a recent development but something that happened over the years.

The man who once wore jihadist militant outfits has now added a Western-style wardrobe.

He led one of the swiftest offensive and emerged as the commander of the operations room.

<h2>Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani?</h2>

Golani was born as Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa in 1982 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where his father worked as a petroleum engineer.

In 1989, the family came back to Syria and settled near Damascus.

In 2003, he moved to Iraq where he joined al Qaeda amid a resistance move against the US invasion in the same year.

In 2006, Golani was arrested by US forces in Iraq and kept in prison for five years.

Upon his release, he was given the task of establishing the Syrian branch of al Qaeda, known as al-Nusra Front.&nbsp;

The influence of the al-Nusra Front expanded in the opposition-held areas, especially Idlib.

In April 2013, the head of al Qaeda's “Islamic State in Iraq” Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi decided to cut ties with the terror group and expand his group in Syria, which would have led to the al-Nusra Front getting swallowed into a new group called ISIL.

However, Golani refused to cooperate with Baghdadi and maintained his allegiance to al Qaeda.

Watch:&nbsp;Syria War: France's Macron Welcomes Al-Assad's Fall, Hails Syrians Courage

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After 2014, Golani stayed away from al Qaeda's project of establishing a “global caliphate” and focused on building his militant group within the borders of Syria.

In early 2017, Golani announced that he was merging with the groups of fighters who had poured into Idlib fleeing Aleppo and forming HTS.

The aim of HTS was Syria's liberation from the autocratic government of Assad, establishing a state which has its own interpretation of “Islamic law” and “expelling Iranian militias” from the country.

After achieving one of its targets, the HTS leader in his victory speech said, "This victory, my brothers, is historic for the region. Today, Syria is being purified" and added that "this victory is born from the people who have languished in prison, and the mujahideen (fighters) broke their chains".

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Considered by many as a terrorist, Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has emerged as the new face of the country after toppling Bashar al-Assad who fled to Russia.

Considered by many as a terrorist, Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has emerged as the new face of the country after toppling Bashar al-Assad who fled to Russia. Golani, once a key jihadist figure, lately started using his real name Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa, including in an official communique issued on Thursday (Dec 5). The step was taken to bolster the legitimacy of Golani as well as his Islamist militant group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). In the last few days, Golani emerged as the face of the rebel factions and announced that the Syrian capital, Damascus has been captured in a move which changed the history of the country. Also Read: Who are the Syrian rebels who overthrew Bashar-al Assad's 24-year-old regime in two weeks? His transformation is not a recent development but something that happened over the years. The man who once wore jihadist militant outfits has now added a Western-style wardrobe. He led one of the swiftest offensive and emerged as the commander of the operations room. Who is Abu Mohammed al-Golani? Golani was born as Ahmed Hussein al-Sharaa in 1982 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia where his father worked as a petroleum engineer. In 1989, the family came back to Syria and settled near Damascus. In 2003, he moved to Iraq where he joined al Qaeda amid a resistance move against the US invasion in the same year. In 2006, Golani was arrested by US forces in Iraq and kept in prison for five years. Upon his release, he was given the task of establishing the Syrian branch of al Qaeda, known as al-Nusra Front. The influence of the al-Nusra Front expanded in the opposition-held areas, especially Idlib. In April 2013, the head of al Qaeda's “Islamic State in Iraq” Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi decided to cut ties with the terror group and expand his group in Syria, which would have led to the al-Nusra Front getting swallowed into a new group called ISIL. However, Golani refused to cooperate with Baghdadi and maintained his allegiance to al Qaeda. Watch: Syria War: France's Macron Welcomes Al-Assad's Fall, Hails Syrians Courage After 2014, Golani stayed away from al Qaeda's project of establishing a “global caliphate” and focused on building his militant group within the borders of Syria. In early 2017, Golani announced that he was merging with the groups of fighters who had poured into Idlib fleeing Aleppo and forming HTS. The aim of HTS was Syria's liberation from the autocratic government of Assad, establishing a state which has its own interpretation of “Islamic law” and “expelling Iranian militias” from the country. After achieving one of its targets, the HTS leader in his victory speech said, "This victory, my brothers, is historic for the region. Today, Syria is being purified" and added that "this victory is born from the people who have languished in prison, and the mujahideen (fighters) broke their chains". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Abu Mohammed al-Golani: Face of Syria's rebels and head of HTS who overthrew Assad

China's consumer inflation hit a five-month low in November as fresh food prices pulled back while factory deflation persisted, suggesting Beijing's recent efforts to shore up faltering economic demand are having only limited impact

China's Economic Recovery Struggle

India on Monday (Dec. 9) released a statement saying that it is monitoring the situation in Syria, further calling for peace and stability in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the immediate need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria.&nbsp;

"We are monitoring the situation in Syria in the light of ongoing developments. We underline the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process respecting the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society," the MEA statement read.

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&nbsp;

It also said that India's Embassy in Damascus was in contact with the Indian community for their safety and security.

After a series of offensives, Syrian rebel factions announced on Sunday (Dec. 8) on state television that they have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad and have freed "unjustly detained" prisoners.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-hails-falls-of-assads-regime-in-syria-calls-it-historic-act-of-justice-782589">Biden hails fall of Assad's regime in Syria, but warns terrorists among rebels</a>

In their address, they referred to Assad as a "tyrant" and urged for the protection of state property.&nbsp;

The development came after a wave of intense clashes and strategic advancements by the rebel forces in Damascus and surrounding areas.

A group of rebels appeared on state TV and announced the liberation of the city of Damascus, the fall of Assad, and the release of 'unjustly detained' people from the regime prisons, reading a statement from the Damascus Conquest operations room.

The rebels called on fighters and citizens to safeguard the "property of the free Syrian state".

Earlier, on Dec. 6, the Indian government also issued a travel advisory for Syria, urging people to avoid travel to Syria until further notice.

"In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification," the Ministry of External Affairs stated.

"Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number (also on WhatsApp) and email ID [email protected] for updates. Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum," it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Monday (Dec. 9) released a statement saying that it is monitoring the situation in Syria, further calling for peace and stability in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the immediate need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria.

India on Monday (Dec. 9) released a statement saying that it is monitoring the situation in Syria, further calling for peace and stability in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the immediate need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Syria. "We are monitoring the situation in Syria in the light of ongoing developments. We underline the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process respecting the interests and aspirations of all sections of Syrian society," the MEA statement read. We are monitoring the situation in Syria in light of ongoing developments. We underline the need for all parties to work towards preserving the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria. We advocate a peaceful and inclusive Syrian-led political process respecting the… pic.twitter.com/ENFGIIHML4 — ANI (@ANI) December 9, 2024 × It also said that India's Embassy in Damascus was in contact with the Indian community for their safety and security. After a series of offensives, Syrian rebel factions announced on Sunday (Dec. 8) on state television that they have successfully overthrown President Bashar al-Assad and have freed "unjustly detained" prisoners. Also read: Biden hails fall of Assad's regime in Syria, but warns terrorists among rebels In their address, they referred to Assad as a "tyrant" and urged for the protection of state property. The development came after a wave of intense clashes and strategic advancements by the rebel forces in Damascus and surrounding areas. A group of rebels appeared on state TV and announced the liberation of the city of Damascus, the fall of Assad, and the release of 'unjustly detained' people from the regime prisons, reading a statement from the Damascus Conquest operations room. The rebels called on fighters and citizens to safeguard the "property of the free Syrian state". Earlier, on Dec. 6, the Indian government also issued a travel advisory for Syria, urging people to avoid travel to Syria until further notice. "In view of the situation prevailing in Syria, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Syria, until further notification," the Ministry of External Affairs stated. "Indians currently in Syria are requested to remain in touch with Indian Embassy in Damascus at their emergency helpline number (also on WhatsApp) and email ID [email protected] for updates. Those who can, are advised to leave by the earliest available commercial flights and others are requested to observe utmost precaution about their safety and restrict their movements to the minimum," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

India calls for preserving unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria after Assad's ouster

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