Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani says ultimate goal of rebels is to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. “It is our right to use all available means to achieve that goal,” al-Jolani said of the offensive which has seen rebels seize Aleppo and Hama in a matter of days. The rebels were just five km (three miles) from the edge of Homs on Dec. 6 morning, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor. The fall of Homs would cut the seat of power in the capital Damascus from the Mediterranean coast, a key bastion of the Assad clan. The HTS-led rebel alliance “entered the cities of Rastan and Talbisseh” on the main road between Hama and Homs, the Observatory said. 00:00 – INTRODUCTION 03:11 – AL-JOLANI PROJECTS A MODERATE IMAGE05:00 – HEZBOLLAH ACCUSES ISRAEL AND US OF BACKING REBELSn18oc_world n18oc_crux

A UnitedHealthcare executive was shot dead in Manhattan. The incident triggered public anger against the US health insurance industry. Words on the bullet casings hinted at healthcare grievances. Social media exploded with discussions about denied claims and high costs. The industry now faces scrutiny over its practices and security measures.

Bukhari appealed the Prime Minister to take cognisance of the situation and said that the latter should call three Hindus and three Muslims and hold talks.