In an exclusive CNN interview, Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammad al-Jolani emphasized the goal of overthrowing President Bashar al-Assad as his coalition advances. Head of Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS), formed from a former al-Qaeda affiliate, Jolani expressed intentions to replace Assad’s regime with a government built on democratic principles and a people-elected council. This marked his first media interview in years, conducted at an undisclosed Syrian location. Jolani’s statements underscored the ongoing ambition to end Assad’s authoritarian rule. n18oc_world n18oc_crux

Uddhav Sena leader’s post lauding demolition of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya created a rift within MVA, leading to Samajwadi Party’s announcement to walk out of Opposition alliance.

In a big blow to the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), the Samajwadi Party today quit the alliance after a controversial remark from a close aide of Uddhav Thackeray on the demolition of the Babri Masjid. 

On the 32nd anniversary of the Babri Mosque demolition, Milind Narvekar, a Shiv Sena (UBT) leader posted a photo of the mosque, accompanied by a quote from Shiv Sena patriarch Balasaheb Thackeray which read, “I am proud of those who did this.”

M Narvekar’s post also featured images of Uddhav Thackeray, Aaditya Thackeray and himself.

pic.twitter.com/3nZYC4EK0e

— Milind Narvekar (@NarvekarMilind_) December 5, 2024

The Samajwadi Party has two MLAs in the Maharashtra Assembly. After MVA parties skipped the oath-taking ceremony today, Samajwadi Party state president Abu Asim Azmi and party leader Rais Shaikh defied the boycott call and took their oaths.

“An advertisement was given by Shiv Sena (UBT) in a newspaper congratulating those who demolished Babri masjid. His (Uddhav Thackeray) aide has also posted on X hailing the demolition of the mosque,” Mr Azmi said, as quoted by news agency PTI. “We are quitting the MVA. I am speaking to (Samajwadi Party president) Akhilesh Singh Yadav.”