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Chemical attack: US, UK, France bombard Syria
![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/GRASSROOTS-US-UK-AIRSTRIK-SYRIA.jpg)
![](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/GRASSROOTS-US-UK-AIRSTRIK-SYRIA.jpg)
The U.S., UK and France jointly launched strikes Friday night targeting the Assad regime’s chemical weapons capabilities after a suspected chemical attack killed dozens outside of Damascus, U.S. President Donald Trump announced.
“Today, the nations of Britain, France and the United States of America have marshaled their righteous power against barbarism and brutality,” Trump said from the Diplomatic Reception Room in the White House in nationally-televised remarks.
Trump said the U.S. is prepared “to sustain” the military assault “until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents”, saying the joint response will also include economic and diplomatic components.
The three countries jointly launched strikes targeting the Assad regime’s chemical weapons research centre near Damascus, a chemical weapons warehouse and a command centre related to chemical weapons located in western Homs, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Joseph Dunford said at a joint press conference with Secretary of Defense James Mattis.
Earlier Friday, the U.S. announced it has “very high confidence” that the Assad regime is responsible for a suspected chemical attack last weekend.
The White Helmets, a civil defense agency, blamed the Assad regime for the alleged chemical attack, which it said killed 78 civilians and injured hundreds of others.
In a statement following the attacks, the White House said “a significant body of information” points to the regime’s use of chlorine in the attack, and unspecified other information indicates it also used the nerve agent sarin.
“The evil and the despicable attack left mothers and fathers, infants and children thrashing in pain and gasping for air. These are not the actions of a man; they are crimes of a monster instead,” Trump said.
Addressing Bashar al-Assad’s principal allies, Iran and Russia, the president asked: “What kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women and children?”
“The nations of the world can be judged by the friends they keep,” Trump said.
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has dispatched a fact-finding team to Syria that was expected to begin work Saturday before the strikes took place. If it continues as originally planned, the OPCW’s mission will be focused on determining whether a chemical attack took place but will not work to determine culpability.
Trump’s decision to carry out military action follows through on days of ratcheted tensions after the attack in Douma.
Earlier this week, Trump warned Russia that U.S. missiles “will be coming, nice and new and ‘smart!’” in response to the attack.
Friday night’s strikes are the second time Trump has ordered the U.S. military to target Syrian regime positions in response to a chemical attack. Last year, the U.S. targeted the Shayrat Airbase after a chemical attack blamed on the regime struck a town in northern Syria.
Announcing the attacks from Britain, UK Prime Minister Theresa May said the Assad regime’s “persistent pattern of behavior must be stopped – not just to protect innocent people in Syria from the horrific deaths and casualties caused by chemical weapons, but also because we cannot allow the erosion of the international norm that prevents the use of these weapons”.
“We have sought to use every possible diplomatic channel to achieve this, but our efforts have been repeatedly thwarted. Even this week, the Russians vetoed a resolution at the UN Security Council which would have established an independent investigation into the Douma attack,” the prime minister said.
Tuesday’s veto was Russia’s twelfth of council resolutions seeking to hold the Assad regime accountable for rights violations. Six of those resolutions sought to hold the regime accountable for chemical weapons attacks.
Anatoly Antonov, the Russian ambassador to the U.S., lashed out against the attacks, saying in a statement “a pre-designed scenario is being implemented”.
“We warned that such actions will not be left without consequences. All responsibility for them rests with Washington, London and Paris,” Antonov said. “The U.S. – the possessor of the biggest arsenal of chemical weapons – has no moral right to blame other countries.”
•Anadolu Agency.
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Matawalle Salutes Nigerian Military, Citizens at Christmas
… Calls for Love and Peaceful Coexistence
![Bello Matawalle and Christmas](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Matawalle-Salutes-Nigerian-Military-Citizens-at-Christmas-.jpg)
![Bello Matawalle and Christmas](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Matawalle-Salutes-Nigerian-Military-Citizens-at-Christmas-.jpg)
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has extended warm greetings to the Nigerian military and all citizens, both Christians and non-Christians, during this joyous Christmas season.
In his message, he emphasized the importance of embodying the spirit of love and peaceful coexistence, urging all Nigerians to reflect on these values not only during the festive period but throughout the year.
“This season serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring principles of peace, unity, love, and sacrifice that bind us as a nation,” he stated.
![Matawalle Salutes military](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Matawalle-Salutes-Nigerian-Military-Citizens-at-Christmas-1024x1024.jpg)
![Matawalle Salutes military](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Matawalle-Salutes-Nigerian-Military-Citizens-at-Christmas-1024x1024.jpg)
The Minister encouraged every Nigerian, regardless of their religious beliefs, to celebrate and honor President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as well as the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who tirelessly demonstrate their patriotism in safeguarding the safety and sovereignty of our beloved country.
Highlighting the significance of the yuletide season, he noted that it should reinforce our bonds of unity, foster a spirit of camaraderie, and inspire compassion towards one another. He called on all citizens to remain steadfast in their collective efforts to build a secure and prosperous Nigeria.
In conclusion, the Minister wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Henshaw Ogubike, MNIPR, FCAI, FSCA, FCPE
Director of Information, Press and Public Relations
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Tinubu to Revitalize Zamfara and Nigeria’s Economy – Matawalle
![Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/matawalle-and-Tinubu-.jpg)
![Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/matawalle-and-Tinubu-.jpg)
…Says no government has shown so much support to LGs, State Governments like President Bola Ahmed Tinubu….
The Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mohammad Matawalle, has expressed confidence that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR will significantly enhance the economies of Zamfara State and Nigeria as a whole.
Matawalle who is currently on a five-day visit to his home state, the Minister and former Governor of Zamfara commended President Tinubu for his unprecedented support for Local Government Councils and state governments. “No previous administration has demonstrated such a strong commitment to developing local councils and states as President Tinubu,” Matawalle remarked.
He highlighted the President’s role as a grassroots mobilizer, emphasizing his passion for local development. “President Tinubu has allocated substantial funds to states and local government councils, enabling them to undertake impactful development projects,” he added.
Matawalle urged party supporters to collaborate with their leaders to reclaim the lost mandate from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Zamfara State. “It is essential for all APC members to remain law-abiding citizens,” he stated, reinforcing the party’s commitment to uphold the law.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters who welcomed him, Matawalle reassured them of the federal government’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry and terrorism in the region. “With the federal government’s initiatives to address security challenges, we will soon experience a renewed sense of safety and peace,” he emphasized.
He concluded his address by urging the community to continue supporting the government at all levels. “Together, we can restore peace and order in our country,” Matawalle affirmed.
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Penpushing Media congratulates IPI new leadership
![IPI Nigeria](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IPI-Nigeria.png)
![IPI Nigeria](https://grassroots.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/IPI-Nigeria.png)
The Management and Editorial Board of Penpushing Media, owner of online newspapers and television have congratulated the newly elected leadership of International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria Chapter led by Musikilu Mojeed of Premium Times to run affairs of the global organisation for next three years.
The media outlet in a congratulatory letter signed by chairman Editorial Board, Olufunke Fadugba said the organization rejoiced with the team on renewal of their tenure, and equally encouraged them not to only sustain the previous visibility and interventions on behalf of the media but to do more
“We rejoice with you on the renewal of your tenure as leaders of International Press Institute Nigeria. This congratulatory message is to encourage you to not only sustain the previous visibility and interventions on behalf of the media but also to do more”, the letter read.
Fadugba pointed out that the past months have been challenging for journalists, stressing that as the democracy in the country move closer to 2027, it is expected that the great battle for freedom of expression will be more intense.
“The International Press Institute Nigeria and other stakeholders will need to be more creative, determined, and build positive networks to guard the media from existential threats both from within and outside the media ecosystem”, the letter stated.
“However, judging from your previous performances and renewed impetus, we in Penpushing Media have no doubt that you will make a success of this tenure, in the interest of the media, the people and the country”, Fadugba emphasized
“On behalf of the Board, Management, and members of Penpushing, we wish the newly elected Executive Members a successful tenure. Congratulations, as we urge you to continue to carry the members along in order to enjoy their much-needed support”, the letter said
The other elected officials include Ahmed Shekarau of Media Trust as Secretary, Fidelis Mbah of Al Jazeera Television as Deputy President, Rafatu Salami of Voice of Nigeria as Treasurer, Yomi Adeboye of Herald Newspaper as Assistant Secretary and Tobi Soniyi of Arise News as Legal Adviser.
The President of International Press Institute (IPI), Nigeria, Musikilu Mojeed in response to the congratulatory letter expressed appreciation to the management of Penpushing Media, as well as commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism.
“We are deeply grateful for your congratulatory statement on the recent IPI Nigeria election. Your consistent support for IPI means the world to us, and we appreciate your commitment to press freedom and responsible journalism”, Mojeed wrote.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Executive Committee, and members of the Institute, I extend heartfelt thanks for your encouragement. May God continue to bless you abundantly”, he added
“Your support and encouragement inspire us to continue promoting ethical journalism, advancing media pluralism, and defending press freedom. We look forward to collaborating with your administration to expand access to information and reinforce Nigeria’s democratic ethos’, the President stated.
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