A HTS fighter fires an anti-aircraft gun in Syria's Idlib province in 2019. Israel says it hit anti-aircraft batteries on Wednesday in Syria. AFP
A HTS fighter fires an anti-aircraft gun in Syria's Idlib province in 2019. Israel says it hit anti-aircraft batteries on Wednesday in Syria. AFP
A HTS fighter fires an anti-aircraft gun in Syria's Idlib province in 2019. Israel says it hit anti-aircraft batteries on Wednesday in Syria. AFP
A HTS fighter fires an anti-aircraft gun in Syria's Idlib province in 2019. Israel says it hit anti-aircraft batteries on Wednesday in Syria. AFP

MENA

Syria

Israel strikes Syria 'in response to anti-aircraft missile'

Syria's air defences activated against Israeli fire around Damascus, state media says

The National

February 09, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Israel's military said it launched strikes against targets in Syria and hit anti-aircraft batteries early on Wednesday.

The strikes came in response to a missile fired from Syria.

Sirens sounded in Umm Al Fahm and Samaria after the launch, and the missile exploded in mid-air, the Israel military said on Twitter.

"In response to the anti-aircraft missile launched from Syria earlier tonight, we just struck surface-to-air missile targets in Syria, including radar and anti-aircraft batteries," another tweet said.

Syria's air defences had been activated against Israeli fire "in the vicinity of Damascus", state media said.

It said Israeli aerial attacks began shortly before 1am and were accompanied at 1.10am by surface-to-surface missile strikes "from the direction of the occupied Golan", citing a military source.

"Our aerial defences confronted the enemy's missiles and shot some of them down," Syrian news agency Sana said.

One soldier was killed and five others wounded, "along with material damage".

Israel rarely comments on air strikes it carries out in Syria, but has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran to extend its footprint in the country.

Since civil war broke out in Syria in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of air strikes on Syrian territory, targeting government positions, as well as allied Iran-backed forces and Hezbollah fighters.

Lebanese men join ISIS to escape poverty - in pictures

Ghufran, 56, the mother of Zakaria Al Adl, a member of ISIS killed in Iraq, wipes her tears during an interview in her house in Tripoli's Bab al-Tabbaneh neighbourhood. Dozens of young men from Tripoli, Lebanon's poorest city, are believed to have recently joined ISIS. All photos: AFP
Ghufran, 56, the mother of Zakaria Al Adl, a member of ISIS killed in Iraq, wipes her tears during an interview in her house in Tripoli's Bab al-Tabbaneh neighbourhood. Dozens of young men from Tripoli, Lebanon's poorest city, are believed to have recently joined ISIS. All photos: AFP
Lebanese men smoke water pipes as they take a break outside their workshop in an alley of Tripoli's impoverished neighbourhood of Bab al-Tabbaneh.
Lebanese men smoke water pipes as they take a break outside their workshop in an alley of Tripoli's impoverished neighbourhood of Bab al-Tabbaneh.
Since August, dozens of young men have disappeared from Tripoli, which has been especially hard hit by the country's financial crash.
Since August, dozens of young men have disappeared from Tripoli, which has been especially hard hit by the country's financial crash.
Mechanics repair a car in an alley in Bab al-Tabbane.
Mechanics repair a car in an alley in Bab al-Tabbane.
Tripoli's neighbourhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen. Even before the 2019 onset of Lebanon's financial crisis, Lebanon's second city was widely seen as a volatile militant bastion.
Tripoli's neighbourhoods of Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen. Even before the 2019 onset of Lebanon's financial crisis, Lebanon's second city was widely seen as a volatile militant bastion.
Ghufran, the mother of Zakaria Al Adl, a member of ISIS killed in Iraq, talks as one of her sons shows a photo of his brother during an interview in her house.
Ghufran, the mother of Zakaria Al Adl, a member of ISIS killed in Iraq, talks as one of her sons shows a photo of his brother during an interview in her house.
The mother of Omar Seif, who disappeared from the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli's neighbourhood of Wadi Al Nahle, cries during an interview held weeks before she found out that Omar was killed in Iraq after joining ISIS.
The mother of Omar Seif, who disappeared from the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli's neighbourhood of Wadi Al Nahle, cries during an interview held weeks before she found out that Omar was killed in Iraq after joining ISIS.
A boy works in a blacksmith's workshop in Bab al-Tabbaneh. A security official estimates that 48 young men have joined ISIS, and that the latest wave of recruits left Lebanon on January 18. Only five of the 48 have so far been accounted for.
A boy works in a blacksmith's workshop in Bab al-Tabbaneh. A security official estimates that 48 young men have joined ISIS, and that the latest wave of recruits left Lebanon on January 18. Only five of the 48 have so far been accounted for.
Ghufran, the mother of Zakaria Al Adl, a member of ISIS killed in Iraq.
Ghufran, the mother of Zakaria Al Adl, a member of ISIS killed in Iraq.
Tripoli's poorest neighbourhoods have been major supporters of Sunni militants responsible for attacks against the army and involved in extremist activities in Tripoli and beyond.
Tripoli's poorest neighbourhoods have been major supporters of Sunni militants responsible for attacks against the army and involved in extremist activities in Tripoli and beyond.
Thousands have been detained on suspicion of terrorism links, many without trial.
Thousands have been detained on suspicion of terrorism links, many without trial.
Tripoli's Baddawi neighbourhood. It is believed that financial hardship is the main reason Tripoli's young men are joining ISIS ranks. The group is luring its recruits with the promise of salaries up to $5,000 a month, an official said.
Tripoli's Baddawi neighbourhood. It is believed that financial hardship is the main reason Tripoli's young men are joining ISIS ranks. The group is luring its recruits with the promise of salaries up to $5,000 a month, an official said.
Iraq's National Security Adviser Qassem Al Araji has said that Baghdad has started talks with Lebanese authorities about the ISIS threat.
Iraq's National Security Adviser Qassem Al Araji has said that Baghdad has started talks with Lebanese authorities about the ISIS threat.
JAPANESE GRAND PRIX INFO

Schedule (All times UAE)
First practice: Friday, 5-6.30am
Second practice: Friday, 9-10.30am
Third practice: Saturday, 7-8am
Qualifying: Saturday, 10-11am
Race: Sunday, 9am-midday 

Race venue: Suzuka International Racing Course
Circuit Length: 5.807km
Number of Laps: 53
Watch live: beIN Sports HD

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Motori Profile

Date started: March 2020

Co-founder/CEO: Ahmed Eissa

Based: UAE, Abu Dhabi

Sector: Insurance Sector

Size: 50 full-time employees (Inside and Outside UAE)

Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing 

Investors: Safe City Group

The Specs:

The Specs:

Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo

Transmission: 8-speed automatic

Power: 444bhp

Torque: 600Nm

Price: AED 356,580 incl VAT

On sale: now.

Scoreline

Abu Dhabi Harlequins 17

Jebel Ali Dragons 20

Harlequins Tries: Kinivilliame, Stevenson; Cons: Stevenson 2; Pen: Stevenson

Dragons Tries: Naisau, Fourie; Cons: Love 2; Pens: Love 2

The specs: 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy

Price, base / as tested Dh97,600
Engine 1,745cc Milwaukee-Eight v-twin engine
Transmission Six-speed gearbox
Power 78hp @ 5,250rpm
Torque 145Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 5.0L / 100km (estimate)

Kalra's feat
  • Becomes fifth batsman to score century in U19 final
  • Becomes second Indian to score century in U19 final after Unmukt Chand in 2012
  • Scored 122 in youth Test on tour of England
  • Bought by Delhi Daredevils for base price of two million Indian rupees (Dh115,000) in 2018 IPL auction
Scoreline

Arsenal 0 Manchester City 3

  • Agüero 18'
  • Kompany 58'
  • Silva 65'
While you're here
FIXTURES

Thu Mar 15 – West Indies v Afghanistan, UAE v Scotland
Fri Mar 16 – Ireland v Zimbabwe
Sun Mar 18 – Ireland v Scotland
Mon Mar 19 – West Indies v Zimbabwe
Tue Mar 20 – UAE v Afghanistan
Wed Mar 21 – West Indies v Scotland
Thu Mar 22 – UAE v Zimbabwe
Fri Mar 23 – Ireland v Afghanistan

The top two teams qualify for the World Cup

Classification matches 
The top-placed side out of Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong or Nepal will be granted one-day international status. UAE and Scotland have already won ODI status, having qualified for the Super Six.

Thu Mar 15 – Netherlands v Hong Kong, PNG v Nepal
Sat Mar 17 – 7th-8th place playoff, 9th-10th place play-off

Film: In Syria
Dir: Philippe Van Leeuw
Starring: Hiam Abbass, Diamand Bo Abboud, Mohsen Abbas and Juliette Navis
Verdict: Four stars

Result
Qualifier: Islamabad United beat Karachi Kings by eight wickets

Fixtures
Tuesday, Lahore: Eliminator 1 - Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators
Wednesday, Lahore: Eliminator 2 – Karachi Kings v Winner of Eliminator 1
Sunday, Karachi: Final – Islamabad United v Winner of Eliminator 2

Scorebox

Sharjah Wanderers 20-25 Dubai Tigers (After extra-time)

Wanderers

Tries Gormley, Penalty

Cons Flaherty

Pens Flaherty 2

Tigers

Tries O’Donnell, Gibbons, Kelly

Cons Caldwell 2

Pens Caldwell, Cross

2018 ICC World Twenty20 Asian Western Sub Regional Qualifier

Event info: The tournament in Kuwait this month is the first phase of the qualifying process for sides from Asia for the 2020 World T20 in Australia. The UAE must finish within the top three teams out of the six at the competition to advance to the Asia regional finals. Success at regional finals would mean progression to the World T20 Qualifier.

UAE’s fixtures: Fri Apr 20, UAE v Qatar; Sat Apr 21, UAE v Saudi Arabia; Mon Apr 23, UAE v Bahrain; Tue Apr 24, UAE v Maldives; Thu Apr 26, UAE v Kuwait

World T20 2020 Qualifying process:

  • Sixteen teams will play at the World T20 in two years’ time.
  • Australia have already qualified as hosts
  • Nine places are available to the top nine ranked sides in the ICC’s T20i standings, not including Australia, on Dec 31, 2018.
  • The final six teams will be decided by a 14-team World T20 Qualifier.

World T20 standings: 1 Pakistan; 2 Australia; 3 India; 4 New Zealand; 5 England; 6 South Africa; 7 West Indies; 8 Sri Lanka; 9 Afghanistan; 10 Bangladesh; 11 Scotland; 12 Zimbabwe; 13 UAE; 14 Netherlands; 15 Hong Kong; 16 Papua New Guinea; 17 Oman; 18 Ireland

The Greatest Royal Rumble card as it stands

50-man Royal Rumble - names entered so far include Braun Strowman, Daniel Bryan, Kurt Angle, Big Show, Kane, Chris Jericho, The New Day and Elias

Universal Championship Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns in a steel cage match

WWE World Heavyweight Championship AJ Styles (champion) v Shinsuke Nakamura

Intercontinental Championship Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe

United States Championship Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal

SmackDown Tag Team Championship The Bludgeon Brothers (champions) v The Usos

Raw Tag Team Championship (currently vacant) Cesaro and Sheamus v Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt

Casket match The Undertaker v Chris Jericho

Singles match John Cena v Triple H

Cruiserweight Championship Cedric Alexander v tba

 

The biog

DOB: 25/12/92
Marital status: Single
Education: Post-graduate diploma in UAE Diplomacy and External Affairs at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: I love fencing, I used to fence at the MK Fencing Academy but I want to start again. I also love reading and writing
Lifelong goal: My dream is to be a state minister

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final:

First leg: Liverpool 5 Roma 2

Second leg: Wednesday, May 2, Stadio Olimpico, Rome

TV: BeIN Sports, 10.45pm (UAE)

What the law says

Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

MATCH INFO

France 3
Umtiti (8'), Griezmann (29' pen), Dembele (63')

Italy 1
Bonucci (36')

Try out the test yourself

Q1 Suppose you had $100 in a savings account and the interest rate was 2 per cent per year. After five years, how much do you think you would have in the account if you left the money to grow?
a) More than $102
b) Exactly $102
c) Less than $102
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer

Q2 Imagine that the interest rate on your savings account was 1 per cent per year and inflation was 2 per cent per year. After one year, how much would you be able to buy with the money in this account?
a) More than today
b) Exactly the same as today
c) Less than today
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer

Q4 Do you think that the following statement is true or false? “Buying a single company stock usually provides a safer return than a stock mutual fund.”
a) True
b) False
d) Do not know
e) Refuse to answer

The “Big Three” financial literacy questions were created by Professors Annamaria Lusardi of the George Washington School of Business and Olivia Mitchell, of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. 

Answers: Q1 More than $102 (compound interest). Q2 Less than today (inflation). Q3 False (diversification).

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Emirates Cricket Board Women’s T10

ECB Hawks v ECB Falcons

Monday, April 6, 7.30pm, Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The match will be broadcast live on the My Sports Eye Facebook page

 

Hawks

Coach: Chaitrali Kalgutkar

Squad: Chaya Mughal (captain), Archara Supriya, Chamani Senevirathne, Chathurika Anand, Geethika Jyothis, Indhuja Nandakumar, Kashish Loungani, Khushi Sharma, Khushi Tanwar, Rinitha Rajith, Siddhi Pagarani, Siya Gokhale, Subha Srinivasan, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish

 

Falcons

Coach: Najeeb Amar

Squad: Kavisha Kumari (captain), Almaseera Jahangir, Annika Shivpuri, Archisha Mukherjee, Judit Cleetus, Ishani Senavirathne, Lavanya Keny, Mahika Gaur, Malavika Unnithan, Rishitha Rajith, Rithika Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Shashini Kaluarachchi, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Vaishnave Mahesh

 

 

Florence and the Machine – High as Hope
Three stars

Total eligible population

About 57.5 million people
51.1 million received a jab
6.4 million have not

Where are the unvaccinated?

England 11%
Scotland 9%
Wales 10%
Northern Ireland 14% 

Winners

Best Men's Player of the Year: Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

Maradona Award for Best Goal Scorer of the Year: Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

TikTok Fans’ Player of the Year: Robert Lewandowski

Top Goal Scorer of All Time: Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United)

Best Women's Player of the Year: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona)

Best Men's Club of the Year: Chelsea

Best Women's Club of the Year: Barcelona

Best Defender of the Year: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus/Italy)

Best Goalkeeper of the Year: Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG/Italy)

Best Coach of the Year: Roberto Mancini (Italy)

Best National Team of the Year: Italy 

Best Agent of the Year: Federico Pastorello

Best Sporting Director of the Year: Txiki Begiristain (Manchester City)

Player Career Award: Ronaldinho

Updated: February 09, 2022, 7:55 AM`
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