Syrian government forces withdraw from central city of Homs as insurgent offensive accelerates BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and that government forces had withdrawn from the central city of Homs. Bassem Mroue And Zeina Karam, The Associated Press Dec 7, 2024 1:16 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message Syrian opposition fighters remove a government Syrian flag from an official building in Salamiyah, east of Hama, Syria Syria, Saturday Dec. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed) BEIRUT (AP) — Insurgents' stunning march across Syria accelerated Saturday with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital and that government forces had withdrawn from the central city of Homs. The government was forced to deny rumors that President Bashar Assad had fled the country. The loss of Homs is a potentially crippling blow for Assad. It stands at an important intersection between Damascus and Syria’s coastal provinces of Latakia and Tartus — the Syrian leader’s base of support and home to a Russian strategic naval base. The pro-government Sham FM reported that government forces took positions outside Syria’s third-largest city, without elaborating. Rami Abdurrahman who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said Syrian troops and members of different security agencies have withdrawn from the city, adding that rebels have entered parts of it. The capture of Homs is a major victory for insurgents, who have already seized the cities of Aleppo and Hama , as well as large parts of the south, in a lightning offensive that began Nov. 27. Analysts said Homs falling into rebel hands would be a game-changer. The rebels' moves around Damascus, reported by the monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions, led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaida and is considered a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad's government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country's long-running civil war, the government now has control of only three of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Latakia and Tartus. The U.N.’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition.” Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad's chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people.” In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria's border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told The Associated Press, and those still open ran out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle (in Damascus) or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018, when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a yearslong siege. The U.N. said it was moving noncritical staff outside the country as a precaution. Assad's status Syria’s state media denied social media rumors that Assad left the country, saying he is performing his duties in Damascus. He has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia, is busy with its war in Ukraine . Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad's forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that that the United States should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a U.N. resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with U.N.-supervised elections. Later Saturday, foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit to discuss the situation in Syria. No details were immediately available. The insurgents' march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. A commander with the insurgents, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaida, ditching hard-line officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. The shock offensive began Nov. 27, during which gunmen captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama , the country’s fourth largest city. Opposition activists said Saturday that a day earlier, insurgents entered Palmyra, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra including the main Baath City, activists said. Syrian Observatory said government troops have withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces. The Syrian army said in a statement that it carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists." The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area,” apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar's top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticized Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there is a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. ____ Karam reported from London. Associated Press writers Albert Aji in Damascus, Syria and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad contributed to this report. Bassem Mroue And Zeina Karam, The Associated Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More World News An archbishop's knock formally restores Notre Dame to life as winds howl and heads of state look on Dec 7, 2024 12:31 PM Trump is welcomed by Macron to Paris with presidential pomp and joined by Zelenskyy for their talks Dec 7, 2024 9:29 AM An explosion destroys an apartment block in a Dutch city, killing at least 3 and injuring others Dec 7, 2024 8:47 AM Featured FlyerSEATTLE (AP) — Great Osobor and Zoom Diallo each scored a dozen points and Washington rolled to a 90-53 win over NJIT Sunday in its final tune-up before diving full-time into the Big Ten season. The Huskies bounced back from an upset loss at the hands of Seattle U that snapped a 19-game win streak against the cross-town rival. Osobor opened the game with a three-point play in the first minute and followed it with a layup and the Huskies raced to a 20-point lead by intermission, 46-26. Washington's bench saw plenty of playing time with four players scoring at least nine points. Diallo led the bench effort with 12 points, five assists and a pair of steals. Wilhelm Briedenbach finished with 10 points and five rebounds. Sebastian Robinson was 5 of 22 from the field, including 0-for-4 from distance, but led the Highlanders (2-12) with 16 points. Tim Moore Jr. added 14 points and Ari Fulton contributed 11. The Huskies will look look for their first Big Ten Conference victory after an 0-2 start when they play host to Maryland on Thursday and No. 24 Illinois on Sunday. NJIT returns home to host Medgar Evers on Saturday. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball
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CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- Eight-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick , architect of one of the greatest sports dynasties of all time and renowned as one of the top leaders ever to coach the game, is the University of North Carolina's new head football coach. Belichick, the second-winningest coach in NFL history, agreed to a five-year deal pending approval by the University's Board of Trustees and Board of Governors. A news conference will be held at a time to be determined to formally introduce the Tar Heels' new coach. "This is an exciting day for Carolina football and our University,'' said chancellor Lee H. Roberts. "Carolina is committed to excellence and to creating an opportunity to succeed in everything we do, from the classroom to the field of competition. I know after speaking with Coach Belichick that he shares that commitment. His legacy speaks for itself, and we look forward to working together on the next chapter of Carolina football." Said Carolina director of athletics Bubba Cunningham: "We know that college athletics is changing, and those changes require new and innovative thinking. Bill Belichick is a football legend, and hiring him to lead our program represents a new approach that will ensure Carolina football can evolve, compete and win -- today and in the future. At Carolina, we believe in providing championship opportunities and the best experience possible for our student-athletes, and Coach Belichick shares that commitment. We are excited to welcome him to Chapel Hill." Belichick, who holds the NFL record for most Super Bowl wins (six with the New England Patriots as head coach and two more with the New York Giants as defensive coordinator), said: "I am excited for the opportunity at UNC-Chapel Hill. I grew up around college football with my Dad and treasured those times. I have always wanted to coach in college and now I look forward to building the football program in Chapel Hill." A three-time AP NFL Coach of the Year (2003, 2007, 2010), Belichick has an all-time NFL head coaching record of 333-178 (.652) and is only 14 NFL wins away from the overall wins record. He is a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2000s and the 2010s, and he also was a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team and holds the record for most NFL Playoff victories (31). Belichick began his coaching career in 1975 as an assistant for the Baltimore Colts and became the defensive coordinator of the New York Giants in 1985, where he won two Super Bowls under Bill Parcells. He was named head coach of the Cleveland Browns in 1991 and was at the helm for five seasons. He also coached with the New England Patriots and New York Jets before becoming the head coach of the Patriots in 2000. In 24 seasons under Belichick as a head coach, New England won 17 AFC East titles, made 13 AFC Championship appearances, and nine Super Bowl appearances. Belichick also has ties to North Carolina. Belichick's father, Steve, was an assistant football coach for the Tar Heels from 1953-55 before going on to become assistant coach for more than three decades at the United States Naval Academy. There, Bill Belichick attended team meetings and film sessions with his father. He knew how to diagram complex plays before he became a teenager and credits his dad for teaching him the details of football at a young age. He graduated in 1975 from Wesleyan University, where he played football and lacrosse. He has three children: Amanda, Stephen and Brian. Chapel Bill 😎 pic.twitter.com/Z61LnVYGKe — Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) December 12, 2024 Excited is an understatement 🤩 #CarolinaFootball | #ChapelBill pic.twitter.com/aTCTO8fiea — Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) December 12, 2024 Welcome home, coach 🐏🩵 #CarolinaFootball | #ChapelBill pic.twitter.com/v4Z0Rp6j7K — Carolina Football (@UNCFootball) December 12, 2024
KASPER SCHMEICHEL held an on-field inquest after Celtic fell a goal behind to Club Brugge. But no fingers were pointed. 4 Kasper Schmeichel had sympathy with Cameron Carter-Vickers Credit: EPA 4 The defender's howler put Celtic up against it 4 But Diazen Maeda came to the rescue with a cracking finish Credit: Getty Likewise Brendan Rodgers refused to heap the blame on Cameron Carter-Vickers for his no-look backpass that trundled into the net. It gave the Hoops a mountain to climb - but they did thanks to Daizen Maeda's slip and strike in the second half . VAR also had a hand in ruling out another Brugge strike for a trailing leg offside. Celtic had looked improved after the break and Schmeichel reckons the chance to reset at the interval played a big part in the point that could prove pivotal further down the line. Read More Celtic stories BILL LECKIE Point proven by Celtic after Brugge battle - these nights are becoming the norm STRUGGLING BHOY Celtic hero pinpoints the Hoops star who left him 'disappointed' vs Brugge They now sit comfortably within the play-off positions in the new-look League phase - and are guaranteed to stay there into the new year . But it didn't seem that way after a slow start and then shocking howler from the American defender during an almighty defensive mix-up. Schmeichel explained: “The goal was one of those things. I was showing for a pass from Nicolas Kuhn but he hasn’t passed to me. “Cameron was surprised by it and he’s been pressed. Most read in Football BLUES BROTHERS Club Brugge fans sing Gers song as they march to Celtic Park for Euro clash Celtic 1 Club Brugge 1 Maeda spares Carter-Vickers' blushes as Hoops plug away to big point EYES FRONT Rangers boss Philippe Clement opens up on talks with new CEO Patrick Stewart BUS BEAST Kilmarnock fan famous for foul-mouthed post-match rants exposed as paedophile “It’s so loud in here and I was screaming at him that I wasn’t in the goal. It’s one of these things - it happens. “It’s important when things like that happen that you have a reset. Celtic have had 'Trampoline Effect' since Borussia Dortmund mauling, says Brendan Rodgers “They were having a little too much time on the ball and a little too much joy. It was important for us to shore things up. “On reflection, I don’t think we were ourselves in the first half. We didn’t get up to the tempo of the game and didn’t play up to the intensity of it. “Luckily, we had half-time to change that and things were better in the second half. “There were chances for us to win it and chances for them to win, so we have to be reasonably happy.” 4 On goal hero Maeda, the veteran keeper added: “He’s a top-class player. “He’s been playing in China with Japan and travelling. He’s played two games in a short period of time. “But he has that output and that energy . We know about his quality but the energy drives the team.” Read more on the Scottish Sun LOOKING UP I'm a four-time world champ but my eyesight is going so I've made crucial change ISLE SAY Stunning home with panoramic views for sale for just £135k - but there's a catch Hoops captain Callum McGregor added: “They edged it in the first half and we edged it in the second so it’s a fair result in the end. “This is a tough level. It’s a steady point and keeps us moving in the right direction.” Keep up to date with ALL t h e latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football pageThe jihadi rebels who toppled Syrian President Bashar Assad say they want to build a unified, inclusive country. But after nearly 14 years of civil war, putting that ideal into practice will not be easy. For Syria’s Kurdish minority, America’s closest ally in the country, the struggle for a new order is entering a potentially even more challenging phase. Over the course of Syria’s civil war , Kurdish fighters have fended off an array of armed factions, partnered with the U.S. to rout the Islamic State group and carved out a largely autonomous region in the country’s oil-rich east. But the gains of the non-Arab Kurds are now at risk. The ascendance of the Sunni Arab rebels who overthrew Assad — with vital help from Turkey, a longtime foe of the Kurds — will make it hard for the Kurds to find a place in the new Syria and could prolong the conflict. The jihadi rebels who rode into Damascus over the weekend have made peaceful overtures to the Kurds. But the rebels violently drove Kurdish fighters out of the eastern city of Deir al-Zour days after government forces abandoned it. To the north, a separate opposition faction backed by Turkey that has been battling the Kurds for years seized the town of Manbij. And Turkey carried out airstrikes on a Kurdish convoy it said was carrying heavy weapons looted from government arsenals. The Kurds have long counted on U.S. aid in the face of such challenges. Around 900 American troops are in eastern Syria, where they partner with Kurdish forces to prevent an Islamic State resurgence . But the future of that mission will be thrown into doubt under president-elect Donald Trump, who has long been skeptical about U.S. involvement in Syria. Here's a closer look at the predicament the Kurds find themselves in. The Kurds are among the largest stateless ethnic groups in the world, with some 30 million concentrated in a territory straddling Turkey, Iran, Iraq and Syria. They are a minority in each country and have often suffered persecution, which has fueled armed Kurdish uprisings. In Syria, they carved out an autonomous enclave early in the civil war, never fully siding with the Assad government or the rebels seeking to topple him. When the Islamic State group seized a third of the country in 2014, Kurdish fighters — who are secular and include women in their ranks — proved their mettle in early battles against the extremists, earning support from the U.S.-led coalition. They formed a group known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, which also includes Arab fighters, and drove the Islamic State group out of large areas of Syria with help from U.S.-led airstrikes and American special forces. In 2017, these Kurdish-led forces captured Raqqa, the capital of the extremists' self-styled caliphate . Turkey has long viewed the SDF as an extension of the decades-old Kurdish insurgency within its own borders. It considers the main Kurdish faction a terrorist group on par with the Islamic State and has said it should have no presence in the new Syria. In recent years, Turkey has trained and funded fighters known as the Syrian National Army, helping them wrest control of territory from the Kurds in northern Syria along the border with Turkey. These Turkish-backed fighters have portrayed themselves as part of the opposition against Assad, but analysts say they are largely driven by opportunism and hatred of the Kurds . The Kurds have focused on battling the SNA in recent years. But the new leadership in Damascus, which also has longstanding ties to Turkey, could open another, much longer front. The main rebel faction is led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly known as Abu Mohammed al-Golani , a former al-Qaida militant who cut ties with the group eight years ago and says he wants to build a new Syria free of dictatorship that will serve all its religious and ethnic communities. Nawaf Khalil, head of the Germany-based Center for Kurdish Studies, said the early signs were positive. He said the rebels steered clear of two SDF-controlled enclaves of Aleppo when they stormed the city two weeks ago at the start of their rapid advance across the country. “It is also positive that they did not speak negatively about the Syrian Democratic Forces," he said. It remains to be seen if those sentiments will endure. After sweeping into Deir al-Zour this week, a fighter from al-Sharaa's group posted a video saying they would soon advance toward Raqqa and other areas of eastern Syria, raising the possibility of further clashes with the Kurds. The rebels could still seek some kind of agreement with the Kurds to incorporate them into the post-Assad political order, but that would likely require accepting a degree of Kurdish autonomy in the east. It would also risk angering Turkey, which now appears to be the chief power broker in Syria. The top U.S. military commander for the Middle East, Army Gen. Erik Kurilla, met with SDF forces in Syria on Tuesday, in a sign of the Biden administration's commitment to the alliance post-Assad. But things could change on Jan. 20. Trump has provided few details about his Middle East policy, aside from saying he wants to end the region's wars and keep the United States out of them. In a social media post shortly before Assad was overthrown, Trump wrote that “Syria is a mess, but is not our friend, & THE UNITED STATES SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. THIS IS NOT OUR FIGHT.” During his previous term, in 2019, Trump abandoned the Kurds ahead of a Turkish incursion, casting it as the fulfillment of a campaign promise to end U.S. involvement in the region's “endless wars.” The move prompted heavy criticism, including from prominent Republicans who accused him of betraying an ally. Trump backtracked weeks later, approving a wider mission to secure oil fields in the east. The troops remained where they were and the alliance endured. Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue in Beirut contributed. Follow the AP's Syria coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/syria
Saving children from stuntingAt least 179 people have been killed after a passenger plane skidded and crashed while trying to land at Muan International Airport in South Korea in one of the country’s worst aviation disasters. The Boeing 737-800 Jeju Air flight crash-landed at an airport in South Korea on Sunday. Rescue team carry the body of a passenger at the site of a plane fire at Muan International Airport in Muan, South Korea [Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo] A total of 179 of the 181 people onboard the flight were killed, with just two survivors, both cabin staff, pulled from the burning wreckage. The plane landed at Muan International about 290km southwest of the capital Seoul. Video footage has been released of the plane seen skidding off the runway and crashing into a wall in a fiery explosion. Flight 2216 had been returning from Bangkok, Thailand with six crew and 175 passengers, many of them holidaymakers. Distraught families gathered in the airport’s arrival hall in tears, as they waited for bodies to be identified. Some of those killed have only been identifiable by their fingerprints. Maeng Gi-su, 78, told the BBC his nephew and his nephew’s two sons had been on the plane. It was the family’s first trip abroad, to mark the youngest son finishing his college entrance exams. “I can’t believe the entire family has just disappeared. My heart aches so much,” he said. The passengers included 173 South Koreans and two Thai nationals. They were aged between 3 and 78, although most were in their 40s, 50s and 60s, South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported. The National Fire Agency reported that the crash is believed to have been caused by “contact with birds, resulting in malfunctioning landing gear” as the plane attempted to land at the airport. The South Korean government has declared seven days of national mourning over the plane crash. Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims. Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been ordered to investigate if Thai passengers were on the plane and to provide “assistance immediately”, the prime minister said in a post on social media. Jeju Air, one of South Korea’s largest low-cost carriers, which was set up in 2005, issued an apology for the crash, saying it would “do everything in our power in response to this accident. Author Recent Posts Former US President Jimmy Carter Dies at 100 - December 30, 2024 South Korea plane crash kills 179 in one of country’s worst aviation disasters - December 30, 2024 NZ:Hero mum dies saving daughter and nephew from rip at a Northland Beach - December 28, 2024 RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR Former US President Jimmy Carter Dies at 100 A Beautiful Christmas Message from His Highness the Head of State of Samoa St Joseph’s College Appoints New Principal LEAVE A REPLYAlyssa Nakken leaves Giants for Guardians: report
Penn State's polarizing QB Drew Allar puts critics on mute and keeps winning gamesThe AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . TOWSON, Md. (AP) — Marcus Banks scored 22 points as UMBC beat Towson 84-71 on Saturday. Banks shot 8 for 18, including 5 for 11 from beyond the arc for the Retrievers (6-5). Josh Odunowo scored 17 points and added five rebounds and three steals. Anthony Valentine had 17 points and shot 7 of 9 from the field, including 1 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 2 for 5 from the line. Dylan Williamson finished with 21 points for the Tigers (4-6). Tyler Tejada added 18 points and nine rebounds. Mekhi Lowery also had 12 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks. UMBC took the lead with 19:03 left in the first half and never looked back. The score was 38-24 at halftime, with Valentine racking up 11 points. UMBC extended its lead to 59-38 during the second half, fueled by a 7-0 scoring run. Banks scored a team-high 13 points in the second half. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
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Cebu basilica’s strict dress code to stayWhen a perfume promises intensity, I always approach with a discerning eye—or in this case, a carefully tuned nose. But as soon as I sprayed , I knew I had found a fragrance worthy of its name. Bold yet balanced, this one carried high expectations and I’m here to say, it delivered. But let’s rewind — what is , and how exactly does it compare to the original, you may be wondering? Well, first off, if you’re a vanilla girl like me, you’re in luck. The initial spritz opens with creamy vanilla—warm and inviting without feeling overly sweet. You’re not going to smell edible with this one, but it’s still comforting, yet not predictable (let’s be honest — we’ve had a lot of vanillas come out this year, that pretty much all smell the same). The fragrance unfolds with a refined lavender note that elevates the composition. Unlike traditional lavender scents that can feel sharp or medicinal, this one is seamlessly integrated, adding an airy, sophisticated dimension. As the fragrance develops, the smoky depth of vanilla wood takes center stage. This unique addition to the “quatuor vanilla” blend adds a layer of intrigue. The patchouli in the base further grounds the scent, giving it an earthy, textured quality. But buyer beware, if you’re not a fan of patchouli — which I am — this scent won’t be for you. Together, these elements create a warm, earthy, gourmand-woody profile. Compared to the original (which quickly became a fan fave), the Intense version amps up the drama as the name would suggest. When does intensity not come with a bit of drama? The added smoky vanilla wood and bolder lavender notes make it richer and more complex, making it suitable for both men and women. While the original feels breezy and light—perfect for daytime wear— is rich, dense and thick, designed for fall/winter evenings or when you want a touch of boldness. Before I even reached for the bottle, I’d heard whispers about this fragrance—some good, some bad. But those who loved it, truly it, so I knew I had to make a determination for myself. Fragrance lovers on social media (#PerfumeTok, specifically) were raving about its smoky depth and addictive sweetness. Naturally, I was intrigued. Could it really live up to the hype? As someone who’s sniffed and sampled my way through countless perfumes, I’ve learned that not all buzz-worthy launches deliver. But turned out to be the rare exception. For me, the fragrance’s genesis is as compelling as its scent. Inspired by actress Emma Mackey’s powerful journey alongside a pride of lionesses, this fragrance really is a narrative of strength, self-discovery, and unapologetic femininity. Then there’s the design. The bottle, with its clean lines and golden hue, feels like a statement of understated luxury. Sitting on my vanity, it looks like it belongs—a perfect balance of elegance and modernity. One of the most exciting aspects of is its versatility. It pairs beautifully with complementary scents that enhance its warm and gourmand character. To amplify its creamy vanilla undertones, layering it with a vanilla-focused scent like or works wonders. The added sweetness creates a plush, enveloping cloud that feels comforting yet indulgent. If florals are your preference, pairing Goddess Intense with a rose-forward scent like can add a fresh, romantic twist. The lavender in blends effortlessly with the delicate floral notes, giving the fragrance a sophisticated, modern edge. And then finally, for an evening look, layering it with a smoky, spicy perfume such as elevates the amber and cocoa in , creating a seductive, unforgettable scent combination. These combinations highlight the versatility of , showcasing its ability to adapt beautifully whether you’re dressing up or adding subtle elegance to your everyday routine. My final thought — it doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime fragrance lover or someone new to exploring perfumes, this one is worth a try.
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