Heavy Fighting Reported In Syria Hours Before A Ceasefire Is To Begin

Washington Post: Syrian opposition backs cease-fire even as battles rage in final hours

BEIRUT — Syria’s main opposition group pledged Friday to abide by a partial cease-fire backed by both rebel allies and foes, giving the plan a boost just hours before it was scheduled to take effect.

The Saudi-backed umbrella group, known as the Higher Negotiations Committee, said in a statement that 97 opposition factions would observe the agreement, which seeks to pause the multifaceted conflict that has killed more than 250,000 people, displaced millions and empowered extremist groups such as the Islamic State.

Meanwhile in Syria, warring groups clawed for final-hour gains before the cease-fire begins at midnight (5 p.m. EST).

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More News On Heavy Fighting Being Reported In Syria A Few Hours Before The Ceasefire Is To Begin

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Russia, Syria pound rebels with missiles and artillery ahead of ceasefire -- DW
Syria conflict: Russia 'steps up air strikes' ahead of truce -- BBC
Al Qaeda in Syria calls for more fighting as deadline nears -- Reuters
Syria ceasefire deadline looms, but fighting continues -- CNN
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Syrian opposition groups agree to respect two-week truce -- RT
About 100 armed groups in Syria agree to cease fire on February 27 -- TASS
Syrian rebel factions say they will respect two-week truce -- The Guardian
Putin: All relevant groups in Syria ready to comply with ceasefire -- Reuters
Obama says latest pact 'could end Syria's war' -- Al Jazeera
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Barack Obama warns Russia 'world will be watching' Syria ceasefire -- The Telegraph
A Ceasefire Is Beginning in Syria — Except Where It Won't -- Sam Heller, VICE News
Syria rebels agree to truce, but is it enough? -- CBS/AP
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