World News Briefs -- February 23, 2016

BBC: Syria conflict: Warring parties accept US-Russia truce plan

The Syrian government and the main opposition umbrella group say they accept the terms of a deal to cease hostilities from Saturday.

The government said it would halt "combat operations" in line with the plan announced by the US and Russia.

But the opposition said its acceptance depended on government forces ending sieges and air strikes of civilians.

The deal will not apply to the two main jihadist groups in Syria, Islamic State (IS) and the rival al-Nusra Front.

Al-Nusra is an affiliate of al-Qaeda and forms part of a major rebel alliance that controls large parts of the country's north-west.

Read more ....

MIDDLE EAST

Syrian opposition and government accept truce. Syria government willing to accept cessation deal.

Syrian monitor estimates more than 370,000 dead in war.

Islamic State tightens grip on Syrian govt road to Aleppo.

Israel minister doubts Syria ceasefire will hold.

Lebanon vows to maintain Saudi ties despite tensions.

Saudi Arabia to put 32 on trial for spying for Iran.

Yemen conflict: Al-Qaeda joins coalition battle for Taiz.

Yemen army commander shot dead in Aden.

ASIA

U.S. air strikes aid Afghan forces against Islamic State.

Afghan army abandons three bases in Helmand province.

Afghan official: Date expected for Kabul-Taliban meeting. Powers meeting on Afghanistan see Taliban talks by March.

Tensions rising on DMZ, North Korean officer tells AP.

China signals no South China Sea backdown as foreign minister goes to U.S..

India caste unrest: Water supply 'partially restored' in Delhi.

Former Thai PM Thaksin warns on economy, says no deal with military.

AFRICA

Libyan Islamist militias 'lose key territory in Benghazi'.

Libya could soon run out of life-saving medicines: U.N..

Uganda elections: Besigye detained by police again.

Niger opposition rejects initial election results, citing fraud.

Burundi's Nkuruniza tells UN chief he will free prisoners.

Nigerian navy rescues hijacked oil tanker, 1 pirate killed.

Nigeria to train thousands of unemployed Delta youths.

EUROPE

Migrant arrivals to Europe this year top 110,000, up sharply from 2015.

Italy's navy rescues 700 migrants from six boats, four found dead.

Greece rages at neighbors as amid fears migrants could be halted.

Refugee crisis: Europe border closures to cause 'chaos'.

British business bosses say exit from EU would hit economy and jobs.

Germany says credibility of Ukraine peace deal at risk.

Italy summons U.S. ambassador after reports U.S. spied on Berlusconi.

Kosovo opposition pitches tents in anti-government rally.

Estonia jails three men over spying for Russian security services.

AMERICAS

Donald Trump is on course to win the 1,237 delegates he needs to be the GOP nominee.

Bolivia leader Evo Morales 'hopeful' over fourth term bid.

Rousseff campaign chief Santana surrenders to Brazilian police.

Americans say North Korea is a bigger enemy than ISIS.

Canada's Trudeau drops campaign promises and goes all in with deficits.

Peru oil spill pollutes Amazon rivers used by indigenous group.

Brazil plans to zap mosquitoes with radiation to halt spread of Zika virus.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Obama's plan to shut Guantanamo set for Congress. Pentagon to submit plan to close military prison at Guantanamo Bay.

US drones target jihadist ‘hideouts’ in Pakistan’s tribal areas.

Islamic State gets millions in ransom for abducted Christians.

2 Damascus-based jihadist groups swear allegiance to Al Nusrah Front.

Ex-commander: US losing ground against Islamic extremism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Wall Street extends losses as oil slides further.

Bill Gates backs FBI in battle with Apple over San Bernardino killer's phone.

Mars has 'widened its recall to 55 countries'.