Reuters: Russia, Syrian army pound rebels ahead of fighting halt
Russian warplanes bombed Syrian rebel-held areas in northwestern Syria and government forces pounded a suburb of the capital on Thursday, ahead of a planned halt to fighting which rebels predicted Damascus and Moscow would ignore.
The "cessation of hostilities" agreed by the United States and Russia is due to take hold on Saturday morning from midnight. But opponents of President Bashar al-Assad say they expect the government to press on with its advance, by branding opposition fighters al Qaeda militants unprotected by the truce.
Damascus has agreed to the deal, as has the main opposition alliance, though it is only ready to commit for two weeks given its deep reservations. But the government and its allies will be permitted to forge on with strikes against jihadist militants of Islamic State and an al Qaeda-linked group, the Nusra Front.
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MIDDLE EAST
U.N. to announce new round of Syria talks: envoy.
U.N. to announce new round of Syria talks: envoy.
Syrian army recaptures town in Aleppo province from IS group.
Showdown looming as IS influence grows in Syria’s Homs province.
Russian jets in Syria pound Latakia ahead of fighting halt.
Syria conflict: UN reports failure of first aid air-drop.
Yemen officials: UAE troops pull out, Aden airport is shut.
Hamas official: We're not seeking a war with Israel, our tunnels are defensive.
Moderates test hardliners' grip on power in Iran vote.
Saudi piles pressure on Lebanon for siding with Iran.
ASIA
China cites concerns on U.S. missile defense system in South Korea.
U.S. to submit 'significant' sanctions resolution on North Korea. UN draft text on N. Korea imposes mandatory cargo inspections.
Pakistan launches final drive on Taliban bastion.
UN diplomats: US and China agree on new NKorea sanctions.
China says 'really needs' South China Sea defenses in face of United States.
Sri Lanka appoints war winning army chief as minister.
Clashes erupt in north Myanmar over opium poppy fields.
Cambodian PM tells troops to fire rockets at illegal loggers.
Japan utility admits it delayed report of Fukushima meltdown.
Malaysia blocks access to news portal for violating media law.
AFRICA
Chadian UN peacekeeper kills own commander, doctor in Mali.
Thousands of West Africans gain identity documents, 1 million still stateless: U.N..
Libyan forces battle Islamic State in Sabratha, three killed.
Signs grow of new Western urgency to stop Islamic State in Libya.
US, UN welcome Libyan lawmakers' support of unity government.
Libya abuses: UN report documents killings and torture.
Nigeria army foils Boko Haram attack: military.
Nigerian Navy rescues second hijacked ship in a week.
Niger's Issoufou projected to win poll by large margin.
Several killed in al-Shabab mortar attack in Somalia.
Somali President: 180-200 Kenyan soldiers killed in January attack.
Egypt's President says criticism threatens the state.
Ugandans brace for Musenveni life presidency bid.
The 'WHITE squatter camps' of South Africa: Shanty towns built after the fall of Apartheid are now home to hundreds of families.
EUROPE
Europe's free travel will end unless Turkey halts migrant flow, officials say.
EU ministers meet to work on migrant issues. EU has 10 days to see progress on migrant crisis or Schengen unravels: EU commissioner.
Migrant crisis: Greece recalls ambassador from Austria amid EU rifts.
French judge allows partial demolition of Calais 'jungle'.
Ukraine: Uptick in fighting in Donbas area.
Exclusive: Ally of Ukrainian president accused of meddling in prosecution.
Azerbaijan sends note of protest to Russia over arms supply to Armenia.
Macedonia postpones elections until June amid opposition pressure.
European Parliament calls for Saudi arms embargo.
Year after Nemtsov killing, Russian opposition under threat.
AMERICAS
Debate another chance for Rubio, Cruz to try to slow Trump.
Obama weighs Republican for Supreme Court.
Obama says cautious about expectations for Syria deal.
Jamaicans vote in general polls amid austerity measures.
Kerry may meet with Colombia peace talks participants within days.
Cracks showing in Colombia peace process after latest crisis.
Bolivia's Morales admits loss in referendum on term limits.
As Venezuelan crisis deepens, U.S. baseball teams close academies.
Venezuela won't talk to Colombia about Zika — and that's a problem.
Argentine investigator says Nisman death points to murder.
Canada moves to repeal law that revokes citizenship in terror cases.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Carter: No Guantanamo announcement during Obama's Cuba trip.
Local IS chief captured in western Libya: ministry.
Government enlists tech giants to fight ISIS messaging.
GOP: Carter overruled Joint Chiefs chairman on Gitmo transfer.
Kerry on Gitmo detainee who returned to terrorism: ‘He’s not supposed to be doing that’.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
World stocks split with crude, rise despite oil drop.
Citi: Risk of global recession rising.
IMF warns global economy is 'highly vulnerable'. IMF warns the global economy is 'highly vulnerable'.
Apple boss Tim Cook hits back at FBI investigation.
Beijing overtakes NYC as 'billionaire capital of the world'.
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