World News Briefs -- February 26, 2016

Reuters: Syria fighting rages as cessation deadline nears

Syria's government and rebel groups have agreed to join a plan to cease hostilities on Saturday, Russia said, while fighting raged on several fronts as combatants sought to gain advantage hours before the agreement was due to start.

The U.S.-Russian "cessation of hostilities" accord is due to begin at midnight (2200 GMT on Friday). Warring parties had been required to accept by noon.

Under the measure, which has not been signed by the Syrian warring parties themselves and is less binding than a formal ceasefire, the government and its enemies are expected to halt firing to allow aid to reach civilians and peace talks to begin.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria conflict: Nearly 100 rebel groups 'will respect truce'.

As truce nears, Syria activists report heavy Russian strikes.

Syria conflict: Obama says next few weeks 'critical'.

U.S. sees capture of Syria town key to dismantling Islamic State.

Powerful Iraq Shi'ite cleric says PM's position at stake unless he reforms.

Iran votes in first key elections since nuclear deal. Iran elections: Crucial polls a test for Rouhani.

Israel blasts Iran's new cash-for-terrorists scheme aimed at rewarding families of 'martyrs'.

ASIA

Proposed North Korea sanctions dig deep, implementation falls to China.

Philippine army kills 42 Islamist militants in battles in south.

China adopts law on deep sea exploration.

India says economy to grow 7 to 7.75 percent in 2016/17: report.

Two days after fatal crash, another plane goes down in Nepal, killing two.

Japan opposition parties to merge with eye on July election.

Japan's population declines for first time since 1920s – official census. Japan population shrinks by one million census confirms.

AFRICA

French special forces waging 'secret war' in Libya - report.

Libya denies presence of French forces.

Chadian UN peacekeeper in Mali held for killing own commander.

Boko Haram sought terror training in Somalia, security chief says.

African leaders in Burundi to push for peace talks.

Burundi strife is turning more sinister, report finds.

UN chief to South Sudan: Respecting peace deal not an option.

EUROPE

Europe braces for major 'humanitarian crisis' in Greece after row over refugees.

130,000 refugees vanished after being registered in Germany – media report.

Austria falls out with mighty neighbor Germany in refugee crisis.

Greece slows migrant flow from islands to Athens. Greece seeks to stem migrant flow as thousands trapped by border limits.

Two years after uprising, Ukraine still battling corruption.

Putin to spy service: Defend Russian elections from foreign foes.

Irish general election: Voting is under way to elect new parliament. Ireland general election: polls open as Alliance hopes for Independents Day.

AMERICAS

Rubio and allies renew Trump attacks after wild debate.

Cuban migration spikes as U.S. relations with Havana thaw.

Haiti interim president appoints prime minister to help organize election.

Jamaican election: Labour Party wins narrow victory.

Brazil police widen corruption probe with raids over railway contracts.

Venezuela is shipping gold to pay debt.

Biden: Campaign rhetoric on Mexico "dangerous, damaging".

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

How the changing media is changing terrorism.

Pakistan is ‘very cooperative and very engaged in the fight against terrorism,’ Secretary Kerry tells Congress.

House intel committee blasts Pentagon over ISIS files.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

Alibaba in talks with several banks for up to $4 billion loan: WSJ.

Report: Digital global trade surges, brings profound changes.

China seeks to assure G20 over its economy.