World News Briefs -- February 29, 2016

Reuters: Syria rebels say attacks by army and Russian planes threaten truce

The Syrian opposition warned on Sunday that attacks by the army, backed by Russian warplanes, threatened a U.S.-Russian deal for a cessation of hostilities with collapse and endangered future peace talks.

The agreement, which is in its second day and has drastically curbed violence but not stopped it entirely, is the first of its kind to be attempted in four years.

In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the opposition said violations would undermine international efforts to guarantee the continuation of the truce and lead to the collapse of the UN-adopted political process.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria’s cease-fire frays as Russia resumes airstrikes. UN chief says Syria truce holding despite growing breaches.


Thousands may have starved to death in Syria: UN.

U.S. leads 24 strikes against Islamic State in Iraq, Syria.

IS conflict: Baghdad bombings death toll rises to 70.

Iraq's Mosul Dam faces 'risk of catastrophic failure,' U.S. says.

Turkish military hits Islamic State positions inside Syria: broadcaster NTV.

Yemen conflict: air strike on market 'kills 30 people'.

ASIA

China bracing for North Korean response to new sanctions.

Afghan police suspected of aiding Taliban killed, detained by army.

Pakistan braces for violence after execution of Governor’s killer.

Philippines asks China to respect sea dispute arbitration.

China fixes yuan at four-week low despite pledge.

Missing Hong Kong booksellers paraded on Chinese TV.

North Korea says U.S. student confessed to stealing item with propaganda slogan.

AFRICA

Nigeria's Buhari orders investigation into Benue clashes.

At least 12 killed in eastern Congo by suspected Ugandan rebels.

Al-Shabab attack: 30 civilians killed in south Somalia.

Regional talks on al-Shabab urge resumption of military operations.

African Union plans to deploy military monitors to Burundi.

Crises give Eritrea routes for closer global engagement.

Police fire tear gas at supporters of Liberian anti-government activist.

Egypt migrant departures stir new concern in Europe.

EUROPE

Teargas fired as refugees try to breach Greece-Macedonia border. Desperate refugees riot at Greek-Macedonia border. Migrants charge through Macedonia fence on Greek border.

Merkel warns of `chaos' in Greece as refugees mass at border.

French authorities pull down homes in Calais 'Jungle' camp. France starts demolishing massive refugee camp known as the 'Jungle'.

Moscow expects no warming in relations with US after presidential elections — diplomat.

Irish rivals drag out stalemate, say both trying to form government.

Energy price slump sends eurozone into deflation.

Woman detained in Moscow carrying severed head of child.

AMERICAS

Poll: Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump have huge, commanding leads over their fields.

Racial feud erupts as Republicans fight 'unstoppable' Trump.

President Obama faces pivotal week in fight to replace Antonin Scalia.

Colombia: ELN rebels 'taking over Farc areas' ahead of peace deal.

Hard to find bread in shortage-stricken Venezuela.

Bolivian president's woes deepen as ex-girlfriend is held.

Zika outbreak concerns some athletes planning families.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Yemen: Al Qaeda controls more territory than Houthis, Islamic State

Nigeria's trouble with Islamist terrorism.

Boston bomber passed citizen test months before deadly attack: paper.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

U.S. shale's message for OPEC: above $40, we are coming back.

Putin summons top Russian oilmen on Tuesday: sources.

UK EU exit would be global economy 'shock' - G20 leaders.