World News Briefs -- March 5, 2020

Al Jazeera: Erdogan, Putin announce Idlib ceasefire after Moscow meeting

Truce in Syria's last rebel stronghold to begin at midnight, presidents say, after lengthy meeting in Russian capital.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin have announced a military ceasefire in Idlib to begin at midnight on Thursday, after a meeting in Moscow that lasted six hours.

Idlib, the last rebel stronghold in Syria, has witnessed increased violence and bloodshed since last December, the start of a Russia-backed Syrian offensive to regain control over the region which resulted in Turkey sending thousands of troops into the province to repel the Syrian army.

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MIDDLE EAST

Russia, Turkey announce cease-fire in northwestern Syria.

Russian airstrikes kill more than a dozen civilians in Syria.

U.S. divided over support for Turkey in Syria, Jeffrey says.

Tensions escalate in Deraa, 'cradle of the Syrian revolution'.

Assad says Erdogan blackmailing Europe with refugees.

Syria says it intercepted Israeli missile attack near Golan Heights.

Iran says IAEA case for inspecting sites based on fake Israeli intel.

Israel razes homes of Palestinian bombing suspects.

Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed abducted daughters and threatened wife - UK court.

ASIA

Fighting in Rakhine, Chin states rages as Myanmar limits internet.

Afghan war crimes probe must go ahead says ICC judges.

Afghan political rivals divided over release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners.

China’s coronavirus death toll surpasses 3000.

Hong Kong authorities accused of seizing on coronavirus outbreak to pressure pro-democracy movement.

Japan postpones highly anticipated Xi, Abe summit.

India restores internet in Kashmir after 7 months of blackout.

Experts warn of more 'apartheid cities' following Delhi violence.

AFRICA

Libya conflict: Post-shelling, flights resume at Tripoli airport.

Kenya and Somalia leaders speak after heightened tensions.

Ivory Coast’s Ouattara says he won’t seek third term in October election.

Sudan's June crackdown killed 241 people, rights group says.

Algeria seeks 4-year prison term for protest leader.

South Africa confirms first coronavirus case. Coronavirus: South Africa's President Ramaphosa warns of crisis.

Trump extends sanctions against Zimbabwe.

EUROPE

Greece blocks 35,000 migrants, plans to deport arrivals after March 1.

Greece says it will deport asylum seekers who arrived after Turkey opened way to Europe.

Turkey to deploy 1,000 Special Forces at Greek border over refugees situation. Turkish police move to stop Greece pushing migrants back.

Five years on, ill-prepared EU sees migrants on its borders.

EU’s Barnier warns of big divergences with UK in talks.

Ukraine Parliament selects Denys Shmygal as new PM.

Ukraine's prosecutor general axed in parliament no-confidence vote.

AMERICAS

Warren to drop out of presidential race. Warren, once a frontrunner, ends her US presidential campaign.

Schumer walks back words he used on Supreme Court justices.

Empty stores, quarantined firefighters: Washington city at coronavirus epicenter reels as death toll rises.

Haiti's new PM calls for help in tackling ‘precarious socio-economic situation’.

Brazil economy slows in Bolsonaro's first year.

Nazi name lists in Argentina may reveal loot in Swiss bank.

Anger on Easter Island after truck crashes into sacred stone statue.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Jihadists kill five police in Nigeria's restive north.

Former soldier sentenced for attempting to provide support to ISIS.

Met officer suspected of belonging to group linked to terrorism.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

IMF provides $50bn to fight coronavirus outbreak.

Virus ripples through travel, energy, financial markets.

Trade group: Airline industry will lose at least $63B due to COVID-19.