World News Briefs -- Febraury 27, 2018



ABC News Online: Syria's Eastern Ghouta bombed despite Russia-backed truce, UN says

Fighting has raged on in the eastern Ghouta district of Syria, the United Nations says, despite a five-hour ceasefire called by President Bashar al-Assad's ally Russia.

"We have reports this morning there is continuous fighting in eastern Ghouta," UN humanitarian spokesman Jens Laerke told a briefing in Geneva.

"Clearly the situation on the ground is not such that convoys can go in or medical evacuations can go out."

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said helicopters dropped two bombs on one town in the enclave and a warplane struck another town during the truce.

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MIDDLE EAST

Syria: Russian-backed ceasefire takes effect in eastern Ghouta.

Fighting resumes in eastern Ghouta despite 'humanitarian pause'. Syria war: Shelling and strikes despite Eastern Ghouta 'pause'.

White House: Trump already put Assad 'on notice'.

Iraq seeks to lure investors to boost oil, gas output.

PLO: 3000 policemen dispatch to take control of Gaza.

Yemen's cholera epidemic likely to intensify: WHO.

Saudi king reshuffles military leaders, appoints female deputy minister.

Lebanon's Saad Hariri accepts invitation to visit Saudi Arabia.

Israel suspends plan to tax Jerusalem church properties.

ASIA

Trump sees talks with North Korea only under 'right conditions'.

White House: US-South Korean relations 'as strong as ever'.

North Korean officials return home after agreeing to continue improving ties with South Korea.

Kim Jong Un's murdered half-brother was scared for his life for months before being assassinated.

South Korean prosecutors demand 30 years in prison for Park Geun-hye.

Taiwanese military veterans protest pension cuts.

Pakistan turns to Russia in managing relations with the U.S..

Philippines pesos to US dollar exchange at 11-year lows.

Papua New Guinea earthquake: At least 14 killed amid landslides.

AFRICA

Somalia sees enemy al-Shabab weaken under U.S. military pressure.

Two Nigerian soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack.

South Africa: Cyril Ramaphosa purges Jacob Zuma allies in sweeping Cabinet reshuffle.

Top Burkina Faso generals on trial over failed 2015 coup.

Ghana's UN peacekeepers recalled in South Sudan over sex claims.

Egyptian president sidelines opponents, fuels election boycott despite expected cakewalk.

Khalifa Haftar, the general who wants to rule Libya.

Amid South Sudan's war, a Miss World pageant carries on.

EUROPE

Czech court releases Syrian Kurdish leader wanted on Turkish warrant.

Turkey condemns Czech release of Syrian Kurd leader.

Ukraine police say they've rearrested cybercrime ringleader.

Greek ministerial couple step down after housing subsidy scandal.

President Igor Dodon: Moldova needs a 'patriot' like Putin.

Chancellor Merkel enters 'Germans only' food bank furore.

Diesel ban approved for German cities to cut pollution.

Macron's state visit to US set for April 23-25.

AMERICAS

U.S. top court to mull rules on what voters can wear to polls.

Hope Hicks to appear before House panel in Russia probe.

Hearing canceled for accused Florida school shooter: attorney.

'Migrate or die': Venezuelans are flooding into Colombia — despite a crackdown by the government and backlash from the public.

Brazil military's growing role in crime crackdown fuels fears among poor.

El Salvador's military refuses to open archives for missing kids.

Mexico police officers sought over three missing Italians.

TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR

Afghan Taliban calls for direct talks with the US.

Tuareg militias battle Islamic State-loyal militants in northern Mali.

Now that the Islamic State has fallen in Iraq and Syria, where are all its fighters going?

Spike in African terrorism highlights the importance of Jihadist innovation.

ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS

OPEC chief expects 2018 oil market balance.

Fed Chair: US outlook strong, gradual rate hikes expected.

Rupert Murdoch's Sky bid challenged by Comcast.

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