Members of the Ukrainian armed forces ride on armoured personnel carriers (APC) near Debaltseve, eastern Ukraine, February 12, 2015. Credit: Reuters/Gleb Garanich
Reuters: Fighting rages in run-up to Ukraine ceasefire
Ukraine and Russian-backed rebels fought fiercely across the east of the country on Friday despite a new peace deal brokered by Germany and France.
A ceasefire is due to come into effect from Sunday under the agreement, which also envisages a withdrawal of the heavy weapons responsible for many of the 5,000 casualties in the conflict that broke out almost a year ago.
MIDDLE EAST
U.S. says 15 more airstrikes launched against Islamic State. Air strikes in Syria kill at least 20 Islamic State fighters: monitor.
Islamic State militants attack Iraqi town near US base. ISIL fighters close in on major Iraqi airbase. Iraqi army repels attack on base hosting U.S. Marines: officials.
Al Qaeda seizes Yemen Army base as strife builds.
Yemen unrest: Saudi Arabia closes embassy. Italy, Germany close Yemen embassies as Al-Qaeda seizes army base.
Turkish police use water cannon on protesters decrying religion in schools.
American advisers, money shape Israel's election.
ASIA
Myanmar says 47 soldiers killed in clashes with rebels near China border. Myanmar clashes with rebels 'kill 47 soldiers'.
Pakistani Taliban attack Shia mosque in Peshawar. Worshipers killed in Peshawar mosque attack.
Pakistan army says 12 arrested over school massacre.
Musharraf: Pakistan and India's backing for 'proxies' in Afghanistan must stop.
China detains another senior army officer in graft probe.
N. Korea warns diplomats under Ebola quarantine: no more parties.
Sri Lanka minister optimistic about delaying war-crimes report.
Business leaders say clock is ticking for embattled Australian PM Abbott.
Nearly 200 whales stranded on New Zealand beach; 2 dozen dead.
AFRICA
Nigeria's 'Boko Haram' militants attack Chad for first time.
Uprooted South Sudanese fear the call to return home.
Egyptian police captain dies in Cairo bomb blast.
Egypt ready for Libya evacuations as IS hostage photos emerge.
Strike and protests on Tunisia-Libya border amid anger over tax.
US bank shuts down informal remittances to Somalia.
South Africa parliament chaos as Malema MPs heckle Zuma.
EUROPE
Ukraine battles persist ahead of cease-fire deadline. Ukraine crisis: Fierce fighting after Minsk peace deal.
8 soldiers dead in Ukraine despite peace agreement.
Putin tried to delay Ukraine ceasefire deal, EU summit told.
Russia says it will not release key Ukrainian prisoner.
Eurozone economy sees growth pick up.
Greece, Troika start talks on common reform ground.
Germany to mark 70th anniversary of Dresden firebombing.
AMERICAS
Violence flares in Venezuela on anniversary of 2014 fatalities.
Homeland Security to be put in charge of info sharing.
Oil's slump a blow to Mexico amid touted energy reforms.
Mexico condemns deadly police shooting in Washington state.
US 'at risk of mega-drought future'.
Canada confirms first case of mad cow disease since 2011.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
UN cracks down on ISIS financing by banning oil purchases.
Seized al-Qaeda laptop yields intelligence goldmine.
Egyptian army struggles to address terrorism in Sinai.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Central Banks are boosting their gold reserves.
Oil tops $60 for first time in 2015, industry cutbacks support.
Google's Vint Cerf warns of 'digital Dark Age'.
