DHAKA: A landmark temporary truce has come into effect in Syria.

If the "cessation of hostilities" holds it would be the first time a pause in Syria's five-year civil war has been negotiated by world powers, reports the BBC.

In the run-up to the midnight (22:00 GMT) deadline, US President Barack Obama warned the Syrian government and Russia "the world will be watching".

Russian jets were reported to have intensified attacks on Syrian rebel positions on Friday.

Meanwhile, the UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura has announced that peace talks will resume on 7 March if the truce "largely holds".

BDST: 0820 HRS, FEB 27, 2016
RS