Syrian rebels backed by Turkey recapture four towns and villages from the Syrian government forces in Idlib, raising the number of towns and villages recaptured since February 24 to 30. (SOHR)
Syrian government forces backed by Russianairstrikes recapture the city of Saraqib four days after its capture by the rebels. (SOHR)
The Taliban say there will be no intra-Afghan talks if about 5,000 of their prisoners are not released. (Reuters)
The Taliban announce the end of the period of reduction in violence. They say they will not attack foreign troops, but continue their operations against Kabul government troops. According to Belga news agency, it is unclear what the announcement means for the U.S.–Taliban agreement signed on February 29. (Belga via Het Laatste Nieuws)
Two dozen more cases are reported in the U.S., bringing the total number of infected Americans to 102. Four deaths also occur in the state of Washington, bringing the total death toll in the U.S. to six. Washington and Florida issue state emergencies. (CNN)
North Korea fires two short-range projectiles from the coast of Wonsan before landing in the sea dividing the Korean Peninsula and Japan. Japan's Defence Ministry says it had not detected any projectile landing in its territory and that no ship or aircraft in the area had been damaged. (The Guardian)
A hostage situation occurs at the V-Mall in San Juan, Philippines. The suspect, a disgruntled security guard, took about 60 to 70 people hostage and shot and injured another security guard. The crisis is resolved after ten hours, with the suspect being arrested following an official apology and the resignation of his bosses for alleged corruption. (CNN Philippines)