Syrian forces have attacked several opposition bastions despite a ceasefire pledge, according to activist reports, as Russia said the opposition would never defeat President Bashar al-Assad's army even if "armed to the teeth".

Meanwhile, several Gulf States have angered Damascus and its allies by pledging millions of dollars in support for rebel fighters.
The money has been ear-marked to pay for their salaries, but there are fears it will be used to buy more weapons, and widen the conflict even further.
Al Jazeera's Scott Heidler reports.