Syrian Democratic Forces make gains against Islamic State in Syria's al-Hasakah province

The Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-backed alliance of Arab, Kurdish and Assyrian rebel groups, is making gains against Islamic State forces in northeastern Syria's al-Hasakah province.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Tuesday reported the SDF, with help from U.S.-led coalition airstrikes, captured a farm and village from IS forces northeast of the provincial capital and advanced against the militants in the town of Homr, killing at least seven IS fighters, including a Dagestani commander.