Russia backs new attacks on IS in Syria

Russian warplanes are supporting a Damascus government offensive against the Islamic State group in a town in central Syria, the military said yesterday.

The Russian defence ministry said the Syrian army was now completing the push to encircle IS militants in the town of Akerbat in Hama province.

Syrian troops have seized key heights in the area, cutting off avenues of supply for the militants, according to the Russian statement. The militants have started fleeing the area in small groups, making their way toward Deir el-zour, the largest city still under IS control, it said.