BEIRUT:

US-backed Syrian forces are clearing two villages in eastern Syria of remaining Islamic State militants who are hiding among the local population, and detaining others attempting to flee with the civilians, the US-led coalition said Thursday.

The clearance operations are taking place in the villages of Shajalah and Baghouz, near the border with Iraq, a coalition statement said, hours after scores of militants from the Islamic State group – including many foreign fighters – surrendered to US-backed fighters known as the Syrian Democratic Forces on Wednesday night.

The developments brought the Kurdish-led force closer to taking full control of the last remaining area controlled by the extremists, a Kurdish official and activists said. (AP)