11/10/2014 15:00
Kobane: Islamic State battles to encircle Syrian Kurds
Islamic State fighters have launched fresh attacks in the Syrian border town of Kobane in an attempt to encircle the Kurdish defenders, the BBC reported.
The IS militants attacked western parts of the town but have yet to take the border crossing point with Turkey.
The crossing point is a vital supply and exit route, correspondents say.
The US-led coalition is continuing air strikes against IS but the Kurds say they urgently need more weapons and ammunition.
The US has itself said that air strikes alone may not be able to save Kobane from IS.
Separately in Iraq, officials in western Anbar province made an urgent appeal for military help, saying the area could fall to Islamic State militants "in days."