In the northeast of Syria, Kurdish forces say they have launched a major assault to seize the last government-controlled parts of the city of Hasaka. The Kurdish YPG militia says the offensive began on Monday after midnight, seeking to take the southeastern district of Nashwa, near the governor's office.

Fighting between the US-backed Kurdish forces and government forces began on Wednesday last week. Syria's military said on Sunday that a truce had been agreed in the city, but the YPG militia has denied that.