US-led air strikes have targeted Syrian oil installations held by the Islamic State group, killing nearly 20 people, as the militants released dozens of detainees in their de facto capital, activists said.

US fighter jets and bombers have pounded Islamic State targets in both Syria and Iraq.

US fighter jets and bombers have pounded Islamic State targets, striking the militants in both Syria and Iraq.

Islamic State (IS) fighters backed by tanks have captured 16 Kurdish villages over the past 24 hours in northern Syria near the Turkish border, prompting civilians to flee their homes amid fears of retribution by the extremists sweeping through the area, activists said.