Islamic State group seizes key Syrian town Qaryatain

The so called Islamic State group (IS) has seized a key town in Syria following heavy clashes with President Bashar Assad’s forces, in the militants’ biggest advance since capturing Palmyra in May.

The heavily populated town of Qaryatain lies south-west of the historic town of Palmyra, which is home to towering Roman ruins, and some 85 kilometres (53 miles) from Homs city.