Islamic State fighters battle militants in northern Syria

BEIRUT — Activists say Syrian militants are sending reinforcements to fight the Islamic State group in the northern province of Aleppo, where they say the rival factions are battling near the Turkish border.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and Abu al-Hassan Marea, who is currently in Turkey near the Syrian border, said that the battles were raging Tuesday between the two rival sides on the northern edge of Aleppo province.

Islamic State fighters captured four villages and a town from al-Qaida's branch in Syria, the Nusra Front, and its allies over the past days in battles in the area.

The fighting came a day after US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said authorities heard reports forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar Assad launched airstrikes supporting the Islamic State group's advance.