Kurds expel ISIL from Kobane as Iraq retakes Diyala

Kurdish fighters have reportedly expelled the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) jihadists from the Syrian border town of Kobane after more than four months of fighting, while Iraqi forces announced landmark gains in the eastern Iraqi province of Diyala.

Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP that fighters from the People's Protection Units (YPG) had "expelled all Islamic State fighters from Kobane and have full control of the town."       

"The Kurds are pursuing some jihadists on the eastern outskirts of Kobane, but there is no more fighting inside now."       

The loss of Kobane, also known as Ayn al-Arab, would be a key symbolic blow against ISIL, which has lost more than 1,000 fighters trying to capture the town since Sept. 16, 2014.

At one time it looked set to overrun the town, which lies on the Syrian-Turkish border, with its superior firepower and waves of foreign fighters.

But Kurdish fighters backed by U.S.-led air strikes have gradually pushed back the jihadists, with analysts saying the loss could put the brakes on their plans for expansion in Syria.

On the same day, a top army officer announced that Iraqi forces have "liberated" Diyala from the ISIL, retaking all populated areas of the eastern province.

"We announce the liberation of Diyala from the (ISIL) organization," Staff Lt.-Gen. Abdulamir al-Zaidi said.

Iraqi forces have regained "complete control of all the cities and districts and sub districts of Diyala province," he said.

The last battle for a populated part of the province took place from Jan. 23 to yesterday in the Muqdadiyah area, northeast of Diyala capital Baquba.

Zaidi and district council chief...