Syrian Kurds plead for help to repel Islamic State advance

BEIRUT - Syrian Kurdish fighters have appealed to other Kurdish parties in the region for military aid to repel an advance by Islamic State fighters in northern Syria near the Turkish border, a Kurdish military official said on Thursday.

Islamic State fighters seized 16 Kurdish villages west of the predominantly Kurdish city of Ayn al-Arab, also known as Kobani, in a rapid advance in areas near the Turkish border.

Ocalan Iso, deputy commander of Kurdish forces in Kobani, told Reuters the Kurds were seeking support from other groups including the Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) to fend off the advance by Islamic State. Speaking via Skype, he said they wanted support "in all military aspects".