Islamic State militants are
retreating in parts of the strategic Syrian town of Kobane, a Kurdish official
has said.
Idriss Nassan told the BBC IS had lost control of more than 20% of the town in recent days.
US defence officials say hundreds of militants have been killed around Kobane as US-led air strikes intensify.
"Maybe in the few past days [Islamic State] was controlling about 40% of the city of Kobane, but now... less than 20% of the city is under control of [IS]...," he said.
US defence department spokesman John Kirby said "several hundred" militants had been killed in and around the besieged town, though "it could very well still fall" to IS.