Syrian army, allies cut off Islamic State supply route near al-Bab - monitor

Smoke rises from the northern Syrian town of al-Bab, Syria February 2, 2017. REUTERS/Khalil Ashawi

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian government forces advanced on the northern Islamic State-held city of al-Bab on Monday, cutting off the last supply route that connects it to militant strongholds further east towards Iraq, a monitor said.

Islamic State militants in the area are now effectively surrounded by the army from the south and by Turkish-backed rebels from the north, as Damascus and Ankara race to capture the largest Islamic State stronghold in Aleppo province.