'Heavy fighting' as Islamic State defends last stronghold in Syria

Islamic State (IS) fighters are using booby traps in a last-ditch bid to stop US-backed troops closing in on their final stronghold in Syria, according to forces fighting the terror group.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said "heavy fighting" was taking place on the outskirts of Baghouz but they "expect it to be over soon" as they advance on two fronts against IS.

SDF commander Zana Amedi said an "an active ground force" was advancing into IS-held territories and the extremists have resorted to sniper fire and booby traps.

Two helicopters for the US-led coalition were seen circling the area of fighting on Saturday, while a loud explosion was heard later and thick black smoke was seen billowing into the sky, apparently from a coalition airstrike.

Sky News senior correspondent Lisa Holland said IS were now cornered in "a tiny spec of land about half a kilometre square" having controlled a third of Iraq and a third of Syria at one time.