DHAKA: Syrian forces and their allies have retaken the central town of al-Qaryatain from so-called Islamic State (IS), dealing a further strategic blow to the militant group.

Syria state media say, reports the BBC.

It comes days after IS was pushed out of the nearby ancient city of Palmyra.

IS captured al-Qaryatain in August, and abducted hundreds of residents, including dozens of Christians. Many were later freed.

A monitoring group said there were still pockets of fighting in the town.

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Sunday there were still IS fighters in the eastern parts of the town, but that they were withdrawing.

If the government reasserts its control over al-Qaryatain, it would be a further boost for President Bashar al-Assad, whose forces - backed by Russian air strikes - have made a string of gains against rebels in recent months.

BDST: 2212 HRS, APR 04, 2016
RR