The Latest on developments in Syria (all times local):2:50 p.m.A Syria war monitoring group says 21 pro-government gunmen have been killed in clashes with the Islamic State group in southern Syria. Government forces backed by local and regional militias have been battling the militants for weeks in the countryside north of Sweida since the militants ambushed the city and its environs in July. His comments came days after Iran and Russia backed a military campaign in Idlib despite Turkey's pleas for a cease-fire. Syrian Government forces, backed by Russia and Iran, have been massing troops for weeks in preparation for an attack. The group says at least 23 IS fighters have been killed in the first 24 hours of battle.

Source: Fox News September 11, 2018 12:00 UTC