Syrian government warplanes target IS militants attacking eastern air base
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Syrian activists say government warplanes have carried out at least eight strikes against Islamic State militants attacking a key military air base in eastern Syria.
The Local Coordination Committees, an activist collective, and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights say the airstrikes took place Sunday on four areas near the airfield, which is just outside the city of Deir el-Zour.
The Islamic State group launched its assault on the facility last week, touching off fighting that activists say has killed more than 150 people on both sides.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}For IS, seizing control of the base would eliminate the last significant government presence in the area and provide a major moral and propaganda boost.