CRI听力:Renewed Assault on Kobane

Fierce firefights are being reported between Kurdish fighters and Islamic State militants in the Syrian border town of Kobane.
 
US-led airstrikes on the Islamic State militants are said to be pushing them out of the town.

The Islamic State has been advancing on the strategically important town from three sides, sparking fears it could fall into the hands of the militants.

Kobane has been a primary route for Islamic State fighters getting into Syria.

Three weeks of fighting around Kobane has forced over 160-thousand Syrians to flee across the border into Turkey.

Meanwhile, in Turkey, Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu is calling for calm and restraint, with the conflict around Kobane sparking unrest among Turkey's ethnic Kurdish population.

At least 20 people have been killed and dozens of others hurt, as Kurdish protesters have clashed with police, demanding more action from the Turkish government against the Islamic State.

"I call for restraint and I call on all citizens to remain calm, follow the developments closely and rely on Turkish state and the power of Turkish government. Do not drag yourselves to chaos fulfilling the wish of certain circles."

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for the establishment of a buffer zone between Syria and Turkey.

However, the Turkish government has been unwilling to offer troops into the fight.