In new push, Islamic State advances toward Syrian city of Palmyra

For the government forces, the capture effectively severs a highway linking Palmyra to the government-controlled T-4 air base and the provincial capital Homs, threatening government supply routes.

The development comes after intense clashes with government troops near the air base, and a week after the extremist group advanced toward natural gas fields to the north.

Al-Bayan radio reported that Islamic State militants took control of the deserted site, seized two government checkpoints guarding the air base and downed a military helicopter to the north of the base.