Air strikes pound militant targets in Kobani

WASHINGTON – It was a small victory in a much larger battle. Amateur video uploaded to a social media website purports to show Kurdish fighters celebrating after recapturing areas close to the embattled Syrian town.

But from Kobani itself, plumes of smoke are visible.

U.S.-led coalition jets have been pounding suspected Islamic State targets after fierce shelling by the insurgents shook the town center.

Despite a dramatic increase in airstrikes, the militants have continued to shell the center of Kobani, and several mortars fell inside Turkey.

The battle for territory between Islamic State and Kurdish fighters has been ongoing for a month. And though Islamic State is pressing on, Kurds have so far been able to fend off a complete seizure.

VIDEO by Reuters