America says the fight with Islamic State for the the Syrian town of Kobani will be a "long-term battle".

The US has conducted six more airstrikes against I.S since Friday and the White House says it's made progress in halting the group's advance on the town.

But Kurdish forces fighting IS militants on the streets Kobani say they are struggling and have urged the US-led coalition to escalate airstrikes on IS.

Independent monitors claim more than 500 people have died in the month-long conflict near Turkey's border - including around 300 extremists.

Here's US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel.