BEIRUT: At least 10 Syrian soldiers were killed on Tuesday in clashes with Islamic State group in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor, a monitor said.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the deaths came in fighting in Hawijat Sakr on the Euphrates River.

The clashes took place not far from Deir Ezzor military airport.

Elsewhere in Syria, the Observatory reported at least 12 people killed in Syrian regime airstrikes on the Ain Tarma area outside the capital Damascus. Among the dead were three children.

The neighborhood to the east of Damascus is under rebel control and is one of the areas regime forces have been battling to recapture from the opposition around the capital.

Although government forces control Damascus, rebels often fire missiles into the city from several strongholds on its outskirts.