Syria army declares capital, outskirts 'completely secure'

Syria's army said today it has "completely" secured the capital Damascus and its outskirts after ousting the Islamic State group, marking a major milestone in the country's seven-year war.

"The Syrian army announces today that Damascus, its outskirts and surrounding towns are completely secure," a military spokesman said on state media.

The development came after troops had captured a southern portion of Damascus including the Palestinian refugee camp Yarmuk from IS, he said.