BEIRUT (AP) — The Latest on developments in Syria (all times local):

6:15 p.m.

A Kremlin spokesman says President Vladimir Putin has sent his congratulations to Syrian President Bashar Assad after government forces breached the nearly three-year Islamic State siege of the eastern city of Deir el-Zour.

Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday that Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu had briefed Putin on "the completion of the operation to break the siege" of Deir el-Zour.

Putin hailed it as an "important strategic victory" and sent a telegram to Assad to congratulate him. Peskov says fighting in...