A Turkish official said Syrian rebels are engaged in intense clashes with President Bashar Assad's forces for control of a border crossing on the frontier with Turkey.

According to The Associated Press, the official, who spoke on customary condition of anonymity in line with government rules, said Tuesday, Sept 18 that the two sides were engaged "in very fierce" battles near the border crossing of Tal Abyad.

The official said a woman was being treated in hospital in the Turkish border town of Akcakale after she was injured by a stray bullet.

The Turkish state-run Anadolu Agency said six Syrians injured in the clashes have been brought across the border for treatment. Some were in a life-threatening condition.

Authorities in Akcakale were telling residents living close to the frontier to evacuate the area.