Syrian rebels have taken full control of the Tel Abyad border gate on the Turkish frontier after battling Syrian government forces overnight, a Turkish official said on Wednesday, Sept 19.

"I can confirm that the gate has fallen. It is under the complete control of the rebels," Reuters quoted the Turkish official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Television footage later showed Syrian rebels taking down the Syrian flag on top of a government building at the Tel Abyad border gate. Sporadic gunfire could be heard and black smoke rose from parts of what appeared to be a customs building.