Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighters carry their weapons in Raqqa's western neighbourhood of Jazra, Syria June 11, 2017. REUTERS/Rodi Said
3 years ago
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RAQQA –
The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) captured on Monday (June 12) two
neighborhoods, closing in on the Islamic State’s Syrian de facto capital of
Raqqa from the east and west of the city.
The
SDF, a US-backed group of Kurdish and Arab fighters, drove ISIS insurgents out
of al-Sina’a neighborhood east of al-Raqqa and Huteen neighborhood west of the
city, Hawar News Agency reported.
The
advance by the SDF came early in the morning after intense clashes during which
over 20 militants were killed, the agency added.
Fighting
is reportedly still ongoing between SDF fighters and ISIS optimists in the two neighborhoods.
The SDF
announced on Sunday (June 11) the opening of a third front inside the Islamic
State’s Syrian de facto capital of Raqqa, killing 11 militants .
The
SDF said the area of al-Romaniya, on the western outskirts of ISIS-held Raqqa,
is now free from the ultra-hardline group.
The
SDF fighters broke into a second front inside the northern Syrian town on Saturday
(June 10), capturing the western district of Sabahiyah.
SDF
Spokesman Talal Sido said during a press conference on Tuesday (June 6) the
group’s fighters have begun the operation to liberate Raqqa from ISIS
militants.
The
SDF have been advancing towards Raqqa on three fronts, and while progress has
been rapid, some fierce clashes have broken out as ISIS militants look to stem
the SDF’s advance.
(NRT)