This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/isis-raqqa-latest-news-cut-off-syria-us-backed-sdf-fighters-kurdish-forces-islamic-state-daesh-isil-a7814861.html

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Isis last escape route from Raqqa 'cut off' by US-backed SDF fighters, says Syrian monitoring group Isis last escape route from Raqqa 'cut off' by US-backed SDF fighters, says Syrian monitoring group
(35 minutes later)
US-backed forces have cut off Isis's last escape route to the south of Raqqa, fully encircling the group's de facto capital, a Syrian war monitoring group has said. US-backed forces have completely surrounded the Isis-held city of Raqqa in Syria after cutting off militants’ last remaining escape route monitors have said.
More follows… The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had succeeded in “completely encircling” the group’s largest stronghold.
The alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias have been battling towards Raqqa for month with backing from US-led coalition air strikes.
The advance has seen them seize swathes of territory in northern Syria and prompting an incursion by Turkey, which sees some SDF factions as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) insurgent group.
Central Command, which is coordinating the anti-Isis Operation Inherent Resolve, did not immediately respond to The Independent’s request for confirmation.