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 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| 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. | 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. |
| 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 UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) had succeeded in “completely encircling” the group’s largest stronghold. |
| The report came on the third anniversary of Isis leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi’s declaration of the so-called Islamic State. | |
| He made that announcement in Mosul’s famous Great Mosque of al-Nuri, which has since been destroyed by Isis and seized by advancing Iraqi government forces. | |
| Mosul and Raqqa were the group’s two largest stronghold, presenting symbolic and damaging targets for enemy forces. | |
| The alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias have been battling towards Raqqa for month with backing from US-led coalition air strikes. | The alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias have been battling towards Raqqa for month with backing from US-led coalition air strikes. |
| The SDF previously said it was on the verge of cutting off the last exit from the city, where concern is mounting for up to 100,000 trapped civilians. | |
| 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. | 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. | Central Command, which is coordinating the anti-Isis Operation Inherent Resolve, did not immediately respond to The Independent’s request for confirmation. |
| Thousands of Isis fighters are believed to have fled Raqqa into the group’s territory to the south, including the city of Deir Ezzor. |