Syrian force begins Raqqa offensive

A Us-backed Syrian force has begun an offensive to capture the northern city of Raqqa, the de facto capital of Islamic State, after months of clearing operations.

An American commander said the battle would be long and difficult, but success would deliver a “decisive blow” to the extremists.

By early afternoon yesterday, opposition activists said the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were trying to break into the city from the east, triggering intense clashes.

Raqqa was among the first cities captured by IS in January 2014, and has been the home of some of the group’s most prominent leaders. Talal Sillo, a spokesman for the SDF, confirmed operations had begun in co-ordination with the Us-led coalition. “We declare today the beginning of the great battle to liberate the city of Raqqa, the alleged capital of terrorism and terrorists,” he said. “Morale is high and military readiness to implement the military plan is complete.”