U.S.-backed Syrian force starts battle to capture Raqqa from Islamic State

Source: Reuters

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said on Tuesday it had begun a battle to capture Raqqa, Islamic State's de facto capital in Syria, launching attacks from the east, west and north of the city.

In a phone interview with Reuters from Syria, SDF spokesman Talal Silo said the operation started on Monday and the fighting would be "fierce because Daesh (Islamic State) will die to defend their so-called capital".
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The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organization that reports on the war, earlier said the SDF attacked the eastern edge of Raqqa and a military base on the northern outskirts of the city on Tuesday.
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The U.S.-led coalition has said 3,000 to 4,000 Islamic State fighters are thought to be holed up in Raqqa city, where they have erected defenses against the anticipated assault. The city is about 90 km (56 miles) from the border with Turkey.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-raqqa-idUSKBN18X0LH?il=0