Syrian Army Makes Headway in Raqqa

BELGRADE - The Syrian army continues to move into the northern province of Raqqa, home to the de facto capital of the self-claimed caliphate of the Islamic State (IS/ISIS/ISIL) group fighting in Syria and neighboring Iraq.

The army first pushed into Raqqa Saturday.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Syrian troops have reached the "administrative border" of Raqqa province, backed by Russian airstrikes.

According to the activist group, Syrian troops engaged with IS fighters along the highway that links Raqqa with the Hama province in the southwest.

Syrian troops are hoping to reach Lake Assad and the main road that links Raqqa to Aleppo, another IS stronghold.

IS extremists have held Raqqa city since 2013 when it seized the city from rebels opposing President Bashar al-Assad.

State media in Syria report heavy casualties...