US-backed militia begun siege of Islamic State 'capital' Raqqa

Photo: Al-Alam

The mainly-Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the start of a long-awaited siege on ISIS stronghold Raqqa, Syria one week after the US confirmed delivery of arms to it.

SDF, a militia dominated by the Kurdish YPG (People's Protection Units), said on Tuesday that it has begun a battle to capture Raqqa. "The campaign started yesterday [Monday] to liberate Raqqa city," SDF spokesman Talal Silo told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Later on Tuesday, SDF commander Rojda Felat reported that his troops had entered the eastern part of Raqqa.

"Our forces entered the city of Raqqa from the eastern district of Al-Meshleb," he told AFP.

"The advance came after heavy airstrikes by the US-led coalition."

The city was captured by Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) in 2014, and has since then served as its de...