A US-backed Kurdish and Arab force says it is starting an operation to capture Raqqa, so-called Islamic State’s “capital” in Syria. The Syria Democratic Forces (SDF) say they will be aided by US-led coalition air strikes and will begin in hours. They have also warned civilians to steer clear of areas where IS militants are present. The coalition of Kurdish and ethnic Arab militias has been gaining ground in areas to the north of the city. The operation comes as US-backed Iraqi forces continue their campaign to push IS militants out of their Iraqi stronghold of Mosul.
Syria conflict: Rebel force targets IS ‘capital’ Raqqa
