Push To Defeat IS In Syria Slowed By Concern For Hostages, SDF Says

Syrian Democratic Forces (pictured above) said IS are still holding 300 prisoners (Picture: PA).

US-backed Syrian forces' push to defeat the so-called Islamic State (IS) group in Syria has been slowed by the presence of civilians and prisoners held by the extremists, officials said.

A Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) official said IS are still holding 300 prisoners, both civilians and SDF fighters.

The official added their fate is unknown.

An offensive to defeat IS, also known as 'Daesh', from its last stronghold along the Euphrates River began in September last year.

Since then, IS fighters have been pushed down towards the village of Baghouz, near the Iraqi border.

The military operation has been halted several times since 12 February, as the SDF said a large number of civilians and hostages were in the territory.

This week, the SDF resumed its final push before reducing pressure due to resistance from the extremists and the surrender of hundreds of IS fighters and family members.

SDF spokesman Mustafa Bali tweeted later that a new group of IS fighters had surrendered on Friday, without giving a number or further details.

SDF commanders have stopped speculating when the battle may finally be over. 

25,000 people have left Baghouz, thousands more than were originally believed to be inside.

Commanders say they do not know how many more may be left, hiding in tunnels beneath Baghouz.

On Friday, the situation was quiet as aircraft flew over the area controlled by IS.

Since 2014, RAF aircrew based in Cyprus have been flying daily missions over Iraq and Syria as part of a coalition of nations fighting IS.

Earlier this week, the officer in charge of the UK’s air campaign on IS told Forces News that the militants "have sworn to fight to the very, very bitter end".