Syrian Fighters Attempting To Retake The Last IS-Held Pocket In Raqqa

Reports from Syria suggest that the siege of the city of Raqqa could be entering its final stage.

US-backed Syrian fighters have launched an operation to retake the last Islamic State-held pocket in Raqqa after around 275 militants and their family members surrendered.

Raqqa has been under bombardment by a US-led coalition for months.

Foreign jihadists are now said to be joining Syrian members of IS in leaving what's left of the city.

The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces said the operation that began on Sunday will continue "until all the city is cleansed from terrorists who refused to surrender".

The attack comes a day after the coalition and local officials said Syrian IS fighters and civilians would be allowed to leave Raqqa, once the capital of the extremist group's self-styled caliphate.

The coalition said foreign fighters would not be allowed to take part in the evacuation.

The SDF has been on the offensive in Raqqa since early June and now controls most of the city.

PICTURE: LIBRARY