Syria: US-backed forces launch siege on Raqqa

The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have completed a siege on areas under the Islamic State (IS) in Syria’s northern city of Raqqa.
The siege on Raqqa has been completed, amid talks among the tribesmen in the city about reviving negotiations with IS over the next 24 hours for the withdrawal of IS from the city.
The SDF, which comprises of Arab, Kurdish, and Assyrian fighters, have lost tens of its fighters over the past two weeks of battles against IS in Raqqa, as a result of the suicide bombings carried out by IS against the SDF and allied forces, which are fighting to strip IS of its de facto capital of Raqqa.
Earlier in the day, the SDF said in a statement that its troops have captured the southern bank of the Euphrates River, adding that they are so close to lay siege on IS-held areas in Raqqa.
Since unleashing its offensive on Raqqa two weeks ago, the SDF captured four neighborhoods on the eastern and western flanks of Raqqa as well as several towns and villages in its surrounding.
Backed by the U.S.-led coalition, the SDF stresses resolve to capture the entire city of Raqqa from IS.