U.S.-backed Syrian force declares Raqqah free of Islamic State
Reporting from BEIRUT — A U.S.-backed Syrian force has declared victory over the Islamic State group in its former “capital” of Raqqah, declaring the city free of any extremist presence.
At a news conference held inside the city Friday, the Kurdish-led force known as the Syrian Democratic Forces formally handed over administration of the city in northern Syria to a council made up of local officials and tribal leaders.
“Our victory is one against terrorism,” said Talal Sillo, a spokesman and senior SDF commander.
The news conference was held inside the city’s sports stadium, which Islamic State militants had turned into a huge prison where they incarcerated and tortured their opponents.
Sillo urged the international community and aid organizations to assist with the city’s reconstruction.
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