RAQQA PROVINCE, Syria - An alliance of US-backed militias said it had begun a new phase of its campaign against the Islamic State-held city of Raqqa on Saturday and aimed to complete its encirclement. The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said in a statement the action was being undertaken with 'increasing support from the (US-led) international coalition forces through guaranteeing air cover for our forces' advances, or via the help provided by their special teams to our forces on the battle ground'.
(photo credit: The Jerusalem Post)