U.S.-backed Syrian force declares Raqqah free of Islamic State - Los Angeles Times
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U.S.-backed Syrian force declares Raqqah free of Islamic State

Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces gather during an Oct. 19 celebration in Raqqah, after retaking the city from Islamic State militants.
Female fighters of the Syrian Democratic Forces gather during an Oct. 19 celebration in Raqqah, after retaking the city from Islamic State militants.
(Bulent Kilic / AFP/Getty Images)
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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.

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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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