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US-backed forces cut off Islamic State in Raqqa

The Syrian Democratic Forces have surrounded the Islamic State’s Syria stronghold.
Members of the Syrian Democratic Forces advance toward Islamic State positions in Seif Al Dawla, district of Raqqa, Syria August 9, 2017. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTS1B38G
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Separate contingents of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) ringing the Islamic State (IS) bastion of Raqqa have converged, dealing another sharp blow to the surrounded militants.

Brett McGurk, the US special envoy to the counter-IS campaign, confirmed the news Thursday evening, tweeting that the move was a “milestone” that is “tightening the noose” around IS. Last week, SDF detachments fighting to take back control of the city from IS were just 300 feet apart, Pentagon officials said.

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