The Islamic State ambushed Syrian regime forces in the eastern countryside of Raqqa on Friday, killing 7 troops and taking three more captive, the militant group’s news feeds said as U.S.-backed forces advanced in the city.
ISIS said it had attacked the regime forces and allied militias in Ma’danan town east of Raqqa city. The radical group has also recaptured the village of al-Numaisa from regime, Raqqa Is Being Slaughtered Silently said.
Inside the d facto capital of ISIS, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces advanced on Friday from eastern and western parts, linking up for the first time in weeks after launching their offensive against the militants there, AP reported.
The Kurdish-led forces launched a wide offensive to capture Raqqa on June 6. Since then, SDF fighters have captured half the city under the cover of Russian airstrikes.
U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon tweeted that SDF forces have linked up "East-West axes" in Raqqa and are continuing to pressure Daesh.
Mustafa Bali, who heads the SDF media center, also confirmed Friday that SDF fighters pushing from opposite sides of the city have met.
