US-backed Syrian fighters have begun a final offensive in Raqqa, a former stronghold of Islamic State, to expel fighters from the extremist group who are still hiding in the northeastern Syrian city.
The Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led alliance supported by the US, said in a statement on Sunday that the ongoing battle comes after civilians were evacuated from Raqqa under a deal brokered by local tribal leaders.
Around 275 local fighters and their families have surrendered under this deal, the SDF said.
"The final battle will continue until the entire city is cleansed of terrorists, who have refused to surrender," the statement said.
