US-backed forces in Syria take over city of Raqqa

The Syrian city of Raqqa has been taken over by US-backed forces in the country, having previously been under the control of the so-called Islamic State.

According to a spokesperson for the Syrian Democratic Forces, major military operations in the area have ended, although there are still isolated areas of resistance in the city, which is one of Syria’s largest.

Raqqa has been ravaged by the effects of the civil war in the country in the last few years.

"Major military operations in Raqqa are finished but they are now clearing the city of sleeper cells -- if they exist -- and mines,” Talal Salo told CNN.

The SDF, which is made up of a combination of Arab and Kurdish fighters, is expected to make a formal declaration if victory later today.

Raqqa had been used as the Islamic State’s “capital” of operations and was a symbol of their power in northern Syria and Iraq. It has also been the launchpad for several terrorist attacks carried out by the group during the same time.

IS has lost the majority of its territory in the two countries in the last year, being forced into a narrow strip in the Euphrates valley.

Another spokesman for the coalition, Col. Ryan Dillon, told Reuters the forces were still clearing the area in and around the city.

“We do still know there are still IEDs and booby traps in and amongst the areas that ISIS once held, so the SDF will continue to clear deliberately through areas,” he said.