Raqqa Completely Cleared of ISIS

Syrian forces backed by the U.S. report complete victory over the Islamic State group in Raqqa, their former capital, stating that no members of extremist groups remain in the city. The Associated Press reported on Friday (September 19) that in a press conference held in Raqqa, the Syrian Democratic Forces, led by the Kurds, handed over the city to a council composed of local leaders and tribal chiefs. According to the report, this press conference was held in a symbolic act at the stadium of the city, which ISIS had turned into a military base, prison, and torture center. Talal Silo, spokesperson for the Democratic Forces Coalition, announced that they have triumphed over the 'terrorists' and that this victory marks the final phase of the fight against terrorism in Syria. Standing next to the destroyed buildings in Raqqa, he called on the international community to assist in the reconstruction of the city. Photos and footage from the Associated Press show the extent of destruction in Raqqa after several weeks of fighting between ISIS forces and the Kurdish-led coalition. The images indicate that the entire city has been devastated, with only scant signs of civilian life remaining. The reports also show that the Raqqa stadium, which was used as a base for ISIS militants and a prison, suffered less damage than other buildings in the city. Silo has requested assistance from all humanitarian groups and countries for the reconstruction of the city and surrounding villages and for clearing the signs of war. According to him, 655 local and international soldiers lost their lives during the four-month war in Raqqa. Prior to the ground assault on ISIS forces in Raqqa, which began in July, fighter jets had bombed targets in the city for several months. On Tuesday of this week, U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish forces raised their flag in the Raqqa stadium and declared the city liberated. These forces had announced last Saturday that the 'final' battle for reclaiming Raqqa, the self-proclaimed capital of ISIS, was underway. The recapture of Raqqa, a key symbol of the ISIS caliphate, represents another shift in the destruction of this group and its reign of terror over the region. Over the past year, ISIS has lost many of its strategic positions in Iraq, including the city of Mosul, and in Syria. The Islamic State militants captured Raqqa in 2014, making it the first city fully under the control of this extremist group. Since then, the city has become a symbol of ISIS governance in the region, where people were executed in public for the slightest offenses. Additionally, operations for ISIS in European cities were planned from this city, which was a destination for many foreign fighters joining the group. The White House has stated that the liberation of Raqqa will usher the Syrian conflict into a new phase.