IS organization is about to collapse in Raqqa, Syria

(Baonghean) - After the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) suffered a crushing defeat in Mosul - the terrorist group's stronghold in Iraq, there is information confirming that IS is about to be driven out of Raqqa, Syria.

Syrian fighters burn the IS flag. Photo: AP

Forces from the US-backed coalition say they are preparing to “hand” the jihadists another crushing defeat.

US-backed forces are on the verge of defeating the last remnants of the IS terrorist group in the Syrian city, according to officials close to the campaign to retake Raqqa.

Colonel Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the US-led coalition, told Reuters that about 100 IS fighters had surrendered and been escorted out of Raqqa city since October 13. “We will still have to fight hard in the coming days and will not specify a time when we think IS will be completely defeated in Raqqa,” he said.

However, the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) - one of the influential groups in the opposition alliance called the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - affirmed that the alliance's forces will clear the city of IS in the next few days.

“The battle is continuing in Raqqa city. IS is on the verge of ending. The city will be liberated in the next few days,” said YPG spokesman Nouri Mahmoud.

With US support, the SDF has been fighting both IS and forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The SDF offensive to retake Raqqa began in June and has lasted longer than many officials in the US-led coalition expected.

The SDF began its offensive to retake Raqqa in June. Photo: dpa

In early 2014, IS captured Raqqa in a massive offensive in Syria and Iraq. The city has since become the jihadist group's main stronghold in Syria.

However, IS has lost most of its "territory" after forces backed by the US and Russia began independent attacks against the terrorist organization.

In July, US-backed Iraqi forces also recaptured Mosul - the jihadists' most important stronghold in Iraq.

Phu Binh

(According to Reuters, AP)