The U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces launched a final assault to capture the remaining Islamic State-held areas of Raqqa on Sunday after some ISIS fighters were evacuated from the city overnight and others surrendered to the SDF.
The final battle began after the evacuation of civilians and of Syrian ISIS members and their families, an SDF statement said.
SDF spokesperson Mostafa Bali told Reuters that the final group of ISIS fighters who had agreed to leave left the city overnight, part of a deal brokered by Raqqa Arab tribal elders.
Mr. Bali said no foreign fighters had left the city, but Raqqa Civil Council member Omar Alloush said some foreign fighters had indeed left the city alongside Syrian ISIS militants.
Read more on our sister site, The Defense Post:
SDF launches final assault on Raqqa after some ISIS fighters evacuated
