The U.S.-led coalition cautioned that the clearing operations would continue, saying some 100 militants may still be hiding in the city. On Wednesday, the spokesman for the coalition, Col. Ryan Dillon, tweeted that 95 per cent of the city is now under full control as clearing operations continue. The group still holds territory to the south of Raqqa and in Deir el-Zour, as well as smaller pockets elsewhere in Syria and Iraq. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported intense clashes between forces allied with the Syrian government and IS militants. Zahreddine maintained a government presence in Deir el-Zour despite the prolonged siege on his forces.

Source: National Post October 18, 2017 08:59 UTC