WASHINGTON: US-backed forces in Syria have breached the wall surrounding the Old City of Raqa as they try to retake the city from the Islamic State group, the US Central Command said Monday night. "Coalition forces supported the SDF advance into the most heavily fortified portion of Raqa by opening two small gaps in the Rafiqah Wall that surrounds the Old City," Centcom said in a statement, referring to the Syrian Democratic Forces. US-backed fighters pierced jihadist-held Raqa from the south for the first time on Sunday, crossing the Euphrates River to enter a new part of the Syrian city, a monitor said. "The portions targeted were 25-meter sections and will help preserve the remainder of the overall 2,500-meter wall," it added. The United Nations has expressed concern for up to 100,000 civilians it says are still trapped in the city.

Source: New Strait Times July 04, 2017 05:37 UTC