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June 6, 2017

Syria: U.S.-Backed Forces Begin Battle to Retake Raqqa from ISIS
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In Syria, the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces say they've begun the
battle to retake the city of Raqqa from ISIS. Raqqa is considered the de
facto capital of ISIS. The U.S.-led coalition has been waging an
escalating bombing campaign in and around Raqqa for months in advance of
the battle to retake the city. The journalistic monitoring group Airwars
says the U.S.-led coalition reportedly bombed five homes near a swimming
pool Saturday, killing up to 20 civilians. Airwars also says at least 21
civilians were reportedly killed Sunday by either coalition airstrikes
or artillery shelling launched by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic
Forces.


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