The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) penetrated the "Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant" (ISIL) bastion of al-Tabqa in northern Syria on Monday (April 24th), overrunning territory in the town's south, AFP reported.
"The SDF entered al-Tabqa for the first time after besieging it from all sides," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
"They seized control of several points in the town's south and were advancing on its western edges," said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.
In an online statement, the Arab-Kurd opposition alliance said it had captured ISIL-held positions in west al-Tabqa, including a roundabout, and part of a southern district.
"There are now clearing operations in the liberated positions," the SDF said.
Al-Tabqa and the nearby major dam of the same name are considered key prizes in a broader offensive for al-Raqa, roughly 55 kilometres to the east.
The SDF launched its campaign for al-Raqa in November and has since captured most of the surrounding province.
