Between 300 and 400 "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) elements remain in their one-time Syrian bastion of al-Raqa where the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) are fighting to seize full control, AFP reported Thursday (October 12th).
"We are looking at approximately 4,000 civilians who remain in al-Raqa, and a matter of 300-400 remaining ISIS fighters," coalition spokesman US Col. Ryan S. Dillon told a news conference in Baghdad.
The SDF, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters, have taken control of around 90% of the city from ISIS since they broke into it in June.
Officials from al-Raqa Civil Council -- a provisional administration set up by the SDF -- are trying to negotiate the safe passage of civilians from remaining ISIS-held areas.
"We have seen a trend of ISIS surrendering over these last months, about four to five per week ... including emirs and leaders," said Dillon, adding that others were captured trying to blend in with departing civilians.
