Coalition-backed forces seize town in Raqqa

AMMAN, May 4 (KUNA) -- Fighters of the Syrian opposition movement, Syrian Democratic Forces, have taken over last stronghold of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in the town of Al-Tabaqa, in countryside of Raqqa in northeastern Syria following weeks of bitter fighting.
The opposition-run "Sham" news network reported on Thursday that the IS militants retreated from the town, in line with an accord worked out with the Syrian Democratic Forces. The IS warriors were allowed to withdraw with personal guns.
The Democratic fighters have taken control of the town with aerial backing by warplanes of the western coalition. The Syrian Democratic Forces is a coalition of Kurdish and Arab factions backed by Washington. Tabaqa has strategic importance as it opens the way for Syria's democratic forces to al-Raqqa area which has the largest water dam in the country. (end) tk.rk