Anti-IS coalition congratulates Syrian forces on Raqqa liberation

WASHINGTON, Oct 20 (KUNA) -- The coalition against the so-called Islamic State congratulated the Syrian Democratic Forces on the announcement of the liberation of Raqqa, US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Friday.
"IS' loss of Mosul and now Raqqa are turning points for the terrorist organization whose leaders grow ever more distant from a dwindling number of terrorist adherents," said a CENTCOM statement.
Raqqa was first seized by IS in 2014 in which the city was declared the so-called caliphate by the group.
"Daesh used its three-plus year occupation to convert Raqqah into a fortified military prison," it said.
"The terrorist organization used hospitals, mosques, schools and otherwise-protected sites as cover for the planning, execution and support of military operations." "We honor the valor and considerable sacrifices of our partner and coalition forces in this epic struggle to rid the region of violent extremism," CENTCOM affirmed. (end) ak.sd