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Trump says defeat of IS in Raqqah represents "critical breakthough"

WASHINGTON, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- US President Donald Trump affirmed Saturday that the defeat of the so-called Islamic State (IS) in Raqqah represents "a critical breakthrough in our worldwide campaign to defeat (IS) and its wicked ideology." Trump said in a statement that "with the liberation of (IS)'s capital and the vast majority of its territory, the end of the (IS) caliphate is in sight.
"We will soon transition into a new phase in which we will support local security forces, de-escalate violence across Syria, and advance the conditions for lasting peace, so that the terrorists cannot return to threaten our collective security again," he affirmed.
He added "together, with our allies and partners, we will support diplomatic negotiations that end the violence, allow refugees to return safely home, and yield a political transition that honors the will of the Syrian people." Trump commended all coalition partners "for the sacrifices they have made in this noble effort," and re-affirmed that IS leaders "and anyone who supports them, must and will face justice." (end) si.bs