Many citizens are stuck in last IS stronghold

There may still be about 2,000 civilians in the last stronghold of Islamic State in eastern Syria.

The IS fighters have entrenched themselves in an area that is about half a square kilometer in size. There they are besieged by the SDF, which is supported by the international anti-IS coalition. Escaped civilians have stated that the jihadists use women and children as 'human shields,' says a coalition spokesperson.