Raqqa is attacked from three sides

The Syrian Democratic Armed Forces (SDF) have attacked the IS Raqqa IS in northern Syria from three sides.

Islamic State considers Raqqa as the capital of the so-called caliphate. The SDF therefore expects strong resistance. 'They will fight for their so-called capital,' said the spokesman.

IS took over the city from rebels in 2014 and used Raqqa as a base for terror attacks in the West. The SDF, in which the Kurdish YPG and Syrian rebels cooperate, receive support from the US-led coalition at the Raqqa siege.