A local official told Reuters that the fighters, including foreign jihadists, are in negotiations with tribal elders over the terms of their withdrawal from the city in northern Syria, which is under attack from the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces. The coalition estimated earlier this week that 300 to 400 militants remained in the city. On Friday, a local official said about 100 militants had surrendered. Despite that, the coalition told the Associated Press that it expects difficult days ahead until Raqqa is retaken. Soldiers loyal to the Syrian government have also seized a town in the east of the country that had become one of the last refuges for the Isis leadership, according to local media.

Source: The Guardian October 14, 2017 12:55 UTC