OUTSIDE BAGHOUZ, Syria — The Latest on the conflict in Syria (all times local):5:25 p.m.A spokesman for the U.S.-backed force fighting the Islamic State group says a deadline for the extremists to surrender has ended and the Kurdish-led force will resume its attack on the last area held by the extremists. Mustafa Bali, a spokesman for the Syrian Democratic Forces, tweeted Sunday that the decision to resume the offensive comes after thousands of civilians left Baghouz, which is the last village held by IS. Under the cover of heavy coalition bombing on March 1-2, SDF forces advanced on the besieged tent encampment, leaving a corridor for residents to evacuate. Following that operation, thousands of residents and many fighters evacuated Baghouz over the next four days. “Our forces are ready now to start and finish what is left in ISIS’s hand” Bali added.

Source: Washington Post March 10, 2019 15:22 UTC