A U.S.-backed Syrian force has declared victory over the Islamic State group in its former "capital" of Raqqah, declaring the city free of any extremist presence. At a news conference held inside the city Friday, the Kurdish-led force known as the Syrian Democratic Forces formally handed over administration of the city in northern Syria to a council made up of local officials and tribal leaders. "Our victory is one against terrorism," said Talal Sillo, a spokesman and senior SDF commander. The news conference was held inside the city's sports stadium, which Islamic State militants had turned into a huge prison where they incarcerated and tortured their opponents. Sillo urged the international community and aid organizations to assist with the city's reconstruction.

Source: Los Angeles Times October 20, 2017 11:26 UTC