US-led Forces Tighten Ring Around IS Stronghold in Syria
update
American officials say that U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces have surrounded the Islamic State stronghold of Raqqa, and that the extremists' escape routes have been sealed. The State Department said Thursday it is important that once Raqqa is free from Islamic State control, a government approved by the local population can be elected. VOA's Zlatica Hoke reports that the fall of Raqqa does not mean the end of Islamic State activity in Syria.