18 Oct 2017

Islamic State's capital Raqqa taken by Kurdish fighters

From Morning Report, 7:27 am on 18 October 2017

In a major blow to Islamic State, US-backed Syrian forces and Kurdish fighters have taken full control of the Syrian city Raqqa, which has long been used as the militant group's de facto capital.

The city has been liberated after a four-month long assault. Syrian Democratic Forces say they're now focused on clearing operations to uncover any other cells and remove landmines.

Some commentators say today's win marks the end of the caliphate Islamic State and the beginning of its new focus as an insurgency group. Reuters TV reporter Emily Wither is in Turkey, and joins us with the latest details.