Civilians Should Not Return to Raqqa, US-Backed Forces Say

U.S.-backed forces fighting ISIS in Raqqa said civilians should not return to the embattled city before it is cleared of landmines and sleeper cells, Agence France-Presse reported on Thursday.

The statement by Kurdish internal security forces in Raqqa was released as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) combed the city for explosives and remnants of the militant group two days after retaking it from ISIS.

Reporting from inside Raqqa, AFP said roads were cordoned off and access to the city’s main hospital was blocked as SDF units worked to clear the area.

“They are making sure there are no more sleeper cells,” SDF spokesman Mustefa Bali told AFP. “Mine-clearing operations and the re-opening of the city are underway,” he said, explaining that a formal announcement of victory would be made when clearance operations are completed.