The Independent: Bloody battle for last Isis territory nears end in Syria
Several hundred Isis fighters thought to be remaining in last village
More than a dozen civilians have been reportedly killed in the last 24 hours as the battle for the last territory held by Isis nears its end in eastern Syria.
Some 16 people, among them seven children and eight women, were hit by an airstrike from the US-led coalition as they were fleeing the Isis-held village of Baghouz, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) announced the beginning of a “final battle” on Saturday to capture the small hamlet, which would effectively bring an end to the group’s territorial ambitions in Iraq and Syria.
Some 600 Isis fighters are thought to be holed up in Baghouz, and have been stopping civilians from leaving in order to use them as human shields, the Observatory said.
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WNU Editor: This on the ground report is a must read .... A close call makes clear that ISIS won't give up its last stronghold easily (CNN).
More News On The Battle Continuing For The Last ISIS Enclave In Syria
'Slow and methodical' progress in Islamic State Syria pocket: coalition -- Reuters
US strikes IS-held mosque as Syria battle intensifies -- AP
U.S. Backed Forces Strike Syrian Mosque Being Used as ISIS Command Center -- Haaretz/Reuters
Fierce battles near final IS foothold in eastern Syria -- AP
US-Backed Forces in Syria Close In on Last IS Stronghold -- VOA
Hundreds flee US-backed Syria battle for last IS holdout -- AFP
As ISIL holds on to last Syrian foothold, upwards of 25,000 civilians flee battlefield for ‘Camp of Death’ -- National Post/The Telegraph
Fleeing IS holdout, French women say foreigners still inside -- AFP
