<p>The Syrian army on June 13 claimed sudden advances</a> along the western edge of Raqqa. This comes as Islamic State fighters are reportedly retreating</a> from Raqqa amid the US-backed Syrian Defense Forces battle to re-capture the city.</p><p>This footage, released by a Hezbollah-affiliated and pro-government media channel, claims to show regime forces fighting the Islamic State in west Raqqa. The media channel also reported the regime has re-taken the neighborhoods of Rajm Askar, Bir Inbaj, Zahar Um Baj, Jab Aziz, Jab al-Ghanem, Abu Sousa and Jab Abyad. Storyful cannot independently verify this claim.</p><p>Reuters</a> reported: “The area between Ithriya and Tabqa, west of Islamic State’s de facto Syrian capital Raqqa, is important for the army since it can be used to attack government-held towns and supply routes.” Credit: War Media Room via Storyful</p><br />
