With backing from the US-led coalition, the SDF are in the last phase of an operation started in September to defeat IS in their Euphrates Valley bastions in
![Deir az-zour [Getty]](/sites/default/files/styles/image_156x88/public/media/images/D2FFB3E0-0690-4C98-B811-CE40F2D2C035.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=8RweBLt4 "Deir az-zour [Getty]")
![Raqqa [Getty]](/sites/default/files/styles/image_156x88/public/media/images/EBA17407-D13C-41B5-8085-2ACFE74F53AA.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=3Gd-EGUL "Raqqa [Getty]")
