Landmines Have Left Raqqa in Ruins, Says SDF Spokesperson

New video to emerge from Raqqa on November 8 shows a city left in ruins after the battle to remove the Islamic State from its de facto capital in Syria.

In this footage, a spokesperson for the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) claimed landmines had destroyed 80 to 90 percent of the city, with every building having 1 to 3 mines in it. He adds that special equipment has been brought in to clear the streets.

The SDF issued a statement on November 8 that the first group of residents had returned to Raqqa’s Mashbal neighborhood, after landmine clearing operations were completed. Since the group retook hold of Raqqa last month they have warned residents not to return due to the threat of landmines.

The Islamic State was dislodged from Raqqa following months of house to house fighting after SDF forces launched their final offensive in June. The city had been the target of airstrikes from the US-led coalition since September 2014 and Russia since October 2015. Credit: YouTube/SMART news via Storyful