BBC: Raqqa: IS 'capital' wall breached by US-backed Syrian forces
US-backed Syrian forces have breached the wall at Raqqa's Old City as they try to retake the city from so-called Islamic State, the US military says.
It says the coalition had helped the advance of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) by firing on two sections of the historic Rafiqa Wall.
The SDF, supported by US-led coalition air strikes, has spent months encircling the city.
IS seized Raqqa in 2014, proclaiming it the capital of a "caliphate".
The city has been an important hub for the jihadist group's operations, though as the SDF closed in, key IS officials are believed to have fled from there towards Deir al-Zour province, which is mostly under IS control.
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MIDDLE EAST
US-backed forces in Syria breach Raqqa's old city wall. U.S.-backed fighters breach Raqqa's Old City wall.
Fifth round of Kazakh Syria talks focuses on safe zones.
Battle for Mosul: Fierce clashes as IS uses suicide bombers.
Iraq slows advance on last IS pocket in Mosul packed with civilians.
Iraqis who fled ISIL reluctant to go home.
Under-pressure Qatar vows to boost gas production.
Police start to withdraw from restive Morocco cities.
Turkey opposition appeals Erdogan's referendum win in EU court.
ASIA
Russia's Putin, China's Xi talk trade, North Korea at Kremlin.
North Korea: Russia, China agree to joint approach to tensions, slam US over THAAD.
US playing political games with latest South China Sea patrol, Chinese media says.
US Senators say new strategy is needed to win in Afghanistan.
Philippines Supreme Court upholds Duterte's martial law.
Modi to become first Indian prime minister to visit Israel.
Japan's Abe vulnerable after party's dismal Tokyo poll showing.
AFRICA
Over 700 Boko Haram fighters surrender to Nigerian troops: Army.
Report: Burundi's government purging Tutsi army officers.
Niger jihadists kidnap 37 women, nine people killed.
People 'burned to death in homes' by South Sudan's government militias.
Tanzania orders arrest of opposition MP for insulting president.
Hunt for survivors after Ghana goldmine collapse.
Algeria to give legal status to African migrants.
EUROPE
Germany's Merkel says many 'thorny issues' at G20.
Trump and Putin's first meeting has 'no specific agenda' — but they have lots to discuss. Russia outlines meeting with Trump at G20 in Germany.
Kremlin warns U.S. against dragging out property stalemate.
Donald Trump's Poland visit sparks fears of widening divisions in Europe.
Italy warns of social upheaval as UN sees more migrant arrivals from Libya.
Italy summons Austria envoy over border controls.
Catalonia to declare immediate independence if 'yes' wins referendum.
Emmanuel Macron: French police foil Bastille Day plot to assassinate President.
Germany introduces unpopular prostitution law.
AMERICAS
US marks Independence Day with pomp, dazzle, hot dog contest.
Maine, New Jersey end state government shutdowns.
Most states refuse Trump administration's request for voter data.
Brazil police arrest close ally of President Temer.
Puerto Rico faces off with bondholders over statehood.
Fighting among drug traffickers leads to surge of murders in Mexico.
Distraught Playboy Bunnies jailed in Mexico, 'begged for food and water'.
TERRORISM/THE LONG WAR
Germany must brace for more attacks by radicalized Muslims: officials.
McCain calls for Pakistani 'cooperation' against extremists.
Lockerbie bomber’s family launches bid to appeal conviction.
ECONOMY/FINANCE/BUSINESS
Brent crude stabilizes near $50 a barrel.
Exclusive: Italian court to hear $3 billion claim against Morgan Stanley - source.
EU, Japan schedule summit to strike trade deal.
Beatles song rights dispute: Paul McCartney and Sony ATV work it out.
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