Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Isis in Raqqa: Reports of uprising are false, Syrian activists say

Reports stating 200 Isis militants had switched sides to fight against their former comrades are false, according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently

Samuel Osborne
Monday 07 March 2016 05:20 EST
Comments
Isis fighters parade in Raqqa, which became the group's de-facto capital in Syria in August 2014.
Isis fighters parade in Raqqa, which became the group's de-facto capital in Syria in August 2014. (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Syrian activists say media reports of a popular uprising against Isis in Raqqa are false.

It has been reported that 200 Isis militants had switched sides to fight against their former comrades, securing at least five neighbourhoods in the city and replacing the black flag of Isis with the Syrian national flag.

​"About 200 Syrian militants of Daesh took the side of residents of Raqqa, which forced the terrorists to organize roadblocks at the entrance to the city," one source told Sputnik, the Russian government's news agency.

However, the reports are false according to Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently (RBSS), a group of citizen journalists reporting on life under Isis.

"It's not true what the Syrian TV is saying about clashes between Isis and the people inside the city of Raqqa," a tweet from the RBSS official account said.

"The city of Raqqa was calm today and the weather is dusty."

Syrian army tightens grip on Aleppo

Raqqa is considered to be the de-facto capital of Isis in Syria. It has been under their control since August 2014.

Syrian government forces, backed by Russian air strikes, are opening the front towards the Isis stronghold, having captured positions around Aleppo.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in