Islamic State group defeated as final territory lost, US-backed forces say

Islamic State group defeated as final territory lost, US-backed forces say The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) says the Islamic State's five-year "caliphate" is over after the militants were defeated in Syria. SDF fighters have been raising victory flags in Baghuz, the last stronghold of the jihadist group. At its height, IS controlled 88,000 sq km (34,000 sq miles) of land stretching across Syria and Iraq. But despite the loss of of territory the group is still seen as a major global security threat.