17 civilians killed in US-led coalition strikes on Syria’s Raqa

Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said there were at least 25 strikes.

At least 17 civilians were killed in US-led coalition strikes on the Islamic State group’s Syrian bastion Raqa and the surrounding area, a monitor said.

Smoke rises from buildings in the al-Meshleb neighbourhood of Raqa on June 7, 2017. (AFP File Photo)

“At least 17 civilians were killed during the night in US-led coalition strikes on Raqa city and its suburbs,” said Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor on Thursday.

Tens of people were injured and the death toll could rise higher, he warned.

The monitor said there were at least 25 strikes, with most of the civilians killed as the planes hit an internet cafe in the western suburb of Jazra.

The deaths come as US-backed fighters try to push further into Raqa, two days after finally entering the northern city.