U.S. says Islamic State's Syria stronghold could be isolated in weeks

An Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) fighter stands with his weapon on the rubble of a destroyed building, north of Raqqa city, Syria November 7, 2016. REUTERS/Rodi Said

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military said on Wednesday it expects U.S.-backed forces on the ground to nearly isolate Islamic State's Syria stronghold of Raqqa in coming weeks, setting the stage for a push to seize the city.

"What we would expect is that within the next few weeks is that the city would be nearly completely isolated and then there will be a decision point to move in," said Air Force Colonel John Dorrian, a Baghdad-based spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition.