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US-backed forces have seized another part of the district considered to be Islamic State’s capital in Syria .

Syrian Democratic Forces said they had captured al Romaniya in the western part of Raqqa after two days of clashes with jihadists.

It is the third part of the ISIS stronghold they have taken in recent days after advancing into al Mishlab and Sabahiya last week.

In a statement, the SDF said it had “liberated the neighbourhood of al Romaniya on the western front of Raqqa, after two days of continued clashes”.

At least 12 IS jihadists were killed in the fighting - backed by bombing from the US-led coalition.

(Image: REUTERS)

ISIS-run news agency Amaq took to social media to accuse the forces of using white phosphorous in the conflict.

The use of the substance - which causes deadly chemical burns - is banned in densely populated areas under international law but forces are allowed to use it to create smoke screens.

(Image: REUTERS) (Image: REUTERS)

ISIS has held Raqqa since 2014 and it is believed the city in central northern Syria is defended by 4,000 jihadists. Many of the civilian population have fled but the UN estimates that around 160,000 still live in the city.

The SDF, a group of Kurdish and Arab militias supported aerially from allies including the UK, spent seven months surrounding the city before finally entering it last Tuesday.

British fighter jets have been part of the action in the last few days, with the MoD saying they struck an ISIS-held building on Monday and an armoured truck near Raqqa on June 2.