Airstrikes Hit Islamic State in Raqqa

outskirts – n. the outer parts of a city or town

human shield – n. a person or group held near potential targets to prevent attacks

liberate – v. to set people free from an occupation

civil war – n. a war between citizens of the same country

downplay – n. to make something appear less important, or minimize

territorial – v. relating to the ownership of an area of land